Page 29 of Clock Strikes Paradise (Island Escapes #4)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Clay

A contented sigh escaped me as I shifted slightly, pulling Elise closer.

The sheets were wrapped around us, our bodies still warm and damp.

A sense of peace, of deep fulfillment, settled over me, unlike anything I'd ever experienced. I’d always prided myself on my control, my ability to compartmentalize, but being with Elise…

she made me forget about everything but the two of us.

I opened my eyes, my gaze drawn to the bright sunlight streaming through the sliding glass door. It sparkled off the surface of the pool, beckoning us back into its cool embrace. But to hell with that—I was too comfortable.

“I hope you realize how much I appreciate you,” I breathed against her neck. “At work, you’ve always been there when I needed you. And now you’re so much more.”

“I think we’re so much more. With more to come.”

As I slowly brushed my hand over the soft curve of her hip, my eye snagged on something white on the floor near the dresser. It looked like a pile of broken pieces as I pushed myself up on one elbow. “What’s that?”

Elise followed my gaze, a shadow crossing her face. “My angel,” she murmured. “It fell off the dresser and...” She trailed off, then shrugged with a sad smile.

“It broke?”

“Into pieces. It happened right after our argument and I was so upset, I didn't even bother to pick them up. It seemed like a sign, you know?”

"What do you mean?" I asked, drawing my brows together.

Her gaze drifted toward the shattered fragments. “I took it as a sign that I wasn’t listening to my history.” She paused. “My instinct has always been to depend on myself, to build my own security, to not rely on anyone else. And that little angel… I told you the story. It was symbolic to me.”

“That you should trust no one?”

"Not exactly,” she said, a wry smile curving her lips. “More like... trust myself. Create my own destiny. Fairy tales are for children, Clay. And I grew up early." She shook her head, a strand of hair falling across her cheek. I reached out, my fingers brushing the soft strands away.

“But here we are,” she whispered, her dark blue eyes meeting mine, a spark of something—Hope? Wonder?—lighting them from within.

“Maybe it was a sign,” I said, the thought coming to me. “A sign that you’re ready to let go of those old beliefs. To take a leap of faith. To embrace something… new.”

Her smile widened, and she snuggled closer, resting her head on my chest. “I like that idea,” she murmured. “I like it a lot.”

She kept repeating that statement about life not being a fairy tale. I was hardly a sentimental man, but damn if she didn’t make me want to ensure every dream she’d ever had came true. And an idea formed in my head…

Elise breathed out a long, drawn-out sigh before cracking an eye to look at the digital clock on the nightstand. “I could stay like this forever. But I guess we’d better get back to the gala, huh?”

“Probably a good idea,” I agreed with a gentle laugh, brushing a stray hair from her forehead. “The clock is ticking down, Cinderella.”

The ballroom buzzed with activity as I strolled through the open French doors two hours later, taking in the scene with a sense of detached amusement.

Resort staff members hurried about, their movements a blur of purposeful chaos.

Tables were being draped in crisp white linen, chairs arranged around them, and glittering gold and black streamers hung from the soaring ceiling.

The air was thick with the scent of lilies and orchids, a heady fragrance that usually would have given me a headache.

But today, it seemed to blend with the gentle hum of excitement, creating an atmosphere of anticipation, of possibility.

I was dressed casually—the formalwear would come later.

A pale blue Ralph Lauren polo shirt hugged my shoulders, and my khaki cargo shorts were loose and comfortable.

After a long, leisurely shower—with Elise, of course—I'd opted for practicality.

There was still a lot to oversee before tonight's event, and comfort was key.

I ran a hand over my hair, the strands still damp, and caught the lingering scent of Elise's coconut shampoo.

I spotted Nate and Camille across the room near a long table, meticulously arranging a collection of candles and hurricane vases, their laughter echoing through the ballroom. As Nate climbed a ladder to adjust some crepe paper, Camille looked up and smiled.

"Clay!" she said, her smile widening as I approached. "You're looking awfully relaxed for a man about to put the final touches on the sale of his company.”

I laughed, the sound deeper and more carefree than usual. "Just enjoying the tropical air, I guess.” My gaze was drawn to Elise. She was conferring with a group of staff members near the stage, her back to me. Even from this distance, I could sense her focused energy.

My gaze lingered. She was dressed in fitted black capris and a sleeveless white blouse, her auburn hair pulled back in a practical clip, her glasses on her nose.

She was all business, her movements precise and efficient as she adjusted a spotlight, her voice clear and authoritative as she gave instructions to the staff.

And yet… she looked so incredibly sexy. How had I never noticed that before?

I’d always appreciated Elise's competence, her unwavering dedication to her work.

But seeing her now, in her element, her intelligence and passion shining through, I was struck by a new awareness.

She was a woman who commanded my attention, my respect, and… something deeper.

"Enjoyment must be contagious," Camille observed, her voice laced with knowing amusement. “I’ve noticed Elise has been very chipper this afternoon. Looks like someone might have listened to me.”

“I did,” I said, my gaze still fixed on Elise. Then I turned and bowed. “Thank you, Camille. Your advice was spot on.”

