To my family, especially my dad Ronald, and brother, Michael. Thank you for encouraging me and making sure that I never gave up. Daddy, thanks for pulling out things I wrote at eight years old to remind me to keep going. Thank you to my mother-in-law, Pat, sister-in-law Janelle, and members of the extended Richardson/Mathews/Chaney clan. There are too many to name, so I thank you and love you.
To Teagan, my little miracle. You pulled me out of a dark place and gave me hope. I hope mommy makes you proud. You are too young to read this book but one day you will. Let’s stick to Pete the Cat for now.
Finally, to my husband, Jay. Thanks for supporting me through the nights, early mornings, and tears. You are the cinnamon roll hero of my dreams. My muse. My love. My life has been better than any rom-com I could write. I love you 5-eva.
About the Author
Tati Richardson is co-founder of the Romance in Colour Podcast. A higher education professional for two decades, Tati holds degrees in English from Clark Atlanta University and University of North Carolina-Greensboro. A native of Atlanta, Tati lives in the suburbs with her husband and daughter. She collects red lipstick, Wonder Woman memorabilia, and unique eyewear. The Build Up is Tati’s debut novel.
Tati’s podcast, Romance in Colour, is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google, and most podcast platforms.
Tati Richardson is represented by Keisha Mennefee, Literary Manager at Honey Magnolia Media. For more information, contact: [email protected].
Learn more about Tati by visiting her website www.tatiannarichardson.com.
A tour manager determined to revitalize her career. The client she can’t stop thinking about.
Don’t miss In Tune by JN Welsh
Luke Anderson needs a manager—fast. His last one quit, leaving his tour and his future in jeopardy. Now instead of focusing on his career, he’s forced to concentrate on damage control. Powerhouse manager Leona Sable is the full package—smart and talented, not to mention sexy as hell—but her past makes her impossible to trust.
When opportunity knocks in the form of talented EDM DJ Luke “The Musical Prophet” Anderson, Leona is ready to answer. But salvation doesn’t come cheap. Luke won’t sign until Leona agrees to his outrageous terms—including a no-sex-while-on-tour clause.
Dictating what she does in her personal life crosses a line. But Leona’s never been one to back down from a challenge.
One thing is for sure: if she has to suffer, so will he.
Chapter One
If Leona Sable had known how this day was going to turn out, she would have stayed in bed, nestled against her boyfriend pillow with the covers pulled over her head.
How the fuck did I get here? A conversation with her boss and mentor, Abraham Wallace, that started with “The client only wants you” and ended with “Meet me at the Metro Hotel this evening at seven and be dressed for a night out.” That’s how.
Ever since that conversation a few short hours ago, Leona had been collecting intel on Electronic Dance Music DJ Luke “The Musical Prophet” Anderson.
Had Abe not looked so stressed and hell-bent on acquiring said potential client, she’d still be in hiding, paper-pushing due diligence forms.
Leona sat in the hairdresser’s chair in Midtown Manhattan. Her tight corkscrew curls dripped wet onto the towel draped over her shoulders, while she pressed the cell phone to her ear.
“Dale, sweetie, you’re telling me that Luke’s manager left his tour? Just like that? Why?” Leona strained to hear above the light music playing in the salon.
Dale, her fabulous, long-time source swam in the know while others simply dipped their toe into the pool. “Allegedly, there was a mash-up of problems. Money issues and fraternization,” he whispered into the phone.
Leona wasn’t a gossip but she sometimes had to play the role of one to get the information she needed.
“They were dating? Was it serious?”
“Who knows in this industry? But I will say that hearts were broken. And…”
Leona couldn’t believe the next words that came out of Dale’s mouth, and neither would Abe when she briefed him. “No!”
“Yes, but you won’t find a lick about it in the rags. The family is wealthy and adamant about her privacy. They keep paying out.”
“Then why would she do that?”
“I don’t know, girl. Money got these people like…whoa!”
“Stop.” Leona laughed, assessing her milk chocolate brown image in the mirror. “Thanks, D. You gave me a lot to work with. I appreciate it.”