Page 43 of Clock Strikes Paradise

The vulnerability faded away, replaced by a cold, icy anger that was much more familiar. Much more understandable. This pull-back from Elise was a trick to gain control and get me to do her bidding.

That would never happen.

But she was right about one thing. Tomorrow was the day I had been working toward for years. The sale of Podium. I needed to concentrate on making the best decision for the company Nate and I had built together. Not lament a lost relationship that had never even gotten off the ground.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I considered both Laurent and Celeste as potential buyers. While Laurent was an arrogant prick, his experience with sports teams could lead Podium to even greater success. Not to mention he’d made an offer that was damn hard to ignore. Celeste, on the other hand, had a genuine passion for the opportunity and cared about the people working for Podium. But was that enough?

As much as I tried to avoid it, my thoughts kept drifting back to Elise. I undressed and climbed into bed, trying not to think about the fact that she had been right here mere hours ago. The sheets still smelled of her, the pillow too. I still longed for her—to be inside her, to talk to her, to hold her in my arms and stroke her soft, creamy skin.

With a snarl, I punched the pillow and settled into it. Ipushed her out of my mind to focus on what truly mattered: the future of Podium.

“Tomorrow,” I murmured to myself with determination. “Everything will become clear.” And forcing my clenched muscles to relax, I cleared my mind to sleep, preparing for the life-changing decision that awaited me.

Chapter Twenty-One

Clay

I blinkedmy eyes open to dim light coming into my bedroom. After rubbing the sleep from them, I tried to shake off the lingering remnants of dreams. All night, I’d been consumed with thoughts of Elise, her guarded face from last night etched into my memory. Overnight, my anger had dulled to a quiet, hollow despondency. I wanted to go to her but held back. This self-doubt was unfamiliar territory for me.

And I didn’t like it one damn bit.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, running a hand over the stubble on my jaw. A quick glance at the clock told me it was almost seven. I changed into slacks and a polo shirt and shaved, but my eyes were still bloodshot. With a sigh, I made my way into the living room and dialed room service, ordering a continental breakfast and fresh coffee. Enough for two. Even though I had a breakfast meeting with Nate soon, eating now might help settle my stomach as well as my mind.

As I waited, I tried to focus on the reports on my laptop screen. Except the words blurred together, meaningless. Instead, my thoughts drifted back to Elise and how different she’d been last night.

Why?

What had caused that sudden change?

A young man from room service arrived quickly, setting up breakfast on the cottage’s dining table before bowing out. I poured a cup of coffee, the rich scent not soothing me as I sat down. My restless, confused night had convinced me of one thing—Elise’s attitude shift hadn’t happened in a vacuum. Something had caused it. I was hurt and pissed off last night, not able to think clearly. And I’d lashed out at her because of it. But I wasn’t going to let things drop between us.

We were too good together, dammit.

The sound of a door creaking open pulled me from my musings. I glanced up as Elise shuffled out of her room, her hair disheveled and dark circles under her eyes. She looked haggard, like she hadn’t slept at all.

“Morning,” I said softly, my stomach twisting. “I ordered some breakfast. And coffee.”

“Thanks,” she murmured, offering me a shaky smile.

Taking the hint, I poured her a cup of coffee and gestured to the seat opposite me. “Please, sit down,” I urged, trying to keep my voice gentle.

She hesitated, then sank into the chair next to me, wrapping her hands around the warm mug.

I inhaled, steeling myself. “I want to apologize for yelling last night. You caught me really off guard, and I didn’t handle it well. I’m sorry.”

“Thank you,” she murmured back, her eyes flicking briefly to meet mine before darting away again.

“Can I ask you something?” I ventured cautiously. “Whydid you change your mind? Did something specific happen?”

At first, Elise didn’t respond, taking a slow sip of her coffee as if gathering her thoughts. Finally, she looked up at me, her gaze filled with uncertainty and vulnerability. I held my breath, waiting for her answer.

“Clay, I... Ever since sparks started to fly between us, I’ve had doubts. A billionaire falling for his assistant? It just seems so... unrealistic. A childish dream, and I told you I don’t believe in those. You’ve dated supermodels and movie stars, for God’s sake!”

Anger flared in me at that, but I remained quiet, letting her talk. She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “Last night at the bar, I ran into Laurent. He basically said the same thing, that it was stupid to think someone like you could be serious about me. And it got me thinking... maybe he’s right.”

Hearing that Laurent was the cause of all this made my blood boil, but I forced myself to stay calm. He wasn’t the problem here. I clenched my jaw and focused on what she was saying.

“So I could never fall for a woman who isn’t a model?” I asked, the hurt roaring back that she didn’t see me as a person capable of genuine feelings. “Do you really think I’m that shallow? That I can’t see past someone’s surface?”