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I furrow my brows as he says the last part. Yet I remain silent. I get the impression this man isn’t as bad as Clayton paints him to be.
“I hope you get the opportunity soon,” I say, not knowing what else to say.
“Give Clay a chance to figure out what he needs, Sid. When he does, he’ll surprise you. He’s guarded because of his past. I regret how I handled some things, but I’ll always do what’s necessary to keep my boys safe and protected.”
I’m not sure what to say. I might be falling for Clay, but I’m not expecting him to return the feelings. However, I don’t want to crush the hope I see in this man’s eyes. It’s bad enough the wedding isn’t going to happen once Clay figures out how to outsmart his father.
I look into the old man’s eyes, and I wonder who will outsmart who in the end. I might be rooting for Clayton, but I don’t think he should underestimate his father. He’s still holding cards.
“Sidney, I think you’re just what I was looking for,” he says and winks at me.
Yup, Clayton better watch this one. He’s definitely up to something.
Chapter 25
Jealous Past
Sidney
Ahem, remind me never to question Clayton again in my life. The man has put it on me every single day and night since that evening in the restaurant when he cleared it out. I still tingle and shiver whenever I think of that night.
The man has talent. Sex appeal isn’t just something that oozes off him, he delivers on that pulsing promise every single time. I can’t look at him without having a ton of dirty thoughts.
I’m not a small girl, but Clayton will flip me and toss my ass around in a heartbeat. He has left me breathless on several occasions. I swear, at this point, some days I have to check my ID just to remember my own name.
I’ve been so distracted by Clayton’s sexual prowess I’ve hardly noticed the time fly by. It’s been three months since I moved in with him and two months since we’ve taken a simple arrangement into not so simple territory.
As much as I try to ignore it, something has changed for me. It’s more than a sexual attraction, which scares the shit out of me. Clayton is complicated. He’s revealed so much of himself, but so much more is hidden behind those gray eyes.
I’m not sure I’m ready to deal with that type of complicated. I still need to get back to my own life. When this is over and Clayton has solved all our problems, then where does that leave me?
I knew coming into this not to be stupid enough to fall for him, but my heart had plans of her own. Sometimes, I tell myself I should have said no that night in the restaurant. Yet, I know what’s happening to me started well before we slept together.
“Sid,” he calls.
I hear him moving in the hallway. I’ve been in his home office editing this morning. I needed to focus and get some work done. I just got back the revisions from my editor. I feel like I’m under so much pressure.
I roll my eyes at the interruption. I’m finally making some headway through the tons of notes and red marks. My eyes feel about ready to cross. I can’t believe I’m so close to having this done.
“Sid,” Clayton calls again, stepping into the office this time. “Baby, do you see what time it is? Ashley is waiting for you.”
I look at the clock on the laptop and groan. It’s after five in the evening. I hadn’t noticed I’d been sitting here all day. I thought it was only lunchtime. No wonder I’m suddenly starving.
Clayton comes over, cupping my chin to lift my face to his. He seizes my lips in a devastating kiss that dazes me for a moment. When I blink the haze away, his eyes are twinkling down at me.
“I lost track of time.” I manage to respond after a few beats.
He plucks me from the desk chair, pulling me between his long legs while he leans back against the desk. His big arms go around me and I notice—not for the first time—how safe and at home I feel in his embrace. I place my arms around his neck automatically. It’s so natural, I don’t even think about it before I do it.
“I’ve wanted to give you something for a long time,” he dips his head to say against my lips.
“I don’t think we have time for that. What time do we have to leave for the gala?”
He gives a hearty laugh. “There is always time for that. However, that isn’t what I’m talking about.” He pecks my lips while reaching into his pocket.
When he holds the box up between us, I look at him, perplexed. I know he can’t possibly be replacing my engagement ring. I’ve asked him repeatedly to stop buying me expensive gifts.
