Kiss Lonely Goodbye Read online

  “I’ll call you later. Okay?” Nicole got busy at her desk. She didn’t look at him.

  “Yes, later.” Marcus felt like a man who had just lost ground in a chess match.

  Nicole glanced at him. “And another thing, loosen up. You’re sitting over there like you’ve got a steel rod up your you-know-what.”

  Marcus wished he could laugh at the joke. The trouble was the joke was on him. Getting loose with her was the last thing he needed.

  seven

  Two days later Marcus made a valiant attempt to loosen up. At Nicole’s suggestion they’d taken off for lunch to talk business and work out at the Taking Shape Gym. Nicole suppressed a smile. Marcus played the gentleman as they ran around the inside track. His long legs would have easily carried him far ahead of her. Yet they were side by side for each of the five laps. They alternated cardio exercise with resistance training. He did chest compression. Three women did a double take in unison when he strolled into the weight room, picked up a set of dumbbells, and did arm curls. She couldn’t blame them for gawking. Nicole stared as well, becoming the fourth member of the Marcus Reed Admiration Society.

  Marcus had skin like smooth cinnamon candy. The muscles of his biceps rippled with each movement. His broad chest formed a nice line that tapered down to his narrow waist. The royal blue running shorts molded to his body. Topped by a white Old Navy T-shirt, he looked like every woman’s fantasy personal trainer. Her own exercise forgotten, Nicole leaned against a weight lift bench and enjoyed the show. Too bad he was Mister tight-butt-chip-on-my-shoulder. Still what a nice butt, and tight was a perfect description, she mused. Marcus realized she was looking at him and stopped his set.

  “You’re supposed to use the equipment, not lean on it.” He jerked his head toward the machinery.

  Nicole blushed. “Ahem, right.”

  Real smooth, girl. Nicole spent the next fifteen minutes working her chest and upper arms. She poured her concentration in the repetitive movements to block out the vision of Marcus lifting weights. Much as she tried, there was no ignoring how he attracted circling females. One smitten lady in particular inspired an unpleasant itch of irritation. Tall and blond, the woman made sure she was in his line of vision. She tossed her long blond ponytail when Marcus looked her way.

  “Try to be a little more obvious, honey,” Nicole groused under her breath.

  “Hi, I’m Heather.” The woman flashed her even white teeth at him.

  “Heather,” Nicole muttered.

  “Hi, Heather. Marcus.”

  He smiled at her briefly, then turned his attention to stacking weights in preparation to perform a set of bench presses. Nicole snorted as she let go of the weight bar she’d been lifting. The twenty-pound metal disc clanged into place. Marcus glanced at her sharply, one eyebrow raised.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “Man, those things are heavier than I thought.”

  “Be careful you don’t strain yourself.”

  Nicole glanced at Heather, now busy doing warm-up stretches. “You, too.”

  Marcus merely smiled and continued his workout. Nicole got on a treadmill against a wall across from him. The trim blond strolled over the moment Marcus sat up. Nicole watched Heather go through her best flirting paces. Marcus nodded and smiled. From time to time he glanced across at Nicole, who waved and grinned. Finally he managed to make a graceful exit. Heather watched him walk over to Nicole, a hungry gleam in her green eyes.

  “I think you’ve left behind a shattered dream,” Nicole said. Then she flicked her fingertips at Heather with a grin. The woman flashed a silent challenging smile back at her.

  “You’ve got a devilish streak, Ms. Benoit.” Marcus wiped his face with the end of the towel over his left shoulder.

  “That girl would happily push me down a deep hole to get at you.”

  “I doubt getting rid of you is easy,” he tossed back with a laugh.

  “Remember that, Mr. Reed,” Nicole blurted out. She blushed when he looked at her with interest.

  “I assume we’re talking strictly business?”

  Nicole would have happily climbed into a hole at that moment. What in the world had made her say such a thing? A tiny voice answered with “His fine body, what else?” She punched the treadmill off and hopped down. To buy time, Nicole covered her face with a towel and pretended to wipe away perspiration.

  “Look at the time. We’d better go.” Nicole headed for the ladies’ dressing room before he could probe further.

