Page 14 of Clock Strikes Paradise (Island Escapes #4)
Throughout the evening, I found myself letting my guard down, becoming more relaxed around him.
That unspoken connection between us grew stronger.
Clay opened up about the pressure he’d been under.
His eyes drifted around the romantic restaurant, then over the ocean before us.
“Being here on semi-vacation makes me realize I do nearly nothing but work. My only other regular activity is exercise.”
I listened intently, still surprised at this other side of him. My mind wandered back to the image of him swimming in the pool earlier. My eyes dropped to his mouth. What would it be like to kiss him? To dance my fingers over that sculpted chest?
To be taken by him...
Bart manhandling me had filled me with revulsion and fury, but the idea of Clay holding my wrists immobile sent a flush of arousal through me. I quickly shook off the thought, trying to focus on our conversation.
“Everyone needs a break sometimes,” I said softly, swirling my wine. “Maybe you just needed someone to remind you of that.”
A long moment passed between us. Neither of us said anything, and I was somewhat taken aback at my bold words.
I would never have dared say something like that to him in New York.
Yet here it had seemed the most natural thing in the world.
Inhaling some courage, I decided to share my own aspirations.
After all, if I couldn’t be honest with him now, when could I?
“I’ve always hoped for a more substantial role within one of your companies, and I recently earned my MBA.
I’d like to apply the next time an appropriate job opens up. ”
Clay raised an eyebrow, and his stare turned evaluative. “I had no idea, but I certainly don’t want to hold you back. Though that will leave me without the best assistant I’ve ever had.”
“Maybe you can find someone almost as good,” I teased. As I flipped a lock of hair over my shoulder, his eyes followed the movement, lingering on my neck before rising to my face again.
“Almost as good, huh?” He laughed softly, his eyes glinting in a way that made me press my legs together. “I suppose I might have to settle for that.”
Our gazes locked again, something of a precipice between us.
This wasn’t just about work anymore, and I couldn’t deny the attraction that had been building steadily since our arrival.
Even his voice was different—rich and deep, without the hard edge.
Our conversation continued to flow, as if we’d been friends for years rather than manager and assistant.
A tingle flickered down my spine at the way Clay’s fingers brushed mine when he passed the breadbasket, or how his foot errantly touched mine once under the table.
“You want to go diving again?” he asked.
“I’d love to, but I’m not sure we’ve got time before the gala.”
He took a sip of the rich wine. “I’m the boss. I make the schedule.”
And just like that, another image flooded my senses. Of him naked above me, pinning me in place. I opened my mouth to take a deep breath, and he stared at my lips.
“Maybe tomorrow afternoon when we’ve finished the meetings.” His voice was like velvet, and his strong hand covered mine briefly before he withdrew it. The warmth of his touch lingered on my skin.
“I’d love that,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. My pulse raced at the thought of spending more time with him outside of business.
Just then, lightning lit up the distant horizon, and the low rumble of thunder followed. The sudden shift in the atmosphere yanked me back to reality.
I’m flirting with Clay Harmon! Have I lost my mind?
With panic rising in my chest, I realized that we should be wrapping up our dinner. I quickly switched gears. “So, we’ll meet with Laurent first thing tomorrow morning, then Celeste?” I made sure my voice contained no hint of my inner turmoil.
“Yes,” he said quietly. He leaned casually with one elbow on the table, rubbing a finger over the rim of his wineglass.
Even though we were back to discussing business, he was nearly irresistible.
I didn’t know whether I was relieved or disappointed when his expression finally changed, becoming businesslike once again.
“We’ll secure their final offers then. Nate and Camille arrive tomorrow afternoon, so we can discuss the bids over dinner at our place. ”
My abdomen lurched at our place. How easily he’d said that.
We exited the restaurant and made our way back to the cottage, the night air caressing my skin as we walked side by side.
Once inside, I hesitated in the living room, not quite ready to say good night.
Our eyes met, that magnetic pull between us snapping into place.
Pulsing. As if we were two opposing forces, an unseen power drawing us together.
“Thank you for tonight and for letting me stay here,” I murmured, attempting to maintain some semblance of professionalism.
“Thank you for joining me,” he replied softly, his voice sending a quiver tickling down my spine. “Good night, Elise.”
“Night.”
I turned and made my way to my bedroom, my heart pounding in my chest. I shut the door and leaned back against it, my chest heaving and electricity humming through my body.
As I settled into bed, our evening together replayed in my mind.
The easy conversation, the growing chemistry crackling between us.
I’m not imagining his interest in me, am I?
Except maybe the bigger question was: if I wasn’t imagining it, could I risk seeing where his interest would lead? As much as I might be thinking about this new attraction, I couldn’t afford to let it burn me.