Page 28 of Clock Strikes Paradise

“Night, you two,” I replied, waving from the pool. “See you tomorrow!”

As they faded into the distance, I found myself smiling. Their easy affection was sweet, and a little enviable. But as the silence settled around me, broken only by the gentle lapping of water against the pool's edge, my smile faded.

My thoughts drifted to Clay. What was he was doing inside right now? Working? Planning his next move, strategizing for tomorrow's meetings? Always three steps ahead, always in control.

And yet... Camille didn't seem to think the idea of Clay and me together was so far-fetched. She knew him better than I did, had known him for years.

Is it possible she sees something I can't?

I shook my head, trying to clear away the dangerous thoughts. Entertaining such ideas would only lead to disappointment and complications. Still, a small part of me couldn't help but wonder...

With a sigh, I turned over in the water, stretching out into a lazy freestyle stroke. The cool water slid over my skin as I glided through it, my movements slow and purposeful. As I swam, I tried to focus on the physical sensation, on the peacefulness of the night around me. But even as I completed my lap, my mind kept circling back to Clay, to possibilities I shouldn't even be considering.

I was so lost in thought that I barely noticed the soft sound of the patio door sliding open. As I lifted my head from the water, I caught sight of a figure on the deck. Clay stood motionless on the deck watching me. My stomach lurched, but that was quickly replaced by a surge of excitement rushing through me.

Until I remembered what I was wearing.

I hadn’t planned on him seeing me in this string bikini.And now that he was here, I wasn’t quite sure how to handle the situation. I swam to the pool's edge and climbed out, hyper-aware of Clay's gaze on me. His eyes were riveted to me, lingering on my breasts before dropping to my feet then slowly, slowly back up. Droplets of water ran down my skin as I approached him, and at his hungry expression, my self-consciousness threatened to become replaced by a thrilling boldness.

“Hi there,” I said, my voice huskier than usual as I grabbed a towel to cover up. “I thought you were staying inside.”

“Here, let me help you,” Clay said, his deep voice striking something deep within me. He strode toward me and took the towel from my hand. His action was confident and bold, the movement of a man used to being obeyed. And the thought of being the object of his desire was irresistible. As he held the towel open, his eyes met mine. “Though I think it's an absolute crime to cover up such a spectacular body.”

Heat flooded my body at his words. “It was my only suit that was dry,” I replied, holding his gaze with newfound confidence.

Then I felt the soft terrycloth on my shoulder, and soon he trailed it down my arm. My skin tingled at the touch, and I deliberately leaned into him, drawn by an irresistible pull. I wanted him to touch me—to hell with the consequences.

“You look beautiful in the moonlight,” he said softly.

As our eyes met again, the air between us crackled with electricity.

I opened my mouth to reply, but my response was captured by his mouth. Our lips met, and I couldn’t prevent the breathy moan that issued from my lungs. His kiss deepened, and I pressed against him eagerly, my damp skinwarming rapidly under his touch. The towel fell away, forgotten.

“Clay...” I sighed, running my hands up his shirt to grip his shoulders.

His tongue parted my lips, and I responded hungrily, clutching at the fabric of his shirt and pulling him closer. Our tongues danced as his hands moved to my ass, squeezing and pressing me against him. I could feel his arousal, and it only fueled my own desire.

Caught up in the moment, I nipped at his bottom lip, delighting in his groan of pleasure. He tangled one hand in my wet hair, tugging gently as he deepened the kiss further. I arched into him, my body aflame.

Just as I was losing myself completely, Clay stiffened and pulled away. His eyes flew open wide, and he breathed hard as he took a giant step back. “Elise, I... I'm sorry.”

Confusion and disappointment washed over me, and my body still thrummed with desire. “It's okay.”

“No, it's not. I shouldn't have done that. Good night.” With that, Clay spun around and strode back to the house, leaving me standing alone by the pool, my skin flushed and my hands trembling.

I wrapped my arms around myself, my mind reeling. What had just happened? And why had it ended so abruptly? As I watched Clay's stiff, retreating form, my confusion only deepened. The passion between us had been undeniable, but now I was left wondering if I'd just crossed a line that couldn't be uncrossed.

Chapter Fourteen

Clay

Musteringevery ounce of self-control I possessed, I marched through the living room and retreated to my bedroom, leaving Elise standing by the pool. Shutting the door, I leaned against it and closed my eyes.

“This is what I get for listening to Nate. Dick.”

After he and Camille left, I’d gone outside and been utterly transfixed by the sight of Elise in that red bikini—it had blown my fantasies to smithereens. And before I knew it, I’d been unable to stop myself from kissing her. Then kissing her more. Deeper. I couldn’t get enough. Thank God I’d come to my senses in time.

As I leaned against the door, I was tormented. I brushed my fingers lightly over my lips, remembering her soft, wet tongue and how her body had melted against mine. Attraction warred with responsibility as I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the freezing spray of the shower. The icy water did little to quell the fire burning within me, but it gave me time to think. I wanted nothing more than to marchacross the cottage to her room and make her scream my name.