Twenty-Four

 

Clay parked his bike at The Chateau and took a deep breath, preparing himself for the day ahead. It was Friday, and he was exhausted from the busy week—even with having taken Monday off.

Charlotte had had him and Dakota running around like crazy all week. She was finally concerned about the wedding—obsessed, actually. She'd even called him at two o'clock in the morning, asking something about caviar. Clay still didn't know the answer.

It was only a matter of weeks until Charlotte's wedding day, yet thinking ahead to the day felt like looking light years into the future. He'd really wanted to take Dakota out tonight, but with as tired as he was, Clay wasn't sure he could stay awake until closing time, much less any later.

He went inside, and everyone was bustling around.

Aria stopped. "Will you be able to help with either of the weddings tomorrow?"

Clay held in a groan. All he wanted to do was sleep. "I'll have to talk to Dakota. All my attention is on Charlotte Pemberley right now."

His phone rang, as if to prove his point. He pulled it out, and sure enough, it was a video call from the famous bride-to-be.

Aria waved him off and walked away, muttering something about needing an assistant of her own.

He found an empty meeting room and took the call, forcing a smile. "Hi, Charlotte."

"Did you figure out the caviar situation yet?" Her eyes were bloodshot and she wore no makeup.

"I literally just got to The Chateau. The first thing on my to-do list is to find out about that."

"And you'll call me as soon as you know?"

"The moment I know, you'll know. Anything else?"

Charlotte pursed her lips. "I'll let you know if anything comes up."

"My phone is glued to me—just for you."

Relief covered her face. "Thanks, Clayton. Call me."

"I will."

The call ended.

He stared at the phone for a moment before turning off the screen and putting it back into his pocket. Every muscle ached and his eyes were trying to close.

Why hadn't he stopped off for coffee? Maybe after talking caviar with Dakota, he could run out and grab one for both of them.

Clay went to her office. She was so busy typing, she didn't notice him entering.

He cleared his throat.

She glanced up. Her hair was wild and her makeup was smudged. Come to think of it, she was wearing the same turquoise shirt she'd worn the day before. "Sorry, I didn't hear you come in."

"Did you stay here all night?"

"I slept on the loveseat for a few hours." She yawned.

"And I thought I was tired. Why don't I take you for some coffee and breakfast? We can discuss Charlotte's wedding."

Dakota rubbed her eyes. "That sounds like a good plan. Just let me save everything to the cloud so I can bring it up on my phone."

"Sure." He walked around the office, picking up crumpled papers and other things out of place.

"All set," Dakota said. "Did Charlotte call you about the caviar?"

"At two in the morning. Hope you don't mind if I put my phone on silent when I sleep from here on out."

"You should." She slid on her coat and grabbed her purse. "You need your sleep."

"So do you." He held her gaze, longing to wrap her in his embrace. But it was business hours, and he always got the feeling from her that affection was off-limits then. Unfortunately, that had been the only time he'd seen her all week.

She smiled weakly. "Thanks. I will tonight—neither of us are touching either of tomorrow's weddings. After how many hours we've put in this week, we deserve the weekend off. If you need to discuss the wedding, you can, though."

He took a couple steps closer and cupped her chin in his palm, staring into her eyes. "I'd rather go for a ride and tell you how beautiful you are."

Pink entered her cheeks. Clay loved how easy she was to embarrass. Not that he would ever be relentless with her, but it was a trait he didn't often see, and it made her all the more desirable. Oh, how he wanted to just brush his lips against hers.

"Are you ready for that coffee?" he whispered.

She nodded. "Thanks, Clay. I really appreciate that."

"Someone has to take care of you, if you aren't going to do it yourself." He stepped back before he found himself kissing her. That could wait for the weekend. He imagined stopping in a little hidden place in some woods for a picnic lunch.

More color entered her cheeks. "I'll meet you in the parking lot. I just need to freshen up."

"You couldn't be more perfect."

She held his gaze for a moment, before turning around and leaving the office.

Clay smiled. It was amazing how much his life had changed since he first walked into The Chateau. It had been the best decision of his life. Dakota had showed him how great someone could make him feel—he'd forgotten after so many years just existing in a relationship—but she'd given him the courage to break up with Lauryn. Not only that, but to happily sell the engagement ring that had been languishing in his drawer.

Footsteps and conversation out in the hallway brought him back to the present. He hurried to the door, accidentally knocking some papers from the desk. Clay picked up the papers that had spread across the floor.

He froze when he picked up a white sheet with a sketched image of his face. Dakota had drawn a picture of him? His heart fluttered as he took it in. It was actually really good—she had some talent. He couldn't believe she'd taken the time to draw that.

