Kiss Lonely Goodbye (7 page)

Marcus admired the cool way she talked the agitated man down. She neatly maneuvered him down the hall to his office. Marcus spent the next hour with Tran gathering printouts. Nicole came back twice to ask Marcus questions she couldn't answer for Mr. Phoung. Then they both spent another thirty minutes with Mr. Phoung. By the time they walked out the door, Nicole had a pad filled with notes.

Marcus opened the doors to the Dodge Durango with the remote. Nicole put on her sunglasses, took off her jacket, and tossed it onto the backseat. Marcus gazed at the white fitted
dress shirt that molded to her breasts. Her curvaceous body dressed up the business outfit she wore. The crisp blouse was tucked into the green skirt, which wasn't short. Still, her long, lovely legs made what would have been a prim look on another woman into a spine-tingling distraction. Marcus felt a chill run up his arms despite the hot sunlight that bounced off the pavement.

“I'll drive,” Nicole said. She frowned when Marcus hesitated. “What?”

“Nothing. It's just…” He mentally shook himself.

Nicole walked past him to the driver's side and got in. She held out her hand for the keys. “Don't make a crack about women drivers. I'm not in the mood.”

“I wasn't going to,” Marcus replied mildly. “We always drove Mr. Summers, that's all. Boss's privilege.”

“Well, I like to drive. My uncle was too proud to admit he'd gotten too old to brave this wild Houston traffic. Besides, you've got more experience with security procedures than I do. You want to make phone calls even before we get to the office. Right?” Nicole gazed at him with an unreadable expression behind the dark glasses.

“Yes,” he admitted.

“Then it's safer. I don't want us whizzing through red lights because you're concentrating on missing jelly beans.” She pulled the driver's seat closer to the controls to accommodate her height.

Marcus laughed in spite of the situation. He handed her the keys and climbed into the passenger side. “You've got a point. And I don't mind being driven by a woman at all,” he said as he fastened his seat belt.

“I'll just bet you don't,” she tossed back.

He glanced at her sharply. Nicole shifted into reverse and deftly wheeled the SUV out of the parking lot. Marcus took
the slim cell phone from his inner pocket. “That didn't come out the way I intended.”

“Yeah, well, the truth has a way of sliding out.” Nicole checked traffic, then turned left onto FM 60. She grinned but continued to look ahead at the road.

Marcus decided to let that one pass. He made a series of phone calls, one of them to a buddy who worked in the burglary division of the Houston police force. By the time they would arrive at the office, he would have two of the staff on an internal investigation.

“I want to look over every bit of information you get as soon as you get it,” Nicole said as she hit the brake. “I'd like us to solve this crime before the police. Our name is on the line.” Nicole scowled, but it wasn't the traffic that worried her.

“Tameka has her faults, but lifting merchandise doesn't sound like her.” Marcus stretched out his legs. “Of course you never know.”

“I'd like to review her personnel file. Let's see if she's had any conflicts with Jesse or Mr. Phoung's staff,” Nicole said. Jesse hired, trained, and supervised the security guards.

“The answer is yes and yes. Tameka has an attitude problem,” Marcus replied.

“For real,” Nicole retorted.

“She's had minor problems at two other sites but does a good job otherwise. No allegations of theft, though,” he added when she looked at him.

“Maybe she didn't have an opportunity. Where was she before?” Nicole said.

“She worked at Wisdom Ministries for eight months.”

“You know where each guard works? Impressive.” Nicole glanced at him and back at the street.

“I'd like to take the compliment, but Jesse told me when I called the office.”

“You still deserve it for pulling together information so fast.” Nicole nodded.

“Just doing my job.” Marcus felt a flush of pleasure despite his words.

“No, it's more than a job with you, even though you're not thrilled to have me for a boss.” Nicole turned to him after she braked at a red light.

“Like I said, change is always tough,” he said cautiously.

She only nodded again. The light turned green, and she drove on without saying more. Nicole had seemed to seek some kind of reassurance from him. Marcus suddenly wanted to see her eyes behind the dark glasses. Why? She was a Summers, and that should have been all he needed to know. In fact, she was more dangerous than the old man had ever been. That body, those eyes, and that voice could lead most men astray.

Marcus risked another look at her as Nicole adjusted the rearview mirror. He studied her profile. She lifted her chin and checked her lipstick. The bronze color was a perfect blend for her smooth complexion. When she pressed her lips together, Marcus blinked hard and looked away. The space between them didn't seem wide enough. Marcus pressed his shoulder against the door as though trying to increase the inches.

“Wisdom Ministries. Isn't that Pastor Ike's church? Yeah, that televangelist who claims he's got the power of healing in his hands. He was busted last April with an expensive hooker in his limo,” Nicole said, answering her own question. “He was laying hands on her all right.”

“Uh, yes, he founded Wisdom Ministries,” Marcus replied as he shifted in his seat.

When Nicole turned the air conditioner up his mind turned to the fragrance she wore. The scent seemed to wrap itself around him. A blend of something sweet and piquant, it reminded him of every caution he'd ever heard about Louisiana
women. His grandfather had told tales of Creole women who could cloud a man's mind with voodoo. Marcus imagined Nicole seated in front of a vanity mirror dabbing perfume on her neck, then between her breasts. Without thinking he reached over and turned the fan on high. He jerked his hand back when he brushed against her sleeve.

