Beyond the Velvet Rope (4 page)

“Okay, Warren.” She gave a dramatic sigh. “I’ll consider your offer, but only because I miss you so much.”

“Excellent. I’ll have Elliot give you a call later this week. Trust me, everything’s going to be perfect.”

Later that week...

While Thandie was wrapping up her phone call with an editor from
Daily News America,
her assistant Len waved frantically signaling her that she had another call.

“Who is it?” Thandie asked.

“He says his name is Elliot Richards.”

She picked up the line. “This is Thandie speaking.”

“Hello, Ms. Shaw, this is Elliot Richards. I understand you’ve been expecting my call.” His voice had a deep seductive timbre, instantly sending a shiver of arousal down her spine.

“Yes, Mr. Richards. Warren spoke with me briefly, regarding the nature of your business. I understand you may be in the market for promotional assistance.”

“That would be correct.” There was a soft chuckle from his side of the line. “Warren was gracious enough to give me your résumé, and I must say it’s very impressive.”

“Thank you.”

“It appears you’re the perfect person for the job,” he added smoothly.

“Again, thank you.” Thandie could feel her excitement rising.

“However,” he said, “I’m not going to hire you.”

“Excuse me?” She was certain she hadn’t heard him correctly.

“I’m not going to hire you, Ms. Shaw,” he repeated.

Biting down her disappointment, she asked, “May I ask why not?”

“Read between the lines.”

“No, I’d much rather hear the words from you.”

“You’re a woman,” he said quite simply. “And I don’t hire women.”

Thandie was momentarily stunned speechless.

“To be frank, Ms. Shaw, females can make things complicated, particularly in a club environment. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

She was still too shocked to speak.

“But I do appreciate your taking the time to speak with me,” he continued smoothly. “I wish you the best. Have a nice day, Ms. Shaw.”

The line went dead.

Thandie stared at the phone. She wasn’t certain if she should be upset or think the whole thing comical. In this day, it was hard to believe such blatant sexism still existed. She was tempted to call him back and give him a piece of her mind, but before she could, her cell phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Thandie, it’s Warren.”

“Warren—”

“I heard what happened. I’m so sorry.”

“How did you hear so quickly?”

“Elliot had you on speaker phone.”

“He what?”

“He talks to everyone on speaker, but nevermind that. I’ll talk to him.”

“Was he serious?”

“Unfortunately, yes. He has good reason, but that doesn’t excuse his behavior.”

“Seriously, he won’t hire me because I’m a woman?”

“Not to worry, kiddo, I’ll talk to him.”

“I’m not sure I want you to talk to him.”

“Don’t be silly. He’s just being difficult, and you’re offended.”

“‘Offended’ is hardly the word, Warren. I’m pissed.”

“Let me talk to him.”

“He’s an asshole.”

“That’s a bit harsh,” he said defensively.

“I thought I was being kind. He hung up on me, Warren.”

“I’m sorry about that. Elliot is always pressed for time. You’ll see that soon enough. He called you during one of the staff meetings. He’s already on another conference call.”

“He interviewed me for a job during a staff meeting?”

“I’m making things worse, aren’t I?”

She didn’t answer his obvious question.

“Not to worry. I’ll talk to him. Everything’s going to be okay. Are you still interested?”

She was silent for a long while. She’d done her research on Elliot Richards. Having the club magnate as a client would add major weight to her portfolio. But having him hang up on her not only wounded her pride, it made her mad as hell. Just who did he think he was? She was now determined to make him eat his words. “Yes, I’m interested.”

“That’s my girl. I’ll talk to him. Just sit tight, and I’ll call you back.

The call disconnected.

Again, she looked down at the phone, still reeling from Elliot’s quick brush-off. Her initial shock melted away, leaving only angry determination in its wake. Her resolve to capture his account now lit her on fire, and she made a silent vow that she would be on his payroll. She’d been in the business for years, and she had worked with the worst of the worst. Whatever Elliot Richards had to dish out, she was confident she could handle.

