Kiss Lonely Goodbye Read online

  Stanton let a beat pass as he gazed at her. “Yes, why don’t we? Marcus will join us.”

  “Great idea,” Uncle Lionel chimed in before Nicole could speak. He stood. “I’m hungry. I’ll call right now and get a small room set aside at Brennan’s.” He went to the other end of the room and picked up the phone on a long side table against the wall.

  Marcus wore a serene expression. “I’m free, as a matter of fact.”

  “Good. We’ll meet in the lobby in thirty minutes,” Stanton said.

  “Yes, sir.” Marcus made a few nimble keystrokes on the laptop, then made a graceful exit.

  “The bum!” Nicole burst out the instant the heavy door whisked shut behind him. “He spent the morning undermining my authority.”

  “How, specifically?” Stanton asked.

  “Well, he—” Nicole raised a hand. She searched for words. Seconds went by while her father drummed his fingers on the table. “It was just his attitude. You know what I mean. Talking down to me while he’s got this kiss-ass smile on his face.”

  “A certain amount of tension is to be expected under the circumstances. None of the management staff know what kind of changes to expect.” Stanton sat forward. “You’ve got to establish credibility with your staff. They’ve probably heard you’re not too thrilled to be their new boss.”

  “Speaking of which, any news on how I can get out of here?” Nicole muttered.

  “The will is ironclad. Now stop whining,” her father commanded.

  Nicole indulged in a few more seconds of pouting before she sat up straight and grinned. “I’ve got at least six months to show Mr. Wise-Ass Marcus Reed who he’s dealing with.”

  “Nicole,” her father’s voice grumbled low, his usual warning sound.

  Nicole laughed and waved both hands in the air. “Just kidding around, Daddy.” She grew serious again. “I don’t want to see anybody unemployed or a Summers family business go down in flames. I’ll take care of business.”

  “Good, girl.” Stanton’s scowl relaxed into a paternal smile of affection. He kissed her forehead. “I knew I could count on my cute little honey-bunny.”

  “Please don’t call me that in front of anybody!” Nicole shook her head hard. “I’ve got enough of a hurdle getting respect. They all think I’m a pampered Black American Princess as it is.”

  Her father grunted. “They’re right. Not that I can’t take some of the blame for indulging you all these years.”

  Uncle Lionel came back rubbing his hands together. “It’s all set. Stanton, we’ve got a few minutes to make that call to Washington, D.C. to the lobbyist.”

  “Right. We pooled resources with other minority business owners to hire a top lobbying firm. Separate, we could never afford their hefty fees.”

  “Okay. Stay and use the phone here. I’ll meet with my secretary.” Nicole retrieved the phone and hooked it to a jack set in the conference table.

  “See you in a little while, baby.” Stanton hit the speaker button as he spoke, his mind already on his own business.

  Nicole waved goodbye to them and retreated through the door directly into her office. Once the door closed, her shoulders slumped. Getting through her first morning as head of Summers Security had taken a toll. She massaged the back of her neck and rolled her arms in a circle to loosen up. The view from her window was less than wonderful. She stared at parking lots and traffic on the street below. The five-floor office building sat in downtown Houston miles from Uncle Hosea’s expensive home in River Oaks. With a sigh, she went to the small wet bar in the eastern corner of the office and got a bottle of spring water. As she glanced around, Nicole started planning how to redecorate.

  Russell came through the door without knocking. His eyes narrowed to slits. “Who postponed the meeting with Federated Food Stores?”

  “You must know I did or you wouldn’t be in my office, Russ.” Nicole sat back in her chair and stared at him.

  “I’m handling that account. You’ve probably jeopardized a very lucrative contract.” Russell took a few steps closer and folded his arms across his chest. “You don’t know much about this field. I think you should let me handle things for a while.”

  “Really?” Nicole spoke in an even tone.

  “I’m going to help you out. We can meet once or twice a week and I’ll keep you informed of what’s going on. In fact, I can even have Cat e-mail reports to you if you don’t want to come into the office. I know you didn’t want this place dumped on you.”

  “You’d do that for me?” Nicole said with a wide-eyed expression. “I don’t know what to say.”

  Russell shrugged and spread his arms. “It makes sense. I can run the business for the next year.”

