Free Kiss Lonely Goodbye by Lynn Emery Page A

study materials on her desk seemed to mock her. How could she learn it all, adjust to a new city away from her friends, and deal with resentful staff? The thudding behind her left eye spread to her temples. She rubbed her forehead.
    â€œI’ll be in my office if you need me.”
    She glanced up to find Marcus staring at her. He blinked.For a second Nicole imagined she saw a glimmer of empathy in his eyes. The glimmer, or whatever it was, died quickly, and the cool regard returned. Nicole took her hand down, sat straight, and smiled.
    â€œLet’s meet before you get back to Mr. Reuben. I want specifics on why he’s unhappy.” Nicole dismissed him by returning to the reports on her desk.
    â€œYes, ma’am .”
    When the door closed behind him, Nicole’s brave posture wilted. The employees whose jobs she had decided to save didn’t want her here, it seemed. Uncle Hosea’s will included a clause that specified she had to prove she was competent or lose the business. Nicole hadn’t cared about the company at first. She’d proven Uncle Hosea wrong before, and his challenge from the grave had pressed her buttons. Yet doubts crowded her attempts to be strong.
    â€œWhat the hell am I doing here?” she muttered.
    As though to answer her question, the phone rang. Nicole picked it up and went back to being a businesswoman. She would leave Summers Security on her own terms. So, the employees had just better get over themselves, especially Marcus Reed.

six
    M arcus smiled to himself as he headed to his office. He’d stepped off the elevator and into a battle zone. Nicole and Russell mixed like fire and gunpowder. One was sure to set off the other. All Marcus had to do was sit back. The way he saw it, he was in a win-win position. He could pick up the pieces either way. If Nicole stayed in charge, business would probably suffer because she really didn’t know what she was doing. If Russell successfully challenged the will, there was no doubt Summers Security would go downhill fast. Then he would start his own company with Summers Security customers. He was sitting under a plum tree just waiting for the ripe fruit to fall in his lap. Perfect, he mused. Marcus waved to his secretary, Shelly, and went into his office.
    As he sorted through mail, a disturbing image pricked at him. Nicole. Her lovely golden brown eyes had been clouded by apprehension. She must feel isolated, thrown into a situation she hadn’t asked for or totally understood. Marcus took hold of himself. He blocked more pictures ofher smile, the way Nicole’s hair swung when she shook her head stubbornly.
    â€œI don’t like sharp-tongued, spoiled sorority girls,” he reminded himself. He concentrated on that image to get rid of any lingering effects from her striking eyes.
    â€œMarcus, we should discuss the future of this company,” Russell said as he barged in without knocking.
    Shelly came in seconds later. She shot a sideways glance at Russell. “Don’t forget your appointment with Mrs. Petersen.”
    â€œIt’s okay. She cancelled,” Marcus said. He suppressed a smile when his secretary rolled her eyes to the ceiling and left. “What’s up, Russell?”
    â€œWe’ve had our differences, but I think we both agree that Nicole should not be CEO.” Russell took a seat.
    â€œYour father’s decision was certainly unexpected,” Marcus said in a bland tone.
    â€œThat’s an understatement.” Russell crossed one long leg over the other. “I think we should do something.”
    â€œYou’re already doing something, contesting the will.” Marcus rocked his leather chair back gently.
    â€œYes, but in the short term I think we should present a united front. She’s not qualified to run this company. My father had a lot of confidence in you. So much so that you were given quite a bit of responsibility.” Russell’s mouth