by Lynn Emery
Marcus started by nipping her earlobe. His body trembled when she sighed and leaned against his chest. Not that he needed much encouragement. He planted firm kisses along her jawline, leading to her mouth, which he took greedily. With both arms wrapped around her, Marcus answered her sighs with a moan. Office sounds right outside his door faded away. The ticking from the brass clock on his desk seemed to slow down. After a deliciously long time, they parted.
“I think we just broke about five company rules,” Nicole said, her eyes still closed. Seconds later, she opened them and smiled.
Marcus felt as though he’d been turned upside down, held by his ankles and given a hard shake. He took a deep breath and tried to step away. Nicole held on tight.
“You’re the boss,” he murmured, still captivated by the bad-girl gleam in her eyes. “Maybe we should discuss the incident over a glass of wine later.” He bent his face lower for another kiss.
Nicole patted his chest with one palm and pushed away. She smoothed down the red silk shell she wore and brushed the front of her navy skirt. “I agree. As the top managers of this firm we should take swift action.”
“Otherwise things might get out of hand,” he said. Desire to touch her again beat inside him like an African drum.
She backed toward the door with a seductive half-smile. “Entirely possible. I have an early dinner meeting. Come over to my house at about eight-thirty. Rosaria will let you in if I’m running a bit late.”
I’ve lost my mind. “I’ll be there,” Marcus replied.
“Great.”
Nicole waved bye-bye with a flirtatious flip of the wrist. The simple gesture set off more trembling in his body. Marcus took another deep breath to recover. He glanced at his wristwatch. Less than six hours to pull himself together. Somehow he had to ignore the spell she cast and not react like a sex-starved fifteen year old.
“What a challenge,” he mumbled, staring at the door.
Nicole’s older sister, Helena, and her cousin Francine were waiting for her when she walked into Clyde’s. The elegant restaurant not only served some of the best steaks in town but their private wine cellar was superb, as well. Helena waved to get her attention, and Nicole joined them.
“Hello, baby sister.” Helena’s alto voice, so like their mother’s, got the attention of several males close by. At age thirty-four, Helena had a Ph.D. in chemistry and was a top executive with the Mobile/Exxon Corporation.
“Hi, and don’t call me ‘baby sister’ for the umpteenth time.” Nicole pecked her quickly on the cheek. “What’s up, Francine?”
“Hi, cuz. You’re looking remarkably relaxed for a woman on the verge of ruin,” Francine said, straight to the point as always.
A waitress came over as soon as Nicole sat down and took her order for a glass of iced tea. When she left, Nicole smiled at them. “I’m holding it together.”
“Uncle Lionel says Russell is being a real jerk.” Francine sipped from her glass of wine.
“And how is that different from his usual behavior?” Nicole quipped. Still, the strain must have shown in her voice.
Helena leaned both elbows on the table. “Let’s face facts. They would feel more comfortable with a male family member in charge.”
“With the obvious exception of Russell,” Francine added quickly.
“Which is the real reason Daddy is trying to talk Terrell into moving here. I know, and it doesn’t matter. I intend to stay in charge.” Nicole broke off when the waitress came back.
“You’re joking. Tell me she’s joking.” Helena looked at Francine.
“I thought being the boss at Summers Security was the last thing you wanted. What changed your mind?” Francine pushed aside her wineglass.
“Because a lot of people seem to think that A, I can’t do the job, and B, that I’m a spoiled lightweight who can’t hang when the going gets tough.” Nicole’s eyes narrowed. “Including Marcus.”
“Marcus?” Helena looked from Nicole to Francine.
“Nicole’s second in command. He’s not just hardworking but he’s shrewd, too,” Francine said. “He’s also gorgeous.”
“Oh, my. No wonder she’s turned into Miss Nine-to-Five.” Helena glanced back to Nicole with a frown.
“Two grown women devolving into junior high gossips. Not a pretty picture.” Nicole waved a hand at them.
“Unfair as it might be, people could talk about you two. Don’t give Russell or anyone else ammunition,” Helena replied.
“Right. No late nights working alone together in the office.” Francine scowled. “We’ve all had to fight the nasty assumption that we used sex to get ahead, even in the new millennium.”
“Results count. If I take the company to a whole new level no one will care about idle talk. Besides, men sleep with their employees all the time and no one questions their competence.” She lifted a shoulder and sipped from her glass.
“Have you heard the phrase ‘double standard’?” Francine said. She broke off when the waiter approached and took their order.
“In other words, you’ve got to be extra careful about appearances, especially with Marcus Reed. He might even use it against you.” Helena nodded and looked at Francine.
“Excellent point.” Francine tapped the side of her glass with the tip of one pale pink acrylic fingernail.
“Marcus wouldn’t stab me in the back,” Nicole said too quickly. Both women glanced at her with speculation. “He’s the straight arrow type, comes at you face to face. Unlike Russell. He’s becoming more of a problem every day.”
“He’s the crown prince of jerkdom. All the senior family members know it. Uncle Hosea didn’t exactly keep quiet about his shortcomings.” Francine shook her head slowly.
“Oh God, yes,” Helena added. “For once I agreed with Uncle Hosea. Russ was an obnoxious little boy.”
Nicole said a silent prayer of thanks to Russell. For once his bad behavior had proved useful. As Helena went on to list his misdeeds, Nicole realized that both women seemed to have forgotten her stupid slip. She and Marcus would have to be careful, at least for now.