  “Interesting proposition. You’d be the boss, but as a service to unburden me,” Nicole added quickly.

  “Exactly.” Russell smiled at her. He strolled over to the coffeepot nearby and poured himself a cup. “You want to get back to your, er, career.”

  “I appreciate the offer.” Nicole rocked the leather chair gently as she gazed at him.

  Russell looked around the office as though it were his already. “No problem. We’re family.”

  She picked up her pen and started to write. “But no thanks. I rescheduled the meeting with Federated Food Stores for next Wednesday. That way I’ll have more time to look over their needs assessment.”

  “I’ll pick up the pieces when you’re tired of playing boss.” He strode out and shut the door with a solid bump.

  Nicole’s father and Uncle Lionel came in through the side door. Stanton sighed. “You look odd sitting at Uncle Hosea’s desk, Nikki.”

  “Ready for lunch? I sure am!” Uncle Lionel patted his stomach.

  “Ready as I’ll ever be. I’ll tell you both one thing, Marcus Reed is due for an attitude adjustment. He’s subtly undermining my authority.” Nicole took her Fendi handbag from the desk drawer.

  “From what I could see Marcus has been nothing but helpful.” Stanton looked at his brother.

  Uncle Lionel shrugged. “It’s tough having a woman in charge, especially when she doesn’t know beans. Sorry, Nikki, but that’s the truth.”

  “He’ll have to get over himself.” Nicole went to the door when the two men stood to let her go first.

  “Now, Nicole Marie, don’t start anything. You need him.” Stanton shook a finger at her.

  “Since I had this place dumped on me I intend to be in charge, starting with this lunch. I’m in charge, so get used to it.” Nicole lifted her nose in the air when she spotted Marcus waiting by Cat’s desk.

  Her father and uncle exchanged a glance. “Lord help us!” they said in unison.

  three

  Lunch went better than Nicole expected. By the time they’d ordered coffee and dessert, she knew more about Marcus. Nicole tried not to let her interest show as Marcus talked more about himself. He stayed away from his personal life and concentrated more on his work history. She wondered just who were the women in his life. Looking at him, Nicole doubted he’d lived the life of a monk. His handsome face and fine body would draw women like crazy, she mused. He’d sure caught her eye at the funeral. In fact, Marcus Reed seemed capable of stirring up female hormones everywhere he went. At least two women in the restaurant besides the waitress had practically done cartwheels to get his attention. Mr. Wonder Charm must be waiting for her to roll over like a little poodle. As if sensing the defensive move, Marcus looked at her and turned on a dazzling smile. Nicole mentally readjusted her anti-lover-boy suit of armor.

  “I’d be happy to spend more time with Ms. Benoit,” he said.

  “What?” Nicole blinked in confusion. She stared at her father.

  “I said you two will need to work hand in hand over the next few months.” Stanton looked at her hard. “You okay?”

  “Fine.” Nicole recovered and smiled. “I intend to have weekly meetings with the management staff and bimonthly company meetings with all employees.”

  “I t
hink Mr. Summers means you and I meeting alone.” Marcus assumed a casual pose as he took a sip from his glass.

  Nicole thought he’d put emphasis on the word “alone,” yet when she looked at him he seemed all business. “Yes, well, of course.”

  “With your guidance, I’m sure Summers Security can at least hold ground. I’m sure Nicole will follow your lead,” Stanton said.

  “Only sensible approach she can take, considering,” Uncle Lionel put in.

  “I don’t know about providing security services. At least I didn’t until two weeks ago,” Nicole admitted.

  “I’m sure you’ll be up to speed soon enough.” Marcus nodded at her.

  “I intend to be up to speed by the end of the week,” Nicole said with a cool smile.

  “That’s Summers blood talking. Meet the challenge.” Uncle Lionel winked at her.

  Nicole saw Marcus stiffen. “You’ll notice my uncle has his feet firmly planted in the nineteenth century,” she joked to avoid another tense moment.

  “Huh?” Uncle Lionel’s thick brows pulled together to give his broad face a confused expression.

  “Eat, Lionel,” Stanton said with a sigh.

  “Excellent food. Hmmm.” Uncle Lionel promptly forgot the subject. He savored another mouthful of cheesecake.

