Kiss Lonely Goodbye Read Online Free Page A

blow the guards’ new whistles if you’re good,” Uncle Lionel shot back.
    â€œHave fun, Uncle Lionel. Just don’t think you can push me until I quit. Nicole won’t take my company that easily.” Russell cast a final defiant glance at them all, then walked out.
    Stanton sighed. “You see what we’re up against?” he said to Marcus.
    â€œYes, sir.” Marcus folded his hands on top of the table.
    If he was amused or disturbed, he didn’t let it show in his expression. Nicole studied him a few moments. She wondered what wheels were turning in his attractive head. Marcus Reed wasn’t just a pretty face. He knew his own value. If he had any doubts about his position at Summers Security, they’d just put those to rest. What would he do next? She gazed at his neat fingernails, the long, tapered fingers and smooth skin on the back of his hands. His arms filled out the sleeves of his suit nicely. Her gaze went up his chest to his face again. Nice package, he seemed to be an all starch and straightlaced overachiever on the way up. Yet Nicole suspected once out of that suit he could turn into a sleek, sensual creature. The image of his naked flesh set off a flash fire in her body.
    â€œI said, do you agree?” Uncle Lionel said loudly.
    â€œNicole, focus. I know this is overwhelming for your first day in the office,” her father added.
    She blinked and realized the three men were staring at her hard. “Sorry. Long day and it’s just barely lunchtime.” Nicole gave them a forced, weak smile.
    She shook off the effects of a budding, and quite forbidden, fantasy involving her employee. He’d probably slap her with a sexual harassment lawsuit, especially if he could have glimpsed the naughty pictures in her head. She gave herself a solid mental shake, then concentrated on the discussion.
    â€œAs Russell pointed out, we’ve started a digital forensic unit. Also, Mr. Summers and I had planned to submit bids on federal contracts related to homeland security measures,” Marcus said.
    â€œBut can you handle that kind of work?” Uncle Lionel frowned at him.
    â€œSome of it will involve training security personnel at airports. Myself and two staff have spent the last three months getting trained in that specialized area.”
    Marcus pressed a button on the laptop computer. Momentslater Uncle Hosea’s secretary, who was now Nicole’s secretary, knocked and came in with four printed copies.
    â€œHere you are, Marcus.” Catherine Lawson, know as Cat around the office, gave him a warm smile. She glanced at Nicole with frank curiosity.
    â€œThanks. Here you’ll see what we had in mind.”
    Nicole smiled at her. “Thank you, Cat. I’ll meet with you later.”
    â€œSure. Can I get you anything, Ms. Summers?”
    â€œI’m good,” Nicole said. The woman nodded and left.
    â€œNicole.” Her father raised one thick eyebrow at her. “Looks sound to me. What do you think, Lionel?”
    â€œDon’t need to tell me this was your idea, Marcus. Excellent the way you look ahead.” Uncle Lionel nodded in approval.
    â€œThank you, sir.” Marcus straightened his tie and sat back in his chair.
    â€œI agree. I’ll study this and the reports I asked for. In fact, do you have a more detailed version?” Nicole asked as she looked at him.
    Marcus glanced down at the keyboard without touching it. His dark brows drew together just a fraction, the only hint he was irritated. Nicole pressed her lips together to suppress her glee.
    â€œI have an outline of items to include in bid documents, but—”
    â€œInclude it with the other reports. End of business tomorrow as I said.” Nicole turned to her father and uncle. “Why don’t we have lunch? I’m in the mood for fresh shrimp salad.”
    Stanton let a beat pass as he gazed at her. “Yes, why don’t we? Marcus