Kiss Lonely Goodbye (12 page)

“I've got that meeting with Andre after lunch and two site visits,” Marcus replied.

“Maybe in the morning?” Nicole seemed not to notice the way Shaun examined her from head to toe.

“I'll be in around eight.”

“Too early.” Nicole wore a slight frown.

“I know what you mean,” Shaun interjected smoothly. “I do my best work in the evenings.”

“Interesting,” Nicole said in a deadpan tone. “What about around five today?”

Marcus shot an annoyed sideways glance at Shaun. “Okay. We'd better get a move on. I've got a lot to do this afternoon.”

“If you need to cancel, no problem. Nicole, have you been to This Is It? The best soul food in town.” Shaun smacked his lips.

“No, I—”

“Of course, I realize you're not used to cafeteria-style dining. But believe me, it's more than worth it.” Shaun walked over to Nicole and put a hand under her elbow. He was poised to guide her toward the elevator.

Nicole lifted her arm and stepped away in one graceful motion. “Thanks, but I have plans. My lunch is on the way.”

“You'll get indigestion eating in the office. A nice relaxing meal with pleasant company makes work go better.” Shaun waved a forefinger in the air.

“Maybe another time,” Nicole said with a restrained smile.

“I'll hold you to that promise.” Shaun beamed back as though they had a firm date.

“See you later, Marcus.” Nicole walked off.

Marcus faced Shaun. “You're having memory problems?”

“I was going to use the proven Shaun Jackson method of extracting information for you, my man.” He spread his hands out.

“Yeah, sure you were.” Marcus scowled at him.

“Of course, if she means more to you, just say so. I won't even do a little harmless flirting.” Shaun's playful expression sharpened into one of appraisal as he looked at Marcus.

“Nothing you do with women is ever harmless,” Marcus shot back with a smile. “Now I'm hungry enough for a steak. Can we go now?”

“Okay, okay.” Shaun punched the elevator button.

“You just have to see this cute little shop, Russ. It's adorable,” a female voice trilled.

Marcus groaned inwardly when Russell and his girlfriend appeared around a corner. Russell had a possessive arm around Aliyah's waist. He seemed totally entranced by her.

“Well, well. Look at this,” Shaun whispered.

“I say we let them have the next ride down,” Marcus mumbled with his back to the couple.

“No way. I wouldn't miss this for the world,” Shaun replied.

Aliyah's high-pitched titter broke off when she looked at Shaun. Her eyes widened, then she clutched her purse. “Darn! I left my pocket organizer on your desk. Let's go back and get it.”

“Are you sure? I think you picked it up,” Russell replied.

“No, I didn't,” Aliyah insisted. She pulled Russell's arm.

Russell noticed Marcus and Shaun for the first time. His contented smile dissolved. “Marcus.”

“Russell,” Marcus replied. “Hello, Aliyah.”

“Hi.” She gave him a brief smile.

Shaun strode over to Russell with one hand out. “Hi. You might not remember me, but Marcus introduced us some months ago.”

“No, I don't actually.” Russell gave Shaun a brief handshake.

Shaun seemed not to notice his barely disguised disdain. “It was only a minute. Hi, Ms….?”

She gingerly touched the tips of her fingers to his palm, then drew back. “Hello. Aliyah Manning.”

“Right, Ms. Manning. Say, why don't we all go out for lunch?” Shaun said.

“No!” Aliyah blurted out with such force that all three men blinked in surprise. “I'm afraid we've made plans,” she finished, her voice lower.

“Yes, we have. Sorry,” Russell put in.

“Maybe another time then,” Shaun called out merrily. He grinned at Aliyah when she glanced back at them over her shoulder. Russell gave him a vague smile.

Marcus merely nodded to Russell and Aliyah as they turned and went back to Russell's office. “You want to tell me what just happened?”

“I love my life, man. Every day is an adventure,” Shaun murmured. He stared at the retreating couple.

“Okay.”

Marcus studied Shaun, then followed his gaze in time to see Russell's back disappear around a corner. He was silent for another beat until the realization hit him.

“Let's go.
Now
!” Marcus grabbed Shaun's arm and yanked him toward the open elevator doors.

Shaun pried Marcus's fingers from his sleeve. “This suit costs nine hundred dollars. Don't handle me up like I'm wearing discount clothes.”