  Showered and back in business attire, they ate in the club restaurant. After a quick lunch of tuna salad sandwiches and fruit juice they headed to the office. Thankfully Marcus’s cell phone rang twice on the ride back.

  “Tameka did what?” Marcus scowled as he looked through the windshield. “Yeah, we’ll deal with it. We’re only ten minutes away. Okay.” He tapped the button to end the call.

  “What’s happened now?” Nicole pulled up to a red light and stopped.

  “Tameka’s lawyer has already called the office.” Marcus drummed his fingers on the armrest between them.

  “Well, well. She didn’t waste any time. We haven’t accused her of anything yet.” Nicole joined him in scowling at the world.

  “I’ve got more good news. Mr. Phoung’s lawyer called, too. He says we should pay for the missing stock.”

  Nicole let out a long whistle. “Oh-oh.”

  “Each contract says we can’t guarantee there will be no loss by theft or other criminal acts or acts of God. Phoung is testing us,” Marcus replied.

  “So far there is no proof our employee is responsible. Therefore there is no basis for a lawsuit,” Nicole said.

  “The lawyer’s mind is already working.” Marcus glanced at her.

  “Are you sure Tameka wouldn’t help herself to the merchandise?” Nicole wheeled the small SUV expertly around a corner.

  “I’m going to test every possible theory,” Marcus said in a firm tone. “But I sure hope my first thought about Tameka is the right one. She’s a single mother with no one to help.”

  “Then let’s clear her of any suspicion fast. I don’t want her kids to suffer,” Nicole said.

  They arrived back at the office only to be met by more drama. Cat and Russell were waiting when they stepped off the elevator. Both started talking at once. Russell glared at Cat, and she pressed her lips together.

  “I could have handled these issues if I’d known you two were going on an extended lunch,” Russell snipped. He glanced from Nicole to Marcus.

  “We have to eat, too, Russell.” Nicole knew she sounded defensive. Several employees pretended to look busy, but they were obviously drinking in every word.

  “Let’s go in Nicole’s office,” Marcus said in a voice of authority. He marched on without waiting for anyone to respond. Once there, he held the door until everyone was inside, then shut it.

  “Russell, so help me if you make one more scene in front of my employees—” Nicole shook a finger at his nose.

  “Your employees?” Russell cut in.

  Marcus took Nicole by the arm and led her a few feet away from Russell. “Let’s keep calm.”

  “I should be CEO and everyone knows it,” Russell said in a calm tone. “But we’ll let our attorneys sort it out.”

  “Wait! I’m getting a psychic message from Uncle Hosea. He’s saying ‘When pigs fly,’” Nicole shot back.

  “Nicole, remember we just worked off tension,” Marcus mumbled.

  “Let her make clever jokes. We know the truth.” Russell looked at Marcus with a smirk.

  Nicole’s eyes narrowed to slits as she turned to Marcus. He looked at Russell instead of returning her gaze.

  “What’s going on?” Marcus asked evenly.

  “The silent alarm went off at Best Deal Liquor Store. Andre is talking to the police now. I think they had a burglary, but I haven’t had a chance to talk to him,” Cat said in a rush before Russell could speak.

  “One of the guards g
ot sick at the Delia Fine Gallery’s grand opening reception. So, her salon filled with priceless African-American art has no protection. Another didn’t show up for his shift at a gospel concert across town,” Russell said with a sneer. “If I had the proper authority I could have resolved these issues.”

  “Jesse called in two people who are on their way to the job sites.” Cat cut her eyes at Russell in disapproval. “Everything is okay.”

  “I’d hardly call four disasters within the first three weeks she takes over ‘okay.’” Russell crossed his arms and gazed at Nicole.

  “You’re fired,” Nicole said.

  “You can’t fire him,” Marcus mumbled aside to her.

  “I know.” Nicole exhaled slowly. “But it still felt so damn good saying it.”

  “I’ll be in my office. Pick up the pieces the best you can. Section B, clause six should kick in anytime now. Can’t wait to see you explain everything to Francine and the family.” Russell strolled out whistling.

  Cat sorted through Nicole’s phone messages quickly. “You know, I might be able to handle some of these. Y’all need to talk.” She cast a look of sympathy at Nicole as she left.

