Kiss Lonely Goodbye (5 page)

“Nikki, Russell
is
a fool.” Terrell slid off the desk. He went to a leather chair and sat down.

“I've got my eye on him. He's pathetically predictable, lucky for me.” Nicole waved a hand in the air. “What brings you to Houston?”

“Dad is thinking of setting up an office here. He's hinting I should run it. I think he wants someone in the family to be here for you.”

Nicole clapped her hands together. “Praises on high!”

Terrell held up a palm like a school crossing guard. “Hold on. You know how much I love living in Lafayette. Besides, I'm not sure we even need an office in Houston.”

She seemed not to hear him. “Now if we can convince the rest of the family to pack up, life would be perfect.” Nicole grinned at him.

“Does that include Mama?” Terrell laughed again when her grin melted away.

“Good point. How Daddy deals with her has always been a mystery to me,” she quipped.

Terrell's expression became serious. “Yeah, she pushes him to the limit sometimes. But he's not always in the right either.”

Nicole picked up the can of cola. “Which is why I'm happily single and planning to stay that way.”

He brightened again. “Not me. I want to juggle Little League coaching and dance recitals.”

“Have a ball. One marriage cured me of that affliction.”

“Let it go, Nikki. The guy wasn't all bad.” Terrell wore a lopsided smile at the sour look she gave him. “C'mon. You were crazy about him all through high school and college.”

Nicole grunted. “Three years of hell. The last seven have been wonderfully drama free, and I mean to keep it that way.”

“Isn't your bio clock ticking?” Terrell's eyebrows formed twin arcs over his dark eyes.

“I don't know what all the fuss is about turning thirty. Last month was a snap.” Nicole snapped her fingers as a kind of proof. “Had a ball with my girls and kept on kicking.”

“You go, girl. On to thirty-five,” Terrell quipped.

“Shut up,” she tossed back.

“No new man?”

“I'm dating.” Nicole stuck out her chin when he stared at her hard. “I've got a company to run.”

“You gave Marcus the eye the first time you saw him.”

“I'm his boss so he's off limits. Not to mention he's got a serious chip on his shoulder about me being the boss.” Nicole tapped out a tune with the ink pen in her hand.

“In other words,
he's
all business. I know you, little sister.”

“Terrell,” Nicole glowered a warning at him.

“Bye, sis. I see you don't need my help.” Terrell blew a kiss at her. He turned to find Marcus standing in front of him. “Hi, Marcus. Good seeing you again.”

“Same here.” Marcus blinked at him in obvious confusion.

Terrell gave him a good-humored grin. “Terrell Summers, Nicole's brother. We met at the funeral.”

“Right. Sorry. I met so many members of the family that day.” Marcus shook his hand and smiled back.

“Our family really turns out for a good funeral,” Terrell joked. He glanced from Marcus to Nicole. “You two make a good team.”

“Goodbye, Terrell.” Nicole wore a stiff smile.

Terrell turned his back to Marcus and winked. “Y'all have a real nice day.”

All Nicole could do was seethe as he left. Terrell gave Cat a cheerful goodbye and went out. Nicole glanced back to find Marcus staring at her. He raised a dark green folder in his hand.

“I was coming to give you the budget. If you're busy, I'll come back.”

Nicole gazed at the smooth brown skin on the back of his hand instead of at the folder. His long fingers seemed to suggest he was good with hands. Her gaze traveled up his well-built arm to the broad shoulders filling out the cream-colored dress shirt. Chemistry? Try explosive, judging by the way her body zinged and pinged when he looked
into her eyes. Distance was in order right about now, she thought with apprehension.

“I'll look over it and, uh, get back to you.” Nicole reached out for it. She moved back when Marcus took a step forward.

“Something wrong?” he said quietly, still gazing at her intently.

“Nothing. Everything is just fine.”

As he came closer, Nicole stiffened her spine mentally. His cologne cracked through her effort to think of him as her employee. She tried to identify the fragrance. The hint of citrus mixed with a musky undertone tickled her nose in a pleasant way.

“I included a three-year projection as well. We might want to reconsider the whole idea. On page ten…” He opened the folder and stood close to her.

His body heat seemed to snake out and wrap around her. “I've got a few calls to make,” Nicole said as she escaped to the other side of her desk. “Leave it. I promise to read every bit and call you.”

Marcus looked at her for a second, then nodded. “Sure. Talk to you later?”

