Page 20 of Clock Strikes Paradise

Elise hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching mine. Then she offered a small smile and shook her head. “No, this trip just got a whole lot easier. I can’t believe you fired him!”

I shrugged, still unsure why she brought out this protective side of me. “We’re better off without him.”

“Podium doesn’t need Bart Mayhew, for sure.”

Except I hadn’t meant the company. I’d meant her andme. My reaction had been much more than defending an employee against harassment.

I’d been defendingher.

Because I had just discovered that part of my fury about him touching her was because I wanted to do that myself. But utterly, completely opposite of how he’d done it. When Elise screamed my name, it would be for very different reasons.

Later that afternoon,I skirted Dorado and the resort pool on my way to the lobby to speak with Evan. As I passed the bar, I spotted Elise sitting alone and staring into her beer with a glum expression. Concern slowed my steps.

Earlier, after insisting she was all right, she’d gone back inside her cottage. I’d returned to my own and called my legal team to make sure Bart couldn’t get a leg up on me, though I wasn’t overly worried. He wasn’t the type to go up against the alpha wolf. My lawyers agreed but assured me they would send him a nice letter stating the facts. Then I’d called the GreenDrive CEO back and had a more productive conversation. After the gala, we would proceed with negotiations.

I hadn’t seen Elise until now, and I couldn’t help wondering if leaving her alone had been wise. But what was I supposed to do when she’d told me she was okay? I wasn’t her keeper. I was still trying to decipher my reaction to this morning’s events—that possessive, righteous anger that had taken hold of me. A milder version of which was making my blood hum right now.

I didn’t even stop to think, and my feet detoured frommy path as I headed toward the bar. I had to see her. Approaching, I slid into the seat next to her.

“Hey,” I said quietly, trying to gauge her mood. “How are things this afternoon?”

She sighed, her fingers tracing the condensation on the glass. “So-so. After the high of you getting Bart out of our hair, it turns out the resort can’t fix my room without some major parts. They’re working on finding me another cottage.”

“That doesn’t sound good,” I muttered.

Before I could say anything else, Evan strode up, obviously having spotted us. “Mr. Harmon, I’m glad I found you. Good afternoon, Elise.”

“Hello, Evan,” she replied, attempting a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Is Bart gone?” I asked him, wanting to make sure that issue was settled.

“Yes. I personally saw him off the premises and confirmed he had a plane ticket to New York.”

“Good. Thank you for your assistance.” I nodded, pleased to have the issue settled. “Now, about Elise’s new cottage. Is it ready?”

Evan swallowed and shook his head. “I’m sorry. That’s why I came to find you two. The resort is at maximum occupancy right now, and we’re struggling to find an alternative room for Elise. We’re looking into nearby resorts.”

My gaze narrowed at Evan, my voice firm. “That is unacceptable. What about Bart’s cottage? Surely that’s available now.”

“Unfortunately, another guest already occupied it,” Evan replied. “I’m very sorry. We’re working right now with a nearby resort to accommodate Elise. We’ll confirm the new room is of the highest quality,I assure you.”

My teeth ground as frustration rose inside me. My next words tumbled out of my mouth. “Absolutely not. We have far too much to do before the gala. Elise, you can stay in my cottage.” I blinked in surprise at my own offer. I wasn’t one to share my living quarters with anyone. But I meant it. I couldn’t have her staying somewhere else when so much was on the line.

Elise’s hand froze, the glass halfway to her mouth. Her eyes grew round. “What?”

It was too late to backpedal now, and I didn’t second guess my decisions. “You heard me. If Evan can’t find you another room here, then you stay with me.”

She slowly set her glass back on the bar top, leaving her hands wrapped around it. “That’s very generous of you, but I’m fine staying at a nearby resort. I can rent a car.”

I scowled, turning to face her. “We are days from cementing the biggest business deal of my career. And yours. I need you nearby, and you don’t have to worry about us... mingling. There are two bedrooms in my cottage.”

Evan nodded and gave her a hopeful smile. “And two private baths as well. You won’t need to share any private quarters.”

Her conflict was evident in the deep line between her brows. I lifted my eyes to Evan, pinning him with my stare. “You are positive you can’t accommodate her anywhere else here on Calypso Key?”

His throat bobbed as he swallowed. “Well, we have a cottage in our private section of the island. It’s reserved for Markham family, but it’s been out of service for a very long time and not up to our level of guest rooms. If you’d like, I could get housekeeping up there to start cleaning immediately.”

Elise bolted upright. “No. That’s silly. I’m not crashingyour personal home, Evan. Though I appreciate the gesture.”