Free Kiss Lonely Goodbye by Lynn Emery

the door. “Guys have a hard time taking instructions from women, even when they know we’re smarter. In fact, that just makes it worse.”
    â€œThen they’ll have to get over their caveman thinking.” Nicole rubbed her eyes. “I think they purposely make this print tiny to torture folks.”
    â€œTake a break. You can’t learn it all in one hour.” Cat went to the refrigerator and got out a bottle of apple juice. She put it down in front of Nicole. “Kick back and knock down a cold one.”
    â€œThanks,” Nicole said with a laugh. “Maybe I’ll do just that.”
    â€œMarcus is different. He’s got integrity and works hard. I know he seems a little…”
    â€œStiff is the word you’re reaching for, Cat,” Nicole quipped.
    â€œHe’s got a big heart underneath that starched surface. Loosen him up. You can do it.” Cat nodded slowly.
    â€œUmm, we’ll see.” Nicole wondered just what it would take to make the “man of steel” unbend.
    Marcus knocked, then opened the door. “I thought maybe we could talk.”
    â€œI was about to leave. I’ll finish updating the database of industry contacts.” Cat gave Nicole a pointed look. “You’ll work on that project we talked about, right?”
    Nicole squinted and waved her toward the door. “It’s under consideration.”
    When Cat closed the door behind her, Marcus walked in and folded his frame into the chair across from Nicole. “What project?”
    â€œGetting some files organized. So, let’s talk,” she said, deflecting him from the subject.
    Curiosity flickered in his dark eyes, but he nodded. “You and Russell.”
    â€œMy dear cousin.” Nicole frowned.
    â€œBeing confrontational with Russell isn’t the way to go. Believe me, I had my share of disputes with him the first year I worked here.” Marcus smoothed down his silk tie. “I found out that giving him a sense of importance goes a long way.”
    â€œReally?” Nicole said dryly.
    â€œTaking even the limited responsibility he now has will make things worse.”
    â€œI’ll think about it.” Nicole pressed her lips together as she stared at him steadily. She’d had her fill of men treating her like a dense kid who needed her nose wiped.
    Marcus seemed not to notice. “He’ll probably continue to question your authority and decisions,” he added with a lift of one shoulder.
    â€œThanks for giving me the benefit of your experience.” Nicole picked up her ink pen and made notes.
    â€œRight.” Marcus smiled and stood. “I’ll let you get back to your project.”
    â€œYes.” Nicole counted to ten as an aid to hold her tongue. Her father had no idea how badly she was being tested by these two men.
    â€œBy the way, the Reuben contract is up for renewal. Might be a problem with it.” Marcus delivered the news casually.
    â€œSummers Security has provided security to his three jewelry stores since forever.” Nicole felt a thudding headache coming on.
    â€œYeah. Old Mr. Reuben was one of your uncle’s first customers.” Marcus stood. “I’ll let you know what happens.”
    â€œOkay. What about Mr. Kleinpeter and his dry cleaning stores?” Nicole asked.
    â€œHe was noncommittal. Funny, but I was sure he was ready to hire us.”
    â€œAnd you think it’s my fault because I didn’t control that scene with Russell.” Nicole clenched her teeth.
    â€œI’m just saying consider a different approach with him in the future.” Marcus gave a crisp nod and walked toward the door.
    Nicole simmered as she watched him. What galled her even more was the fact that she couldn’t think of a comeback. Marcus seemed intent on pointing out her shortcomings. Indeed, Nicole was beginning to wonder if she was in over her head. The pile of regulations and