Nicole felt another zing at the promise in that question. Damn! Everything the man did seemed to send her mind on the most unbusinesslike path. Ruffled, she picked up her phone.

“Yes, yes. I'll go over the report and get back to you. Thanks,” she replied.

His expression tightened at the seeming curt brush off. Without another word, he turned around and left. The door shut behind him with a solid thump. Two minutes later, Cat went in.

“This isn't your day, huh?” she said, and jerked her head in the direction Marcus had just gone. “You butt heads with Marcus, too?”

“No, of course not.” Nicole put the telephone receiver down. “Did he say something?”

“Not Marcus. He's the original strong silent type. Once you two get to know each other, I'm sure you'll click.”

“Uh-huh. You've got something for me, I see.” Nicole gestured to the stack of files in Cat's hand.

They spent two hours poring over client feedback surveys, contracts and government forms the company had to fill out. All the while Nicole kept hearing the words “You'll click” in the back of her mind. The scent of citrus and musk seemed to linger in the air.

N
icole glanced around the lobby of Caldwell Protection Agency. She admired the tasteful, elegant décor. Tall plants were arranged in terra-cotta pots all around, giving the place a tropical look. When she'd discovered that Marcus had a conflicting meeting, she'd insisted on coming alone. Grateful for a break from fighting his magnetism, Nicole had insisted that he not change his schedule. Despite getting lost twice, she'd made it only fifteen minutes late. A short, shapely woman in a navy pinstriped skirt and white blouse spoke to the receptionist briefly, then walked toward Nicole.

“Ms. Benoit, I'm Kelli Caldwell.” She stuck out her hand and gave Nicole a firm handshake.

“Nicole, please. Good meeting you, Kelli.”

“My office is right this way. I've got coffee, glazed donuts, and soda. I say early morning meetings require good fuel to make them productive.” Kelli walked rapidly as she spoke. She waved away two staffers. “Later, guys. I promise.”

Nicole almost skipped to keep up. “Seems like you've got enough energy already.”

“I like to keep moving.” Kelli rounded a corner that led directly to an open door. “Here we go.”

“Good.” Nicole took a deep breath and let it out. “I was afraid we'd take a jog while we talked.”

Kelli laughed. “Have a seat, Nicole. I'll serve you a nice cool glass of anything to make up for that little fifty-yard dash.”

“A
real
cola would be nice.” Nicole sank into a tan leather chair facing Kelli's desk.

Kelli glanced at her sharply. “I assume you mean with the bad stuff, sugar and caffeine?”

“I know, I know. You don't put poison in your body.” Nicole waved a hand. “Give me whatever you've got.”

“Don't tell my loving husband who works out five times a week and is into organic foods, but…” Kelli opened a small refrigerator in a corner of her office and held up a six-pack of cola.

“Kelli, you're my new best friend.” Nicole grinned at her.

The two women exchanged small talk. Nicole warmed instantly to her. Although obviously fit and youthful, Kelli was a good ten years older than Nicole. Kelli popped the top off two cans, poured the contents in paper cups, and sat next to Nicole. She raised her cup in a toast.

“Hey, us women in the biz have to stick together. Welcome to the male-dominated world of security, darlin'.”

Nicole tapped her cup against Kelli's as she laughed. “That bad, huh?” She took a sip.

“I've been in this business for eleven years. Most of the guys are polite, but condescending. That's an improvement since the old days.” Kelli made a face and took a swallow of cola.

“Wonderful. I'm so looking forward to networking in this town.”

“Luckily you've got Marcus. A little stern, but he's good people under that starched exterior.” Kelli nodded.

“Right.” Nicole considered what else was underneath those tasty outer layers. Before her thoughts could gather the wrong kind of steam, she pushed them away.

“Don't tell me Marcus is giving you a hard time. I'd be so surprised. He's never treated the rest of us women like some of the old boys.” Kelli turned to Nicole with interest in her hazel eyes.

“No, no. But it's hard on all the staff adjusting to a new boss.” Nicole covered her expression by raising the cup to her mouth and drinking again.

“So true. Employee drama, the worst kind of trouble for any business owner. But I've got good news.” Kelli beamed at her.

“Kelli, those words give me chills. The last time I heard them was from beyond the grave.” Nicole gave a shudder.

“What?”

“My uncle left a video will in addition to the paper version. That's how he told me I was the proud new CEO of Summers Security,” Nicole replied.

