Claudia forced her to drop the subject, worried that her friend would say something more ridiculous or, worse, suggestive.

Aurora, who knew why her friend was suddenly acting apprehensive, rolled her eyes. She had not even said anything explicit yet.

And here she thought she was the one who had a dirty mind between them.

But Claudia didn't give much weight to Aurora's words. She had considered that angle herself.

It just didn't hold up!

If Bennett truly recognized her as the woman in question, why hadn‘t he identified her when Kayla repeatedly brought up his supposed sweetheart, the mysterious motorboat racer?

It was clear Bennett had no idea that she was that woman!

Up ahead was a red light. Claudia eased the car to a stop. She grabbed her phone to check the time; it was nearing eight o'clock.

A new message from Bennett caught her eye; a photo.

Opening it with a mix of curiosity and expectation, she found an image of the moon.

Confused, Claudia replied with a question mark. What was wrong with him?

Instead of explaining, Bennett just urged her to drive safely.

Feeling a bit foolish, she couldn't help but Lift her eyes to the moon hanging in the sky.

Well, nothing special.

If she had to say something, the moon was exceptionally full tonight. As the traffic Light signaled four seconds to green, she placed her phone down, ready to resume driving.

The traffic was much better after Claudia dropped Aurora, allowing her a smooth journey back to the villa.

Throughout the drive, her mind kept drifting back to the moon picture Bennett had sent. Once she parked the car, she darted out of the garage, overcome with curiosity.

Stepping a few paces away from the garage, she spotted him. There was Bennett, donned in a relaxed white shirt, awaiting her arrival.

Claudia paused, her eyes meeting Bennett's. Shaking off her hesitation, which lasted but a mere second, she raced towards him.

They had been apart almost a full day.

Bennett welcomed her with open arms, enveloping her in a warm embrace. As Claudia bumped into his arms, a familiar spruce scent enveloped her, a comforting smell she associated with Bennett.

She felt a Little embarrassed. After a while, she let go of him and got out of his arms, “Why did you send me a picture of the moon?"

Bennett tenderly lifted his hand to rearrange the disarrayed strands of hair framing her face, saying, "The moon seems somewhat lovely tonight."

Following his gaze skyward, Claudia agreed with a nod.