Page 2 of Clock Strikes Paradise (Island Escapes #4)

Chapter Two

Elise

The sky outside my window was dark as I methodically packed my belongings inside my tiny Queens apartment.

I glanced around the cozy space, taking in the neat shelves and cute decorations adorning the walls.

It might not be much, but Clay Harmon paid me well enough that I could afford my own apartment without a roommate.

A luxury in New York City that I didn’t take for granted.

And concentrating on my job distracted me from the fact that I’d had no real plans for Christmas, just a phone call to my parents.

My mind replayed the day, which had been full of surprises.

After the meeting, Bart had swaggered by my desk, flashing a grin. “Big trip ahead, right? The Florida Keys will be paradise.”

I forced a polite smile, still getting used to the idea that I was coming along. “Yes, it should be interesting.”

“Interesting.” Bart’s eyes held mine a beat too long. “I look forward to it too. You and I have never gotten to spend much time together. ”

Thank God for the stack of documents on my desk. I busied myself organizing the files to avoid meeting his gaze. “Just focusing on the work, as always. Enjoy the rest of your Christmas.”

Bart laughed and sauntered off, reeking of cheap cologne. I scowled, hoping I could avoid him during the trip as much as possible. That was the downer of the day. The high point had come as I was leaving the office, when I’d knocked on my boss’s door with a quick rap of my knuckles.

“Come in.”

He sat behind his desk, icy pale-blue eyes glued to his computer screen.

Dark hair perfectly styled, even at the end of the day.

His broad shoulders were rigid with tension, and a crease had formed between his brows.

I cleared my throat. “Just wanted to see if you need anything else. I’ll see you bright and early for our flight tomorrow. ”

His gaze never lifted from the screen before him. “That will be all. Good night, Elise.” His tone was distant and preoccupied.

My cheeks flushed in frustration that he never saw me as a human being, even calling me into the office on Christmas Day.

I did my best not to be irritated that he’d sprung this trip on me with almost no notice.

Just assuming I’d be able to hop on his private jet at the snap of his fingers.

Fortunately, knowing how important this trip to the Keys was and that there might be last-minute changes, I’d already cleared my schedule of outside conflicts.

I smiled politely. “Good night, Mr. Harmon.”

Before I could back out of his office, he said, “It’s Clay.”

I blinked at him, my shock ten times that of being invited on the trip. “I’m sorry?”

Finally, he lifted his gaze. Something in my stomach fluttered when his eyes met mine.

As much as he never saw me as anything but a piece of furniture, there was no denying my boss was a very gorgeous man.

“Call me Clay. We’ve worked together for over three years now.

It seems unnecessary to keep calling me Mr. Harmon, especially when we’ll be traveling together. ”

My heart stuttered, and I moistened my lips. “O-of course. Good night... Clay.” The word was like a foreign language on my tongue.

“See you tomorrow.” He dropped his eyes back to his computer screen, dismissing me.

But still, I floated out of his office. It might have been a tiny gesture, but frozen robot Clay Harmon might have just thawed a little.

I packed up all the necessary files and documents into three banker’s boxes and pushed them out of Podium’s offices using a handcart.

A smile lingered on my lips at the thought of calling my boss by his first name.

Was it possible that there was a different side to him?

I smirked as I drove out of the parking garage.

Even if there is, it’s not like he’s going to show it to me. I’m just a minion, remember?

Turning back to packing, I crossed the room to my battered wooden dresser.

I ignored my glasses laying on top—I only used them for computer work.

Instead, I lifted a resin angel, less than four inches tall, from the scarred top, its chipped paint a familiar sight.

I turned it over in my palm, the smooth coolness of the surface a comfort against my skin.

A silent reminder, and one I needed with me.

I carefully tucked the angel in the corner of my suitcase.

It would keep me grounded amidst the opulence of Calypso Key.

I rolled up another blouse, placing it in my suitcase next to a one-piece swimsuit and a bikini.

Unsure which to pack, I’d decided on both.

As I continued packing, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this trip was going to be more work than pleasure.

Sure, I was excited about the invitation—it felt like a validation of my hard work and dedication.

A floppy sensation rolled through my core again at the thought of visiting a tropical resort with Clay Harmon.

