Page 30 of Clock Strikes Paradise

Coffee cup in hand, I sat back against the couch. “Yes. Nate is meeting again with Laurent and Celeste this morning without me. I was thinking of checking out a kayak from the kiosk on the beach and exploring the wetland area to the north. Just to get my mind off the sale for a while. And the decision. How about you?”

Her lips curved into a lush smile, and I tried not to stare at her mouth. “That’s funny. I looked outside after I got up and had a similar thought. It’s such a beautiful morning, too lovely to spend indoors.”

My stomach tightened as I thought about what her lips had tasted like. With effort, I wrenched my eyes to hers. And that current was back. That delicious push and pull between us at the fact that we had independently decided to do the exact same thing.

Before I could think about it, I opened my mouth. “Would you like to join me?”

The idea was either fantastic or terrible, and I couldn’t decide which. But I wanted to spend time with her—I liked hearing her laugh. I wanted to know her better.

She hesitated for a moment, then inclined her head. “That sounds like fun. Let’s finish breakfast, then head out.”

As I refilled our coffee cups, I again pondered how wise this was. I thrived on control, on strong boundaries and high moral ground. So what was it about this woman that made me want to throw all that to the wind and just let go?

Chapter Fifteen

Elise

After we finished breakfast,Clay and I retreated to our bedrooms to get ready for our paddling trip. I felt dazed as I walked into my bedroom and shut the door, hardly able to remember leaving the living room. The range of emotions I’d experienced this morning left me numb as I tried to process them. Waking up this morning and being terrified of confronting Clay. Then seeing his genuine regret and worry, I’d felt…

How did I feel?

Everything he’d said made sense. He had a deep core of honor inside him—I’d always known that. Clay Harmon and I as a couple? Ridiculous. And dammit, I appreciated his integrity in stepping back, even if it made me want to smack him. And there were some huge risks here for me too.

I was so confused about it all, but my God, who knew he’d be such a good kisser! I needed to clear my head over what had happened and how to proceed. So I grabbed my phone and called as I flopped back onto my bed.

“Hey, girl! How’s life in paradise?” Rachel’s cheerful voice rang through the speaker.

“Good morning!” I replied, trying to sound upbeat. “Everything is going smoothly. The Podium sale is on track, and we’re finalizing plans for the gala tomorrow night.” Silence followed, and I could almost see Rachel raising an eyebrow.

“How lovely,” she drawled, clearly not buying it. “Now why are you really calling?”

I laughed, unable to help it. “Okay, you got me. I just... um... I kissed Clay last night, and I’m freaking out. Clay!” I said in a stage-whisper as I attempted to keep my voice down.

“Wow. Really? Okay, first of all, congratulations on finally getting some action. He obviously learned you’re not a piece of furniture.”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Well, how was it? Did he kiss like a robot?”

A long, hot roll rounded over my abdomen. It was rich and buttery. “It was the best kiss I’ve ever had in my life. And that’s not a good thing, Rach!”

She sighed. “Seriously, why are you so worried? You two are both grown adults. Why not have a little fun in the tropics?”

I bolted upright and dragged a hand through my tangled hair. “Because if this goes badly, I might end up having to find a new job! After the sale, I’m hoping to transition to something new within the company. I’m counting on that being a huge career move.”

“Sweetie, if you’re romantically involved with Clay Harmon, that mightreallybe your big move.”

“Ugh, thanks for pointing that out,” I grumbled, frowning. “I’ve seen some of the gold diggers he’s been involved with. I’m not interested in his money. Or his power. I’m attracted to him.”

“Who wouldn’t be? He is rather amazing looking.”

“And it’s more than that. I...likehim. I’ve discovered this whole other side of him since we’ve been here. A fun, human side. I don’t want him thinking I’m looking for a meal ticket or something.”

“You’ve always been too independent for your own good. Don’t make a molehill into the Himalayas! Go with the flow, have a fun fling, and reevaluate when you get back to New York. Life’s too short for regrets.”

I sighed. The part of me that wanted to jump Clay’s bones this very minute was arguing with my very rational and down-to-earth brain. “Well, there’s not just me to be concerned about. He put a stop to it last night, then he apologized again this morning. We talked through it and are back on solid footing again.” I frowned. “At least I think we are.”

“Ah, I see. The two type-A, driven personalities let their logical sides take over and made a very practical decision to step back from disaster.”