Kiss Lonely Goodbye Read Online Free PDF Page B

“He’s not the knight in shining armor you think. He resents the hell out of having me as his boss.”
    â€œThen win him over. You can turn on the charm when necessary. Well, if ever there was a time, it’s now . Like my father used to say—”
    â€œThe best way to win a fight is to make friends with your opponent. Or at least let him think so until the right moment, then pow!” Nicole grinned. Grandfather Alcee had been a crafty guy, a nicer version of his brother Hosea.
    â€œSo, maybe you’ve heard that one a few times.” Stanton chuckled. His expression turned serious again. “I’ll call you in a few days.”
    â€œYes, sir.” Nicole gave him a mock salute.
    â€œAnd control your mouth,” he tossed back and wagged a forefinger at her nose. “Remember, you need these folks as much as they need you .”
    â€œI got it.” Nicole pressed her lips together.
    Stanton held up one palm. “I hear your mother starting to ooze out. I’ll say no more.”
    â€œI really do appreciate the advice, sweetie.” Nicole gave him a quick hug.
    Uncle Lionel stuck his head in the door, a cell phone pressed to his ear. “Stan, come on.”
    â€œBye, darlin’.” Stanton waved to Cat and Marcus, and they waved back. He looked at Nicole again. “Don’t forget what I said.”
    â€œGoodbye,” Nicole said in a clipped tone. Stanton only laughed again as he left. “Watch my mouth. Funny.”
    Marcus hung up the phone and walked over to her. “Maybe I should return some of those messages. That way you’ll have a chance to get your office organized and decorated.”
    â€œI’m not quite ready to hang frilly pink curtains,” Nicole replied, then clamped her mouth shut again. Her father’s warning reverberated in her head like a fire bell.
    â€œSorry, I didn’t mean to—”
    â€œIt’s okay,” Nicole broke in.
    â€œThe first day running a company you didn’t expect to inherit must be tough. I just wanted to take one more worry off your hands,” Marcus replied smoothly, no hint that he was offended.
    Nicole gazed at him, feeling skeptical that he was sincere. Still, she had to give him credit for being poised. She’d be just as slick.
    â€œYou’re right, of course. But I have to dive in sometime. Might as well start now. Thanks for the offer.” Nicole flashed her best smile. “I’ll call if I need you. How’s that?”
    Marcus gazed at her for several seconds, then cleared his throat and looked away. “Sounds fine. I’ll be in my office the rest of the afternoon.” He turned to leave.
    â€œMarcus?” Nicole said in a silken tone.
    He froze, then turned slowly. “Yes?”
    â€œMake up a list of clients I can visit this week. Three or four of the top contracts. The personal touch will inspire confidence,” Nicole said.
    â€œUh, good idea, Ms. Benoit.” He blinked rapidly.
    â€œCall me Nicole. I know Uncle Hosea was a stickler for formality, but I’m not him.” Nicole gleefully watched him shift his weight from one foot to the other.
    â€œSure.” Marcus hurried off as though late for a meeting.
    â€œLesson number two in who’s the boss.” Nicole grinned and went into her office. “I’ll have the phone attached to my ear for the rest of today,” she said to Cat.
    Cat looked at the door where Marcus had stood, then at Nicole, with both her auburn-dyed eyebrows raised. “ Yes, ma’am .”
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    Marcus slapped his hands together as he looked up at the wall. “Man, do I need this workout.”
    â€œRough day, huh? I knew something was up when you called me.” Shaun, his boyhood pal from the Fifth Ward, stood beside him adjusting his gloves.
    They were about to tackle their favorite sport, indoor rock climbing. There were only a few other climbers at Texas Rock