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. That you . . .” 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.”
A tremor rode the fiery sensation in her veins. Thank God there were no drinks on her tray, because she was suddenly nowhere near as steady as she’d been with her childhood friends Rogen and Vin. She clasped the edges of the smooth metal and held the tray flat against her waist with both hands, hoping Jax hadn’t seen the slight quiver of her fingers. Uncharacteristic of her. But this was risky territory.
Though she very earnestly said, “I consider myself extremely fortunate to have landed this job. Not just because the music is so darkly, richly haunting. But because I need it.”
Jax gave her a half nod. “Point taken.”
“I’m only here for two months.” She wasn’t sure why she’d brought that up. To warn him that her presence wasn’t permanent? Or . . . to encourage him that if he had any intention of making a move on her, it’d better be sooner rather than later?
Oh, you just had to go there, didn’t you?
She really could kick herself. Flirting with her boss? Seriously?
She’d been much more sensible the other night, making a hasty retreat after she’d gotten a solid glimpse at his naked torso. Ridiculously broad shoulders. Well-defined pectoral ledge. Cut abs. It really wasn’t fair to a woman’s senses for a man to be that magnificently built. She had no doubt Lex would double the viewing pleasure.
And that was her mental cue to move along before she issued a real invitation.
“If you’ll excuse me,” she said, all breathy again. “I have others to serve.”
“And I need to rejoin the party.”