* * *

Thandie was still fuming over her conversation with Elliot Richards days later. True to her word, she’d placed daily phone calls to his office and was informed he was either in a meeting or on a conference call. She was impressed to learn that he was never out of the office. His assistant insisted that, “Mr. Richards is always working.” But knowing this did not help her get him on the phone. He was becoming as unattainable as Bigfoot. To make matters bleaker, she hadn’t heard from Warren in days. She’d taken his silence to mean he hadn’t been as persuasive as he’d hoped. This didn’t deter Thandie. If anything, it made her more persistent.

It was 10:00 a.m., and Thandie was beginning her morning meeting with her assistants. As always, the women were avid listeners, and took detailed notes. Amanda, her lead assistant, shouldered the more important responsibilities. It wasn’t that her other assistants weren’t good at their jobs; they just tended to be easily excited when in the presence of a celebrity or really cute guys, which unfortunately for Thandie was a common occurrence.

“Raja, call Chantel and see if we can get some gift certificates. Chantel’s little spa is the newest hot spot for models. And while we’re on the subject of models, Amanda call Sookie and confirm Jarvis will be at the Simmons party. I know his people have already confirmed, but he’s notorious for double-booking and then blowing off both commitments. If we can guarantee he’ll be there, then we can be certain the other music honchos will be there.” Thandie snatched up her phone and began entering a cryptic message. “And just to be certain, I’m texting his girlfriend, Tamika. I can’t stand the woman, but she’s media-hungry and can’t turn down a chance to be seen. If she comes, he’ll be there.”

“Thandie.”

She turned when Len called her name. “Yes?”

“You have Warren on the line.”

Sending off her text message, she plucked the cordless phone out of Len’s hand and cradled it on her shoulder. “Warren, I’m in a meeting. This’ll have to be quick.”

“You’re in.”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re in. Elliot has agreed to hire you. You’ll need to come down here ASAP. I guess all those messages you’ve been leaving him worked.” He laughed good-naturedly. “Elliot’s agreed to meet with you on the eighth at 5:00 p.m.. This is the only time I could get him to confirm, so make sure you’re here and on time. Call Romero, Elliot’s personal assistant, tomorrow morning and tell him when you can come, and he’ll set up the plane tickets. Whatever you say to him
will
be repeated to Elliot, so try to keep the ‘he’s-an-asshole’ comments to yourself, please.”

“Do I have you to thank for this?”

Warren laughed. “Elliot’s a complicated guy, but once he had some time to think about it, he saw this was the right thing to do.”

“That sounds a little far-fetched.”

“Well, I do have my ways.”

She could hear the humor in his voice, and it made her smile. “I’ll call you later.”

“Excellent, kiddo. I’ll take care of everything else. Oh, and Thandie?”

“Yes?”

“It’ll be nice to see you again.”

“Same here.”

Chapter Four

Miami, Florida

A
s soon as Thandie entered the baggage claim area, she saw a sign reading T. Shaw. The man who held it up was handsome, with bright brown eyes, spiky brown hair and a perfectly trimmed goatee.

She made her way toward him, catching his gaze when she was only feet away from him. He smiled brightly.

“Hi,” he said.

“Hi.” She smiled and pointed at his sign. “I’m Thandie Shaw.”

His eyes widened. “You’re T. Shaw? Shit, nobody told me you’re a...” He cleared his throat and collected himself. “Forgive me. It’s just that...you’re not at all what I expected.”

“So I see,” she murmured coolly.

“It’s just that we’ve never worked with a woman.”

“So I hear,” she murmured coolly.

He blushed rather innocently. “Sorry to stare. I’ve worked for Babylon for two years, and this is the first time I’ve known a woman to be hired before. You must really be good at what you do.” He folded the sign up and tossed it into a nearby trash bin. His hands now free, he offered to shake her hand. “I’m Adam Parr. Elliot thought it would be good for me to collect you, since we’re going to be working so closely together. I’m the VIP host.”

