Chapter 7
Theadora
Inearlydroppedthe tray of drinks. Lucy’s description of the Lovechilde men as being drop-dead gorgeous was a massive understatement. Especially Declan Lovechilde.
He also kept staring at me. The way his eyes trapped mine for what seemed longer than a casual glance, made it hard to think straight. His ocean-blue eyes followed me along, making the tray tremble under my hands.
Why was he staring? There were so many stunning women present and being just the maid, I was meant to blend in with the furniture in my non-descript uniform of white shirt and black knee-length skirt.
He said something to Janet, and then he followed her over to me. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest. I looked behind me to see if they were looking at someone else.
Next minute, Janet stood by my side and gestured. “Mr. Lovechilde, this is Theadora, our new maid.”
He returned his attention straight back to me. Like he might have missed something by looking away. My face burned as he stood so close, I could smell him.
His cologne rushed through me like a divine drug. The scent triggered all kinds of emotions. Like those intoxicating smells that flush us with comforting nostalgia. Only it was generally mowed grass or roses: nature’s smells, not a tall, sexy billionaire’s cologne.
My mouth trembled into an uneven smile. “Just call me, Thea. I prefer that.”
I had to force myself to stop staring at the most handsome face I’d ever seen.
He held out his hand, and I took it. His big hand swallowed my much smaller one. As his warm and cushiony palm touched mine, a bolt of electricity sizzled through me.
I swear I felt my head wobble. His questioning, hypnotic gaze made me feel like it was just us. Everyone had faded into the background.
Going on Janet’s confused frown, she’d noticed something happening too. I prayed this cataclysmic introduction wouldn’t affect my job there. I’m sure women’s faces burned all the time around this insanely hot man.
What might have been one second seemed like ages, and the tingling sensation from where his skin touched mine remained after he removed his hand.
“Welcome to Merivale, Theadora.” He spoke in an arousing deep voice.
I caught myself nodding stupidly, unable to stop gaping at his gorgeous face. Forcing myself to turn away, I couldn’t risk falling into those blue eyes again.
Dizzy as though I’d downed shots of his cologne, not booze, I crept away.
What the fuck was that?
As I went about my tasks around the dining guests, I sensed his gaze burning into my skin. Keeping my eyes down, I cleared empty glasses and topped up drinks. If it hadn’t been for Declan Lovechilde, I would have actually enjoyed myself. There was something quite elevating about being surrounded by beauty. And by that, I didn’t just mean Mr Lovechilde. Although, my god, how did he get that body? And that face. Those eyes that were so blue one could easily drown in them.
Stop it! You’re not meant to be getting hot and bothered over the boss.
I entered the kitchen and met Janet, who was instructing the casual staff.
“How are you going?” she asked.
Apart from the threat of fainting thanks to that gorgeous Declan Lovechilde, I’m okay.
“Um… good, thanks.”
“I need you to help with the serving of first course. Rick, one of the butlers, isn’t well.”
“Sure.” I hoped that Declan Lovechilde wouldn’t look at me, because I was likely to drop soup in someone’s lap. “I’ll just go back and clear a few more glasses from the front room.”
A very pretty girl who reminded me of Emily Blunt entered the kitchen and sashayed over to us.
“Janet, can you be a sweetheart and help me with something.” She glanced over at me.
“This is Thea, our new maid.” Janet turned to me. “This is Savanah Lovechilde.”