The elevator doors finally opened allowing them to enter. Pushing the button, I took another sip of tea.
"Sorry it took so long. Ran into some fans downstairs. I wanted to talk to you. Jack let something slip earlier ... it can wait until after you eat," Clay insisted. The elevator doors opened and I led the way to my office, unlocked the door and entered.
I eased into my office chair and slipped my heels off before speaking. "What is Kristen planning?" I asked then twirled her chair around. Clay placed the box on her desk then sat on the couch.
"Jesus, this thing is hard as a rock. You can actually sleep on this couch?" Clay grumbled.
"Guess it's the Marine in me. I can sleep anywhere, but I have these magic things called pillows and blankets that help ... back to Kristen." I popped open the box of food. Grilled chicken Cesar salad, another favorite of mine. Another skill I learned in the Corps was how to inhale my food.
"Blind dates, for both of us. She's really crossing the line this time," Clay complained as I shrugged.
"She's done that before, at least to me ... She's happy in her relationship and wants the same thing for other single people in her life. It's harmless, ignore it," I said before taking a bite of salad. Kristen hasn't tried to set me up in a while, so it's due to happen soon.
"Then consider doing me a favor ..." at my raised brow he continued. "Maybe we can act like we're dating, if you're, um— okay with it," Clay finished. I set down the fork shaking my head.
Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot. Oscar! He must have sustained a head injury in the last game. Fake dating? There was no way in hell I'd go along with that.
"Oh, no! No, that's a bad idea." I held up my finger cutting his objection off. "One: my kids will be confused. There's no way to hide that from them. Two: how the hell would you end it amicably that wouldn't have my kids, or Kristen and Jack hating either of us? Three: you're too old for those bullshit games. Seriously think about it ... " I stood and gathered scrubs and headed into the bathroom, leaving Clay with a perturbed look on his face.
I returned in scrubs, sat in my chair, and started tying my tennis shoes. "Why do you always wear long sleeves? I don't think I've ever seen you in shorts either," Clay questioned.
What an odd thing for a guy to notice. He was right though, I kept my body covered, even at the gym.
"It's three quarter sleeves, not long sleeves. That other topic's in Pandora's box," I mumbled chewing another bite of food before speaking. "I know you don't want to upset Kristen, so I'll talk to her if you want. Or ask Jack, but you'll be occupied when the season picks up. She won't have time to pull that crap on you, but I need to head back. The door automatically locks whenever you're ready to leave my office."
I grabbed my phone and keys, and headed out the door.
######
I was finally free to steal away to my office for a much needed nap, before I would have to start yet another work day. Opening my office door I found Clay sprawled across the couch fast asleep. Shit! Why didn't he go home? It was bad enough sleeping on that rock hard couch alone, but sharing the small space with an attractive man? I slipped off my shoes and plugged my phone in next to the couch.
I flipped off the desk light. Time to wake the giant.
"Clay." I nudged his massive arm. "Make room or go home. I am not sleeping on the floor," I exclaimed. Still half asleep Clay grumbled and rolled onto his side giving me room to ease down beside him.
He didn't move to share the pillow, so I settled my head into his bulging bicep. My body hugged the edge of the couch. I was too exhausted to care that we were practically cuddling. Clay's blanketed arm encircled my waist, pulling me further into him, as I drifted off to sleep.
Three hours later my phone's alarm chirped to life. Clay quickly reached over his head, pulled my phone off the charger, and handing it to me. I disabled it, tossed it on the floor, and rolled back over to sleep. Clay chuckled in my ear.
"How many alarms do you have set?"
"Four. Please, let me sleep," I requested, as I dug my head back into his bicep.
"Can you roll towards me? I can't feel my arm," he requested. I rolled into him without even thinking. My nose brushed his chest as I adjusted my head. He smelled yummy.
"Pillow hog," I mumbled and went back to sleep. All too soon, my phone started chirping again. He waited for me to budge or make any move to retrieve the phone.
"Claire ... " He gently nudged me. "Do you want me to get the phone?" he asked.
"Mmm ... Just ignore it," I groggily whispered and huddled deeper into his warm shoulder. He smelled like spicy, manly leather. My heart clenched with a pleasant feeling. I hadn't felt like this in a long time. I'd forgotten how pleasurable, and safe, cuddling could be.
Sawyer had put his time in at the gym, and had been decently ripped. Clay, however, was taller, stockier, and with more natural muscle. He was paid to stay in top shape. He evidently took the challenge seriously.
"No need to ask why you have four alarms set," Clay grumbled. He reached past me trying to find the obnoxious phone. Giving up, he returned his focus back to me, trailing his lips across my forehead. "Claire," he said as he gently shook my hip. He kissed my forehead, and whispered, "get your phone."
Rolling onto my back, I found the phone with one swoop of my arm. I cracked an eye open, silenced the alarm and notice the time. 05:45. "Forty-five minutes ... maybe an hour ... more sleep," I babbled and rolled back into Clay's shoulder. He gently caressed my back and eased his hand back down to my hip.