She nodded her head appreciatively. Adam helped her with her bags, and the two headed outside.

Adam smiled. “So how do you know the big boss?”

“Big boss?”

“Elliot Richards. How do you know him?”

“I don’t,” she said simply.

“Oh,” he paused. “I thought you two knew each other and that was how you landed the job.”

“No.” She pulled her sunglasses down over her eyes. “We’ve never met. I’m actually a friend of Warren Radcliffe.”

“Oh, the other boss.” He lifted her bags into the trunk of his car. “Warren’s cool. He’s very...active for a guy his age.”

Thandie smiled. “I bet they were saying that when he was twenty.”

“Knowing Warren, you’re probably right.” Adam slammed the trunk closed and opened the passenger door for her. “I was told you would be traveling with a group.”

“Raja and Len had to tie up a few things for me at the office. They’re flying in later this week.”

“Sounds like a plan. Have you ever been to Miami?”

“Not as often as I would have liked.”

He laughed. “Well, you’re in for a treat. There is no place on earth like South Beach.”

Adam drove Thandie around the city, taking her through Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and passing by Star Island. Adam turned out to be a great tour guide. He pointed out all the best spots. By the time they turned onto Washington Avenue, Thandie was relaxed and ready to meet the rest of the staff. Finally, Adam pulled in front of huge four-level building, and killed the engine.

“We’re home,” he announced.

“Home?” she asked.

“Club Babylon.” Adam waved his hand, indicating she follow him toward the building’s entrance. When Adam pushed through the front doors, Thandie was surprised by the activity. It was the middle of the day, and people were rushing about in every direction. Men were carrying bags of ice, crews were cleaning the floors, and the lights changed from gold to blue, then purple. Movement caught Thandie’s eye, causing her attention to be pulled toward the stage.

She tapped Adam. “I thought you said you didn’t work with women?”

Adam followed her stare and then grinned. “Oh, that’s the entertainment. We have plenty where that came from.”

Adam must have caught her reaction. He jutted his chin toward the women who were gathered on the elevated catwalks. “We have plenty of girls.”

That was an understatement. Thandie was astounded by the parade of pretty women strutting about. Everywhere she looked there were beautiful, tanned bodies. Some were on stage, practicing a dance routine that easily resembled a striptease, while others lounged near the bar.

“This place wouldn’t operate as well without eye candy,” Adam explained. “And Club Babylon has the best in the city.” He pointed to the stage. “Every club needs dancers, and Miami is a haven for professional dancers. Working at clubs is a great gig for them. It pays the bills and allows them to go on auditions during the day. That means we get to pick from the cream of the crop.”

“Adam,” a pretty brunette from the stage called out. “Tell Elliot to come down here.”

Adam’s brows perked. “Why, Marina?”

“Because I want to tell him I love him,” she said with a wicked grin.

Adam laughed. “You and every other female here.” He turned to Thandie. “Get used to that. The women love Elliot. He has a certain effect on them.”

She nodded. “I’ve been warned.”

Adam laughed. “You think I’m joking, but I’m offering you sound advice.”

“That’s sweet, Adam, but I can take care of myself.”

“Suit yourself,” he said with a shrug. He turned to look up a wide stairway that ended at a closed door. There was a huge beast of a man guarding the entrance. “That’s Elliot’s office through there,” Adam confirmed. “It looks like he’s busy right now. How about I give you a tour of the VIP area?”

She nodded.

“Please follow me.” Adam pointed the way as he led her toward another staircase. “VIP is up this way. I would recommend you lead your guests along the south wall. Crossing the dance floor to get to the stairs is a nightmare, and going by the bar is a deathtrap. I’ll need to introduce you to Bruno. He checks VIP guests in. He’s very thorough. If you aren’t VIP, you don’t get past him. Security will give you bands for all your guests when you come in. That way, your party can come and go through the different areas as they please.”

