Page 15 of Clock Strikes Paradise

The very image Nate had accused me of perpetuating.

“Maybe you should view the people who work for you as, you know, human beings. Not just pieces on a chessboard.”Nate’s words echoed in my mind, a stark and unwelcome reminder. God, was I really that much of an asshole?

“Right,” Elise murmured. She moved her eyes to her notepad, her pen tapping a silent rhythm against the paper.

Bart cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. “Well,” he said, forcing a jovial tone. “I'm going to make sure I'm looking my best for tonight. Can't have Laurent thinking we're a bunch of beach bums, can we? Is there anything else?”

I was feeling unaccountably flustered about my words, and it took a moment for his question to sink in. I simply shook my head. “Nothing else. Thank you.”

He rose and headed for the door, his escape a palpable relief. As the door clicked shut behind him, I shifted in my seat, the weight of Elise's silence pressing down on me.

“Elise,” I began, my voice rougher than usual. “Your insights during our meeting were excellent. Especially that point about the challenges Laurent will face in Europe.”

“Thank you.” Her voice was soft, but her eyes regained some of their usual glint. “I try to do my best.”

“You’re excellent at what you do,” I said, and a warmth spread through my chest that had nothing to do with the tropical climate outside. “And you’re more than welcome to take time for yourself while we’re here, yoga included. In fact, I’m glad you found something you enjoy.”

My attempt to expand on the compliment felt clunky, the words foreign on my tongue.But, dammit, I wasn’t used to expressing regret! And still wasn’t sure I should be—I was the boss, after all. Wait, did I even apologize to her?

I hated emotions.

Then a touch of forgiveness flickeredin her eyes, and my chest loosened a little. So maybe my so-called apology wasn’t so bad after all.

“Thank you,” she repeated, a genuine smile finally gracing her lips. “I appreciate that.”

I pushed back my chair and stood, needing to put some distance between us. The air in the room suddenly felt charged, the silence humming with an energy that was new.

“I’m very pleased with how this trip is progressing,” I said, my voice softening. “And with your dedication to keeping everything running smoothly.” It was the truth. Elise had been invaluable in managing the logistics of the trip and anticipating my every need.

“Thank you, Clay,” she replied, her gaze meeting mine directly.

And for some reason, hearing my name on her lips sent a rush of heat straight to my core. To cover my reaction, I closed my laptop and placed it in my briefcase. “Let's each take some time to get ready for dinner,” I said, my voice regaining its usual crisp tone. “I'll see you and Bart at Orchid at six forty-five.”

I turned and strode out of the meeting room, my footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. As I walked back to my cottage, I stretched my tight back. The strategy session had been productive, and I was confident we were well-prepared.

But my thoughts kept returning to Elise. To the warmth in her eyes, the sincerity of her smile, her presence next to me during the dive that morning. The memory of those brief moments of connection, of shared laughter and easy conversation, lingered like the floral scent of the bouquet in the living room of my cottage. I shook my head, trying to dispel the unwelcome distraction.

Focus on the deal.

Yet as I entered my cottage and poured myself a glass of Macallan, I couldn't ignore the flutter of anticipation that stirred within me. Tonight was a critical juncture. If last night’s reception was the introduction, tonight would be the opening set. But now the night held the promise of something more, something I hadn’t anticipated.

Something I wasn't quite ready to name.

Chapter Eight

Clay

I gazedaround the intimate dining area. Like last night, we were once again inside Orchid restaurant, but in a much smaller room this time. Our intimate gathering was warm and inviting. An abundance of fresh orchids were placed around the room, which was dominated by a gorgeous hardwood table and upholstered chairs. The moon cast its silvery light over the dark waters outside. A soft breeze whispered through the room, carrying the scent of the exotic blooms. In addition to Elise and Bart, Celeste and Laurent joined me. The Frenchman hadn’t bothered to invite his... mistress? God knew she wasn’t his wife.

“What a stunning view,” Celeste said, gazing out at the moonlit water. One entire wall was open to the night air.

“Almost as stunning as our lovely dinner companions,” Laurent replied smoothly, with an appraising look at Elise that I didn’t much care for.

“Cheers to new friends,” I said, raising my glass. Four others met mine in the center of the table.

“Sante,” Laurent replied, clinking his glass against mine. His accent was elegant, but his confidence was off the charts. As we began to eat, I observed Laurent’s interactions with the group, noting how he dominated the conversation.

“I own a stable of sports franchises, so adding a sports-betting business is a natural progression. Of course, my teams are under a separate entity, so there would be no conflict of interest.”