There were three people on the elevator, so Marcus let go without protest. He glanced at his friend several times as they rode down to the parking garage level. Shaun continued to smooth out invisible wrinkles on his jacket sleeves. Two riders got off on the next floor. Once they got to the parking garage and the remaining passenger started off in the opposite direction, Marcus grabbed Shaun's arm again.

“Tell me Aliyah isn't an old girlfriend. Please, man. I'm begging you!”

“It's a small, small world. You know?”

“Damn!” Marcus swung both arms out in exasperation. “How long ago?”

“I don't kiss and tell.”

“Like hell you don't,” Marcus snarled. “This is important,
Shaun. You know I've got a big investment here, and if you're—”

“Chill, all right? Look, we broke up a while ago.”

“What does ‘a while ago' mean exactly?” Marcus insisted.

“A few weeks, no, months ago,” Shaun said hastily when Marcus muttered a curse word. “You need to relax, brother. All that nine-to-five living has you wound up.”

“Russell has been dating the woman for six months, Shaun.” Marcus glared at him. “Is Aliyah her real name?”

Shaun let out a short laugh. “Man, if you could hear yourself right now. Talk about paranoid.”

“We came off the same street corner and learned the same player rules. What's the profile?” Marcus stood with his legs apart and his arms folded.

“Let's get some food. My mind can't work on an empty stomach.” Shaun gave him a playful tap on the shoulder and strode off.

Marcus had little choice but to follow him. Shaun insisted on driving. They traveled down St. Jacinto in minutes. Though bright sunshine beamed down on Shaun's pearl gray Lexus, the dual-control air-conditioning kept them cool. Shaun hummed along with a hip-hop tune on the FM radio station. He expertly wheeled the luxury car around corners.

“Well?” Marcus demanded. He turned down the volume just as a burst of expletive-filled lyrics started.

Shaun sighed like a parent whose patience was being tested. “Okay, okay. So, we had this little thang. No hearts and flowers, know what I mean? Just mutual physical fireworks.”

“I never thought you were a couple,” Marcus retorted. “Not your style.”

“Hey, I'm gonna find a wifey one of these old days. Soon as I find the right girl.” Shaun gunned through a caution light.

“Ms. Right is a lady with a big bank account and some
kind of investments, blue chips and real estate preferably,” Marcus deadpanned.

“Say, you know her? Hook me up,” Shaun wisecracked. He pulled up to Pappadeaux restaurant on South Loop W.

“I want answers, Shaun.” Marcus frowned at him.

“Let's have a beer and some fine Creole food. We both know you've got a taste for Louisiana delicacies these days.”

Shaun barked with laughter when Marcus's frown turned murderous. He got out of the car, adjusted his designer sunglasses, and strolled toward the entrance. Once more Marcus found himself trailing after Shaun with no answers and a shorter fuse. Conversation was impossible as they waited in the crowded foyer for a table. Twenty minutes later, they were seated with menus.

“What looks good to you today, dude? Get anything you want.”

“You're testing this friendship,
again
,” Marcus said through clenched teeth.

A pretty blond waitress came over. “Hi, I'm Jennifer. What can I get you?”

In seconds she was giggling and leaning over them both, her ample bosom close to their faces. For his part, Shaun participated in the wink-and-smile sport. Shaun enjoyed the attention, but his sights were much higher than a working-class lady. Jennifer bounced off with one last perky grin for Shaun. As though he'd forgotten her in seconds, Shaun's gaze scanned the room. He smiled and nodded at a pretty Black woman seated nearby. Marcus shook his head once.

“What's the deal with you and Aliyah Manning, Shaun?” Marcus said. He pointed at him. “Remember, I've heard all of your lies at least twice.”

“Hey, everybody wants to get ahead. I can't blame a sista for that.”

“She's a player, too.” Marcus groaned beneath his breath.

“Looks like my girl is heading for a real soft landing. I'd say she's got Russell's head spinning.” Shaun chuckled low in his throat.

“Russell does everything but sit up and beg when she so much as raises her little finger.”

Marcus cut off his next comment when Jennifer approached. He had to wait through another round of flirting before he could continue. Meanwhile the woman Shaun had smiled at tried to catch his eye. She didn't seem to care about the man seated next to her. Jennifer noticed her and blocked the woman's view, finally leaving their beers on the table as she and the woman exchanged stony looks. All this drama over lunch he didn't need, Marcus grumbled to himself.

“Tell me the worst about this lady,” Marcus said.

