The words hung between them, heavier than he had expected; for a moment, Benedict couldn't shake the feeling that Clara's intentions were more than casual conversation. Yet, before he could process his thoughts further, she sat back in her chair, picking up her fork again and changing the subject.
Still, Benedict had to admit that this lunch was far from being a meal at its core. It was another step-a quiet, measured step by Clara to retake her position in his life, to remind him she was still there and interested and waiting. Though he tried hard to banish the feeling, part of him wondered if he ought to shut her out wholly. Clara was starting to seduce Benedict.
Clara's subtleties were not lost on Benedict. Leaning a little in close as they continued eating, her voice softens as she sp
