When had he picked it up?

A touch embarrassed, she retrieved her bag, fished out the room card, and unlocked the door.

Bennett trailed behind her into the room, quietly shutting the door The sound made Claudia's heart quiver for reasons she couldn't pin down.

“Would you mind waiting while I shower and change?"

Feeling too sweaty and smelly to be near him, Claudia was flushed with embarrassment .

"Go ahead," Bennett responded.

Claudia gave him a fleeting look, her lips tightening for a moment before heading to the shower with a change of clothes.

She took a quick shower, dried her hair, and reemerged wearing denim trousers and a white T-shirt.

Bennett, sitting on the sofa, looked up as she came out. "We're alone now, Mrs. Dreskin. Ready to explain?"

His words sent a wave of heat across Claudia's face.

She sat next to him, hands resting on her lap, and said softly, "I didn't intentionally keep it from you.”

“I know," Bennett replied, his eyes urging her to continue.

Claudia hesitated, her heart pounding. She recalled Aurora's earlier words and added, “I just wanted to surprise you."

“Where's the surprise?" Bennett asked, barely containing a smile.

Claudia was taken aback at the question, momentarily at a loss for words.

Pointing at the nearby trophy, Claudia sighed, "I didn't win the championship, so there goes the surprise."

Lowering her head, she fidgeted with her fingers on her knees, nerves tangling her thoughts.

This was Claudia's first time putting on an act in Bennett's presence, and her nervousness manifested in her tightly clasped fingers.

Unaware of the expression on her face, Bennett sensed only that Claudia had lowered her head, giving off an air of melancholy.

“Coming in second is still impressive," he reassured her, touching her head gently.

“Are you hungry?”

Before she could vocalize an answer, her stomach rumbled audibly. Claudia looked up, her face colored with embarrassment.

“Yes, I'm hungry."

“Shall we go for Lunch then?"