Page 47 of Clock Strikes Paradise

“There will be plenty of time for that once we get back to New York.” Relief flooded his chiseled features as he leaned toward me. Our lips met in a long, tender kiss that sent hope rushing through every cell in my body.

I pulled back with a smile and said, “But we still have a gala to pull off, you know.”

Clay shook his head, his eyes becoming smoldering as he skated a finger down the side of my neck. A quake shuddered through me, and he brushed his thumb across my bottom lip. “Later. I don’t care about the gala right now. All I care about is you. And I’m going to prove it to you.”

He stood and pulled me to my feet, his hand warm outside mine as he led me into my bedroom. Not his. He was leading us to my room because he wanted me to feel secure. Confident.

Once inside, he gently removed my glasses and kissed me again, his hands cradling my face. Pulling away, he remained silent as his eyes traveled down my body and backup. He fanned my hair out and I closed my eyes, luxuriating in the gentle pulling sensation.

“Do you have any idea how sexy you are?” he asked. “God, you turn me on.”

I stood still as he slowly undressed me, his fingertips sending a live current over my newly exposed skin everywhere he touched. A caress down my arm, a brush of fingers down my back, not only was it arousing, it was… caring. But as his lips met mine again, arousal won out. Each piece of clothing he removed increased the heat between us, our breaths growing heavier. I removed his shirt and kissed him back, rubbing my breasts against his chest, and couldn’t resist a breathy moan.

He traced a finger across my shoulder, his touch feather-light and delicate. I closed my eyes, becoming lost in the sensation. Then I gasped when he pinched the tip of my breast. My eyes flew open, and he broke into a smile that sent liquid heat straight through me. The world outside the cottage disappeared, leaving only the two of us as we removed the rest of our clothing.

We slid into my bed, the soft sheets barely registering against my heated skin. I ruffled my hands through his thick hair as I pulled his head down, his lips silky against mine. He stroked my breast in a long, languid motion that only inflamed me more. This time I didn’t want foreplay—I wanted connection. I wanted him inside me. Now.

“Clay,” I whispered urgently, my voice thick with need.

He understood. Reaching into his wallet, he pulled out a condom and rolled it on.

He entered me slowly, his hand slowly stroking from my hip down my thigh. We were gentle at first. Our bodies moved together, once again reunited. He gently pressed hislips against my closed eyes, his warm breath tickling my skin.

“Oh, the things I’m going to do to you in my bed at home,” he murmured as he pushed hard, increasing his rhythm.

“I can’t wait,” I replied, his words—and his motions—stoking the fire deep within me.

He looked into my eyes, still moving within me. “Do you believe now?”

My heart raced as I stared back, the pull between us inescapable. Our bodies moved together with perfect synchronization, nothing like two new lovers. The intensity of his gaze felt electric as we fused together in a moment of raw, deep emotion.

“Yes, I believe. You’re my prince.”

He laughed against my ear, the warm puff of air making my toes curl. “Only yours.”

Our passion built further, and I rolled on top of him, straddling his hips as I took control. I spread my fingers across his pecs, brushing the soft hair as I moved above him. With a deep moan, he folded forward, placing his fingers between my legs as he left a line of wet kisses across my collarbone. The contact made me cry out, the sound echoing in the dim room. He doubled his efforts.

“That’s it,” he whispered in my ear. “More. I want to hear you.”

I moved faster, and he gripped me behind my back, urging me to press hard against his hand. My orgasm built like a tidal wave, each stroke of his fingers pushing me higher. Each surge within me urging me closer. I ground myself against him, desperate for more. And he gave it to me, panting my name in my ear as we went over the edge together. We froze, arms tightening around each other. Asense of completion washed over me as I cried out into the silent room.

Belief.

Confidence.

We slowly wound down, our sweat-slicked bodies pressed together. Then we settled back under the covers with me half on top. I stroked his chest, feeling the contrast between the strength beneath his skin and the tenderness he’d shown me. I stretched out on top of him, snuggling close as he wrapped both arms around me and held me tight.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Clay

A contented sighescaped me as I shifted slightly, pulling Elise closer. The sheets were wrapped around us, our bodies still warm and damp. A sense of peace, of deep fulfillment, settled over me, unlike anything I'd ever experienced. I’d always prided myself on my control, my ability to compartmentalize, but being with Elise… she made me forget about everything but the two of us.

I opened my eyes, my gaze drawn to the bright sunlight streaming through the sliding glass door. It sparkled off the surface of the pool, beckoning us back into its cool embrace. But to hell with that—I was too comfortable.

“I hope you realize how much I appreciate you,” I breathed against her neck. “At work, you’ve always been there when I needed you. And now you’re so much more.”

“I thinkwe’reso much more. With more to come.”