Kiss Lonely Goodbye by Lynn Emery Page B

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.
    â€œI 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?”
    â€œThe 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.”
    â€œWhy 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.
    â€œSilent partners with no clout.”
    â€œTrue. So, they’ll take their chances that the family will decide he should be in charge.”
    â€œLike you said, getting rid of me isn’t easy,” Nicole wore a half-smile.
    â€œPlan 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.”
    â€œFine. Just let me know what he says before you leave.” Nicole opened a folder.
    â€œI’ll probably be working late.” He started for the door.
    â€œSo 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.
    â€œThat’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?”
    Â 
    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.
    â€œSure, come on in,” Marcus said in a tone dry enough to give anyone the hint.
    â€œI 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.”
    â€œNicole might as well pack her Gucci handbag once we team up.” Russell smiled.
    â€œFor the last time—”
    â€œYou don’t like her being in charge any more than I do.”
    â€œChange 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.”
    â€œSetup?”
    â€œI 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.”
    â€œYou’ve seen what she’s like,” Russell complained. “Completely unreasonable. I’ve tried, but Nicole won’t listen.”
    â€œImagine that, she