“I'LL buy you more gifts in the future," she promised,

Bennett smiled, genuine and warm.

"Thank you, Mrs. Dreskin."

Afterward, he looked her straight in the eye and asked, "Wanna cuddle?" Claudia's eyes widened a little. She stared at him for a moment, hesitating, and then she slowly nodded,

Bennett swallowed the lump in his throat before leaning closer to her and scooping her into his arms. He placed her gently on his lap.

He leaned back on the sofa, tightening his hold on Claudia and bringing her with him,

When the familiar woodsy scent filled her nose, she instantly felt content and soothed.

Claudia pulled away from the man, wrapped her arms around his waist, and settled into a cozy position before nuzzling completely into his arms.

A few minutes later, she raised her head again with a snap.

Bennett dipped his head and met her gaze.

Claudia flushed as she stared into his dark eyes.

“Do you want to kiss me?"

"Yes."

Of course, he wanted to kiss her. If he could have his way, he would make her stay in his arms forever.

Bennett cupped her jaw and tilted her head upward before pressing his lips on hers.

It seemed that Claudia was still that sweet and innocent girl he remembered.

Thankfully, he finally managed to come into her life. He felt so lucky that he got to embrace her and kiss her like this right now.

It would be wonderful if she remembered that she had given him a warm hug like this when they were both younger.

The kiss was unusually gentle. It felt overwhelming nonetheless, and Claudia thought she was drowning for a moment.

Her heart felt like it was about to leap out of her throat at any second. Her ears were pounding, and all she could hear was their labored breathing.

She collapsed into Bennett's arms as soon as she was freed, since her body was too weak to support its weight.

As Claudia panted for air, she thought she and the man were merging into one as she listened to his strong, steady heartbeat and her own.

Neither of the couple spoke for a moment. Through the French window, the sunlight flooded the room, illuminating the floor behind the sofa. It conjured up a fairytale-like image.

Bennett threaded his fingers through Claudia's hair and placed a kiss on her forehead.