Shaun leaned both elbows on the table. “Russell is a grown man. Don't try to rescue him. Besides, he won't believe you and not just because he hates your guts.”

“She's that good?” Marcus already knew the answer by the leer that spread across Shaun's face.

“He doesn't stand a chance. Start picking out the suit you're gonna wear to their wedding.” Shaun lifted his glass of beer in a mock toast. “To the happy couple.”

“I don't believe all she wants is happy ever after.” Marcus stared at Shaun hard.

“Why not? Russell's got money and status. I'd say she's struck gold.”

Marcus leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Listen to me good, Shaun. You better be telling me everything you know or I'll—”

“Why should you care if she marries old Russ and then cleans him out?” Shaun grinned and slapped Marcus on the shoulder. “Think about it.”

“I still don't like it.”

“You'll get yours, Aliyah will get hers, and you'll both be happy. Right?” Shaun glanced past him. “Here's our food. Stop worrying, it's bad for your digestion.”

“Yeah, right.”

Marcus thought about this latest wild card and frowned. He paid token attention to Shaun's good-natured chatter as they ate. Now he had two women to worry about. Heat moved up his spine when he remembered the taste and feel of Nicole. Shaun was right about one thing. He should let Russell handle his own business. Dealing with his unexpected and uncontrollable attraction to Nicole would be Marcus's biggest obstacle.

N
icole tried to concentrate on Jesse's report. Russell didn't help, the way he kept fidgeting in his seat. She knew he was looking for an opening to attack any decision she might make. Sitting next to Marcus didn't help either. Not that he did anything purposely to distract her. Still, he seemed to radiate a vibe that made her think of that night at his apartment. Jesse's voice tugged her back to the meeting. They were all sitting around the wide oval table in the office conference room.

“So, last week things went pretty good. I switched some schedules around. The guys and ladies seem to like the changes. I haven't had any problems with guards not showing up.” Jesse dropped the single sheet of paper he held and rapped the knuckles of his right hand on the conference table. “Knock on wood.”

“Amen,” Andre added with a grin.

“Excellent, Jesse.” Nicole smiled at him, then grew serious. “Now about the Phoung account and the case of the missing groceries. The police are checking out a list of store
employees that have been fired in the last year or so. Also, David Phoung was a little careless with warehouse keys.”

“Nicole found out that Mr. Phoung's brother-in-law wasn't very conscientious about retrieving keys from fired staff,” Marcus added. He glanced at her sideways. “Good detective work.”

“Thanks. I just spent time chatting with his current employees. Most of the top assistants are his relatives, as you all know.” She looked around as heads nodded. “His ever helpful but not too smart niece gave out the security code too freely.”

“Well, that's it, then. He can't blame us,” Andre said.

Marketing director Imani nodded with vigor. Petite and stylish, her natural hair was cut boyishly short, making her look even younger. “For real. I like it.”

“Now your spin won't be such a challenge, huh?” Jacinta's black eyes flashed humor.

“Spin is everything, chica,” Imani flipped back with a grin.

“Tameka's butt is saved once again. She has a way of landing on her feet.” Jesse laughed as the others agreed.

Nicole smiled as they traded jokes. She didn't interrupt for several minutes. They all needed the release. The past week had been tense for everyone. Though they had all worked together, she still felt like a kid with her nose pressed against the window. Imani and Jacinta were good friends outside the office. Jesse acted the role of the kindly uncle to the rest of the young staff. All of them had the easy working relationship of several years as a team. Nicole felt a stab of envy at inside jokes being lobbed across the conference table.

Russell cleared his throat loudly. “So, I'm assuming we're all through with
business
?”

“No, not quite,” Nicole replied.

“Good. I'd just like to say one thing about the recent wave of difficulties—”

“Excuse me, but we covered the issues and the actions taken to address them,” Nicole said in a controlled voice.

“What about the damage to our credibility with customers?” Russell glanced around at the others. “I don't think they're likely to simply forget. Any perceived weakness in our procedures can have a devastating effect.”

“We've all done our best to demonstrate that we can act quickly and effectively when problems occur. As someone pretty new to Summers Security and to this business in general, I'd say you folks have done a damn good job.” Nicole looked around at the employees. Several were nodding.

“Thanks, Nicole.” Imani smiled at her.

“Me, too. It was even worth being a suspect for about a minute,” Andre joked.

“The last few weeks have been a trial for all of us. Probably more for me, since I came here knowing exactly zero about the security biz,” Nicole said with a laugh.

