Divine Phoenix [Divine Creek Ranch 10] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Heather Rainier

“So, we’re on for tomorrow?” she asked with a twinkle of excitement in her eyes. He chuckled because he knew that she was going a little stir crazy staying at home. She was anxious to go to work in the shop with him.

  “Yes.”

  “I’m so excited!” She bit into her cone and then grinned at him when he took a sip from his very thick chocolate shake. “And you’re going to teach me everything I need to know to keep my boss happy, right?”

  Clay bit down on his lip. She’s killin’ me here!

  Chapter Eight

  Lily woke the next morning filled with excitement. She grabbed the clothing she’d laid out the night before, the only decent attire she had that was appropriate for the shop, and headed down the hall to the bathroom.

  The Kelly Clarkson song was still playing in her head, and she hummed to herself as she looked forward to her first workday and the small shopping trip she had planned afterward. Clay was letting her go a couple of hours early so she could walk down to Stigall’s, located in the same shopping center, and do some much-needed clothes shopping while he finished and closed up the store.

  Lily wiggled her tush as she sang, “You don’t know a thing about me,” and pushed open the bathroom door with her shoulder. “You don’t know a thing—Aaahhh!” she screamed loudly.

  Clay stood naked in the open shower, steam clouding around him as he toweled off his head. He jumped when she screamed, his feet slid out from under him in the slick bathtub, and he went down like a ton of bricks, the towel still draped on his head.

  Lily slapped her hands over her eyes, dropping her clothing on the floor. “Oh, my gosh, Clay. I’m so, so sorry! I was singing and I didn’t realize you were in here. Oh, I’m an idiot!”

  * * * *

  Clay’s ass throbbed like a son of a bitch, but he couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped as he watched Lily fumble around. She’d dropped her clothes, which were now probably wet from the steam-dampened floor. Her hands were clamped over her eyes, and she stepped on the clothes as she bumped into the bathroom wall, then the doorframe, feeling around for the exit with her elbows.

  “Clay, I’m so sorry. That was dumb. I should’ve knocked.”

  He clambered back to his feet and wrapped the towel around his hips as he got a look at her long, shapely legs under her sleeping T-shirt. If she spent time in the sun, she’d be a deep bronze in no time. He squelched the thought of spreading tanning oil up and down those satiny thighs as his cock tingled and took notice of the direction his mind was going in. Down, boy. He stepped out of the tub and reached out to steady her before she bumped into anything else.

  “It’s okay, Lily. I was nearly done.” Her cheeks were flushed dark pink, and he could feel the heat in them as he peeled back her hands. Her eyes were slammed shut, too. “You can open your eyes. I’m not naked anymore.”

  She opened them, and her gaze slid as far as his chest before her cheeks went even darker, and she kept her eyes on his face.

  Skittish little thing.

  “I promise, I’ll be more careful next time.”

  Her words were so sincere, and he smiled as he looked at her lovely eyes up close. They were brown, but all the gold striations made them appear much lighter. “I’ve always loved your eyes. They’re beautiful.”

  Lily’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, and she licked her full lower lip, so that it glistened. His cock reacted to the sight and he just barely held himself back from kissing her right then and there.

  She pulled back and started to say something, but nothing came out at first. He felt suspended in the moment as she gazed at his mouth for a few seconds before seeming to come to herself. “Um.”

  Clay released her and said, “Sorry. That was probably not appropriate. I know it’s hard for you.”

  “I’m just not used to that.”

  “What?”

  “Compliments.”

  Clay gritted his teeth to restrain the territorial surge of anger he felt toward her ex-husband. He wanted to beat the shit out of the bastard for the way King had beaten down his fiery, spirited Lily until a compliment felt foreign to her. Showing Lily that anger would only frighten her.

  He knelt down and suppressed a groan as his hard-on made its presence known. He gathered her clothing and gently handed it to her. “Sorry about your clothes. If they’re ruined you can wear whatever you can manage today.”

