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She said, “You’re supposed to think of mystical elves leaving chocolates on your pillow.”
He chuckled. Again, surprising considering how hot and bothered he was.
Her skin remained flushed as she clearly did all she could to keep her gaze on his face, not his bare chest and the trickling of water from his shoulders, over his pecs, and down his abs. He felt the drops on his skin acutely now that this very stimulating scenario heightened his senses.
Jax said, “I’ll try to pretend you weren’t here. Though that might prove difficult.” He was much less conscientious than her about tempering his physical response to what was unexpectedly standing before him. His gaze moved over her from head to toe.
Her hair was a glossy mass of plump raven curls. Her fitted shirt was opened at the neck, revealing a prominent collarbone and more creamy white skin. Her shapely hips flared enticingly, femininely, then led into those gorgeous legs he envisioned naked and entangled with his amid rumpled sheets.
Way to undress the help, asshole.
His gaze lifted. Only to lock with liquid gold irises rimmed with fiery blood-orange. Her eyes were still wide. And damn hypnotic—even for a man such as Jackson Sterling. A man who’d made love to women with the greenest of green and the bluest of blue eyes.
Liliana Hart’s were unique. Seductive. Riveting . . .
Everything about the woman was riveting, disheveled though she was. It made her even more deeply sensual. Sexy as hell.
Apparently noting he’d made a very thorough visual inspection of her, she abruptly realized she was in complete disarray and said, “I’m a wreck. I apologize for that as well. I was in the kitchen helping to prep for the party, since you and Mr. Alexander weren’t in need of me. I should have dressed before I came upstairs.” She released the hands behind her back and reached for a fat curl. “Shit.” The whispered word seemed to have escaped her involuntarily. She sucked in a sharp breath. “Sorry.”
Jax was both amused and turned on at the same time. An intriguing combination. An electrifying one.
She boldly crossed to where he stood and extended her hand to him. “Liliana Hart. Please, call me Lily. And I assure you, Mr. Sterling, I know exactly what I’m doing. I’m just making horrific first impressions today.”
Jax’s gaze narrowed on her. “That’s your opinion. You’ve put in a long day and even assisted downstairs when it’s not your responsibility. When Lex and I aren’t here and your duties are complete, your time is your own, Lily.”
Lily.
Her name had rolled just a bit too sensuously off his tongue. Turning her stunned expression into an innately heated one that made his cock twitch more enthusiastically.
Her voice was a mere wisp of air as she politely said, “Thank you.”
Her hand dropped because he hadn’t accepted it. Jax couldn’t explain why. Except that she had silky-looking skin and long, manicured fingers, which would no doubt feel sensational coiling his thick shaft. Pumping slowly.
He instinctively knew that, with this woman, the simple touch of a handshake would incite the need for much more.
She said, “I appreciate your stance. It’s just that . . . it’s a big house. And I’m not good with too much free time. I like to stay busy.”
“Suit yourself. But know it’s not necessary.”
“And please believe me when I say you won’t find me like this in the future.” She swept a hand in front of her, indicating her unkempt appearance. Again, which he found so damn sexy.
“You’re fine right now. Don’t worry about it. Though . . .” He leaned in and whisked his thumb over her cheek. “Little flour or something.”
Damn it. He couldn’t keep himself from touching her. And her skin was as silky as he’d suspected. A slow burn spread through his groin, up to his gut.
“Phyllo dough for the pastries,” she said on a hitched breath.
“Right. Well.” He continued to gaze at her. He should have taken a step away, so he wasn’t seared by the nearness of her. But it wasn’t in his nature to back down.
She, however, seemed to know when not to play with fire.
“Please excuse me. I have Mr. Alexander’s suite to tend to. Then I’ll serve you both in the music room, if you wish.”
“We could use a cocktail,” he told her. Jax was in need of taking the edge off again. For completely different reasons this time, thanks to Lily Hart.
As she gathered her coat, he added, “Don’t bother getting all buttoned up this late in the evening. You’re okay as is, given the circumstances.”
“Then I’ll see you shortly.” Those tawny eyes of hers slipped. She stole a full-on peek at him. Right down to where the towel covered his cock.
