I was also dating someone from UCLA and also I had another suitor, Jimmy Caan. So it was between my college boyfriend, Jimmy Caan and Hef. And Hef won. Within a few months, we were exclusive.

In this quote, Barbi Benton humorously reflects on a period in her life when she was romantically involved with three different people at once: her college boyfriend, Jimmy Caan, and Hugh Hefner. Benton reveals the somewhat playful nature of her love life at the time, as she was caught between the allure of her college boyfriend, the actor Jimmy Caan, and the famous Playboy mogul, Hef. The quote captures a moment of romantic competition between these three significant figures in her life.

Benton’s mention of being "exclusive" with Hef within a few months suggests that the relationship between her and Hugh Hefner quickly became the most significant. It highlights the allure of Hefner, who was a prominent figure in both the entertainment and fashion industries. Despite the attention from both her college boyfriend and Caan, Hefner ultimately won her heart, indicating that she found a deeper connection or a sense of stability with him. The reference to Hef’s victory in this love triangle points to the beginning of Benton’s long-term relationship with him.

This quote not only sheds light on Benton’s personal life but also offers a glimpse into the dynamics of celebrity relationships during the 1970s, particularly in connection to the glamorous lifestyle associated with Hugh Hefner and the Playboy Mansion. Hefner's status as the founder of Playboy gave him a unique position of influence in the entertainment world, and Benton’s story illustrates how such relationships often played out in the public eye.

Ultimately, Benton’s quote reflects a moment of youthful romance and decision-making, mixed with a bit of humor. It speaks to the complexities of personal relationships and how, sometimes, life’s choices between competing interests or suitors can lead to unexpected, yet impactful, outcomes—like her eventual exclusive relationship with Hugh Hefner.