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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’s 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. “Such as Seth Lofton, who just revived Bliss Mountain Ski Resort to rival Aspen, and Noah Donovan, who’s building a boutique hotel down the coast that will put every Ritz-Carlton to shame.”
Over the rim of her Baccarat flute, Scarlet eyed both men. Then she conspiratorially murmured, “I’d gladly snatch up either one of them were it not for the rumor that they’re getting cozy with Sylvia C
arter. Noah hired her to manage the spa in his hotel.”
Lily’s brows quirked. “They’re both . . . with the same woman?”
“Rumor has it,” Scarlet repeated and wagged her own brows. “But you didn’t hear it from me.”
“Naturally. It’s not exactly your style to gossip.”
“Sometimes, I can’t help myself.”
Lily laughed. “Well, find some fun here, anyway—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.