"You're wide awake aren't you?" I asked inhaling his masculine scent. Smelling and snuggling sexy Clay awakened my body. I'd have to make sure to take care of myself later.
"Yeah. That alarm is effective," Clay confirmed. "Except you're skilled at ignoring it."
"Less than three hours of sleep is ignoring it. Why are you still here? You could have slept in a comfortably spacious bed instead of this shitty couch," I said. I stretched, and rolled onto my back, trying to ignore the stiff muscles.
"I enjoyed sharing the couch, plus I'm your ride home. Also, I had another idea if you want to discuss it?" How could Clay even function this early without coffee?
"I haven't had any coffee. So, no discussions," I insisted, covering my mouth to stifle a yawn. Closing my eyes, I hoped to catch another thirty minutes of sleep. Clay seemed determined not to let that occur.
"I'll wait until the drive home." He slowly removed his hand from my hip. He took my small hand in his and tenderly kissed it. Warm tingles started low in my belly.
Did that just happen?
"Clay ... " I whispered before he gently kissed my lips. His hand found my nape urging my mouth open, angling my head allowing him to deepen the kiss.
My stomach ignited in butterflies as my tongue tangled with his. My hand stroked his hip up and led up his chiseled chest, as I eased into another long kiss. Holy hell, this is hot. I was lost in the moment. I'd probably regret it later, but I was damn sure enjoying it while it lasted. The man knew how to kiss.
I ran my fingers through Clay's hair. When did Clay cut his hair, and how did I not notice that?
My phone shrilled to life and I stiffened, pulling away to search for it. It must be Murphy's law kicking in. Probably for the best, stopping things before they really got out of hand. "What happened to just 'ignore it'?" Clay protested as he found the light switch, flipping it on.
I hissed at the bright light, but kept searching. "Someone's calling, not the alarm." I managed to pull it from the couch cushions. "Dr. Harris ... Okay, I'll be down in five ... Thanks," I replied and hung up. I eased away from Clay, reaching for my shoes.
"It doesn't take five minutes to get there." Clay tried to lure me back to the couch. I pulled away from him and tied my shoes. "Why are you upset?" Clay sighed. I paced my office, searching for my keys. I needed to get out of here and fast.
"I'm sorry I got carried away earlier. This ... us, isn't a good idea. We're friends, Clay. We've been friends for what? Fo
ur years now. I hate sounding cliché, but I don't want to ruin that or lose my only female friend in this town. I didn't lie to Kristen. I have baggage," I admitted. Fuck balls! Realizing Clay was offended, I looked down at my shoes.
"I'm not going to give up that easily. I'll give you time, you need sleep anyways. Give it a few days, then we'll talk," he replied.
Like sleep will change anything.
Pocketing my phone and keys I swiftly opened the door. "I need to go." I headed for the stairs, avoiding the elevator. A brief bout of cardio would help distract me from thinking about Clay, and focus on the patient.
Chapter Three
I managed to sneak into the kitchen unnoticed, pop open a beer, and settled into the breakfast nook. I turned on CNN. Kristen's "small" party, included a live band and wait staff.
Coverage on the embassy bombing mixed with the low chattering of the New Years Eve party I'd been forced to attend filled the room. I was not in the mood for a party. The possibility of attending another friend's funeral didn't help my fragile mood.
"Kristen's been looking for you," Jack scolded. I jumped, almost spilling my beer.
"Jesus, Jack you scared me! Please do not rat me out. I've had a rough day, and I really just need a few minutes to myself," I pleaded.
"I won't rat you out for now ... Why are you watching CNN?" Jack questioned, popping open a beer as he joined me.
"I have a friend, who's an embassy guard there. I'm hoping a trip to Boston isn't in my future." I frowned and picked at the beer label. Jack grunted in response.
"Fair warning, Kristen wants to get you in a dress," he calmly replied.
It would be a cold day in hell before Kristen managed to get me in a dress! I chuckled.
"Once upon a time, I would have worn a dress ... that ship has sailed. Why are you in here babysitting me? Guess you can't really rat me out if Kristen comes looking for you," I acknowledged.
"Wanna talk about kissing Clay?" Jack kept eye contact as he gulped his beer.
I quirked my eyebrow before replying, "I swear men gossip more than women. I'd prefer not to, but I doubt you're going to let me off that easy." I set my empty beer down on the table.
"You're right. You're not getting off easy, now spill." Jack leaned back and waited. I knew he'd wait all night too.
"He asked me to fake date him, thinking it'd keep Kristen off his back ... There's no way I would go along with it, between confusing the kids, or maybe ending up with you or Kristen hating either of us ... not worth it." I confessed focusing on the TV.
"He likes you, has for a while. Then what happened?" Leave it to Jack to pry.
Clay's liked me for a while?
After C.B.'s rejection, it took Sawyer a long time to make me feel like a woman worthy of affection. Now I know I'm not ugly, but Clay's type has always seemed to be legs-up-to-her-neck. I'm petite with a nice ass, my skin holds a nice tan color. My eyes are a bright light shade of blue.
