Page 41 of Clock Strikes Paradise

Beyond that threshold lay a conversation I dreaded. One that would shatter the fragile dream I’d allowed myself to embrace, if only for a brief, perfect moment. With a long sigh, I prepared for bed. Come tomorrow, I’d be ready to confront the fairy tale before it shattered me to pieces.

Chapter Twenty

Clay

The Conch Republic,a remodeled cannery on a bluff, exuded a warm, homey atmosphere with its exposed ductwork, metal roof, and abundance of wood. Situated on Dove Key, Calypso Key’s larger neighbor to the north, the brewpub faced east with expansive ocean views. Nate and I sat in a corner booth, the clinking of glasses and low hum of conversation around us providing a comfortable backdrop.

We’d come there to discuss the sale and gala, but business was damn near the last thing on my mind. I’d hardly processed a word we’d said over dinner, and his current point about Celeste and her father creating a thriving family business went in one ear and out the other. The entire day ran through my head—the kayaking, followed by the incredible morning in bed, then diving with Elise in the afternoon.

“Clay!” Nate almost shouted, bringing me back to earth.

I jumped. “Sorry. What were you saying?”

He just stared at me. “What the hell? Is this about Elise?”

“Is what about Elise?”

He smiled, then his lips spread into a huge grin until his shoulders shook. “Uh, the fact that we’re hours from sealing the biggest deal of your career and your mind is miles away. Something sure happened between you two. Spill, brother.”

My first thought was to evade—my natural reaction to put someone on the defensive. But this was Nate, and I realized I wanted to talk about it. Maybe even needed to talk about it. “Wehappened. Elise and me. We slept together for the first time this morning.” A laugh tumbled out of my mouth and I took a long drink of beer. “And the second and third.”

His amused expression remained, but his eyes turned evaluative. “I thought you two were awfully chummy on the boat. Obviously, you took my advice. That was quick.”

“I know.” I scrubbed a hand over the stubble on my jaw. “It’s new. All of it. And she’s my assistant, for God’s sake.”

Nate studied me for a long moment. “All valid points, as I said before. I hear a but coming.”

I looked away, sweeping my eyes over the exposed brick walls of the brewery. When I glanced back at Nate, I knew my expression had given me away. “But she knows me better than any other woman I’ve dated. I never let any of them get close to me. Elise is very different.”

“She’s had to know you well—that’s her job. Are you serious about her?” Nate studied my face, his own neutral and giving no hint of his feelings.

I hesitated, not knowing how to answer. There was no denying the attraction, the chemistry between us. I finally replied, “I’m her boss and that makes her off-limits. But at the same time, yeah, I want to see where thisgoes.”

My thoughts drifted to my past relationships, and I shook my head. “Every woman I’ve dated wanted something from me, whether it was my money, status, or connections. Not a single damn one cared about me. As a man. As a human being. But this feels different. Maybe because Elise works for me, so she’s naturally seen me at my best and worst. I let my guard down around her, especially since we came down here.”

Nate smirked, taking another swig of his drink. “You might be in love with her, you know.”

I swear I broke out in a cold sweat. “Love? No way.” But deep down, part of me whispered that maybe Icouldfall in love with her. In time. I wasn’t ready to listen to that inner voice.

“Hey, being in love isn’t the worst thing in the world. Camille definitely straightened me out, didn’t she?” Nate grinned and saluted me with his beer. “As ordered.”

Grateful for the change in tone, I laughed and we clinked glasses. “Yeah, but both of you got a little more than you bargained for out of the situation.”

Mischief flickered in Nate’s eyes. “No complaints here. And I’ve got some surprises up my sleeve.”

“Oh?” I raised a brow, curious. “Like what?”

“Like none of your damn beeswax,” Nate replied with a laugh.

“Fine, keep your secrets,” I retorted, smiling and taking another drink of my beer. Nate’s obvious happiness was enough for me. An errant thought ran through my head.

Could I find the same happiness with Elise?

I pushed it away, ready to discuss the subject we were there for. “Let’s talk about the sale. What’s your take on Laurent and Celeste?”

Nate leaned back in the booth, crossing his arms. “I had another meeting with both of them today while you were frolicking in bed.” He ignored my scowl and continued with a grin, “Told them I was done being the spokesperson for Podium. My focus will be squarely on the new venture Camille and I are working on. Both were okay with that. Laurent acted like he couldn’t care less.”

“Who do you think we should go with for the sale?” I asked.