Too bad Bart had to come too. “Ugh, what a slimeball,” I muttered under my breath, dreading the thought of spending time with Podium’s gross CFO. But he was a necessary and inevitable part of the event.

“Elise, are you sure you don’t want me to help you pack?

” my best friend, Rachel, called from the living room.

She’d insisted on coming over, claiming that she couldn’t let me leave without a proper send-off, especially considering the holiday.

She’d spent the morning and afternoon with her parents and brother.

“No, thanks,” I called back, trying to sound cheerful. “I’m almost done.”

“Okay, but if you change your mind, I’m right here,” Rachel said, popping her head into my bedroom.

Her dark, shoulder-length hair swished softly.

My neighbor, she was one of the first people I’d met after moving to New York three years ago.

Also twenty-nine, her breezy, casual nature balanced my driven ambition.

As she leaned against the doorframe, her brown eyes scanned my suitcase, then met mine with a concerned expression. “Are you worried about Bart?”

“Not really,” I said with a roll of my shoulder. “He might be overly familiar and kind of slimy, but he’s like that with everyone.”

“You need to treat this trip as a reward for all your accomplishments. Don’t let him ruin it for you.”

I inhaled deeply, trying to let her words sink in. “You’re right. Thanks. ”

“Of course.” She smiled, then it fell as she screwed one eye shut. “Do you really have to go scuba diving with him, though?”

I laughed and rubbed my forehead. “Yeah. Mr. Harmon thinks it’s a team bonding exercise for us and insists on the three of us going. He informed us of that fact this afternoon.” I smiled at the automatic use of his last name. Gonna have to change that… “I’ll probably make a fool of myself.”

“You’ll do great! If anyone will be terrible at it, it’ll be Bart.” She shot me a grin and waggled her eyebrows. “On the plus side, you’re probably going to get a nice view of the gorgeous and mysterious Clay Harmon shirtless.”

I gave her a deadpan look, but my stomach skittered around my abdomen. His suits always fit his broad shoulders perfectly, so I could just imagine what lay underneath them.

She let the subject drop and instead sent me a sly smile. “So I guess you’re not so mad at me anymore for dragging you to those scuba classes to be my buddy, huh?”

I paused with a pair of leggings in my hand, considering.

“You’re right. I might not have been terribly enthusiastic at the time, but I’m glad to be certified now.

So thank you.” I gave her a slight bow then placed the leggings in my luggage.

Two months ago, she’d begged me to take scuba lessons with her, and I’d finally relented, juggling the several-week course with all my other obligations.

But I had to admit that now I was looking forward to diving in warm, clear water.

Our checkout had been in a cold, murky quarry.

“You’re very welcome. Are you going to raid the Clay Harmon black card and stock up on designer clothes?” Rachel asked with another grin. “You know, take advantage of the billionaire budget? ”

I snorted and shook my head as I added a sundress, perfect for the tropical climate. “I’d be the last person he’d ever offer it to, even if I was interested. Which I’m not. I’m there to work, remember? Not to play dress-up.”

“Fine, fine.” she held her hand up in mock surrender. “Elise Briggs, the ever-efficient executive assistant. You'll be back in those sensible suits before we know it.”

I gave her a pointed look. “Exactly. He’s depending on me to ensure everything proceeds without a hitch.”

She gave me the look right back, not buying it. “He is kind of an ass, though. To just casually mention he expects you to tag along at the last minute. Plus making you work on Christmas! I guess he’s not known for his sensitivity, though, is he?”

“No, he’s not.”

Her eyes became round. “Do you think he wants to have a fling with you? Is that why he invited you?”

A laugh tumbled out of my mouth as I tossed in a pair of shorts. “I don’t think he has flings with anyone. He’s too serious. And the man doesn’t even view me as a human. Romance is the last thing on his mind.”

“That’s his loss, isn’t it? You deserve someone who appreciates you.” Rachel patted the side of the doorjamb. “Now finish up so we can have a glass of wine before you leave.”

With renewed determination, I completed my packing and zipped up my suitcase.

Despite my concerns about Bart, I couldn’t deny the surge of excitement rising inside me for the trip.

This was my chance to not only enjoy the beautiful tropical location but also to prove to Clay that I was more than just his invisible subordinate.

There, I was getting used to the first name!