Kelli howled with laughter, her head thrown back. Cola sloshed onto the blue carpet in the process. She finally recovered enough to put the cup down on her desk. Still laughing, Kelli got a napkin and dabbed at the pool of soda near her chair.

“Sorry. Please don't be offended, but that Hosea was a real SOB. Lord, but I wish I'd been there to see it.” Kelli sat down again.

“Trust me, you're not the only person who held that opinion of him.” Nicole leaned back in her chair. “How long did you know him?”

“Sixteen years. I didn't join my husband in the business
until he decided to go full-time with it. Jamar worked as a security guard for fifteen years with Pinkerton.” Kelli frowned. “The first time I attended a trade show with him, he introduced me to Hosea.”

“And?”

“Hosea took one look at me and said, ‘Little lady, you shouldn't have to worry about anything more serious than the grocery list.'” Kelli shook her head. “I told him to stuff his head up his you-know-what in a roundabout way. He got the message.”

“Bet he didn't like being told off.”

“Actually we got to be buddies later. Hosea liked people who gave as good as they got. He didn't like doormats and was impatient with underachievers.” Kelli lifted a shoulder. “That's why he and Marcus hit it off.”

“Uncle Hosea had a lot of trust in him, for sure.”

“His trust was justified. He's one of the best in this business. Anyway, I was about to tell you about a networking group you'll really like. There are four of us women in the security business in and around Houston. We meet for lunch every third Wednesday of the month. Now we'll be five strong. What do you say?”

“I say my third Wednesday lunches are all booked from now on!” Nicole smiled at her.

“Good for you. Let me give you my card. Call me anytime to ask questions, bounce ideas off me, or just to whine.” Kelli went to her desk. She took a business card from a holder on it. “Whining into a sympathetic ear can be therapeutic,” she quipped.

Nicole was touched by her gesture. Although she'd never admit it to anyone but her father, the last three weeks had been scary and full of tension. Her throat tightened unexpectedly with emotion. She took the card and stared at it.

“Thanks, Kelli. This is the most welcome I've felt in this town since I got here.”

Something in Nicole's voice must have given her away. Kelli came back and sat in the chair next to her again. “Listen, don't let it get you down, especially not on yourself.
Call me
. I mean it.”

“I will.” Nicole inhaled deeply and let it out. With the release of air went some of the strain of feeling alone.

“Good.” Kelli patted Nicole's shoulder.

“Knock, knock.” A thirty-something man with a boyish grin stuck his head in the door. “Didn't mean to interrupt, but—”

“Yes you did,” Kelli cut in. She smiled at the man with affection. “But you're forgiven as usual. Nicole, this is my husband, Jamar.”

Jamar came all the way into the room with a wide smile and his hand outstretched. “Nice meeting you. Look forward to seeing you at the Black Chamber of Commerce meetings.”

“Here we go, girl. He's recruiting again,” Kelli said in a stage whisper.

“Ignore her,” Jamar said. “We're a viable organization helping Black entrepreneurs get a leg up in a tough business environment.”

“Sounds like something I need.” Nicole shook his hand.

“Excellent. Give me your card and I'll send you more information. I'll send you to our website.”

“Here you go.” Nicole took one of her cards from the sterling silver case in her purse. “My e-mail address is on there.”

“Good deal. Well, ladies, I'll order us lunch from the Health Nut Deli. How about a taco?”

“I could go for one of—” Nicole began.

“Thanks, sweetness, but I'm treating Nicole to a lunch out with our group,” Kelli broke in.

“Oh, okay. Well, have fun. I'll be in touch, Nicole.”

“Great.” Nicole waved to him.

“Eat healthy.” Jamar gave his wife a look that seemed to hold a message.

“Bye, babe.” Kelli waved him out the door. She went to her desk and retrieved her purse.

“So we're having lunch with the others?” Nicole stood.

“I just made that up. Those tacos are made with soy burgers, soy cheese, and soy taco shells with organic lettuce. You don't even want to know what the sauce is made from!” Kelli shook her shoulders and groaned.

Nicole laughed as she followed her out. To save time they went to a small restaurant not far from Kelli's office. Kelli kept Nicole entertained for the next hour and a half over their grilled chicken salads.

“Honey, you haven't lived until you've gathered evidence for a custody battle over who gets the pythons.” Kelli rolled her eyes. “A word of advice, stay away from people who seem a little intense over their pets.”

