“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.”
Miami, Florida
As 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