Clay took her hand and by silent agreement their talk turned to more pleasant subjects. The day was meant to be special, and both were determined it would be.
Clay hired a cab to tour the city and the afternoon passed in a whirl of colorful sights and sounds. They saw the usual places of interest: Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. She especially loved St. Katharine’s dock with its collection of historic ships.
Throughout the day, Clay remained solicitous, playing the gentleman so well Ellie was able to forget the evening ahead and just enjoy herself.
Late in the afternoon, he took her back to the team hotel where she was staying and carefully checked the room for unwanted visitors.
“I’ll be back for you at seven,” he said at the door.
For the first time, he let his gentleman’s façade slip, flashing her a look filled with such lust Ellie’s stomach started to churn. Then he pulled her into his arms and kissed her until she was breathless.
“You’ve got time for a nap,” he said. “You’d better get some sleep because you won’t get much tonight.” Another quick kiss and he was gone.
Ellie closed the door behind him. She thought of the night ahead. As Clay’s footsteps faded, so did some of her courage.
Ellie paced her room in nervous anticipation.
After a long soak in a pine-scented bath, she washed and curled her hair, then took extra care with her make-up. She’d gone through every garment in her closet trying to decide what to wear over her expensive white lace teddy, finally choosing a simple black cocktail dress with a scooped-neckline and fitted skirt. Even after her lengthy preparations, she was ready twenty minutes early.
Pacing her room, which seemed smaller by the minute, she wished she had a glass of wine to soothe her ragged nerves. Again and again, she checked the time and tried to relax. At least Maggie had chosen comfortable accommodations for the team.
Under normal circumstances, Ellie would have loved the Victorian motif, the dainty rosewood furniture, carved antique armoire, and queen-size bed with its fluffy down comforter
Circumstances were far from normal.
With every step, Ellie remembered what would happen tonight, the sheer white teddy whispering a reminder between her legs. Her lace-topped stockings hummed against each other, setting up a sensual rhythm that heightened her anticipation even more.
At seven o’clock sharp, Clay rapped on her door. Grateful the waiting was over, she answered the knock, forcing herself to smile.
Clay leaned into the doorway, gave her a brief kiss, and returned the smile. “Ready?” He looked elegant and handsome in his tailored camel jacket. Coffee brown slacks matched the color of his eyes, and his white shirt set off his suntanned skin.
“I’m ready,” Ellie whispered, and Clay looked at her oddly.
“That nervous?”
“Does it show?”
“I’m afraid so.”
Ellie moistened her lips. “I’ll be fine.”
“I’ve got a bottle of champagne waiting in the car. As I recall, champagne eases your inhibitions.”
Wishing he hadn’t reminded her, Ellie managed another weak smile and picked up her black beaded purse. Clay grabbed her tapestry overnight bag and took her arm to lead her out of the room. When they reached the street, a white Bentley limousine waited at the curb.
“I’m impressed,” she said, reassured that Clay had meant what he said about making the evening special.
A uniformed chauffer held the door while they slid into the back seat. Ellie forced herself to relax against the soft gray leather while Clay uncorked and poured champagne into two crystal flutes.
“You look lovely,” he said, his voice a little husky. Dark eyes studied her face then swept down to the cleavage above the neckline of her simple black dress.
Ellie’s heartbeat quickened. “Thank you,” was all she could manage.
“To us,” Clay said, holding up his glass.
“To us,” Ellie repeated, “and to winning.” They clinked glasses, then both took a drink.
“Tonight, I promise both of us will win,” Clay said.