“I'll remember that.” Nicole laughed. “I've learned a lot in the last couple of hours listening to you. I really appreciate it.”

“Must be tough stepping into Hosea's shoes. At least I had Jamar for support before me and the other ladies got together.” Kelli wore a sympathetic expression.

Nicole pushed her salad aside and frowned. “Kelli, I've just
got
to qualify with the state licensing commission so I can be the manager of Summers Security. Until I do the employees will never really consider me the boss. But I've got so much to learn about alarm systems, Texas law, courier services—”

“Slow down, Nicole.” Kelli patted her on the arm like a big sister. “My pals and I put together study materials for the li
censing exam. I'll e-mail the whole packet to you as an attachment when I get back to my office.”

“Don't be alarmed if I hug your neck and sob with gratitude.” Nicole laughed as she shook her head. She picked up her fork and dug into her neglected salad. “Suddenly I've got my appetite back.”

 

The next morning Nicole felt a lot better when she arrived at the office. With Kelli's encouragement, she felt a bit more confident. Not even going to work before nine in the morning bothered her.

Cat stood when Nicole walked in. The grim expression on her face dampened Nicole's bright mood. Nicole marched to Cat's desk with a sigh of resignation.

“Now what,” Nicole said.

“The licensing commission called. They've had complaints about the guard uniforms. Marcus is out visiting three clients. I sent the call to Russell, since he orders supplies. His new secretary says he can't be disturbed.” Cat cleared her throat.

“What happened to the old secretary? She wasn't that ‘old.' The woman had only been on the job three months.”

“Russell wasn't satisfied with her performance.” Cat's eyebrows went up to her hairline. “I'll let him explain it to you.”

“I'll deal with that later. Now tell me about the commission.” Nicole's bright mood was now completely gone.

“This makes three complaints in the last eight months.”

“The uniforms,” Nicole repeated. She went to her office with Cat on her heels.

“Yes, it seems the patches that identify them as security guards keep falling off.”

Nicole dropped her purse on the credenza behind her desk. “So Russell is in a meeting with staff?”

“No.” Cat pursed her lips.

“With a client then.” Nicole sorted through messages on her desk.

“Uh-uh. He just got back.”

Cat's tone made Nicole look up. “Okay. I'll just give him a call.” She punched in his three-digit extension. The fast busy signal indicated he'd punched the Do Not Disturb button.

“Here is the guy's name and number down at the division.” Cat held out the phone message memo slip to her.

“Fine. I'll call.”

Cat nodded and left. Nicole knew the importance of dealing with the issue as much from what Cat didn't say as from what she did. Under Texas licensing laws for security, uniforms had to clearly identify security employees as guards. She called, only to find out there were other problems. Russell had promised to call the commission back three times.

“Yes, Mr. Frey. I understand. I'll take care of it today. Thanks.” Nicole put down the phone and went toward Russell's office. “I'll be in with Russell.”

“Good luck,” Cat muttered.

“Luck won't have a damn thing to do with it,” Nicole tossed back as she kept walking.

Russell's new secretary, a petite woman with her braids pulled back into a bun, jumped to her feet. “Mr. Summers is very busy, ma'am. I can call you when he's free.”

“We haven't met. I'm Nicole Benoit, CEO and Russell's boss,” Nicole said. “And you are?”

The young woman's eyes widened. “Oh, Denise Sims. I-I've only been here one day.”

“It's okay. Welcome to Summers Security.” Nicole waved a hand as she went to the closed door to Russell's office. When it opened, she stood aside.

“I'll check the online site and see if that limited-edition
print is still available. Maybe I'll have good news for you tonight. Dinner at seven?” Russell walked beside a tall, leggy woman with curly auburn hair. His right hand rested on her waist.

“I can't wait to add another print to my Biggers collection. You're so thoughtful,” the woman purred. She turned to face Russell.

“You've been so helpful to me. It's the least I can do,” Russell said, his voice deepening as he gazed into her eyes.

“Hello,” Nicole said in a dry tone. She glanced at Russell, then the woman.

Russell blinked and seemed to notice Nicole for the first time. His dreamy expression evaporated into one of annoyance. “Nicole.”

His lady friend flashed a megawatt smile at Nicole. “Nicole, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Aliyah Manning.” She stuck out a perfectly manicured hand with square French-tipped fingernails.

Nicole shook it. The cool surface of Aliyah's skin made Nicole think she'd touched a small reptile. She let go after a second. “Nice meeting you, too.”