He nodded. “And worth every penny?”
“Not everyone can make exceptional pastries. And these? They’re a bargain.”
“I trust you when it comes to pricing of”—he looked at the purple thing—“macaroons.”
“These are macarons.” Despite the consequences, she yielded to temptation, and she picked up the yellow one—lemony, lemony bliss. The sweet and tart flavors exploded on her tongue, making her pucker. “Macaroons are coconut cookies.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
“Chef makes those also.” After she wiped her fingers on a napkin, she returned to business. “Everything is on track for tonight.”
“And tomorrow’s press party?”
“RSVPs are over a hundred people, and we’re still fielding requests from influencers. We’ve got two admins working on clearing their credentials.”
A soiree like this was standard fare for a Sterling pre-opening. A number of hosts had gone through a training program to highlight the building’s features, including its stunning rooms and suites, residential apartments, world-class spa, salon, and state-of the-art fitness center, complete with a celebrity trainer.
In addition to the La Patisserie, there were six restaurants, an ice-cream parlor, three bars, two boutiques, a gift shop, ample ballrooms for grand events, renowned pieces of art, and even a luxury car showroom. “For tomorrow’s Sterling Premier Club offering, we’re expecting upward of a thousand attendees.” Exclusive sneak peeks of new properties was another of Rafe’s ideas. Though there were hundreds of thousands of enrollees in the chain’s loyalty program, only the biggest spenders reached premier status. In the industry, his perks were becoming legendary. Guests would be invited to dine and drink at a discount, and they were also encouraged to avail themselves of the swim-up bar and personal cabanas, as well as take advantage of the well-priced spa packages. “We’ll be at eighty percent occupancy.” Which was extraordinary for a hotel that wouldn’t officially open until Friday at noon. “And all the Executive Suites are sold out.”
“Excellent.”
She went on with her update. “Friday’s ribbon cutting will be held at ten a.m. In addition to the economic and city councils along with the visitors’ bureau, the mayor has confirmed her attendance. If you can be here no later than nine to greet the dignitaries, that would be ideal.”
“You’ve worked extraordinarily hard on this. Sterling is grateful to you.”
Lizzie appreciated his acknowledgment. Her job was consuming every available moment of her life, and because of the long hours, she’d moved into the hotel two weeks prior. It was ridiculous how much she missed Braden, even though they were still in the same city.
Every morning, they had a video call, and they never went to bed without saying good night.
A couple of times, he’d visited her at work, and they’d enjoyed a fine dinner at the hotel’s steakhouse before she was called away to deal with a crisis.
He’d arranged to stay after this evening’s gathering, but even at that, their limited time together was frustrating. It seemed impossible that he already meant so much to her.
For the first two months after his proposal, she’d kept her small rented house. But she went there less and less frequently. At his urging, she moved her few belongings into his place and had settled in faster than she imagined possible. Ever since she went to work after college, she’d spent almost all of her time on temporary assignments, living in already-furnished rentals. It had been years since she had a real home to come home to, and she loved the peace and comfort of it.
Even though she and Braden rarely discussed it, her upcoming overseas transfer loomed like a dark cloud. She still loved her job and looked forward to the prospect of traveling, but the idea of being away from Braden for weeks or months at a time caused a pit in her stomach.
And there was the challenge of planning their wedding too.
More than once he’d suggested they elope and just throw a big party when they returned. Each day, it was more tempting.
“Elizabeth?”
She shook her head. Rafe had been talking, and she hadn’t heard a word. “You were saying?”
“I’m considering creating a new position within the organization.”
“Oh?”
“VP of Premier Concierge Services.”
She sat up a little taller. He had her complete attention. Every Sterling hotel had highly trained staff who handled special requests. So how was this different?
When Braden asked if he could host his event at the Uptown, Rafe had requested that she personally handle the arrangements. Few things intimidated her, but organizing the private gathering of Titans was one of them. And it wasn’t just because of the attendees’ demands. She knew how much the evening meant to Braden. He wanted to raise money from the group, and a lot of it.
Julien Bonds, the eccentric and self-proclaimed genius of Silicon Valley, had become interested in movies and was passionate about promenading down the red carpet with his beautiful girlfriend by his side. But the last movie he was involved with hadn’t earned a billion dollars at the box office. Furious at the dismal nine hundred million dollars that he labeled an absolute disaster, he’d sent out a rare—and ill advised—press release stating the action film wouldn’t have bombed if he’d retained creative control over the project instead of the bumbling fuckwit who directed it.
The award-winning bumbling fuckwit had taken great offense at the insult.
In the ensuing and highly public row, Bonds decided he needed his own movie studio, and it was Braden’s job to bring potential investors to the table. He’d confessed it wouldn’t be an easy sell. The genius didn’t want to play with his own money. Not only that, but he was willing to offer nothing but vague assurances of massive profits. Still…it was Julien Bonds, and the genius was known for getting people to listen to outrageous ideas.