The rest of the staff—with two exceptions—joined in. Marcus wore a blank expression, his hands folded on top of the conference table. Russell wore a sardonic half-smile to show what he thought of her. Nicole ignored them both, for now.

“So, lunch is on me. Party on.” Nicole raised a palm when they started clapping their hands with glee.

“You're kidding! You're spending company money to feed everyone?” Russell's eyes widened.

“Naturally I get to deduct the entire meal. Business lunch, right?” Nicole lifted a shoulder.

“Hey, you're not your uncle Hosea's niece for nothing,” Imani said with a sassy wink.

“Imani!” Jacinta's mouth formed a large circle. The others looked a little uneasy.

Nicole laughed. “Relax. I knew my uncle very well, thank you. Now what are you in the mood for today?”

A spirited debate broke out. After ten minutes they were still arguing passionately between Mexican and Italian. Marcus scribbled notes as though oblivious to the merriment around him. Russell blew out a noisy breath in disapproval. No one seemed to notice when he finally left in a huff. Nicole tapped the keys of the laptop in the conference room. She saved comments about the meeting into her database, exited the program, and shut down the computer.

“Excuse me,” she said in an attempt to get their attention. “Hey!”

“Yeah, boss?” Jacinta waved at the others to be quiet.

“It's only ten o'clock. We're not going to spend two hours arguing. Either you decide or I will.” Nicole arched her eyebrows at them.

“Chinese,” a chorus of voices said, mixed with one groan.

“I never get to choose!” Jacinta complained and stamped a foot.

“That's 'cause we had Lebanese five times in a row when we let you order lunch,” Andre said and rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, I'm still tasting garlic,” Imani quipped.

Jacinta protested, and the staff continued their friendly debate as they filed out of the conference room. Nicole smiled as she watched them. Then she glanced at Marcus. He seemed engrossed in his own neat handwriting.

“Those guys are great, huh?” Nicole gathered her own reports, pen, and notepad with deliberation.

“Yes, they are,” Marcus said. He put the cap on his Cross ink pen and stood.

“Uh, you're eating in with the rest of us?” Nicole said quickly.

“I've got a lot of work still.” Marcus nodded to her.

“Wait,” she blurted out. “That compliment included you. So, I'd really like you to join us.”

He gazed at her for several moments, then looked away. “I'll try.”

“Uh, we've got an issue to settle. About that night in your apartment, I'm sorry—”

“I apologize—” Marcus spoke at the same time.

“No, it was my fault for showing up at your place and—” Nicole started.

“Not a good idea,” Marcus said.

“I know, I know.” Nicole sighed.

“Look, I shouldn't have gotten so touchy-feely. You're my boss and I was way out of line.” Marcus let out a long breath, as though relieved.

“No, no, this awkward situation between us is my fault. I got carried away and you know.” Nicole's voice trailed off.

“Do I?” he said in a soft voice. Marcus sat back down again.

“Okay, here's the deal. We're a man and woman working closely together,” Nicole began, then stopped, searching for a way to go on.

“I follow you so far.”

She pretended to be irritated with a bogus frown. “Mr. Comedy Central. Anyway, you and me, bad business. Working friends is a better idea.”

“Umm.” Marcus put a finger under his bottom lip and gazed at her steadily.

“Umm what?”

Marcus sat back and stretched out one leg in a waiting posture. “Nothing. Go ahead with your logic.”

“We're both stressed out. Being in close quarters and sharing tough times can—” Nicole searched for the right phrase.

“Make us think we're right for each other when we're not?” Marcus tilted his head to one side.

“Now that's a good way of putting it. I've got to concentrate on Summers Security, no distractions.”

No matter how tempting the distraction is, Nicole could have added. Marcus seemed intent on proving the point. Dressed in navy slacks and a crisp, white, long-sleeved shirt, he looked like a handsome grad student. The cotton fabric did nothing to hide the fact that he worked out. His body looked powerful even in repose. Nicole felt a wistful sigh building and stifled it. Still, her plan to conquer him had kept her awake nights from guilt. When the stuff had hit the fan, with complaints and problems coming hard and fast, Marcus had been there to support her. He deserved her respect, and she had decided to grow up, right?

“This is no time to play.”

“Oh, I see. You were going to play me.” Marcus chuckled deep in his throat. “You've got me mixed up with someone else. I don't get played so easy.”

