Chapter 33
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
CLAIRE
Claire worked feverishly during the daylight hours at Avi’s New York office, banning Jay from all forms of communication to stay ahead of the game.
He'd yet to follow orders, constantly interrupting her with some risqué text or silly email.
When her cell phone rang for the fifth time, she had to laugh.
“Are you trying to get me fired?” she answered.
“Only if you want to be fired,” he teased. “I’m about fifteen minutes away.”
“I’ll be waiting downstairs. See you soon.”
Claire gathered her things and headed straight for the ladies’ room.
From her oversized quilted tote, she pulled a small zipper pouch holding a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste.
She brushed her teeth and quickly refreshed her makeup.
The rainy, humid air had already undone her hair the moment she stepped out of the hotel that morning, so she left it in a bun.
She swapped her simple pearl earrings for large gold hoops and slid a wide gold cuff onto her wrist. Her fitted blazer gave way to a cashmere wrap in a color-block pattern of autumnal hues, and her closed-toe flats were replaced with slingback heels.
An alarm on her phone sounded—a reminder she had set earlier so she wouldn’t keep Jay waiting.
She packed everything back into her tote and studied her reflection. Not bad for a ten-minute refresh!
Jay’s business dinner turned out to be unexpectedly enjoyable.
Claire had braced herself for something formal and fussy, so she was relieved when Jay announced they’d be meeting their guests at a casual seafood restaurant.
She was a little overdressed, but decided that was better than the alternative.
The two couples they joined were warm and easygoing.
Actual business talk only took up a few minutes of the evening, but Claire still found herself in the center of it, helping shape a marketing plan for a new men’s line.
Before long, the table erupted in praise, toasting her sharp instincts and on-the-spot brilliance.
She blushed, overwhelmed by the attention, but Jay kissed her temple to steady her.
One couple suggested nightcaps at a nearby bar, but Jay and Claire politely declined.
Inside a cab pointed back to their hotel, Claire yawned and rested her head against Jay’s shoulder.
The hotel lobby was quiet when they arrived.
Claire leaned into him as they waited for the elevator, exhaustion softening her posture.
At their suite door, Jay scooped her up and hoisted her over his shoulder, carrying her inside.
Claire let out a startled protest, but he immediately shushed her.
“You want to get us kicked out of here?” he asked, flopping down on the bed with her.
“Me? You started it.” Claire looked up at him with playful eyes.
“Then I should finish it.”
He kissed her. Claire’s hands slid down to his waistband. He took her wrist and stopped her advance.
“Wait. Before this night goes any further, I need to tell you something,” he said.
Claire’s carefree heartbeat switched to a cautious rhythm. Please don’t let this be a replay of what happened in London.
“You’re brilliant, Claire Jordan. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. You were one hell of a secret weapon tonight. I wouldn't have landed the deal without you."
Claire sighed. "Oh, Jay, I didn't do anything."
"Are you kidding? You came up with the name and the whole ad campaign in less than thirty seconds. This merger may be the best thing to ever happen to Silver Screen."
"Leading Man for a men's skincare line isn't even that original. I was just making conversation."
He shook his head. "No. You were smart, attentive, and charming. Remind me to take your actions into account when I hand out the year-end bonus checks."
“I’m trying to take my bonus now." She eyed him seductively.
"What do you say that tomorrow we quarantine ourselves in this suite? Room service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our feet never touch the streets of New York."
"You're forgetting one little thing. Two things, actually."
"His and hers massage?" he asked?
"Jay, I have to work, remember? Hence, my presence here in the Big Apple. And we have a concert to attend."
He blew out a breath. "Can't you just take a sick day?"
She walked her fingers up his shirtfront. "By this time tomorrow my project will be done. Surely you can wait one more day."
"Not where you're concerned." Jay nuzzled her neck but suddenly stopped. "Hey, I just thought of something."
She pulled his belt from his waist. “How to sexually frustrate me with this constant starting and stopping?”
“We need to discuss the plan—for tomorrow night."
"Oh god, not your plan to reenact the scene from An Affair to Remember?" She rolled her eyes. “That only works in the movies, Jay. You know what a zoo the Empire State Building is at night. We’ll miss the concert.”
"Humor me a little? Two lovers meeting up at the top of the most famous building in New York City? Can you think of a better way to kick off Nancy Chen?” he asked. “And it’s only a short walk to Radio City. We’ll make it."