Clay was tempted to snap a picture, but he hadn't been meant to see the sketch. If she wanted him to see it, she'd show it to him. He straightened the stack, making sure to stick the drawing in the middle, and then set it on the desk where he thought the pile had been.

He rushed outside, hoping Dakota hadn't beat him outside. She was nowhere in sight. Clay sighed in relief.

Marina followed him out onto the sidewalk. "Can you help with the—?"

"No, sorry. Dakota and I are heading out to work on Charlotte's wedding." Well, sort of. He was sure they would probably discuss it at some point.

"Would you tell her the refrigeration unit at the florist died last night, and the majority of the flowers are ruined. Well, they're not in good enough shape for a wedding." Marina frowned and sighed. "This weekend is going to be as bad as the last one was."

"With that attitude it will be." Clay paused and shook his head, embarrassed. "I think my dad just came out of my mouth."

"That's when you know you're getting old," Marina teased and then chuckled. "Thanks for the laugh, anyway." She went back inside.

Clay went over to the bike, took out the helmets, and put his on. He wiped some dirt from the front tire while he waited for Dakota.

She came out a few minutes later, with her hair brushed and makeup fixed. "I can't believe you saw me looking like that. I'm horrified."

He brushed his hair from his eyes and stood up, smiling. "You looked great to me."

Dakota grabbed the other helmet. "I could use some coffee."

Clay climbed on and started the bike. She got on behind him and wrapped her arms around him. He drove to a cozy diner not far away. It was filled with people eating breakfast, most of whom appeared as bleary-eyed as he felt.

"Counter or booth?" Clay asked Dakota.

She yawned again. "Booth, please."

They found a quiet one in a back corner and settled in. Clay studied her as she read the menu. He wanted to ask about her artistic skills, but couldn't without admitting he'd seen her sketch—and she surely didn't want him seeing it.

Dakota glanced up and caught him staring.

Clay smiled. "Do you know what you want?"

"I think I'm just going to go with an omelette. You?"

"Bacon and scrambled eggs. Guess we're both in the mood for simple. Mind ordering for me? I need to use the little boys' room."

She cracked a smile. "Sure. How do you want your coffee?"

"Today, black."

"That makes two of us." She stretched.

Clay went to the bathroom. When he came back, Dakota's head was resting on her arms on the table. He walked over to her side of the booth. "Dakota?" he whispered.

She didn't budge.

"Dakota?" he asked a little louder.

Nothing.

Clay slid off his jacket, put it around her shoulders, and sat back in his spot. He glanced out the window and then pulled out his phone and logged into his social media profile. There were a bunch of posts asking if he had broken up with Lauryn. Clay was bad about checking in regularly, whereas Lauryn never seemed to pull herself away. Sure enough, when he looked at her profile he saw that she had changed her status to "single" the very day they broke up.

After a few minutes he'd responded to all the posts, confirming the news, and had also updated his own status. Before he could even close the app he had several messages from female friends. He sighed and shook his head, not even bothering to open them. Hopefully, soon enough he'd be able to once again have "in a relationship" in his profile.

Clay closed the app and saw he had new email messages. One was from his mom asking why he hadn't told them he'd broken up with Lauryn.

"Sometimes I hate social media," he grumbled and sent his mom a quick update on his life.

A thirty-something waitress with her hair pulled into a ponytail arrived with their coffees. She tilted her head toward Dakota. "Want me to wake her?"

He shook his head. "Let her sleep. She needs it."

"Okay. You want anything in your coffee?"

"Nah, I'm good. Thanks."

"A-okay. Your food is almost ready. Oh, and by the way, you two are adorable together."

Clay grinned widely, unable to stop.

The waitress winked and walked over to another booth.

He sipped his scalding-hot coffee and brought his attention back to Dakota. She was even gorgeous when she slept. He couldn't keep himself across the table from her any longer. He set his coffee down and scooted next to her, practically sitting on the edge of the seat.

She stirred, but didn't wake.

Clay leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Good morning."

Dakota bolted upright. "Oh, I'm so embarrassed."

He put his arm around her. "You have no reason to be. You're just tired. Have some coffee." He nudged the little white cup closer to her.

She reached for it and the jacket slid off one shoulder. Dakota looked back and forth between him and the coat and pulled it up. "You didn't have to."

He shrugged. "You seemed cold, and I like the way it looks on you."

Dakota smiled. "Thanks. I like it, too."

They held each other's gazes for a moment before the waitress came by with the food. Dakota scooted over, giving him room to sit comfortably.

The waitress gave them each their plate and slid Clay's coffee over to him. "Can I get you two anything else?"

Clay glanced over at Dakota. "I've got all I want."

"Me, too," Dakota said.