Surprise flickered across her face, a rare crack in her usual composure. Before she could respond, Nate stepped down from the ladder, a mischievous grin on his face .

“Camille, baby, you’d never believe this, but Clay actually has a heart beating beneath that titanium exterior. And he’s always been willing to give credit where it’s due.” He came over and clapped me on the shoulder. “Love does a body good, doesn’t it, brother?”

"We’ve only been together a few days,” I said, my tone deliberately light as I shrugged off his comment.

"Okay, okay," Nate said, holding his hands up in mock surrender.

"Point taken. But I've never seen you this.

.. mellow. You're usually pacing the floor and barking orders at everyone before a big event.

" He paused, tilting his head toward Elise with a sly grin.

"It's kind of cute, actually. Though I still can't believe you're wearing shorts . At a work event! What would our investors say?”

I frowned at my legs, then raised my eyes to his. “They won’t see me, now, will they? I assure you, I’ll be impeccably dressed tonight.”

“I’d never guess you would be the type who enjoys event prep,” Camille observed.

"You're telling me," Nate chimed in, shaking his head. "This is a man who schedules his bathroom breaks."

“Would you two shut up?” My tone came out exasperated, but when they started laughing, I joined in.

"Okay, fair point. About the event planning, not the bathroom schedule!

Usually, I'd rather be anywhere else. But…

" I paused, my gaze drawn back to Elise, who was now adjusting the microphone on the stage. "This is a special occasion.”

As our eyes met, a smile touched her lips, and I couldn’t help but grin back. Very unbusiness-like thoughts began running through my head, and I blinked, making a determined effort to concentrate on the gala.

I turned as Camille clapped her hands together. "This is so great," she said, her voice filled with genuine happiness. "I'm so happy for you both."

Nate, his usual playful grin replaced by a sincere smile, stepped forward and shook my hand. "Me too, brother. You deserve a little happiness."

My mind drifted to what I had planned for tonight. All of it. "Tonight is going to be very special," I said, unable to keep the excitement from creeping into my voice.

"Oh, I’m sure it will be," Nate said with a big smile full of mischief.

A few minutes later, Elise approached us, clipboard in hand. Her cheeks were flushed but her eyes sparkled, even in the midst of controlled chaos.

“Everything’s on track,” she said, her gaze sweeping over the ballroom.

“The catering staff is setting up the buffet, the band is doing their sound check, and the guest list has been confirmed. I talked to the Podium staff who flew in for the party, and everyone is here and getting ready. Just a few last-minute details to finalize.”

“Excellent work as usual,” I said, my gaze meeting hers. I couldn’t help but reach out, my fingers brushing lightly against her arm as I took the clipboard from her. It was a subtle touch, barely noticeable in the bustling activity of the ballroom, but she tipped me a wink in response.

“Look at you two,” Camille teased, her gaze darting between Elise and me. “Who knew fairy tales could happen in real life?”

Elise laughed, shaking her head, but her cheeks reddened. “Maybe happy endings. Fairy tales are still a stretch.”

"Give it time, honey," Camille said, a twinkle glinting in her eye. "One of these days, you’ll be trading in that practical clipboard for a magic wand. "

Elise laughed and shook her head. “Honestly, Camille, I can’t imagine anything more magical than what’s happened over the past few days.”

A giddy, ridiculous happiness spread through me at her words, and I found myself wanting to pull her close, to kiss her right there in the middle of the bustling ballroom.

But I held back, my gaze catching Nate’s knowing grin.

There would be time for that later. Tonight was about more than stolen kisses and whispered promises. Tonight was about… everything.

“Mr. Harmon?” Evan Markham appeared nearby wearing a hesitant smile as he stared at me.

Nate burst into laughter. “It’s funny. There are two Mr. Harmons here, yet I never have any question about where I stand.”

Alarm filled Evan’s eyes, but I just waved him off. “Ignore Nate. He’s just trying to play on your sympathy. Don’t take the bait.”

Nate shrugged unapologetically and grinned at Evan. “Speaking of sympathy, or lack of—what happened with our dear Laurent DuBois?”

The general manager’s face took on a pained expression before he quickly covered it. “He and his companion just left the resort a short while ago. Housekeeping is, uh, cleaning up his room.”

I allowed a grim, satisfied smile to rise on my face at the vision of the insufferable jerk wrecking his surroundings in a fit of rage. “I assure you I’m happy to pay for any damage he caused. Perhaps we should discuss it in private?”

“Of course. I’m at your convenience.” Evan held my gaze, his manner giving no indication that he’d picked up the signal I was sending. The man was a pro—I had to give him that .

I glanced at my watch and nodded as I swept my gaze over our little group. “Whatever damage Laurent did, the end result was worth the cost.” My eyes halted on Elise’s and my heart gave a little jump. “See you in a few hours.”

Then I followed Evan out of the ballroom, the busy, festive atmosphere fading behind me as I stepped into the quiet hallway. As soon as we had privacy, he and I got to work. Tonight, more than just Podium’s future was at stake.

Tonight, I was betting on a different kind of magic.