  Once they finished eating, Uncle Lionel paid the bill, and they went back to the office. Cat waved a thick wad of messages when they entered the foyer outside Nicole’s office.

  “Most important ones are on the top,” Cat said.

  “Wonderful.” Nicole took them from her.

  “Welcome to the world of being in charge,” Uncle Lionel said.

  “Marcus, pleasure getting to know you better.” Stanton shook hands with him.

  “Same here,” Uncle Lionel rumbled. He glanced at the large round digital clock on the wall above Cat’s desk. “We better shake a leg, Stan.”

  “Right. We have a meeting in Lafayette this evening.” Stanton turned to Nicole. “Bye, baby. Marcus.”

  “Goodbye, sir.” Marcus nodded to both men.

  Nicole felt like a small child being left by her father on the first day of school. “Daddy, wait.”

  “Call me anytime. Though I’m sure with Marcus by your side you won’t need me as much.”

  “I intend to be right here for her, sir.” Marcus smiled at her father.

  “Stan, we really have to leave. We’re cutting it close as it is.” Uncle Lionel waved goodbye and headed for the door.

  Stanton kissed Nicole on her cheek. “One benefit is I get to kiss the boss and she can’t fire me,” he teased.

  “That is a nice perk.” Marcus glanced at Nicole. His smile widened when she blushed.

  “Why do I feel like I’ve just been patted on the head like a puppy?” Nicole wisecracked.

  “Marcus, for you.” Cat held out the receiver of her phone.

  When he walked away, Stanton pulled Nicole aside. “He’s your best ally. Russell is sure to be a bit of a problem.”

  “A bit of a problem? That’s a bit of an understatement,” she retorted.

  “Even more reason to build a solid relationship with Marcus. He’s not only good at what he does, but he seems genuinely loyal to the company.”

  “Yes, Daddy. I hear you loud and clear.” Nicole pushed down her natural inclination to rebel. “He’s not the knight in shining armor you think. He resents the hell out of having me as his boss.”

  “Then win him over. You can turn on the charm when necessary. Well, if ever there was a time, it’s now. Like my father used to say—”

  “The best way to win a fight is to make friends with your opponent. Or at least let him think so until the right moment, then pow!” Nicole grinned. Grandfather Alcee had been a crafty guy, a nicer version of his brother Hosea.

  “So, maybe you’ve heard that one a few times.” Stanton chuckled. His expression turned serious again. “I’ll call you in a few days.”

  “Yes, sir.” Nicole gave him a mock salute.

  “And control your mouth,” he tossed back and wagged a forefinger at her nose. “Remember, you need these folks as much as they need you.”

  “I got it.” Nicole pressed her lips together.

  Stanton held up one palm. “I hear your mother starting to ooze out. I’ll say no more.”

  “I really do appreciate the advice, sweetie.” Nicole gave him a quick hug.

  Uncle Lionel stuck his head in the door, a cell phone pressed to his ear. “Stan, come on.”

  “Bye, darlin’.” Stanton waved to Cat and Marcus, and they waved back. He looked at Nicole again. “Don’t forget what I said.”

  “Goodbye,” Nicole said in a clipped tone. Stanton only laughed again as he left. “Watch my mouth. Funny.”

  Marcus hung up the phone and walked over to her. “Maybe I should return some of those messages. That way you’ll have a chance to get your office organized and decorated.”

  “I’m not quite ready to hang frilly pink curtains,” Nicole replied, then clamped her mouth shut again. Her father’s warning reverberated in her head like a fire bell.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

  “It’s okay,” Nicole broke in.

  “The first day running a company you didn’t expect to inherit must be tough. I just wanted to take one more worry off your hands,” Marcus replied smoothly, no hint that he was offended.

  Nicole gazed at him, feeling skeptical that he was sincere. Still, she had to give him credit for being poised. She’d be just as slick.

  “You’re right, of course. But I have to dive in sometime. Might as well start now. Thanks for the offer.” Nicole flashed her best smile. “I’ll call if I need you. How’s that?”

  Marcus gazed at her for several seconds, then cleared his throat and looked away. “Sounds fine. I’ll be in my office the rest of the afternoon.” He turned to leave.

  “Marcus?” Nicole said in a silken tone.

  He froze, then turned slowly. “Yes?”