"I had to go back to my patient. By the time I came back he was passed out on my couch. We had a hot little make out session until I was called back downstairs, and back to my senses," I trailed off. Making my way to the fridge, I pull out another beer.
In truth, I avoided thinking about what happened. Clay was just wanting someone to keep Kristen off his back, not a real relationship. Yes, he's a great friend, but I don't want to take part in that deception. I need to focus on my career and the twins, in a few months I'd accept Kristen's offer to set me up. My trusty vibrator was lost in the fire, and I'd yet to replace it. Mental note to do that ASAP! Thanks to Clay, I'm feeling my needs more than normal.
"Are you not attracted to Clay?"
I smiled. Busted. "I'm not dead, Jack ... We both have a lot on our plate, maybe in a few months things will be different. Let's go out there and find Kristen. I'll use the kids as an excuse to leave." I glanced at the TV one last time before walking out of the kitchen into the lion's den.
######
I stayed towards the back of the room by the bar. It wasn't long before Kristen spotted me. Kristen approached the bar with a stunning Ryan Reynolds look-a-like dressed in black tie. I'm a little self-conscious about being underdressed. I mean this is black tie, and I'm wearing jeans. How awkward!
"There you are, Claire. I wanted to introduce you to Mason. He plays ball with Conner." Kristen turned to glare at Jack. "I was wondering where you went, Jack."
I plastered on a smile, shaking Mason's hand. Mason is attractive, but a year ago the thought of his body under that suit, or maybe taking him to the bathroom for a quick romp, would never have crossed my mind. Damn Clay.
"Nice to finally meet you. Kristen's told me a lot about you," Mason confirmed.
"Has she?" I raised an eyebrow and glared at Kristen. "I'll try not to hold your association with Conner against you." Taking a sip of beer, I waited, trying not to appear anxious to leave. I might not be interested, but I didn't want to be mean either. "Not trying to cut this short, but I need to check on my kids." And get back to CNN.
"Maria's upstairs with the kids. Jack just checked on them. They're fine," Kristen said, as she pulled Jack away from the bar towards the crowd. Maria is great with our kids. She's an older Hispanic lady. Since she doesn't have any kids of her own, she's available twenty-four-seven, and on short notice.
"Wow, she's not assertive or anything." Mason laughed. "You're not a fan of Conner's?" he pried.
"No, I think he's a douche bag. His cousins are genuinely nice, not sure how he missed that gene. Although, I'm sure you already knew that," I answered. Connor tends to put his hands on me. A light touch here, or a graze there, never anything big that crosses the line, and I try to overlook it and not react. I'm afraid I may get sued for breaking his face one day.
"I agree, he's a narcissistic attention whore. And he's headed this way," Mason informed me.
Great!
Conner wrapped his arm around my waist, kissing my cheek. "Hello, Dr. Claire. You look great for being underdressed," he said, and firmly grabbed my butt. Oh, hell no!
I quickly elbowed him in his ribs, securing my personal space.
"Nice meeting you, Mason. I need to go check on my kids, and wash the herpes off my face. Happy New Years!" I cheered him and headed towards the stairs.
######
Clay
I watched Claire's petite body retreat, using the time to curb my anger. Punching my cousin had its appeal, but I didn't want to cause a scene. I approached Conner and Mason at the bar. "What the hell was that, Conner? Thought you grew out of the ass grabbing stage," I said, then ordered another drink.
"She got him pretty good in the ribs," Mason admitted, as Jack joined the group at the bar.
"Clay, there's someone Kristen wants you to meet. I know you're not interested, but I'm stuck in the middle here." Jack sighed. The whole point in divulging what happened with Claire was so Jack would deter Kristen. That plan hadn't worked.
"I'm not in the mood Jack. Conner just grabbed Claire's ass," I barely finished before Jack smacked Conner on the back of the head. I couldn't help but smile.
"You're a moron. She's lost a lot this year, she deserves a night to cut loose. Has she disappeared upstairs then?" Kristen would be upset by Claire's disappearance.
Mason nodded and said, "Checking on the kids."
Q and Sarah approached the bar and ordered drinks. Just then Jack sternly proclaimed, "Conner, do not grab anyone else's ass. I don't care if you are my cousin, I will kick you out of here. Do not tempt me. "
"Who did he molest this time?" Sarah asked, grabbing her drink off the bar. Sarah was just as tiny as Claire, yet they both survived the Marine Corps. Both girls possessed beauty and strength.
"Claire," I responded, rattling the ice in my drink.
Sarah quickly assessed Connor, from head to toe. "I don't see any blood, you're lucky. One of our corporals tried to take advantage of her and she broke his nose," Sarah offered, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Krist
en approached with a blonde, short but curvy girl following her. Oh, shit. This was the set up I had been trying to avoid.
"Clay ... " Much to my dismay, Kristen held my arm forbidding his retreat. "This is Kelly. Kelly meet Clay, and Mason is here too ... Where'd Claire go?" Kristen inquired and grabbed a flute of champagne.
"She disappeared after Conner groped her." Jack informed Kristen and then turned to Sarah. "What's the status on the embassy? Are you friends with him too?"
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