Chapter 7: Season 1—Seduction—Episode 7
Lily filled the ice bucket and nestled bottles of still and sparkling water in a chiller, adding twists of lemon and lime on the side. She set out fruit and imported meats and cheeses from the mini fridge, along with crackers and nuts. Snacks for the men in the event the artistic process caused them to stress-eat.
They talked quietly at the piano about adagio, cadence, sonata form, and so on. Terms Lily was only vaguely familiar with from flute lessons years ago. Try as she might, she’d never demonstrated sufficient talent to continue on after two high school band seasons. Though that had done nothing to diminish her love of music.
Much to her flute instructor’s delight, Lily had traded in her instrument for basketballs and volleyballs. Had been a tomboy until she’d turned twenty-one. That was when her body had morphed from gangly to shapely. Four years later, she still wasn’t quite sure what to do about the growth spurt that wasn’t just in her height. She’d practically turned into a woman overnight—and had not been the least bit prepared for it. Nor had she had her mother to talk with about the surprising changes.
Lily had pretty much kept it all under wraps with her waitress uniform and the fact that she had a closetful of jeans and T-shirts, not short skirts and tight tops.
But the idea of getting all dolled up tonight—despite it being for her job—excited her.
And she knew exactly why.
She wanted Jax and Lex to see her dressed to the nines and competently serving their guests. Personal vindication for her clumsy and disheveled entrance into their world.
Lily left them alone to attend to her other duties, tidying up their rooms, trying like hell not to think of Jax in nothing but a towel when she set out fresh ones for him. No such luck there.
Completing one task and launching into another was hugely helpful in setting her back on track until it was time to get ready for the party.
As Lily styled her hair in a sleek curtain of black, glossy strands over one bare shoulder, her excitement escalated as she inched closer to wearing that stunning dress and all those diamonds.
She slipped out of her robe and carefully stepped into the black garment. When she eventually tore her gaze from the sparkly reflection of the necklace and bracelet in the mirror, she left her suite and went downstairs. She’d memorized the people she’d be attending to beyond those she knew personally—not too difficult since they were mostly all recognizable A-listers from the billionaires’ triangle of Bayfront, River Cross, and Bliss Mountain.
The other guests, notable in their own respects including numerous celebrities and politicians, would be taken care of by the main house butler and his staff. Maxwell Barton was basically Greta’s right hand and worked the lower-level wings of the mansion. He’d yet to demonstrate any sort of appreciation for or camaraderie with Lily. She understood. He likely felt she was stepping on his toes because he was charged with tending to the vast majority of the mansion. But he couldn’t maintain that position and also serve Jax and Lex’s needs upstairs.
Lily had tried to build an amiable rapport with the butler, but hadn’t yet melted his icy veneer.
Loading up a tray with cocktails, Lily worked the patio, starting with culinary god Christian Davila and celebrity chef Rory St. James, who endearingly swore they remembered her and the party the Angelinis had hosted for her. Being a foodie who’d been in the restaurant business since she was sixteen, she found it nearly impossible not to be starstruck as she served the famous duo. Didn’t help matters that they were both devilishly handsome and radiated power. Luckily, Lily had known in advance they were on the VIP list so she didn’t trip over her tongue when they spoke to her. Too much.
Moving on to Rogen Angelini, whose family owned the Angelini Distillery that had provided the premium line of cognacs for this evening’s affair, she was careful not to spill any drinks on her tray or him as he kissed her on the cheek in greeting. Rogen was ruggedly handsome with blond hair and vibrant blue eyes—and a flirtatious grin. With him was his best friend, Vin D’Angelo, chief general counsel of Angelini, Inc. Tall, dark, and handsome. They both exuded virility. And Vin was about as broody as Jax. Vin kissed her as well, and then his gaze slid over her and he whistled appreciatively.
Lily had her tray perfectly balanced on the palm of one hand and playfully swatted at him with the other.
“It’s still just me,” she assured him. “So stop ogling. You’ll regret it when you’re sober.”
“I doubt it.” He winked.
Scarlet Drake, an independent insurance fraud investigator, swooped in and ooh’d and ahh’d over not only Lily’s more grown-up appearance, but also the dress and the jewels.
Fighting the blush, Lily said, “Lexington Alexander and Jackson Sterling are a bit eccentric, if you haven’t noticed from this over-the-top extravaganza and the VIP list.”
“And you look drop-dead gorgeous,” Scarlet cooed.
