Page 35 of Clock Strikes Paradise

And with a contented sigh, Elise pressed closer. I held her tighter and breathed a long, contented sigh. I fell asleep instantly.

Chapter Seventeen

Elise

Shark Baitslowly motored out of the canal, then quickly picked up speed after we reached open water. A smile was etched on my face at the thought of exploring the underwater world once more. Though itwaspossible that the smile had more to do with other things I wanted to explore more of. I sighed as a slight tremor rippled through me and avoided looking at Clay. Just to prove I could do it.

Nate and Camille buzzed with anticipation as they secured their diving gear. Like last time, we were on a private trip, this time with Maia Markham-Taylor guiding us. The youngest of the Markham children, she was firmly ensconced in the family business, though she couldn’t have been out of her twenties. I glanced at Clay across the boat, and our eyes locked for a moment. Heat flooded my face as our morning came rushing back to me. We had stayed in bed until it was time to leave on the dive trip, and I couldn’t wait to be alone with him again. To distract myself, Ichecked my own gear to make sure all was in order. When I stood back up, he was right next to me.

“Ready?” he asked, breathing the word in my ear.

“Ready for anything,” I replied. I hadn’t been sure how Clay would react now that Nate and Camille were with us. But he was one hundred percent Casual Clay now, laughing with his hair windswept and messy. Though not overt in his interest toward me, he wasn’t hiding it either.

At my reply, he favored me with a smile that made my insides melt. “Hold that thought until later, then. Let’s go dive.”

We plunged into the water. Schools of fish darted around us, their vibrant colors shimmering as they swam past coral formations that seemed to reach out like welcoming arms. I felt absolutely free, untethered from the world above.

As we descended deeper, Clay stayed by my side. Every so often, his hand would brush against mine, sending tingles up my spine even in the warm water. Because this time they weren’t errant, accidental touches. The familiar tension between us never waned, even as we were caught up in the wonders surrounding us.

Maia led us along a sheer wall, plunging into the depths. Looking down, I felt a little dizzy and concentrated on the lush coral instead. Camille gave an inarticulate shout through her regulator, pointing excitedly ahead. A six-foot green moray eel emerged from a crevice, its sinuous body gracefully undulating in the current. It was both beautiful and slightly frightening, but the eel didn’t threaten us as it glided by. We watched in awe as it disappeared back into the coral.

Unable to suppress a grin, I turned to Clay. He squeezed my hand, his eyes crinkling and his touchlingering as we swam on with hands clasped. Every stroke of his thumb made my body hum like a live wire. We’d made love three times, unable to get enough of each other, and had barely made it to the dive boat on time.

Unfortunately, we also had jobs to do. This dive excursion represented the last of our vacation. Clay and Nate were going out to discuss their decision over drinks later, while I would be back to work organizing tomorrow’s gala.

The afternoon air was balmy, with a light breeze as we climbed back on board. I could feel Camille’s eyes on me, observing my every move as if she were trying to piece together a puzzle.

Clay’s intense gaze met mine as we removed our gear. He bent over to whisper in my ear, “You’re killing me in that wetsuit now that I know what’s underneath.”

I laughed and sent him a flirty look back. “That goes double for you. Good thing we still have a couple of nights together, even if it’s back to the business portion of the trip.”

His fingers brushed against my arm ever so lightly before he turned away to join Nate at the bow of the boat. My skin came alive where he’d touched it.

Camille sidled up next to me, a smile playing at her lips as we started back to the Key. “You two seem awfully close all of a sudden. I like the two of you together.”

I ducked my head, a flush heating my face. I’d just met Camille, but I was well aware that she had known Clay her entire life, having grown up next to the Harmons. But her friendly, laidback nature made her easy to talk to.

“It’s... well, Clay and I have crossed a line. We’re more than boss and assistant now.” The words tumbled out in a rush. “I don’t know how much more, but things have definitely shifted between us.”

Camille’s eyes lit up. “I knew it! The air is practicallyelectric between you two. Clay’s never this relaxed around anyone. He’s always so driven, you know?” She nodded toward where Clay and Nate were leaning against the railing, their profiles outlined in gold as the sun sank lower in the sky. “Seeing him like this, it’s like he’s a whole different person. I’ve known him for ages, and I didn’t even realize this side of him existed. It must be because of you.”

I followed Camille’s gaze, watching as Clay threw back his head and laughed, the sound carrying over the hum of the engine. He turned, as if sensing my eyes on him, and the smile that lit his face was like the sun breaking through clouds on a stormy day. My heart stuttered at the sight. The idea that I could bring out a different side of Clay was exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking. But as I watched him chatting animatedly with Nate, his eyes occasionally flicking back to me, all I felt was an overwhelming sense of happiness. Before I knew it, the motor powered down to idle speed as we entered the canal. Then we were tied up and the experience was over.

“Come on,” Clay called to me, his eyes warm as he gathered our beach bags. “We should head back.”

“Sure thing,” I replied, returning his smile as I followed him off the boat. He draped an arm over my shoulders, and I placed my hand on the small of his back, rubbing slowly.

As we walked back to our cottage, white-and-pink plumeria trees fringed the brick pathway, creating a beautiful atmosphere that matched my euphoric mood. Then we ran into Laurent. His face was a mixture of disdain and boredom as he approached Clay, who asked how he was.

“I’m bored,” he complained loudly, making sure everyone around could hear him. “I long for the city. For action and civilization. Though I appreciate yourintentions, I cannot wait for the gala tomorrow night so that I can return to France victorious.”

Clay and I dropped our arms from each other, and I tried to remain professional despite the anger rising inside me. This man had been nothing but rude and condescending since he’d arrived, and I couldn’t stand how he treated everyone like they were beneath him.

“Laurent, I understand you have high standards,” Clay said smoothly, stepping up to handle the situation in his usual confident manner. “But I assure you, our team has put together an exceptional event for tomorrow. I believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised. And impressed.”

“That remains to be seen,” Laurent muttered, still unsatisfied. “I have not heard anything further regarding my offer. Surely you cannot be considering that other... woman’s bid?”

Clay’s face took on a hard edge and Laurent deflated a little. “We are taking Celeste’s offer every bit as seriously as yours and still deliberating. We will announce the winner tomorrow morning. The gala is simply a celebration.”