* * *
Tyrese’s eyes landed briefly on the red leather tote as Zaire switched it from her right to her left shoulder. He noted from her overall look that Zaire was stylish, glamorous and she was definitely not afraid of color. Tyrese would bet money that she also drove a fancy sports car in red.
This was not the type of woman who played it safe, he decided. That quality made Zaire perfect for the direction in which he wanted to take the Moore Group. He could see why Pilar liked her. They shared similar qualities—they were both willing to take risks.
Tyrese knew that Zaire was the daughter of hotel magnate Malcolm Alexander, but this had nothing to do with his decision to meet with her. She was here based on her own capabilities.
He observed as she interacted with some of the other employees. Zaire appeared to be unaware of the captivating picture she made when she smiled.
She glanced over in his direction.
Tyrese exchanged a smile with her, and then turned his attention to the young woman who suddenly appeared by his side. She carried a folder, which she presented to him.
He quickly provided his signature.
“Zaire, my assistant will show you to the conference room. I will be there shortly.”
She responded with a smile.
His grin flashed briefly, dazzling against his dark chocolate complexion. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
As soon as Zaire entered the conference room, she sank down in a nearby chair to steady her trembling knees. “What am I doing here?” she whispered. She had been out of grad school for a few months and now she was about to present a bold proposal to a complete stranger.
Zaire hoped that Tyrese would keep an open mind. She had researched his company and had actually included it in her thesis—it was how she had met Pilar.
She already knew that Pilar supported her idea. Zaire just needed to convince Tyrese. If only his partner could have been in attendance. She could have used the extra support. Perhaps Pilar’s presence could help distract her from the sexy man that she was meeting with. It was too late to run away now, Zaire decided. She would have to make the best of the situation.
Chapter 2
Zaire loved the large windows with a garden balcony in the conference room. They offered her a spectacular view of Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills and downtown Los Angeles. She loved nature and the outdoors in general.
Shortly before ten, Tyrese appeared in the doorway. “I’m sorry about the delay.”
“You’re fine,” she responded. “Your offices are very nice. I really love the art pieces you selected.”
“Are you an art lover?” he asked.
When she nodded, he said, “After our meeting, I’ll have my assistant give you a tour.” His tone was warm and welcoming.
Zaire opened her tote and pulled out her pen, a legal pad and a proposal that she handed to Tyrese.
He took a seat at the head of the table.
Zaire stole a peek in his direction.
Tyrese once again captured Zaire’s attention. His dark eyes framed his square face. His lips parted, showing a dazzling display of straight, white teeth. His profile was proud and full of strength, a quality that could be attributed to his commanding presence.
“As Pilar may have already told you, I am launching a high-end concierge service,” Zaire announced. “Those who reside in the world of luxury are maintaining open-ended expense accounts for necessities such as client entertainment and personal lifestyle accoutrements,” she stated. “What I have found is that a lot of these affluent families are looking for family excursions to help build schools in Africa instead of superfluous visits to privately owned boutiques and one-on-one attention at exclusive vacation resorts.”
“And you are proposing a partnership with my company,” Tyrese said as he reviewed the proposal in his hands. “Why do you believe we will be a good fit for one another?”
Zaire smiled. “The Moore Group was created to go beyond the typical marketing schemes. With over five years in the business of luxury marketing, you and Pilar have developed programs that allow you insider knowledge and access to what other companies may not be privy to—by partnering with me, you will be able to provide your clients access to things they may not have heard of or have access to.”
“I hope this is not about lavish birthday parties,” Tyrese stated.
“It’s not,” Zaire responded. “The message you will be sending by offering specialized or VIP client services is that the Moore Group recognizes what is going on in the world today, but we also have an understanding that certain clients still require high-end services.”
“We are known for producing upscale events for our clients,” Tyrese interjected. “Our mission is to assist our clients in building and managing their brand.”
“Which can include tailoring experiences around their requests,” Zaire said. “Whatever your clients desire, we can assist in making that idea a reality. VIP client services will be the epitome of luxury living, no matter how our clients define luxury.”
“You’ve done your homework, I see.”
“I wouldn’t be here otherwise,” Zaire responded with an easy smile. “You are a visionary, Mr. Moore. I would love to work with you in this venture. I’m sure there is so much I can learn from you.”
“Please call me Tyrese. We are very informal around here. Tell me something. Why did you choose M.G.? We are not a big company.”
“But you have done something most large companies are still striving to do—find a niche. You know your target audience and have concentrated on providing a unique but positive customer experience.”
Tyrese pushed away from the conference table and rose to his feet. “Kaitlin will give you a tour of the rest of the building. I’ll see you for lunch.” He paused a moment before saying, “You did a great job. I’m impressed.”
She warmed at the compliment. “Thanks.”
Kaitlin was standing outside of the conference room when Zaire walked out with Tyrese.
“Ready?” she asked.
Zaire nodded.
He gave her a slight smile and walked in the direction of his office.
She resisted the urge to look back at him.
Zaire and Kaitlin took the elevator down to the first floor.
“Our screening room seats up to fifty,” Kaitlin stated. “We also have a soundstage here on the first floor.”
“I understand that there is also an exercise room and showers in the building, as well.”
Kaitlin nodded. “They are located on the second floor.”
They left the screening room and walked down the hall. “We have our own catering facilities here, as well. We often host special events.”
“How long have you worked here, Kaitlin?”
“Five years,” she responded proudly. “I was M.G.’s first employee.”
Zaire smiled. “This company has grown very quickly.”
Kaitlin agreed, “Tyrese has worked hard to make this a premiere marketing company for high-end companies like Mercedes-Benz, the Four Seasons and a host of others.”
After the tour, Zaire was taken back to the fifth floor.
They found Tyrese in an empty room two doors down from his corner office.
“What