“Bennett," she suddenly called out.

“Yes?”

“I adore you!"

With no onlookers around them in the open sea, Claudia felt emboldened. Not content to leave it there, she continued, "I really, really like you, Bennett! I Like you so much! I Love you!"

Her words carried on the sea breeze, sweet as a summer ice cream, melting his reservations away.

Bennett's grip on her tightened. Raising his voice to be heard over the wind, he replied, "What a fortunate turn of events! I happen to be quite fond of you as well, Mrs. Dreskin.”

Claudia's excitement was palpable as she steered the boat in several loops before finally heading back to shore.

Bennett removed his protective gear and stepped onto the dock, noticing that Claudia was still absent.

He wandered over to the water's edge, his gaze sweeping over the distant sea.

As he recalled their heartfelt exchange amidst the sea breeze, a smile crept irresistibly onto his face.

What a clever woman she was!

Would she have the courage to repeat her declaration now?

His train of thought was interrupted as he spotted Claudia dashing toward him from the Lease office.

Lifting an eyebrow, Bennett closed the distance between them.

“Why were you running off?" he asked, his eyes falling on her flushed face.

Grinning, Claudia held up her phone.

“I went to get a little something for you. You know, the surprise I've promised you.”

"What is it?"

A sudden shyness overtook her. "I'll send it to you on Line."

Feeling awkward about saying it outright, she quickly sent the video. Bennett arched his eyebrows just a touch as he watched her tap away on her phone. Moments Later, he received the video she had sent.

He then opened the one-minute video to find drone footage of their time on the motorboat .

As Claudia stood beside him, watching the playback, her ears reddened.

“So where's this surprise?" he questioned after the video ended.

“Don't you see it?" Claudia blinked, slightly anxious.