  Lily acted as though she hadn’t heard him while her gaze traveled the length of him from his chest, down his abs, to his towel-covered groin area. She must’ve seen his erection because her gaze immediately returned to his. And, yes, it was possible for her cheeks to turn even pinker.

  “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you, Lil. I’ll let you get ready.” He left the bathroom without further comment. He looked down at his horny, thickening cock tenting his towel expectantly. What?

  Twenty minutes later, she joined him in the kitchen, looking none the worse for wear. She’d salvaged her outfit and looked more than presentable in her black skirt, tan blouse, and black flats. He fantasized for a few seconds about how she’d look in black high heels.

  “Does this look all right for my first day?” she asked as she turned for him. He still couldn’t understand why she seemed so concerned about her weight. Out of her loose-fitting jeans and dressed up a bit, her curves were more noticeable, and he liked them a lot. “I guess I’ve gained weight since I bought this outfit. It fits a little snug in places.”

  “No, it fits you perfectly. And it’s very appropriate for the shop.” He placed a plate with scrambled eggs, buttered toast, and bacon in front of her as she seated herself at the bar. He put a second plate beside hers and joined her.

  As she scooped up her first bite, she asked, “So what is on the agenda today?”

  “You’ll learn your way around the showroom with Tabitha. She’ll teach you the register and how things work with the jewelry cases, the policies and whatnot.” He gave her a brief rundown of what to expect.

  “Does she act like she’s ready for me?”

  “It doesn’t matter. We’re on the verge of our busiest season and I have several pieces to finish. She’s proud and doesn’t think she needs the help. But she’s had nearly a week to get used to the idea. One thing…”

  “Yes?” she asked as she put her fork on the plate and took it to the sink to rinse.

  He wanted to arm her for dealing with Tabitha, but he didn’t want her to have the sense that her relationship with her coworker was going to be oppositional. They might do just fine together. Lily raised her eyebrows and started to look worried.

  “She can be touchy sometimes. I usually hire temporary workers to help during the busy season but you’re permanently on the schedule. She may feel threatened.” Shit, I shouldn’t have said anything. Now Lily is going to worry. “She’s a nice person, don’t get me wrong. She just has…opinions.”

  Lily reached across the bar, put her hand on his, and said, “Clay, I’ve worked with difficult people before. I can get along with anybody. I won’t make any waves or respond to any remarks. Does she know that I’m living here while the house is being worked on?”

  Clay nodded. “She heard me talking with Jack in the store. I’d rather she didn’t because she’ll have an opinion about it but it doesn’t really matter. She’s not my mother or my girlfriend.”

  Lily smirked, showing a little bit of her former spirit. “That fact evidently didn’t stop her from peeing on your leg, though.”

  Clay burst into laughter with Lily and thought that maybe her first day would be okay after all. He appreciated that she approached the situation with a sense of humor. The hint of her old self-confidence was good to see, too.

  * * * *

  So far, so good. Lily listened as Tabitha explained how the credit card machine worked. She didn’t bother telling her she already knew how to use one because Tabitha was obviously tense in the role of teacher and Lily didn’t want to come off as a know-it-all. She tried to keep Tabitha’s perspecti
ve in mind and knew she might feel a little insecure, too.

  When they’d arrived earlier that morning, Tabitha had given her the once-over and then looked back and forth from Clay to Lily as if she were trying to determine their relationship status. Lily ignored the look and followed Clay in the back door.

  Clay’s shop was comfortable, with a laid-back atmosphere, and Lily knew she’d enjoy working there, feeling as though she already fit in. Whenever Clay checked on her, he’d seemed pleased by her presence in the shop. She’d already made two sales with a little assistance from Tabitha, who had seemed to approve of her efforts, if a little grudgingly.

  Tabitha turned to her and said, “I’m going to take a break and get a cup of coffee while it’s quiet. Study the gemstone manual I left out for you and wait on any customers that come in. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

  Lily nodded, and Tabitha pulled her phone from her pocket as she stepped through the doors that led to the workroom and the back rooms. Lily scanned through the guide which detailed the basics of gemstones and setting styles and had a tutorial on diamond grading. Clay had already given her a copy of it at home for her to study, and she’d consumed it in a night. Clay had seemed surprised, and the subject of her continuing her college education online had come up. The following week she planned to contact the community college she’d attended to see if the credits she’d already earned toward her degree could be transferred.