“As do you,” Lily said to the knockout redhead. Then she asked, “How’s Bayli doing?”
“Preparing for a move to the Big Apple. She’s finally going to give modeling a full-fledged try.”
“I’m so happy for her. She’ll be a huge hit.”
“You ought to consider going with her, Lily. Seriously. The two of you should be plastered all over billboards in Times Square.”
“That’s very sweet of you. But I’m heading off to Europe as soon as this assignment ends. Italy, the UK, and the pièce de résistance, April in Paris.”
Scarlet’s pretty face lit up. “Get out! That’s incredible, Lily!”
“I am beyond ecstatic, believe me. Though maybe I can snag Bayli before she leaves and we can hit some of her top-secret shopping venues where she picks up all those fabulous outfits for a song.”
“You have plenty of time.”
“And more rounds to make. Have a glass of Cristal. Enjoy the scenery.” She gave her friend an encouraging look. “Find some fun here—there are plenty of eligible bachelors afoot.”
Indeed there were, and with the terrace crawling with sexy billionaires it was a wonder Lily could think straight. Though in actuality, her gaze kept wandering to Lex and Jax. The two men who got her juices flowing.
She continued with a fresh round of champagne service. The patio was spectacularly decorated with plush garlands wrapped in golden twinkle lights. Decorative lanterns of varying sizes and heights rested in the crooks of wrought-iron holders dotting the lawns. Candles burned in every corner and on the high-topped tables.
It was a perfect night for entertaining outdoors. Warmer than usual for New Year’s Eve, and with the softest sweep of wind from the bay. The fog had burned off several hours ago and the stars sparkled vividly overhead, along with the silvery crescent-shaped moon hanging in the midnight-blue sky.
A fantastic backdrop for such a lively and elegant evening.
During which Lily felt two very intent gazes on her. She would have considered that Lex and Jax were merely keeping an eye on her to ensure she was handling her responsibilities appropriately. But no. There was something evocative about the way they glanced her way just as she was stealing glances at them.
It turned her blood molten, causing a rush of heat to flow through her.
After delivering drinks to their guests, she brought Jax another brandy. He lifted the glass from her tray.
“You look ravishing,” he told her, his dark eyes roving her body.
They stood along the delicately scrolled railing on a far end of the terrace. Jax had just disconnected a phone call and was taking in the festivities from the outskirts, while Lex was thoroughly immersed in the crowd.
“Thank you,” Lily said, her stomach fluttering. “Are you enjoying the party?”
She’d seen him swarmed by people earlier. And there was no shortage of beautiful women hanging on his every word. Until he’d slipped away.
“It’s a great turnout,” he said. “But I had some business with my manager to discuss.” He raised his other hand, indicating his phone.
“On New Year’s Eve?”
Jax chuckled, a low, sensuous sound that caressed her soul the way his music did.
“Yes. There are a lot of details to firm up for the studio recording and the international tour.” He seemed to deliberate this or that for a few moments, then caustically added, “Lex and I were hoping by tonight we would have reached a juncture where we could give these people—close friends, critics, fans—a taste of what we have planned for the new CD. Unfortunately, we’re nowhere near that.”
Her head tilted to the side as she regarded him thoughtfully. “Your music is stirring. Filled with emotion. From what I’ve heard so far, even more compelling than yours and Mr. Alexander’s past compositions. If you don’t mind me saying.”
Lily had to remember her place. Not get so caught up in Jax’s smoldering pewter gaze.
So she covered her tracks by telling him, “Of course, you’re obviously both perfectionists. And I’m honored to be privy to the development of the new arrangements.”
Jax sipped, then said, “You immediately get drawn in. I can see it on your face and in your eyes. And you lose your breath.”
“Yes.” There was no denying it or trying to hide it. He clearly saw her.
“That reaction is exactly what we want,” he admitted. “Yet we’re still falling short.”
“I just can’t imagine how—” Lily’s mouth snapped shut. Who the hell was she to share her opinion on this matter with him? Jackson Sterling. She shook her head. “My apologies.”
Jax’s gaze narrowed on her. “Lily. You’re my butler, yes, but that doesn’t mean I don’t value your opinion. If you have something to say, I’m not going to discount it. I told you I’ve noticed how the music moves you. Also . . . ” He let out a low groan. “Regardless of being my employee, I didn’t miss the way you looked at me in my bedroom, either. And you didn’t miss the way I looked at you. Lily.”