“I think—” Nicole broke off and glanced at him. Her dark brows drew together over the rim of her sunglasses. “Marcus, what is wrong with you?”

Nothing a shower of ice wouldn't cure.
“I'm okay. Man, this traffic is horrible.”

Nicole gazed at him a second longer before she looked ahead again. “This crazy traffic is just one of the reasons I don't want to live here.” She turned into the parking garage of the office building that housed the company.

“Houston isn't all that bad,” Marcus said. “The city has all kinds of cultural events and recreational opportunities.”

“So, you think I should stick around?” Nicole parked the vehicle on the fourth level in a reserved space marked Summers Security.

“I was just saying, you know,” Marcus stammered. He unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the vehicle to cover his confusion.

“I'm going to move into Uncle Hosea's house, another reason for Russell to hate me. But he did leave that to me, too.” Nicole pressed a button on the keyless remote. The horn beeped once to signal that the Durango's alarm system was armed.

“Nice address.”

Marcus had been to several company parties at the spacious home in River Oaks. The house sat on a corner lot and boasted over three thousand feet of living area, a pool with a spa, and a fireplace, among other things.

“
Big
address. At least I've a housekeeper, if she doesn't quit on me, that is.” Nicole led the way into the garage elevator and punched the button for their floor.

“Rosaria is a gem. She could handle the most difficult task just to please her employer.”

“Even me, huh?” Nicole didn't look at him.

“I meant your late uncle. You're a sweetheart compared to Hosea Summers. I, uh…”

Marcus found himself in deep water. He felt a rush of gratitude when the elevator stopped and the doors whisked open. He was about to make a hasty retreat to safety when her sexy voice stopped him cold.

“Could you come to my office, please?” She headed off without waiting for an answer.

“Let me make a few calls first. I might have more news on the Phoung situation.” Marcus backed up a few steps.

“I won't keep you long. In fact, make the calls from my desk.” Nicole waved him to follow.

Marcus hesitated. When Nicole glanced over her shoulder with one eyebrow raised, he followed.

“Was it bad?” Cat's eyes were wide. She handed Nicole a stack of phone messages.

“Bad enough,” Nicole replied. She took the blue slips of paper without even slowing down. “Marcus and I shouldn't be disturbed unless it's an emergency.”

“Yes, ma'am.” Cat stared at him with curiosity as he went by her desk. “I made sure you've got plenty of cola, chips, and sandwich fixings. Just in case you work late again.”

“You're more precious than gold,” Nicole quipped. Cat smiled with pleasure in response.

“You two have become close.” Marcus closed the door to Nicole's office.

“Thank heavens not everyone around here loathes me.” Nicole dropped the notepad on her desk.

“Not true. It's just—”

“I know, change is difficult,” she cut him off. “Now I have to deal with a customer who thinks our employee is a thief.” Nicole rolled her shoulders with a grimace.

Marcus watched her closely. Lines of worry marred her lovely forehead. He had a crazy desire to be the one who could smooth them away. “It's easier for an employer to blame outside staff, especially when most of his employees are relatives or family friends.”

“Good point. Still, that's a good reason not to suspect them. They've all got a stake in the bottom line.” Nicole massaged her neck.

“Relatives can't always be trusted.” Marcus couldn't take his eyes off the way she kneaded her flesh. He imagined the sensation of warm satin beneath his fingers instead.

Nicole closed her eyes for a second, then looked at him. “Tell me about it. I've been dealing with mine since I walked through the front door.”

“Inheriting a business under these circumstances does pose a challenge.” Marcus tried to keep his distance mentally, to see her as the opposition. Yet he couldn't look away from her arresting eyes.

Nicole sighed and sat down heavily. “Challenge is an understatement. I want to do right by the employees. At first I just wanted to dump the whole headache.”

“Mr. Summers made that impossible.” Marcus heard the note of sympathy in his voice.
Keep your head, man
. His resolve weakened when she sighed softly again and rested her head on the chair.

She shook her head. “Yeah, he did. I feel stuck, and I'm sure y'all consider yourselves stuck with me. Right, Marcus?”

His pulse picked up at the way she said his name. “It's not that bad, Nicole. Sure the staff is a little resistant—”

“You included,” she broke in.

“Okay, I've had my moments. But no matter what you might think, we really care about this company. They will come around.” Marcus sat down in one of the chairs facing her.

“You will?” She gazed at him steadily.

“I have a lot of sweat invested in this place.” Marcus sidestepped the real question in her eyes. He looked away to break the spell of the beautiful lady in distress. “Sometimes it's good to get away.”

“Is that an invitation?”

“Excuse me?” Marcus blinked at her.

“Don't panic, I only meant a business lunch.” Nicole wore a crooked smile.

“Oh, right. Maybe another day—”

“Never mind, you've got a full day ahead.” Nicole patted his arm as though consoling a small child.

“Yes, well.” Marcus blinked rapidly and scrambled to figure out just when he'd stepped off a cliff.

“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.

T
wo 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 got 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 re
laxed 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.”