  The doorbell jingled, signaling the arrival of new customers. She felt in her element, which was odd because she’d never worked in the jewelry industry before, but talking with the customers and helping them find what they needed was fun. She felt productive as she handled the sales and didn’t need to bother Tabitha for help.

  Closer to lunch, Clay made an appearance as Tabitha showed her how the security system and panic alert worked. His wide shoulders filled the doorway as he came through, rubbing the back of his neck. His biceps rippled with the movement and she had to press her lips together to stifle her appreciative smile. He was so handsome in his blue jeans, plain black T-shirt, and cowboy boots. The heavy gold chain circling his throat accentuated his tanned, masculine physique.

  The memory of her brief glimpse of his nudity that morning flashed through her mind. He was built like a Greek god, all long, lean muscles with a light covering of sandy-blond hair. The water had darkened the patches of hair and left a trail that led down his chest to the ample cock at the juncture of his thighs. He’d been toweling his hair dry, which had caused his thick biceps to flex, revealing the sexy wisps at his armpits. There wasn’t an unsexy thing about him.

  Looking at him standing in the workroom doorway, so sexy and comfortable in his own skin, parts of her body fluttered and heated that she’d thought were dead, or encased in ice. She bit her lip to keep from licking it and sensed Tabitha’s stare.

  Lily had stayed out front with Tabitha all morning and hadn’t bothered Clay with any questions because she’d recalled that he had several pieces that had to be finished soon. She imagined being the sole craftsman for an entire store would put a lot of pressure on him whenever the busy season loomed so close.

  Her gaze shifted to his face and heat bloomed in her cheeks when she discovered him giving her a similar all-over perusal as he walked into the showroom. Finally meeting her eyes, he gave her a warm smile and leaned against the showcase they were standing next to.

  “How are you doing, Lily?” At her reassuring nod he continued, “Tabitha, after you’re finished, we’re going to lunch. We’ll be back in time for you to take yours.”

  Lily had been so excited about her first day of work, packing a lunch hadn’t occurred to her. Clay didn’t appear all that put out about it. JT would’ve told her to go hungry just for spite.

  Tabitha’s eyebrows shot up, and Lily felt the chill in the room. If Tabitha had been a cat, her ears would’ve flattened against her head. Clay seemed to ignore the reaction.

  As he turned back to the workroom he said, “After lunch, I’d like to show her the website and the online orders.”

  “Sure, Clay.”

  Lily’s cheeks heated as she glimpsed him walking through the doors. His butt was just as gorgeous as the rest of him. She was trying to not be obvious, but the way Tabitha’s lips were pursed told her she hadn’t been convincing.

  “So you own a house in Divine?”

  “Yes. My parents’ house. I was born in Divine.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Yes,” she explained, giving Tabitha a few sparse details to satisfy her curiosity.

  “Well, I have to say…it seems very odd that you landed this job with the circumstances being what they are. Your living arrangements also seem a little…odd. Did you know each other before you moved away?”

  Had Clay told her? Lily didn’t like being put on the spot but didn’t want to share more than Clay was comfortable with. The fact that they’d been young at the time made it seem like a safe topic, so she nodded. “Yes. I was best friends with him and his brother, Del.”

  Tabitha’s brows rose. “You know Del?” At Lily’s nod, Tabitha added, “I’ve never met him. He’s been out of the country for several years.”

  Lily nodded but didn’t say anything else. Clay had already told her what he knew and she felt no need to share it with Tabitha.

  “So, you work in the shop and you’re living with him,” Tabitha stated, sounding like she wanted to add, in a Dr. Phil voice, “How’s that workin’ for ya?” Lily resisted the urge to say anything and simply nodded. “You do know about his employer-employee relations policy, right?”

  “No. What is it?”

