Page 20 of Clock Strikes Paradise (Island Escapes #4)

A smile spread across Clay’s face, making my heart skip a beat. “Yeah, Nate and I used to spend hours exploring this mangrove when we were kids. One time, our mother even sent the resort staff to find us when we lost track of time.”

As he shared the story, I pictured a young Clay and Nate, full of adventure and wonder as they navigated these waters. Had he been a happy, carefree child? Or serious and determined? He hadn’t grown up rich. His family had been solidly upper-middle class.

His grin faded as he stared at the horizon. “I’ve let too much of life slip away. I’ve been so busy with the business, I never even noticed.”

And I was more than an ambitious woman in a business skirt, but had I forgotten that? How long had it been since I’d just strolled in the park a block from my apartment? “Maybe we could all use a reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.”

“Maybe you’re right,” he agreed, his blue eyes once again meeting mine.

And once again I couldn’t look away.

Time stilled as we floated, our kayaks gently rocking in the current. The air between us grew thick, and the memory of how his mouth had tasted rushed back. Heat flared through me.

As if sensing my thoughts, Clay cleared his throat and looked away. “We should probably head back.”

“Right,” I replied, blinking. “Back to reality.”

We turned our kayaks around and paddled back toward the resort, but the atmosphere between us had shifted.

I stole glances at Clay as we moved through the water, admiring his broad shoulders and toned muscles.

The man could wear a suit like it was a second skin, but seeing him in casual attire, a simple white shirt and khaki shorts, made me appreciate what lay beneath his polished exterior.

“Elise,” he called out, breaking my reverie. “Watch that tree root!”

Squeaking, I jabbed my paddle out and pushed off the gnarled wood. I’d been staring and totally lost track of where I was. Fortunately, he hadn’t seemed to notice. “Yeah, just lost in thought.”

“About what?” he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

“Life, I guess,” I said, thinking fast. I hesitated before continuing, studying the placid water with its flitting movement of fish beneath.

“I’ve been so focused on my career that I kind of forgot how to live too.

This is actually the first time I’ve been out of the city in two years, except for quick visits to my parents.

” And those visits had presented their own challenges, serving as a reminder of why I’d left Pennsylvania in the first place.

Especially Christmas visits. But I hadn’t exactly made it a priority to explore the Big Apple, despite living in it.

“Two years? That’s a long time to be stuck in the concrete jungle.”

“I know,” I said, smiling ruefully. “But being here has made me aware there’s more to life than work. And maybe I need to find some balance.”

He nodded. “That’s something we could both work on, then.”

“Deal.” I grinned at him, still surprised at this new sense of camaraderie between us. It was heartening to know that even someone as successful as Clay struggled with finding balance.

As we approached the resort, our conversation continued to flow easily. Though we’d known each other for years, it felt like I was getting a rare glimpse of the man beneath the suit. The real Clay Harmon.

“Thanks for inviting me along this morning,” I told him as we pulled our kayaks onto the beach. “It was exactly what I needed.”

“Likewise,” he replied, his eyes meeting mine. “This trip has been... unexpected.”

“In a good way, I hope.”

“Yes. As you said, simple pleasures. Seeing things in a new light. I enjoyed our kayaking a lot.”

“Maybe we can do it again before we leave,” I suggested, my heartbeat quickening at the thought.

“I’d like that.”

As we walked back to the cottage, that same sense of excitement and apprehension filled me about what lay ahead. Since Clay and I had come to Florida, our connection had changed.

We were more than boss and assistant now.

As we’d paddled along, I hadn’t been the only one stealing glances. Clay saw me as a woman, likely for the first time ever. But could we truly forget who we were and give in to this new connection between us?

Clay frowned and plucked at his sleeveless shirt as we neared the cottage. “Let’s cool off in the pool before we meet Nate and Camille.”

“Excellent idea.”

My skin was sticky from the humid air, and a dip in the pool would be just the thing to refresh me.

But as I retreated to my room to change, I hesitated between my modest one-piece swimsuit and a more daring dark-red bikini.

After a moment’s thought, I decided on the bikini.

He’d noticed me in it last night. Why not embrace my newfound confidence?

As I emerged from my room, Clay was already treading water in the pool.

His gaze was riveted on me as I padded across the deck.

A surge of energy hummed through me, as if I were stepping into a new life instead of across a pool deck.

Slowly, I walked down the stairs into the water, submerging myself and swimming gracefully along the length of the pool.

The sensation of cool water rushing over my skin was thrilling, heightening every sensation I was feeling.

I rose to the surface to stand in shoulder-deep water.

I felt sensuous, exotic, and raised both arms to sweep my wet hair back.

Clay waded over, stopping to face me. “Diving, paddling, and now swimming. I didn’t know you were so athletic.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” I said, laughing lightly. “But I guess we’re both full of surprises today.”

“Indeed,” he agreed, his eyes dropping to my breasts before rising to my face again.

I rested my elbow on the pool deck and relaxed. “Has Calypso Key changed since you were here last?”

“God, yes. Back then it was a lot more rustic.” His grin sent another hot jolt through me.

“Just perfect for two young boys wanting to explore. But I prefer it more as it is now. As a man, I’ve developed a taste for the finer things in life.

” Those pale eyes held mine as he said those words, and I inhaled deeply, suddenly finding the air starved of oxygen.

“Just don’t forget about the simple pleasures too,” I told him. “Like spending a morning on the water, surrounded by nature.”

“True,” he agreed, taking a step closer. “Some moments are worth savoring, even if they’re fleeting.”

As I stared at him, my pulse quickened, and the water around us seemed to become electric.

Fire burned in his pale blue gaze, a heat that mirrored the desire welling within me.

My insides turned to molten liquid as I became aware of the throbbing sensation between my legs.

My eyes dropped to his full, inviting lips, and I reached out the tip of my tongue to touch my bottom lip without thinking about it.

Clay’s rough, strained voice broke through the silence. “Oh, to hell with responsibility.”

In an instant, he grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me in, crushing his mouth against mine.

We fell together, standing in the pool, our passion igniting.

I matched his intensity, our kiss lengthening and deepening with every passing second.

Everywhere he touched left me scorching, and every stroke of his fingers made me yearn for more.

My hands roamed over his broad, slick back, the muscles rippling beneath my fingertips as I groaned against his mouth.

He murmured into the kiss, telling me how much he wanted me.

I reached down and palmed him over his board shorts, feeling his hardness, the undeniable proof of his desire for me.

His hand found my breast and cupped it, sending shivers down my spine.

“Clay,” I gasped, pulling back from his mouth to stare at him. “I don’t want to stop. Let’s forget who we are. Right now, we’re just a woman and a man who want each other. ”

His eyes flicked away from mine for a moment, scanning the beach in front of the pool as if suddenly aware of our surroundings. “Let’s go inside where it’s private.”

Without another word, he kissed me again—a hard, raking kiss that seared through me and made my legs wobble—before scooping me up into his arms and carrying me out of the pool and into the cottage.