Page 4 of Clock Strikes Paradise

I gave her a deadpan look, but my stomach skittered around my abdomen. His suits always fit his broad shoulders perfectly, so I could just imagine what lay underneath them.

She let the subject drop and instead sent me a sly smile. “So I guess you’re not so mad at me anymore for dragging you to those scuba classes to be my buddy, huh?”

I paused with a pair of leggings in my hand, considering. “You’re right. I might not have been terribly enthusiastic at the time, but I’m glad to be certified now. So thank you.” I gave her a slight bow then placed the leggings in my luggage. Two months ago, she’d begged me to take scuba lessons with her, and I’d finally relented, juggling the several-week course with all my other obligations. But I had to admit that now I was looking forward to diving in warm, clear water. Our checkout had been in a cold, murky quarry.

“You’re very welcome. Are you going to raid the Clay Harmon black card and stock up on designer clothes?” Rachel asked with another grin. “You know, take advantage of the billionaire budget?”

I snorted and shook my head as I added a sundress, perfect for the tropical climate. “I’d be the last person he’d ever offer it to, even if I was interested. Which I’m not. I’m there to work, remember? Not to play dress-up.”

“Fine, fine.” she held her hand up in mock surrender. “Elise Briggs, the ever-efficient executive assistant. You'll be back in those sensible suits before we know it.”

I gave her a pointed look. “Exactly. He’s depending on me to ensure everything proceeds without a hitch.”

She gave me the look right back, not buying it. “He is kind of an ass, though. To just casually mention he expects you to tag along at the last minute. Plus making you work on Christmas! I guess he’s not known for his sensitivity, though, is he?”

“No, he’s not.”

Her eyes became round. “Do you think he wants to have a fling with you? Is that why he invited you?”

A laugh tumbled out of my mouth as I tossed in a pair of shorts. “I don’t think he has flings with anyone. He’s too serious. And the man doesn’t even view me as a human. Romance is the last thing on his mind.”

“That’s his loss, isn’t it? You deserve someone who appreciates you.” Rachel patted the side of the doorjamb. “Now finish up so we can have a glass of wine before you leave.”

With renewed determination, I completed my packing and zipped up my suitcase. Despite my concerns about Bart, I couldn’t deny the surge of excitement rising inside me for the trip. This was my chance to not only enjoy the beautiful tropical location but also to prove to Clay that I was more than just his invisible subordinate.

There, I was getting used to the first name!

I was very good at what Idid, but I wanted to be more than an executive assistant. And Clay Harmon’s empire could provide endless opportunities.

As I prepared for bed, I set my suitcase by the door next to the banker’s boxes. All was ready for tomorrow. My thoughts returned to Clay. He was magnetic, incredibly handsome, and terrifyingly intelligent. But he was also my boss, and not to mention way, way out of my league.

I’d arranged countless dinner dates and weekend trips for him with various women over the years, but none of those relationships lasted. I was never clear whether it was because of Clay’s workaholic tendencies or something else entirely.

“Life isn’t a fairy tale,” I muttered to myself, acknowledging the truth that billionaire CEOs don’t fall for their assistants in real life. It might make for a thrilling romance novel, but reality was much less glamorous. I needed to stay focused on my job and the opportunity this trip presented.

Tomorrow would be a new day, a new adventure. I vowed to keep a professional distance from my billionaire boss, no matter how blue those eyes were, or the power he exuded from every pore.

I woke before my alarm,too excited to sleep any longer. The thought of traveling on Clay’s private jet added to the thrill. My two business trips with him had been in the city, and we’d traveled by car.

“This is going to be so different,” I told myself as I stretched in bed, welcoming the day ahead.

After a shower, I set to work curling my hair and applying minimal makeup. I stared at my reflection, satisfied that I looked both professional and put together.Next, I dressed in a soft blue business suit and black pumps, figuring this was a business trip after all and wanting to present the proper image.

As if on cue, the buzzer sounded, announcing the arrival of the company driver. After wriggling my fingers to dispel the nerves, I wrangled my suitcase and the banker’s boxes, neatly stacked them onto a handcart, and made my way down the elevator. The weight of the boxes felt symbolic of the responsibility I carried, both professionally and personally.

“Morning, Elise,” the driver greeted me with a friendly smile as he opened the door to the car. “Ready for your trip?”

“Good morning, Fred. And yes, I’m more than ready,” I replied, trying to sound confident despite the butterflies in my stomach.

“Great,” Fred said cheerfully as he helped me load my luggage into the trunk. “Let’s get you to Teterboro.”

As we pulled away from my building, I exhaled through my nose, then looked for a distraction from my nerves. I’d never been to a private airport before. We exchanged Christmas pleasantries while he navigated the morning traffic, and I asked after his wife and son.

“They’re doing great, thank you. My son just started soccer last week, and Tracy is busy with her book club.” He nodded in the rearview mirror. “You always remember the little things.”

I smiled fondly at him. Fred had worked for Podium for years and drove me whenever I needed to go somewhere for business. Clay might be an aloof figure himself, but he was a stickler for making sure his employees enjoyed a good working environment. Bart Mayhew was one of the few people I didn’t care for.

Before I knew it, we’d arrived at Teterboro Airport. Anticipation filled me as Fred pulled up alongside a sleek white jet. This private airport was a world away from the bustling commercial terminals I was used to, and I didn’t even need to clear security. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my pounding heart.