Page 21 of Clock Strikes Paradise

Honestly, so did I. As frustrated as I was about the situation, I understood how things went sideways sometimes in business. And I’d seen enough glimpses of the stately manor in the northeast section of the island to understand the area was strictly a private residence.

Elise’s eyes bounced between us, then she gave me a small nod. “All right. I’ll stay in your spare bedroom. Thank you for the offer.”

“Then it’s settled,” I said. “Let’s get you moved immediately.”

Evan chimed in, his demeanor brightening. “I’ll make sure the staff knows about the change in accommodations, and someone will be by to transfer your luggage. If there’s anything else you need, let me know. Again, I’m terribly sorry for the inconvenience. I’ll make sure you are suitably compensated.”

“Thank you, Evan,” Elise said. When she moved her gaze to me, the warmth in her eyes sent a jolt through me. “And thank you again. You didn’t have to do this, but I appreciate it.”

“Of course,” I responded as we rose to our feet, getting that flustered feeling again as our eyes locked. That ridiculous urge to be her champion. Her defender.

As Elise disappeared into her cottage to pack her belongings, I rushed back to mine. A strange thrill coursed through me as I unlocked the door. My brother and I both had neat freak tendencies, so I wasn’t worried the place would be too out of line. But I needed to give the cottage a once-over just to make sure.

I went to work tidying up, straightening already neatly stacked papers and rearranging the throw pillows on thecouch. Then I decided the housekeeper knew where they belonged better than I did and put them back. Hissing, I told myself my pounding heart was due to exertion, not nerves.

Never mind that I worked out nearly every day.

Moving down the hall, I stopped at the other bedroom and pushed open the door. After taking in the neatly made king-sized bed and well-arranged décor, I grabbed an extra set of towels from the linen closet and placed them on the bed.

“God, what is wrong with me?” I snapped at myself, pacing back and forth in the hallway. “I’ve dated movie stars, heiresses. Why am I nervous about sharing a cottage with my assistant?”

I paused, leaning against the wall. Then I raked a hand through my hair.

I was nervous because something had happened in the last couple days.

Elise wasn’t just my assistant anymore. Until this trip, I’d never really seen her. But since my jet landed in Key West, that had changed. She was smart, capable, and... heart-stoppingly beautiful.

Just as I straightened up, I heard a knock at the door. Ignoring the way my stomach suddenly filled with tumbling rocks, I strode down the hall. I swung the door open to find Elise standing there with a slightly red face. A bellhop stood behind her with her suitcase.

“Hi,” she said, shifting from one foot to the other. “You’re sure I’m not intruding?”

“Of course not,” I said firmly and hopefully reassuringly as I stepped aside to let them in. I directed the bellhop to the bedroom she would be using. “I won’t have you staying at another resort, Elise. This is simply the easiest solution.”

As a hesitant smile creased her face and I caught a subtle yet exotic floral scent wafting off her hair, I recognized my statement for the lie it was. But this woman was strictly off-limits, especially given what had just happened between her and Bart.

Then again, we’d worked side by side for over three years. Why should sharing the same cottage change anything?

Chapter Eleven

Elise

As I examinedmy new bedroom, a wave of uncertainty washed over me. Soft white linens and plush blue throw pillows adorned the bed, inviting me to sink into their comfort. A modern, ergonomic chair and practical, yet beachy desk against the wall were waiting for me and my laptop. In other words, the room was similar to the one I’d just vacated. Except it was inClay Harmon’scottage. I didn’t know whether to be thrilled or terrified, so I figured my current panicked jumble of both was appropriate.

The bedroom featured sliding doors that opened to the private pool area I’d passed on my way in. As promised, Clay’s bedroom was on the other side of the joint living area, ensuring plenty of privacy for me.

Clay’s bedroom.

My boss’s bedroom.

I tried to shake off the sense of being an intruder. But as I settled my belongings inside the stunning wooden dresser, I reminded myself that things could be worse. What if Clayhadn’t interceded with Bart when he did? I had no doubt I could have chased the perv off, but I would have had to put up with him for the remainder of the trip. I’d been utterly shocked when Clay fired him. I’d expected a stern talking-to, but part of me had glowed over how quickly Clay had come to my defense. How he never doubted my side of the story.

I strolled across the room to investigate the bathroom. It was larger and more luxurious than my old one, with a large marble tub and walk-in shower. Finally giving into my need to anchor myself, I pulled out my laptop and sat at the desk. Soon I was immersed in spreadsheets and schedules, and my unease slipped away.

The sound of splashing water drew my attention to the pool outside. I got a shock when I glanced at my watch—two hours had passed. I stood and stretched, my tight muscles confirming I’d sat for too long. An idle thought of booking another yoga class flitted through my mind when sunlight glinting off the pool drew my eye. Curiosity got the better of me, and I slowly pulled apart the blinds on the slider, catching a glimpse of Clay as he swam laps in the private pool. My eyes traced the contours of his toned muscles and quickly tanning skin, illuminated by the golden rays of the setting sun. He moved with such easy power, commanding the water around him like a force of nature.

After he emerged from the pool, droplets of water cascading down his body, he took a quick phone call on the deck. A patter of drops fell from his loose board shorts. The entire trip, he’d never worn anything overly suggestive or been forward with me in any way. Yet every time our eyes met, our gazes held like a tractor beam. I couldn’t be imagining it! As he spoke into his phone, his demeanor exudedauthority and confidence. His wealth or power weren’t what made him like the king of the world.

It was simply who he was.