He went up the stairs, pointing out certain areas of the club that could only be seen from his vantage point. She was amazed by the beautiful details of the building. The higher they climbed, the more she was able to discover. Without question the most awe-inspiring part were the hanging gardens that appeared to float above the dance floor. She imagined the view was more spectacular when the theater lights illuminated their perfection.

Adam paused to let her admire the view. “It’s spectacular, isn’t it?”

“Breathtaking,” she agreed.

“It was Elliot’s idea. He had this vision to make the club resemble the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. He flew in a historian and a landscape architect to recreate it. We were all skeptical at first, but the results speak for themselves.” He leaned forward and wiggled his eyebrows mischievously. “And they retract. See those cords?” He pointed to one of the gardens. Thandie could just make out thin black cords attached to the planter’s metal railing. “The cords go all the way up to the ceiling,” he explained. “That’s how the gardens are housed and maintained. We have a gardener who comes in daily. Because they’re delicate, we don’t display the gardens often. But when we do, this place is magical.”

Keeping them on task, Adam nudged her to continue moving. At the top of the steps was yet another door. Adam pushed the large door that opened into the VIP room. It was a three-level, glass-enclosed “club within a club.” The wall facing the main arena was made entirely of glass, giving everyone below a great “envy” view.

Adam stood alongside Thandie. “I’ve managed VIP rooms in Miami and LA,” he confessed. “This is by far the coolest lounge I’ve ever been in. It’s six-thousand-square-feet. Seats up to two hundred, holds up to five hundred standing. There are three full bars, one on each level. Five bartenders and eight servers. Private bathrooms are on the left of the bar on all levels. A DJ is always stationed on the main floor; however, if we have a guest DJ performing we pipe in the music. Pretty cool, huh?”

Thandie was speechless. As Adam walked her through the rooms, she was impressed by the display of sheer luxury.

“If you think this is nice, wait until you see the Tower,” he said.

“The what?”

“Just a minute.” He walked over to a hidden elevator and waved his hand over the panel. “Only the staff is allowed to use the elevator. During working hours, we ask everyone to refrain from using it. However, you and your guests are welcome to use it during off hours. It leads up to the Tower. You can take the stairs if you like. It’s more scenic, but if you prefer a straight shot, the elevator is always here. The code to go to the Tower is one-two-two-one.”

He punched in the code, and they rode up to the Tower. When the doors opened, she couldn’t suppress her gasp. It was a beautiful oasis of hanging gardens, private balconies, open fountains and satin pillows. Adam seemed happy she was impressed with the room.

“I knew you would love it,” he boasted. “We call it the Tower of Babel. This room is reserved for the ultimate VIP guests. There is a private entrance that leads up from the parking garage. This is the pinnacle in intimacy and privacy. It seats up to thirty, standing room for up to fifty. There are six servers and a private restroom. As you can imagine, this room is in high demand. This is Elliot’s best idea yet. It’s been a huge hit since we reopened from the renovation. We’ve had several parties up here already. It’s a great revenue-turner. Even on slow nights, the Tower brings in serious cash. We’ve already got a waiting list.”

She felt his gaze on her as she walked about the room running her fingers along the smooth furnishings.

“It’s ten times more impressive at night, lit primarily by candlelight. Sexy stuff.”

She nodded her agreement. “This is amazing, Adam.”

“It is.” He clapped his hands. “Bruno should be here by now. Let’s go downstairs and get you two acquainted. If we’re lucky, Elliot will be free to speak with you soon.”

The office door belonging to the mysterious Elliot Richards was still closed when they returned to the main floor; however, Bruno was available. He didn’t have much to say, only grunts and occasional nods. Adam helped by briefly explaining Bruno’s role and indexing a long list of responsibilities that fell under his authority.