  “Make up a list of clients I can visit this week. Three or four of the top contracts. The personal touch will inspire confidence,” Nicole said.

  “Uh, good idea, Ms. Benoit.” He blinked rapidly.

  “Call me Nicole. I know Uncle Hosea was a stickler for formality, but I’m not him.” Nicole gleefully watched him shift his weight from one foot to the other.

  “Sure.” Marcus hurried off as though late for a meeting.

  “Lesson number two in who’s the boss.” Nicole grinned and went into her office. “I’ll have the phone attached to my ear for the rest of today,” she said to Cat.

  Cat looked at the door where Marcus had stood, then at Nicole, with both her auburn-dyed eyebrows raised. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Marcus slapped his hands together as he looked up at the wall. “Man, do I need this workout.”

  “Rough day, huh? I knew something was up when you called me.” Shaun, his boyhood pal from the Fifth Ward, stood beside him adjusting his gloves.

  They were about to tackle their favorite sport, indoor rock climbing. There were only a few other climbers at Texas Rock Gym. Marcus had called Shaun’s cell phone earlier that day and arranged for them to meet. Shaun would anchor the rope while Marcus scaled walls studded with hand and toe holds. Then Shaun would take his turn with Marcus below. Marcus had made a case for being first—forget their traditional coin toss. He needed to release the tension in his muscles after the last two days.

  “Brother, I couldn’t wait until Friday,” Marcus muttered. “A midweek climb will help me make it to the weekend.”

  “That answers at least one of my questions about your new boss,” Shaun joked. His grin widened when Marcus let out a grunt. “A nut buster, right?”

  “She’s got a mouth on her for sure.” Marcus frowned at the memory of Nicole issuing instructions.

  “Naturally, they all do,” Shaun retorted.

  “Judging from the way he was whispering to her, I’d say Daddy told his little princess
to try tact instead of a club. We’ll see how long that act can last.”

  “A battle of the wills. Wish I could witness the first few rounds.” Shaun chuckled.

  “She can turn on that slinky voice and bats her long eyelashes until forever. I’m not going to be her lapdog!” Marcus scowled at the wall as though ready to punish it in Nicole’s place.

  “Good-looking, huh?” Shaun adjusted his waist harness in preparation.

  “I guess.”

  “If she’s that fine, going to the office might not be so bad after all.” Shaun wiggled his eyebrows.

  “I came here to relax and leave that soap opera behind for a while.” Marcus paid even more attention to his harness.

  “The Young and the Clueless. Stay tuned for our next episode. Is the brother in trouble? Will the lovely new boss—”

  “Maybe I’ll wrap this rope around your neck instead.” Marcus’s eyes narrowed to slits.

  “Message received. Let’s rock,” Shaun quipped.

  Marcus groaned at the oft-repeated pun. “For a young guy you sure can come up with some dusty jokes.”

  Shaun shrugged off the sour response with another laugh. Marcus attacked the wall as though he were conquering Mount Everest. Foot by foot he ascended. Still part of his mind was on a set of walnut brown eyes. Nicole Benoit was both what he had expected and a surprise rolled into a lovely body. She could certainly be a “nut buster,” to borrow Shaun’s colorful description. Nicole was one tough cookie. Her father had made it clear she was daddy’s darling with his presence. Yet Marcus felt fairly sure Nicole had an iron will, most likely the result of getting her way. Typical profile, he mused as he continued his climb. He had little doubt Nicole was spoiled rotten and had a nasty temper when crossed. She’d given him a glimpse of both traits her first day in the office.

  Still she could turn sweet when it suited her purpose. The memory of the way she said his name, all satiny and alluring, came back to him. She rolled the first syllable out with a hint of a Creole accent. Marcus mused on her heritage. Old man Summers had told him about the family’s roots. Her thick, shoulder-length hair was brown with red highlights. She had a figure that could bring dead men back to life, especially when she walked. But that voice. He’d stopped dead in his tracks at the sound, so stunned at how it had flowed toward him. Only moments before she’d seemed the typical sarcastic sister. When he’d turned around, the sight of her voluptuous lips curved up in a smile had sent a shiver down his back. When an image of her shapely legs clicked on, Marcus sucked in a deep breath and let it out.