Page 46 of Clock Strikes Paradise

Elise

I saton the plush couch, my laptop balanced on my knees as I tried to concentrate on last-minute details about the gala. The cottage living room was cozy and inviting around me, but I barely noticed my surroundings. I twirled my hair into a bun atop my head and adjusted my computer glasses. My fingers flew across the keyboard in a hopeless attempt at distraction.

The memory of Clay’s shocked, hurt expression haunted me. When he’d told me to stay here while he met with Nate and they made their final decision, I knew it was because of what I’d said. Was I being a coward? Or maybe he was right, and I really was being unfair to him. Why did I have such a hard time believing we could make it work?

I snorted and set my laptop on the coffee table, closing it softly. “Because I live in the real world. And so does he. A very different world than mine.” I hadn’t yet cleaned up the remains of my angel. And if I needed any sign from the universe, there it was.

Yet my insides were twisting in tight little knots, tying and untying at the thought of what I’d done. What I’d stopped. Maybe we could straighten the whole mess out after the gala.

The cottage door shutting made me jump. I snapped my head up to Clay, returning to the room sooner than expected, and I made a squeaking sound in surprise. He stopped just inside, his handsome face wearing an expression of uncertainty and hesitation, so unlike his usual attitude. And that pause as he halted across the room caused heat to ignite in my body. Not the good kind of heat. This was worry, concern, and maybe even a little shame.

“Hi,” I said softly. “What happened?”

He stared me in the eye as he walked over and sat on the couch next to me. “A big part of my life just got settled, and now I need to work on the other one. Nate and I just told Laurent he lost Podium.”

My brows flew up. I was delighted at the news, and I hadn’t been at all positive Clay would choose to look beyond the financial rewards. “Really? And how do you feel about that?”

“Good. Confident. Celeste is the right person for Podium and her offer is still pretty incredible. Nate and I worked our asses off to build that company, and Laurent wouldn’t care about it.” Sitting back, he scrubbed both hands through his hair, leaving it sticking up. Then he barked a laugh. “I just achieved what I’ve been working the last six months solid for. I sold Podium for a stunning price to someone who will do everything possible to ensure it continues to be a success. And you know what?” He slowly rolled his head to stare at me.

My mouth went dry. “What?”

“I don’t give a shit about it. Any of it. I still don’tunderstand what’s happened to me since I came down here. But I’ve changed, and you’re the reason why.”

I hardly knew how to respond, and I laced my trembling fingers together. “You have changed. I’m not sure the Clay Harmon I knew in New York would have overlooked Laurent’s higher offer.”

“I realized that I was so furious at him because of how he treated you. He’s been an ass since we arrived, and I don’t mind when it’s directed at me. But I won’t put up with you being spoken to like that. I really gave him hell when I told him he lost.”

My lips formed a smile, genuine warmth replacing my hollow regret. “I’m sure you did. And thanks for doing what you did. I think Celeste will do great things with the company.”

“Podium hardly matters to me right now.” He took a long breath and paused, searching my face. “Elise,you’rewhat matters to me. I’ve felt more alive in the past few days and... happier than I have been in years. I’ve let work rule my life for so long, but here I remembered. What it felt like to enjoy the moment, the simple things. To relax. And I don’t want to give it up. I don’t want to give you up.”

I stared at him, trying to absorb his words. And to believe I wasn’t dreaming this. “Do you really mean that?”

“Yes. Every word,” he said firmly. “We’ve started something here, and I don’t want it to end. But you’re right about one thing. It’s not a good idea to date your immediate boss. So how about a new title for you? I’m going to purchase GreenDrive, and I could use a... transition specialist. I could set GreenDrive up as a separate company, so you could be independent and definitely not my assistant.”

His words made my heart soar and set off alarm bells in equal measure. Our argumentreplayed in my head. “You accused me of using you to gain a promotion last night. You pretty much threw it in my face.”

He took my hand. “Because I was being a prick, and I was hurt. I’m sorry. I know you better than that.”

Finally, I let a smile form and squeezed his hand back. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m sorry too. I’ve spent my whole life struggling, trying to prove myself. I couldn’t dare let myself… believe.”

Sincerity was etched all over that handsome face. “Please believe. What do you think of my idea about GreenDrive?”

“Well, it sounds like a dream come true. But what’s a transition specialist?”

“I have no idea,” he admitted, his smile tinged with sheepishness. “I just made it up on the spot. But we can find something for you that’s independent and outside my day-to-day activities. I want this to be your position, Elise. Because you’ve earned it through merit. Nothing else.”

I cleared my throat over a sudden constriction. “Having you recognize that means a lot to me. Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. I meant what I said. I hate to lose the best assistant I’ve ever had, but you deserve to shine. And I need you to understand something else. I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks about us. People will talk and form opinions no matter what.” He reached out and pulled the pin from my bun, spilling my hair and running his fingers through the tresses. “I promise I won’t ever let anyone mistreat you. Not Bart. Not Laurent. No one.”

“I know you won’t. After all, you’re my prince, aren’t you?”

He winced, then laughed. “Not sure I acted too prince-like last night and this morning, but maybe I can make up for it.” He twirled a lock of my hair around his finger. “I know you don’t believe in fairy tales. But who says happily-ever-after can’t happen in real life? My eyes have opened since we’ve arrived. Every fantastic, sexy, wonderful thing that’s happened… has been when we’ve been together. You are gorgeous beyond words, but you’re much more than that. You’re smart, loyal, and you care about those around you. I’m a better man when I’m with you, and I like that.”

A soft, fuzzy ball formed in my stomach at his words. Clay tightened his hold, his eyes becoming guarded, uncertain again. “Will you accept the new position? More importantly, will you accept... me?”

My heart swelled, and I nodded. “Yes. To both. Though we’re really going to have to figure out what a transition specialist is.”