Rafe went on. “This evening’s gathering has highlighted the need for such a special skillset.”
Intrigued, she leaned forward.
Coordinating the myriad details for this event had forced her to expand her talents. She’d arranged for private plane and helicopter flights, limousine services, even a security detail. One of the members—Dominic Raul Ricci—required accommodations for an entire entourage, including bodyguards and his right-hand man, booked into the system under the name Davin Sorensen, VP of Special Security. Whatever that meant.
None of tonight’s invited guests wanted to be seen in public, so arrangements had been made to bring them into the parking garage through an unmarked entrance where their vehicles would be directed to a special elevator.
The menu was extraordinary, the champagne expensive, the cognac one hundred years old.
“Discretion and understanding the unique needs of VIPs are the key components of the job.”
“Of course.” Why was he telling her this?
“You’re the right person for the position, Elizabeth. And I’d like to offer it to you.”
“What?” Stunned, her mind spinning a dozen directions at the implications, she rolled her shoulders back.
“You are uniquely qualified.”
“Me? In what way?”
“May I be blunt?”
“Please.” She didn’t want to be kept guessing.
“Braden has put forth your name for membership consideration in the Titans. You’ll be one of us.”
Which was presupposing she’d be approved.
“That will carry weight within the membership.” His phone rang, but he ignored it, continuing to focus on her and the discussion. “I’m aware you requested an overseas transfer, and I’ll see to it that it’s expedited if that’s your ultimate decision. Your ability to properly manage unique, unusual get-togethers such as this one proves that you—and by extension, Sterling—are the natural choice to host VIP events.”
Since Lizzie accepted Braden’s proposal, he’d supplied her with more details about the Zeta Society. The organ
ization owned a massive estate in Louisiana, and he’d promised to take her there when her schedule permitted. The annual gathering was held on the premises, along with steering committee meetings and membership inductions. Since the numerous cottages and the mansion with its restaurant, bar, and hotel rooms were open year round, Titans could sequester themselves away in secrecy. But it wasn’t always practical for them to make the trek to the retreat on the banks of the Mississippi River.
“As you know, I’d like to expand the Sterling portfolio by offering services for discerning guests.”
She nodded.
“They can even be hosted at places that we don’t own. For example, Griffin Lahey has a private island, and he occasionally allows friends and colleagues to stay there.”
“He does?”
“That’s where I finally managed to convince Hope to marry me. I think it was the sunset. Or the moon. But whatever it was, I’m grateful for it.”
Rafe rarely allowed employees glimpses inside his personal life, so it meant a lot to her that he was opening up.
“There are properties all over the world like this. We can match Premier cardholders with locations otherwise unavailable to the public. Perfect for weddings, reunions, annual corporate meetings, private getaways. We can handle all the logistics.”
Her eyes widened as she caught his vision. From meetings she’d attended in the past, she knew he’d been moving this direction for years. Currently he was in negotiations with a travel agency to provide destination experiences for thrill-seekers and people looking for unique experiences.
“You’ve been based in numerous cities throughout the world and know almost all aspects of the service industry.”
As he spoke, excitement made Lizzie’s heart pick up its pace. “What would be involved?”
“Travel, of course. Some international. Most of it would be within the continental United States. You’d have the opportunity to be in Houston more than you were gone.”
Which meant more time with Braden. She took a breath, trying to be professional and not seem overeager. It was as if this job was created just for her, and maybe it had been.
“As VP of the division, you’d report directly to me, and you’d have a suite of offices at corporate headquarters. Of course, you’d be free to hire a staff. You’ll need an executive assistant, and I’d leave it to you to present me with a structure for the department, but I imagine you’ll want liaisons to work with personnel at all of our properties.” He leveled a glance at her. “I meant it when I said you were uniquely qualified for this, Elizabeth.”
Lizzie wanted to pinch herself. Braden would be thrilled. Which made her wonder… “Did anyone”—her future spouse?—“suggest this to you?”
“I know what you’re asking.” His stare was as cold as it was honest. “The answer is no. The idea is mine alone. This is a natural fit with the Sterling Worldwide brand.”
She hadn’t realized she was holding her breath until it rushed out in a sigh of relief.
“Take some time to think about it,” he encouraged. “I can give you a week. After that I’ll need to consider other candidates.”
If he was planning to move ahead regardless of her decision, then he was serious about his plans. “When would the job start?”
“As soon as possible. Monday.”
When she sputtered, he took a drink of his cappuccino. “Or within the month,” he amended. “After you’ve had some time off.”
In addition to the annual vacation package that Sterling Worldwide provided, she had accrued half a year of leave to compensate for all the overtime she worked. She’d definitely planned to use some of it next week, beginning on Sunday morning. Braden planned to pick her up at the hotel, then continue on to Galveston, where they’d stay at a resort on the seawall before leaving for a seven-night cruise, and their first trip together. He’d tempted her by offering unlimited rum punches, warm chocolate melting cake, white sandy beaches, and a day at the spa. It would be just the thing she needed to relax and catch up on sleep.