  “Ahh!” Nicole searched for something to throw. She spotted a coffee mug with the company logo and picked it up.

  Marcus grabbed her arm. “Breaking things won’t help.”

  Another man might have been doubled over in pain by now for making such a mistake. Instead Nicole stared into brown eyes that seemed to pull her into them. She could feel his breath on her left cheek like a whispery kiss. The sensation raised the hairs on her neck. Stiff, self-important, and passive aggressive he might be, but she wanted him. And in an instant she decided to have him, every inch of his fine candy-coated tan body. So began another legendary Nicole Summers Benoit campaign to get what she wanted. She relaxed her arm slightly and let it drop until it rested against his flat stomach. A coy smile would be too obvious. Marcus wasn’t the type to fall for the obvious. Still, the way he held onto her and didn’t move away said a lot. Best to appeal to his sense of professional decorum. No drama, Nicole.

  “You’re right,” she said quietly. “My inner spoiled brat keeps fighting to get out. I’m okay now, thanks.”

  He blinked as though surprised at her response. Then he let go of her and took a step back. “I didn’t count on being referee as part of my new job description,” he said gruffly as he put more distance between them.

  “I apologize. Dealing with Russell and getting used to the business has me stressed to the limit. Still, that’s no excuse.” Nicole sat down at her desk.

  Marcus smoothed down the front of his suit and cleared his throat. “What did Russell mean about Section B, clause six?”

  “The will states in that portion that if I don’t meet certain conditions, Summers Security will convert to a Subchapter C Corporation and a board of directors will be appointed. They will then decide who will be CEO.”

  “Why would Russell and his sister want that? They’re listed as owners with the business being a Limited Liability Company.” Marcus put one hand in his pocket.

  “Silent partners with no clout.”

  “True. So, they’ll take their chances that the family will decide he should be in charge.”

  “Like you said, getting rid of me isn’t easy,” Nicole wore a half-smile.

  “Plan B in the works?”

  She glanced up. He seemed to be evaluating her. Careful. Play is one thing, business is a whole other game. Nicole put on a relaxed smile. “I’m working on it.”

  Marcus lifted a shoulder. “Good luck then. If it’s okay with you, I’ll call our lawyer about Tameka and Phoung.”

  “Fine. Just let me know what he says before you leave.” Nicole opened a folder.

  “I’ll probably be working late.” He started for the door.

  “So will I,” she replied.

  Nicole felt his gaze on her, but she pretended to read the report in the folder. For a few seconds he seemed to debate whether to say more. Instead he kept going. When the door shut softly, Nicole smiled to herself.

  “That’s gotta be worth bonus points.” She leaned back in her chair. “Two challenges. Uncle Hosea, you old rascal, you knew I’d get sucked in, didn’t you?”

  Marcus closed the door to his office and sat down at his desk. He rocked in his chair for several minutes, then turned it around until he faced the window. Traffic snaked along the streets below. Nicole was a problem in a way he hadn’t bargained on. Her fragrance lingered, leaving him with the aura of a fresh gulf breeze. He shook his head to clear it and reestablish his first impression of her. Still, she seemed to be working hard to do more than play the part of CEO. Maybe he needed to revise his assessment. A knock on his door broke into his thoughts. Russell walked in seconds later.

  “Sure, come on in,” Marcus said in a tone dry enough to give anyone the hint.

  “I figured you’d want to talk.” Russell sat down. “I think you see now we can help each other.”

  Marcus sighed. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Nicole might as well pack her Gucci handbag once we team up.” Russell smiled.

  “For the last time—”

  “You don’t like her being in charge any more than I do.”

  “Change is difficult,” Marcus said, repeating his now vague stock phrase.

  Russell perched on the edge of Marcus’s desk. He wore a half-smile. “She needs us and we don’t need her. A perfect setup.”

  “Setup?”

  “I mean for her to take a fall. All we have to do is give the situation a little push and, bam! We’re in charge.” Russell winked at him.

  Russell’s chummy act should have been amusing. Instead Marcus felt his annoyance turning to anger. “You could try working with Nicole.”

