Page 6 of Clock Strikes Paradise

Unfortunately, the CFO woke up as soon as we began our descent. But that couldn’t dampen my anticipation. When the plane touched down in Key West, I craned my face to look out the window, excited to face the undoubtedly challenging days ahead. As the exterior door opened, warm, humid air entered and caressed my skin, signaling we had left icy New York far behind.

But what lay ahead?

Chapter Three

Clay

As I shutmy briefcase and prepared to leave the jet, I glanced at Elise and Bart. Excitement was written on their faces as they craned their heads to look out the window. I was a little envious of their enthusiasm.

“The water is so many shades of blue!” Elise said as we climbed into the limousine she had arranged. Her dark-blue eyes sparkled, complementing the water behind her.

“Definitely not the Hudson River,” I replied. My stomach tightened as our gazes met, which had never happened. I hardly ever spared her a second glance, and now I frowned.

Fortunately, distraction arrived in the form of an email on my phone. In addition to the Podium sale, my other major project at the moment was the acquisition of an electric vehicle technology company. I tapped out a quick reply, pleased the GreenDrive venture was progressing.

The forty-five-minute drive flew by, punctuated by longstretches of highway soaring over nothing but ocean. Soon we found ourselves atop a gentle hill on the northern end of Calypso Key. The view was breathtaking. The Key’s namesake resort sprawled below us, hugged by the turquoise ocean that stretched out endlessly to the south. A wave of nostalgia washed over me, childhood memories flooding back as I took in the sight before me.

“Excellent,” I murmured, inspecting the buildings as we neared the lobby and finding my adult standards met. Twinkling holiday lights, dim in the daylight, were strung under the eaves and more were wrapped around the trunks of nearby trees. “Nate told me they really stepped up their game, but seeing it in person is rather gratifying.”

As our limo pulled to a stop in front of the one-story lobby building, my door was opened. After I exited, a thirtyish man shook my hand. He was about my height and wore a blue staff button-down shirt. His light-brown hair was short and neat.

“Welcome to Calypso Key Resort.” He smiled warmly and shook our hands in turn before settling his gaze on me. “We’re very pleased to see you back, Mr. Harmon. I’m Evan Markham, the general manager. I’ll be your point of contact during your stay, and available for whatever you might need.”

“Thank you. We appreciate it,” I replied. Despite my preoccupations, I was gratified the manager himself was meeting us.

“Let’s get you all settled in,” Evan suggested, leading us farther into the resort. “We’ll bypass the lobby, and I’ll check you in directly.”

As we walked, Evan favored his right leg slightly. “We recently underwent a major renovation,” he explained, hisblue eyes warm and friendly. “The resort is much more modern and luxurious than you might remember from your childhood, Mr. Harmon.”

“I can see that,” I said, glancing around. Everything was new—clean lines and natural wood accents blended seamlessly with the tropical setting. “It’s quite impressive. Tropical and yet modern.”

Evan smiled. “Thank you. Guest satisfaction is our top priority, and I want to assure you we will do everything possible to make your stay and the New Year’s Eve gala a complete success.” He tipped his head to Elise. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

“Likewise! I feel like we’re old friends after all our correspondence. Thank you for being so accommodating to my pestering these past few weeks.” Elise laughed and her nose wrinkled, something else I’d never noticed before.

Why the hell am I thinking about her face?

The general manager grinned. “It was hardly pestering. I think we have everyone’s requirements noted.” He turned to me and inclined his head. “Elise has been a great help with planning.”

Bart held his hand out to Evan, and they shook. “I’m the guy who makes sure the final bill gets paid,” Bart added, and I had to work to keep from wincing.

“Uh, pretty sure that’s Clay,” Elise murmured. I couldn’t help the small smile that rose on my face as our eyes held for a moment.

We arrived at a row of beachfront cottages standing above a long stretch of white powder. A light, warm breeze carried the scent of the ocean and rustled the palm fronds above.

“Here we are,” Evan said, coming to a stop. “Yours is onthe end, Mr. Harmon. We’ve put you in a two-bedroom unit with a private pool. I should also mention that Ms. Rhodes and Mr. Dubois are in cottages farther down the beach.” He gestured down the row of similar beachfront accommodations before turning back. “Ms. Briggs, Mr. Mayhew, your cottages are next door to Mr. Harmon’s. Both are identical, with lovely views of the ocean.”

Evan’s eyes met mine briefly and he gave me a slight nod, confirming he’d come through regarding the request I’d made this morning before leaving New York. After our Christmas staff meeting, it had occurred to me that Elise hadn’t planned on accompanying us on the trip. An unexpected hint of chagrin filled me. So while I was reading the paper on the jet, I’d phoned Evan personally and he assured me Elise had already called and was booked into a garden cottage. I asked if she could be upgraded, and obviously, Evan had made it happen. I nodded back.

He swept his gaze over the three of us. “Would you like me to show you each the features of your rooms?”

Bart looked like he was gearing up to accept, so I shook my head before he could make himself any more of an ass. “No, thank you. I’m sure we’ll be quite comfortable.” I was already envisioning an evening swim as the sun set over the water.

“Very well, Mr. Harmon.” Evan nodded, handing each of us a keycard. “As per your request, I’ve arranged a private scuba diving trip for you three tomorrow morning. April will be your personal divemaster.”

“I can’t wait!” Elise’s eyes lit up with excitement as she glanced at me. Their deep-blue color reminded me of a velvet twilight sky.Which was another weird thought. I focused on her words as she continued. “I only gotcertified a month ago. I can’t wait to explore the underwater world here.”

Bart chimed in, somewhat defensively, “I’ve been certified for years. Haven’t dived in a while, though. I’m sure it’s like riding a bike.”