Page 13 of Clock Strikes Paradise

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 onvacations 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?

Chapter Seven

Clay

“Right this way, gentlemen, Ms. Briggs,”Evan Markham said in his deep, professional voice as he led us past the check-in counter and down a quiet hallway. The air was filled with the murmur of guests checking in and the scent of tropical flowers. Once again, I appreciated Evan’s discretion in letting us avoid the resort’s usual bustle.

“I’ve arranged a private meeting room for you,” he continued, stopping in front of a set of double doors.

Evan pushed the doors open, and I stepped into the room, my gaze sweeping over the space. It was a spacious, light-filled room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. A large mahogany table dominated the room, surrounded by plush leather chairs. A state-of-the-art video screen was mounted on one wall, flanked by speakers and a podium with a microphone. A pitcher of cucumber-infused water and a plate of delicate pastries sat on a side table.

“This meeting room is quiet and secluded, perfect for whatever you might need.” He paused, tilting his headtoward me. “Let me know if you need anything at all, Mr. Harmon. I’ll make it happen.”

“An impressive set-up for a beach resort,” I said, nodding my approval. “Though we only require the table for our meeting today.”

“Of course,” Evan said, his smile unwavering. “You have my number if you need anything.” With a final nod, he pulled the doors closed behind him, leaving the three of us alone.

Elise crossed to the side table and poured us each a glass of cucumber water, her movements precise and efficient. She placed the glasses on coasters in front of three chairs, then took her own seat near one end of the table. Pulling her laptop from her bag, she opened it and put on her glasses.

“Thank you, Elise,” I said, my gaze lingering on her for a beat too long.

She was the picture of professional composure in her crisp white blouse and navy skirt, her hair neatly twisted into a bun. Such a contrast to the woman who had laughed beside me on the dive boat that morning, her hair a tangle of sun-kissed waves, her skin glowing with warmth and… something else I couldn't quite name. The memory sent a jolt of awareness through me, and I frowned, turning to pull my own laptop out and get to the business at hand.

She glanced up with a quick smile. “Of course. I’m ready when you are.”

I pulled out a chair at the head of the table, my gaze sweeping over Bart as he settled into the seat adjacent to me. He was dressed in a crisp white linen shirt and khaki pants, his hair neatly combed. A pleasant contrast from his usual rumpled appearance. He greeted Elise with a respectful nod, his gaze carefully avoiding hers.

I registered this shift with a sense of satisfaction. Myreprimand had clearly had its intended effect. However, I was surprised by the intensity of my reaction to Bart's behavior earlier. Though I made no secret of my zero-tolerance harassment policy, his actions earlier had sparked… I was still struggling to define it. Protectiveness?

I pushed the thought away, determined to maintain my focus. I opened my briefcase and pulled out the competing proposals, spreading them across the table. The familiar numbers and charts were a welcome distraction, their cool logic a comfort against the unfamiliar turmoil of emotion.

“All right,” I said, my voice regaining its usual crispness as I took charge of the meeting. “Let's discuss our two potential buyers, then we’ll move on to the dinner tonight.”

Bart leaned forward, his gaze intent. “Laurent's offer is the most attractive, financially speaking. And something about Celeste Rhodes makes me uneasy.”

“Uneasy how?” I asked, intrigued. Bart's instincts for financial matters were usually sharp, even if his personal behavior left something to be desired.

“She's too… eager to please,” Bart replied, frowning. “It makes me wonder if she's hiding something.”