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They both remained where they were. Staring at each other for endless seconds.
Until Lily somehow found the good grace to break the eye contact and turn away.
She collected a scotch and rocks from the bartender, who’d been hitting on her all night, despite her actually demonstrating the utmost professionalism with him and the other staff. The guests. It was Lex and Jax that made her insides blaze and the most inappropriate thoughts and words spring to mind.
She delivered the cocktail to Lex, who was just as dashing in his designer tux as Jax was—and was engulfed by female admirers.
Despite his groupies, Lex grinned at her. “Sensational dress.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
He took her in from head to toe. And the sexual tension ratcheted up numerous degrees.
Trying to be cautious and conscious of what it was she might be silently putting into play, she left Lex with his fans and continued making the rounds.
Midnight approached, with the ceremonious countdown and a phenomenal display of elaborate fireworks over the bay. There were well wishes and kisses delivered.
Lily stood off to the side, doing her damnedest not to succumb to envy should Lex or Jax get caught up in the celebration with the women who flocked to them in droves.
Worse, she had to do everything in her power to keep from fantasizing about them whisking her into their arms and kissing her senseless. Either of them . . . both of them.
The party didn’t run too late, with the last of the guests departing just after one a.m. Lily prepped the men’s suites and then entered the music room while they changed into casual attire in their dressing rooms, since they’d informed her they intended to work this evening. She poured Pellegrino when they joined her, dropped in lime twists, and handed them each a cut-crystal tumbler. She’d already set out the glass coasters, one on the ledge of Lex’s piano and the other on an end table next to the conglomeration of Jax’s violins.
She remained unobtrusive, truly appreciative that they permitted her to stay awhile as they practiced, then debated this or that, then practiced some more. The stopping and starting didn’t faze her. She was thoroughly engrossed the whole time, even when replenishing their sparkling water.
About an hour in, Lex said, “Lily, take the rest of the night off. Your feet must be killing you.”
“I’ve been on them through plenty of double shifts. I’m fine.”
“Take it as an order,” Jax added with a pointed look.
Clearly the bossy one of the duo.
“Very well.” She carefully removed the diamonds, placed them on the linen napkin lining one of her trays, and put it on the grand piano. “I’m sure you’d prefer to keep these in your own safe overnight. I’ll bring the box by first thing in the morning.”
“Did you enjoy wearing them?” Lex asked, a roguish glimmer lighting his eyes.
“Very much. I was a bit worried I’d break a clasp or something, but otherwise felt rather princess-like. The dress is lovely as well. I’ll have it returned to my tailor, assuming that’s where it came from.”
Lex gave a nod.
“I’ll leave you both to your work, then.” She headed toward the entryway.
Before she passed through it, though, Lex told her, “Keep the dress and the shoes, Lily.”
She shot him a look over her bare shoulder.
“They’re perfect on you,” he said.
Her heart constricted at his kindness—and generosity.
But . . .
“I really couldn’t,” she contended.
“Consider it a bonus for a great performance this evening.”
“They’re both Prada and much too expens—”