  “It’s pretty simple, really. Clay has a no-fraternization rule. I just thought you should be aware of it. Clay is very disciplined about it and keeps work relationships and personal relationships separate. He feels very strongly about it.” Judging by the look on Tabitha’s face she’d been more than happy to supply that information.

  Lily’s chest clenched. She thought she’d better be more guarded when she was around Tabitha and Clay. She really needed this job and couldn’t afford to alienate her coworker. “That won’t be a problem, Tabitha. I’m not in the market for a relationship with either Clay or…” Lily felt humor well inside her at Tabitha’s clueless look.

  “Or?”

  Lily smiled and shrugged. “Clay and I are just friends, so that’s not an issue, and I’m not attracted to girls. That’s all.”

  Lily thought she came from a small, backward town, but the look on Tabitha’s face was enough to curdle milk. “I—uh. I—um. No. That’s not what I meant.” Her lips flapped open and closed a couple of times. “I don’t—Oh, never mind! I just wanted you to know about it so you don’t get your hopes up. He doesn’t date employees. Period. So—we’re done here. I have work to do. You go ahead,” she said, shooing Lily toward the workroom doors.

  Lily nearly drew blood as she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. She hadn’t meant to flabbergast Tabitha, not really. Well, maybe just a little.

  “What was that about?” Clay gestured at the security monitor mounted above his workbench. Lily glanced at the screen and saw Tabitha talking into her phone in an obviously agitated state.

  Lily didn’t feel quite so amused now. She shouldn’t have said anything because it was plain that Tabitha was in a tizzy. Still, it was a little bit funny. “Tabitha was explaining your ‘No Dating’ policy to me. I told to her that you and I are friends and I’m not a lesbian, so she has nothing to—What?”

  Clay’s face looked a little flushed as he removed his canvas work apron and smiled at her. “Let’s go before she hears me busting a gut.”

  “Okay.” She grabbed her purse and followed him out the back door. “Was that the wrong thing to say? I could tell she’s put out by me living with you and landing a job working for you. She brought up the subject.” Lily climbed in with minimal help from Clay before he went around and opened the driver door. “She took enjoyme
nt from sharing it with me and I just couldn’t help but point out the obvious. You and I are friends and I like boys so she’s safe. I thought she would take it with a sense of humor.” It wasn’t a lie to say they were just friends, no matter how much the idea of being more might be appealing to her.

  Clay’s laughter filled the truck and eased any worry she’d had about doing the wrong thing. She’d meant to be funny and to let Tabitha know she didn’t take everything so seriously.

  “Lil, I think Tabitha had her sense of humor surgically removed years ago.”

  “Who do you think she was talking to?”

  “Probably one of her friends. She mentioned that someone was picking her up for lunch. Let’s grab something at Rudy’s.”

  “That sounds fantastic. I’ve been looking forward to going there.”

  The meal was eaten in companionable silence as Lily mulled over Tabitha’s words. She knew Tabitha had said it to warn her off of Clay, and she wasn’t surprised. The woman might not have a claim to Clay, but she definitely saw him as hers.

  “You sure are thinking hard,” Clay said as he munched on his pickle.

  Lily smiled at him and remembered the way Tabitha had pursed her lips, like it was a habit. The bitter set to her mouth ruined any appeal she might have. If the woman wasn’t so tightly wound, clutching her cardigan across her chest, she might actually be attractive.

  “How long have you known Tabitha?”

  “She applied for a job eight years ago when I opened the shop, and she’s been working for me ever since.”

  Lily nodded. “That explains it.”

  Clay paused in mid-bite on his sandwich. “Explains what?”

  Lily watched as he parted his sensual lips again to take the bite. Her mind wandered to how it would feel to have his mouth other places, and the spot between her thighs warmed and tingled. Realizing he’d stopped chewing, she looked up into his eyes and chuckled when he grunted a querying sound.

  What were we talking about? “Sorry. Tabitha feels territorial over you because she’s been with you since day one. By informing me about the policy, she made it pretty clear to me that if she can’t have you, I can’t either. I told her, without going into any detail, that I’m not in the market for a relationship. That’s when we got on the subject of …you know.”