  “You’ve seen what she’s like,” Russell complained. “Completely unreasonable. I’ve tried, but Nicole won’t listen.”

  “Imagine that, she wouldn’t agree to step down and give you the CEO job,” Marcus said in a dull tone.

  “Exactly,” Russell said, missing the point. “Never mind all my experience and expertise in this business.” His mouth twisted until his thin face looked fierce.

  “From what I can see Nicole is taking her job seriously.”

  “Humph! I can’t afford to let Summers Security go down while she gets on-the-job training.” Russell’s frown melted into a smarmy grin. “I’ll even admit that you’ve got a few organization skills I lack. I’m more of a big picture person.”

  “Uh-huh.” Marcus was growing weary of this conversation.

  “We’d complement each other. I’ll also admit that I should have seen this before now. I guess a crisis forces us all to think more clearly.” Russell nodded.

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Nicole is a sharp-tongued witch. I know the employees would throw a party if we got rid of her. She’s a real—”

  “Give her a chance,” Marcus cut in, not trusting what might happen if he let Russell go on.

  Russell stood and smoothed down his designer dress shirt. “Don’t make a decision right now. Take some time and think it over. You’ll see I’m right, bro.”

  “I don’t have to think it over, bro. I told Nicole’s father I’d do my best for at least six months.”

  “You don’t owe them a thing. But we’ve worked together for almost seven years now.” Russell lifted his chin.

  “Yes, we have.” Marcus lifted an eyebrow at him.

  “Er, I’ve already said we had our issues. I’m willing to put all that aside now.”

  “How generous. My answer is the same.” Marcus picked up his ink pen and started to write. “Goodbye, Russell.”

  “You can’t just dismiss me as though I’m the janitor!” Russell snapped.

  “Keep pushing Nicole’s buttons and you might end up carrying a mop around here.” Marcus looked at him. “The lady can do some damage when she’s mad.”

  “Okay, I’ll take over wit
hout your help.” Russell strode out and slammed the door behind him.

  “What the hell are you thinking?” Marcus sat back in his chair to consider his reaction. As if to help him answer his question, Nicole came in without knocking.

  “I like you more all the time, Marcus Reed.” She grinned at him.

  Pleasure spread up his spine like warm massage oil. Marcus smiled back at her. “Oh?”

  Nicole closed the door behind her. “You’ve been giving me the chilly treatment, don’t waste time denying it.”

  “Okay,” Marcus replied warily and wondered where she was headed.

  “And if you recite that ‘change is difficult’ crap once more, I’ll scream,” she added and made a sour face.

  Marcus felt heat licking at him. Nicole looked even more beautiful pouting and threatening a tantrum. “I wouldn’t want that. So, what have I done to redeem your opinion of me?”

  “I saw Russell stomp out of here. You pissed him off big time. Please, please, please tell me the details.” Nicole rubbed her hands together.

  “Come on, as our leader you should be fussing at us about not being a team.” Marcus pressed his lips together.

  “You’re right.” Then she looked at him hard, with an impish gleam in her lovely eyes. “A tiny hint, that’s all.”

  Marcus laughed out loud in spite of his efforts to keep a stoic face. “Nicole, you’re too much.”

  Nicole tilted her head back and laughed with him. Musical and full, the sound came from deep in her throat. Marcus shivered. Her neck seemed to invite him to press his lips against it. Before he realized it, Marcus was out of his chair and around the desk. He stood over her and put one hand on her elbow. Nicole’s laugh bubbled up and then away like sparkling wine.

  “You see? We’ve got a lot more in common than you thought,” she said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of her full mouth.

  He couldn’t look away even though his streetwise instincts sensed danger. “Do we?”

  “Um-hum. We both see right through Russell. We also both want the best for Summers Security and we’re willing to work hard to get it.”

  Nicole moved closer to him until her face was less than an inch from his. Marcus could hear himself breathing hard. His gaze traveled along the heart-shaped line of her face, taking in every captivating curve. Tasteful gold hoop earrings hung from her delicate earlobes. Being so near to her made him realize she had the most beautiful tawny eyes he’d ever seen in his life. His small voice of reason fell silent, and he kissed her. Not a light, delicate brush, either.