Page 8 of Clock Strikes Paradise (Island Escapes #4)

Bart tugged on my arm, interrupting my musings.

My flash of irritation at him fled when I followed his pointing finger with my eyes.

A stunning red sea fan stood nearby, its intricate web of branches reaching out like a natural work of art.

A pair of yellow-and-black butterfly fish nestled near the base.

As Bart let go, his fingers brushed over my hand, lingering just a moment too long and distracting me from the fan’s beauty.

I yanked my hand away and swam back toward Clay and April, resisting the urge to scrub my skin.

Eventually, our dive came to an end, and we resurfaced, climbing back aboard Indigo Heaven . The sun was warm on our faces as we removed our gear and exchanged stories of our favorite discoveries.

“April, thank you for an incredible experience,” Clay said with a smile, his voice full of warmth and so different from his business persona. This Casual Clay was like meeting a totally new person, someone I wanted to know better.

In contrast, Bart’s behavior toward me swung back to being overly familiar, making me rethink last night’s assessment at the reception that I’d misjudged him.

He leaned in a bit too close as he spoke, his hand barely brushing against my shoulder.

I shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to address the situation.

But before I could say anything, Clay commented, “Bart, despite the surroundings, we’re professionals on a business trip. Let’s act accordingly.” His tone was deceptively light, but an unmistakable edge of steel lay beneath it.

Relief flooded through me, and some of the tension dissolved from my shoulders. I caught Clay's eye, and he gave me a deliberate nod.

Bart blinked, affecting an air of innocent confusion. “What do you mean? I was just being friendly.”

Clay's eyes narrowed slightly. “I think you know exactly what I mean. Elise is a valued member of our team, so maintain a professional distance. Are we clear?”

Bart's face flushed red. “Crystal,” he muttered, taking a step back as he turned to me. “I didn’t mean anything by it. Sorry.”

As Bart retreated to the other side of the boat, a rush of gratitude filled me.

Not only had Clay noticed my discomfort, but he'd also taken action to address it.

Just like that, I could breathe easily again, my focus returning to the beautiful ocean stretching out before us as we neared the canal to tie up to the dock.

Bart gathered his things and pleaded the need for a shower.

“I trust we’ll see you at our strategy meeting at four this afternoon?” Clay asked.

“I’ll be there,” Bart replied. “It’s a business trip, right? Gotta mix some work in with the fun.” He headed toward his cottage, leaving Clay and me alone on the boat’s deck. I inhaled, filling my lungs with the salty sea air.

Then I turned to face him. “I just wanted to say thank you for inviting me on this trip.” His eyes met mine, their blue hue drawing me in. “It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve never been anywhere tropical before.”

When he smiled, a slight dimple appeared on one cheek. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. ”

“I’m guessing you had something to do with my gorgeous beach cottage. I distinctly remember booking a garden bungalow for myself.”

His smile widened, and it was slightly sly. “Can’t have our two bidders thinking I’m cheap now, can we?” Then he shrugged. “Besides, Podium can afford it.”

“Thank you.” I hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. “I also appreciate how you handled Bart earlier,” I added, my voice soft.

“Of course,” he replied, his gaze sharpening. “I want everyone on our team to feel comfortable and respected. Has he crossed any lines with you?”

I hesitated, but I honestly couldn’t say yes. “He hasn’t. But it never hurts to have the boss throw in a word.”

He eyed me evenly, as if he sensed I was holding back. “I won’t tolerate harassment. Of anyone. If he makes you uncomfortable, tell me. I’ll take care of it.”

The last thing I wanted was to appear as a weak woman who needed protecting, so I waved him off. “That won’t be necessary. I can handle myself.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed that,” he said quietly. Again, our eyes held, and a ripple traveled slowly, deliciously, down my body.

I tore my gaze away to stare at the scuba tanks. “You dive very well. How long have you been certified?”

He paused, and his gaze drifted into the distance.

“I’ve loved the ocean as long as I can remember.

I think that’s why I recall our vacations here so vividly.

I got certified in college as part of a class.

Nate and I went on a trip together to the Maldives about eight years ago, but holidays have been few and far between for me. ”

I nodded, studying him as he revealed yet another layer to the man under the suit.

I had no idea he’d gone on vacations with his brother.

Though their destination of the luxurious island nation once more brought home the gulf between us.

“I’m an only child. It’s nice that you have such a close relationship with your brother. ”

“We’ve had our disagreements, but we’ve always been close. After he had to leave the NHL, I was really concerned about him. I’m pleased he’s on the right path now.”

I’d had many conversations with Nate over the past few years, most of them when he called Clay’s office line, which went through me. The two men were very different, with Nate being friendly and affable. In direct opposition to Clay’s formal, aloof intimidation.

Except that man seemed a world away right now.

As we left the boat, he subtly slipped April a tip, and I knew from experience that he was always generous in expressing his appreciation.

It was a classy gesture and not lost on me.

As Clay and I walked toward the beach and our cottages, a silence settled between us.

But now it wasn’t filled with awkwardness or his looming aura. It was… comfortable. Easy.

When I turned off the path to my cottage, he shot me a faint smile. “See you in a few hours?”

“Absolutely,” I said already planning my wardrobe—business, not casual. “Enjoy your afternoon.”

He casually placed his hands in his pockets as he nodded and continued along the path, his smile remaining.

And I felt it again.

That excited flutter in my stomach, a hint of attraction that both excited and terrified me. Clay was not only my boss but also a very attractive man. I’d have to have ice in my veins not to respond to him. Was I imagining a new appreciation, maybe even an appreciative spark, in his eye?