“What are your initial thoughts?”
“It’s…” She fished around for the right word. Fabulous. Amazing. She was tempted to leap without thinking about it. Reminding herself to be a professional businesswoman, she settled for a nondescript word. “Unexpected.”
“I imagine it is.”
“And the salary?” At present her income was supplemented by the fact that Sterling Worldwide covered her living expenses, and she didn’t need a vehicle. When she ate at one of their restaurants, her meals were comped, so it was possible that she’d be essentially earning less overall, even with a raise.
The figure he named was so far beyond what she expected that she scooted farther back in her seat in shock, struggling to keep her lips together so she didn’t reveal her excitement.
“Does that meet your approval?”
“It’s a good starting place for negotiations.” How had she even managed to get that sentence out?
“Indeed.” His reply was matter-of-fact, as if he’d expected her to have a counteroffer.
She wanted to discuss the opportunity with Braden before deciding, just as she’d expect him to talk with her about anything that would impact their future. “I’m happy to give you an answer when I’m back at work.”
He pulled out his Bonds cell phone. “The Wednesday of your return? Give you a bit to settle in. Ten a.m. in my office?”
“Perfect.” Pretending that her fingers weren’t shaking, Lizzie entered the appointment into her own calendar.
After closing the calendar app, she stood. “If you will excuse me? As you know, I have an important event to handle this evening.”
“Indeed you do. I’ll see you there.”
They shook hands before she made her way back across the lobby, stopping a couple of times to answer staff questions.
Once she was inside her office, she closed the door and fist-bumped the air. If she had scripted her future, she couldn’t have written a better story. She had her very own prince and—very possibly—the job of her dreams. Getting to choose her staff was an added benefit. For years, she’d wanted to work with her friend Crystal, and now the chance might arise.
Her desk phone rang, interrupting her private celebration and reminding her there was still a lot of work to be done.
With a sigh, she pushed back her hair and answered the call.
The evening hadn’t yet started, but Braden couldn’t fucking wait for it to end so he could take his very sexy fiancée to bed.
While she was away from home, he’d done his best to be supportive, but he missed having her in their bed.
For a man who’d spent so long avoiding relationships, his reaction to living with Lizzie shocked him. It wasn’t just easy; it was natural. She was the last piece of the puzzle he needed to complete his life.
He’d hoped for a few stolen moments together before the gathering, and he’d arrived at the hotel early, just in case.
But when he opened the door to their suite, he found she’d sent up a bottle of champagne and a charcuterie board, along with a personal note—a handwritten apology that she couldn’t get away and a promise that she would be all his after the event ended.
At least for the majority of the night, she’d be by his side, as his future bride. It was a small consolation.
Braden checked his tie in the bathroom mirror. He had to admit Rafe’s hotel was spectacular. The attention to detail made everything at the Uptown five star, and nothing was overstated. The cabinet was teak, and the floating countertop with its double sinks was hewn from gray marble. A bright yellow orchid provided a startling splash of relief.
There was an oversize tile shower with a large soaker tub nearby. Caveman that he was, all Braden could think of was watching Lizzie sink into the depths. That image caused an instant reaction that took some self-discipline to tame.
A minute or two later, when he was ready, he returned to their bedroom to lay several lengths of rope on th
e duvet cover. Next to them, he placed a red tie—the same one she’d been holding when he discovered her in his closet.
With a satisfied nod, he left the suite and headed toward the elevator.
A hotel employee greeted him the moment he exited the car and directed him to the private dining area with thick etched-glass walls that provided light but didn’t allow passersby to see inside.
Immediately the expansive view captured him. The sun was setting, and the taller uptown buildings refracted the light. But the only thing that mattered to him was the sight of Lizzie standing near a window, talking to Rafe.
Her hair was swept into an exquisite updo, and a single tendril curled against her nape. Along with tall, spiky pumps, she wore a sleeveless short black dress that hugged her gorgeous body.
Hunger for her ravaged him, and he strode across the floor. As he drew closer, her body stiffened, as if she sensed his presence; then she slowly turned her head to glance his direction. Their gazes met, and her eyes widened even as her lips parted in sinful invitation. Heat arrowed through him. She was his. His woman. And every part of him blazed with the need for everyone to know it.
A moment later, he joined the pair.
“Ah, Braden.” Rafe extended his hand.
Only because years of friendship and general good manners demanded it, Braden accepted, but he quickly turned toward Lizzie and brushed his lips against her exposed nape. She might be Rafe’s employee, but she was here as Braden’s hostess and future wife. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered against her ear.
There was no way she couldn’t know how much he desired her, and she blushed. Then, not giving a damn that it was entirely inappropriate, he captured her chin and kissed her delicious mouth.
For a moment, she curled her hand around his wrist, holding on, sealing their connection.
“I love you, Lizzie.”
Her smile was for him, and only him, and that knowledge lowered his blood pressure.
Scandalous Billionaire (Titans Book 5) Page 9