Almost as soon as Adam and Bruno finished their overview, Thandie was introduced to Markie Duran, the club’s general manager. He was pleasant enough and eager to bring her up to speed on Babylon’s network of rules and securities. There was so much to take in, Thandie doubted she absorbed half of it. She was coming to realize Club Babylon was not simply a nightclub—it was a money-making machine. It was unlike anything she’d ever seen before.

“I should have brought a notepad to take notes,” Thandie commented once Markie finished his presentation.

“Don’t worry,” Markie said with a laugh. “In a few short nights, you’ll know this place like the back of your hand.”

Thandie hoped he was right about that. The sheer size of the club was intimidating.

“It’s too bad you weren’t in town a week earlier,” Adam added. “You missed the birthday bash.” He winked at Markie, and both men gave a wicked laugh.

“Whose birthday?” Thandie’s question faded when the door leading to Elliot’s office suddenly opened. The reaction was immediate. The muscular man guarding the door stepped aside to allow several men to exit the office and descend the staircase. Thandie craned her neck, trying to get a good look at each man. “Which one is Elliot?”

“None,” Adam confirmed with a quick glance. “It looks like Elliot’s free. We better grab him while we can.”

Taking hold of Thandie’s elbow, he guided her up the stairs, pausing only long enough to quickly introduce her to the burly black man who stood guard outside the office door. She learned his name was Vincent Michelle, but preferred to be called Michelle.

Thandie crossed the threshold and stepped into a spacious, sleekly decorated office. The walls facing the arena were made entirely of one-way glass, providing an uninhibited view of the club without being seen. Oddly shaped lamps lit the room, which softened the modern furniture and created an intimate atmosphere.

Thandie’s gaze continued to sweep over the room, and then she faltered. There he was. The man she’d flown over a thousand miles to meet—Elliot Richards. He was leaning casually against the edge of a large glass desk, staring at her. It was as if he’d been patiently waiting her for the entire time, and not the other way around.

The instant her eyes met his, Thandie froze in place. She watched, spellbound, as the sinfully handsome man pulled himself up to his full height and approached them. He was tall, tanned and mouth-watering. A one-of-a-kind Ferrari. He was perfection in motion. With every step he took, Thandie became more convinced of one thing: Elliot Richards had been well worth the wait.

He had satin black hair, captivating silver eyes, a strong chin and kissable lips. He was dressed in a crisp white button-up shirt and black slacks that could only be tailor-made to fit. His shirt pulled tightly across a muscular chest, his golden skin a stark contrast against the crisp fabric. He had a cool air that drew her to him, with very little effort on his part. Now, she understood why Adam had warned her.

“Hello.” He gave her a slight grin, one that was all business and too damned sexy to be permissible. “I’m Elliot Richards. You must be Thandie Shaw.” He held out his hand. “Finally, we meet.”

Thandie struggled not to gawk at him as she shook his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Richards.”

He blessed her with a dazzling smile. “Believe me, Ms. Shaw, the pleasure is all mine. You must forgive my tardiness. My meeting ran long; however, my delay doesn’t in any way reflect your importance. I’m eager to see what you can do for us.” He waved his hand toward the couches. “Please, have a seat.”

Thandie walked toward a long leather couch, feeling Elliot’s gaze on her the entire time. He waited for to take her seat, before sitting down himself. Adam took the opportunity to excuse himself, mumbling he had some things to see to.

Elliot waited until Adam left before turning to her. “I trust the tour you received was sufficient.”

“Yes, very much so.” She said with a guarded, yet nervous smile. “You have an amazing place.”

“Thank you. It was quite an investment, but I’m happy with it.”

Thandie had to force herself to concentrate on the conversation. Elliot Richards was gorgeous, alarmingly so. It was hard to believe this charming and very handsome man was the same person who’d hung up on her weeks before. When his lips began to move, Thandie became transfixed.