“No, I didn't mean—”

“For the truth to slip out. Don't worry, Nicole. I think I can handle you.” Marcus stood and looked down on her.

“I didn't mean to imply that I took you for a fool.” She floundered, wondering just how she'd ended up with a Via Spiga pump planted firmly in her mouth.

“Good, because I was almost offended,” he teased. “Just forget it. If anything else comes up I'll be in my office. Unless of course working close to me gets you all upset.”

“Cut it out,” Nicole said through clenched teeth. “We could try to establish a happy medium. Let's shoot for something between seriously annoying one another and playing tongue hockey.”

“What do you suggest?” Marcus wore an unruffled half-smile. He tucked his notepad under one arm.

“We'll talk about it later, when I'm not feeling the need to choke you.” Nicole whirled around and went to her office. She turned to slam the door between the two rooms.

Marcus caught it with one hand. “You were trying to be nice about our ‘awkward' situation and I got smart. Sorry. You're right of course.”

She eyed him for several moments. Suspicion blossomed at the quick turnaround, yet Nicole decided to play along. “Am I?”

He nodded. “We don't want to complicate what's already a perfect setup for major drama. I'll just have to forget you're such an attractive lady, that's all.”

Excellent move, Mr. Reed.
Nicole let a slow smile spread across her face. “Then we understand each other.”

“We sure do. I'll get back to business now, boss lady.” Marcus saluted her, then left the conference room.

Nicole closed the door with a quiet thump. She went to her desk, sat down, and proceeded to examine just what had happened between them.

 

The next day Marcus and Russell were in Nicole's office to discuss several company projects. Marcus behaved as though they'd never touched or discussed the pros and cons of a relationship. Much as she hated it, Nicole couldn't get either his touch or their discussion out of her mind. She knew he meant to get her attention by ignoring the undercurrent between them. His tactic was quite effective, too. Nicole mentally kicked herself. He'd outmaneuvered her. A galling development she intended to change.

“If we're still going to have a Louisiana office, then Lake Charles is a better choice,” Marcus said. “Lafayette doesn't have enough business to justify the expense. New Orleans is
saturated. Plus neither city has a strong enough economy.”

“I made the same point a year ago. I should go to Lake Charles and set up the office,” Russell said in a petulant voice.

His whining tone yanked Nicole back to the issue at hand. For the fourth time Russell made her sorry that she had invited him to give his input. Russell and Jolene had complained to the family that Nicole was being autocratic. Their scheming had led to a conference call from Stanton and Uncle Lionel. They'd advised her on how to neutralize them. Since then she'd made an effort to include Russell in more management decisions.

“The answer is no,” Nicole said, her tone short.

“You're not being reasonable. My father's will, flawed as it is, does specify that I'm to have some say-so in the direction this company takes.” Russell's lips stretched in a tight line.

“You can't sign a lease or enter into any contracts. It doesn't make sense to send you.” Nicole frowned back at him.

“You could make me an officer of this company. If I were appointed chief financial officer I could make expenditures, with your final approval,” Russell added in a grudging tone.

“You could, but I won't, so forget it. I spent a lot of time in Lake Charles when the riverboat casinos opened.” Nicole read over a page of the report Marcus had prepared.

“Gambling problem?” Russell's eyes glittered with malevolent curiosity.

“Daddy did construction work in Lake Charles. I went with him every week to meetings.” Nicole ignored his dig.

“You're scared the family will realize I'm more competent than you to run this company. So you won't give me any responsibility. Nice try, but it won't work.”

“Do you ever get tired of being an asshole?” Nicole glared at him. “Let me tell you one thing—”

Russell turned to Marcus. “She has the temperament of a pit bull and the mouth of a rap singer.
This
is who runs the top security firm in the Southwest.”

“Hold it. Russell has a point.” Marcus spread out his arms like a boxing referee urging two fighters back to their corners.

“What? I can't believe you.” Nicole turned her heated gaze to Marcus.

“Mr. Summers did make it clear that Russell wasn't to be completely cut out of decision making. On the other hand, Nicole knows the area and has contacts in Lake Charles.”

“Hardly a convincing argument. I'm more than capable of making business contacts.” Russell stuck his chin out.

“I suggest this, Nicole knows the area and I'm the manager under our license. We'll set up appointments and go to Lake Charles for the day,” Marcus went on calmly.

“So, you're siding with her.” Russell's eyes narrowed.