“I hope the food comes soon,” Francine said after glancing at her sterling silver watch. “I’m exhausted.”
“Between us we had four meetings today. At least mine were at the same office.” Helena gave her cousin a look of sympathy.
“A deposition on one end of town and discovery motions at the other end. I really hate driving around Houston.” Francine waved to the passing waitress and got her to take their orders.
“You volunteered to drive, so don’t blame me.” Helena pointed at her, then looked at Nicole. “Since I had meetings at our Houston office and Francine’s embroiled in a lawsuit in two states, we decided to carpool,” she explained.
“You’re driving next time,” Francine grumbled and drank the last of her wine.
The three women talked business. Helena played the big sister as always, giving lots of advice. Nicole knew better than to complain. Her sister had ten years of management experience. By the time their food came they were laughing about family and hometown gossip.
“Y’all just reminded me why I’m so homesick. Not that Houston is as bad as I thought it would be.” Nicole patted her lips with a linen napkin.
“Who are you kidding? I’ve seen Uncle Hosea’s house, Nicole.” Francine waved her fork with a plump mushroom on the end of it.
“Uncle Hosea was loud, bad-tempered, and mean as a pit bull. But the man had good taste. Well, he was a Summers, after all.” Helena flipped her hand in the air.
“Excuse me, your superiority complex is showing,” Nicole laughed.
“There’s nothing wrong with family pride,” her older sister said, sounding even more like their mother.
Francine exchanged an amused glance with Nicole. “So, are we going to hang out tonight, ladies?”
“Right, we can crash at Nicole’s palatial palace.” Helena grinned at her.
“Uh, I thought y’all were leaving for
home right after dinner.” Nicole’s stomach tightened in panic.
“Life is too short to rush around. We might as well enjoy a relaxed evening.” Francine massaged her neck. “I can’t wait to get out of these panty hose.”
Helena studied Nicole for several minutes. “Francine, I think Nicole has plans for tonight.”
“I’m thinking of you two. Francine has meetings tomorrow and you need to write a report for your boss, Helena,” Nicole added.
“Isn’t Nicole so thoughtful, Francine? She’s making sure we don’t forget why we need to leave town.” Helena’s expertly arched eyebrows lifted.
“Uh-huh, or get a hotel room tonight,” Francine quipped.
“No, no. I can change my plans.” Nicole squinted at the prospect of passing up her first chance at Marcus.
“Gee, we’d hate to interfere with your date.” Helena leaned forward. “Tell us all about him.”
“He’s someone I met recently. No big deal. I’ll just call him and reschedule.” Nicole took the napkin from her lap, picked up her purse, and stood.
Helena’s eyebrows went up even further. “Francine, she doesn’t want us to hear.”
“I’m going to the ladies’ room, if you don’t mind,” Nicole said low.
“Good excuse,” Francine shot back.
Nicole kept going as though she didn’t hear their twittering at her expense. She passed the rest room and kept going to the foyer as she dialed Marcus’s number on her cell phone. He picked up on the second ring. He was gracious in understanding her need to reschedule. In fact, he was a bit too accepting, in her view.
“Damn!” Nicole muttered as she punched the Off button. This was no way to begin her campaign to conquer a handsome player. Still, she managed a smile by the time she got back to the table.
“Listen, little sister, we just talked it over, and we insist that you keep that date,” Helena said as Nicole sat down.
“Yeah, we’re happy you’ve got a love life. That should deflect any unwarranted conjecture about you and Marcus,” Francine added. “In fact, I reserved a suite at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel.”
“So, call…” Helena rested both elbows on the table. “I’m sorry, what was his name again?”
“Nice try.” Nicole put away her cell phone. “Cancel the suite. We’re going to enjoy my huge flat screen television tonight. Uncle Hosea has a fabulous video collection.”
“Are you sure?” Francine exchanged a glance with Helena.
“It’s settled. Now I say we get dessert to go. I’ll fix coffee, and we can indulge while we watch movies.” Nicole waved for the check. Maybe this was a sign that snuggling with Marcus was a bad idea anyway.
eight
Marcus hit the button of his cell phone. He tossed the shirt he was holding back into the closet and went into the living room. So much for choosing the right look. Irritated with himself for being irritated, he plopped onto his sofa and grabbed the television remote.
“Sounded like an excuse to me.”
Maybe the lady got cold feet. Then he had a second, less appealing thought as TV channels whizzed by. Another man. Nicole was beautiful, smart, and not the type to swoon over any male. Not that Marcus was being egotistical, but since his days as a popular football player in high school attracting females hadn’t been a problem. For most of his life he’d merely had to show up and ladies indicated their interest. Sometimes their attention could be a real pain. For that reason, and the fact that he just wasn’t on fire for romance, Marcus had taken a break from the mating dance. He’d been content for the last couple of months, until Nicole had blown into his life like a Louisiana hurricane. He tossed the remote aside after settling on an action movie. The sound was muffled so he could think.
“Wonder who?” he said and rubbed his jaw.
She couldn’t have had much time to mix and mingle, not with the hours she’d been putting in. Marcus got up for a glass of imported beer. While in the kitchen he grabbed a bowl of mixed nuts. He munched, poured, and thought some more. Nicole had a lot of guts to go with her smart mouth, he mused. Remembering the way her eyes would sparkle after she would make a tart comment, he smiled. Fact is, man, you like it. With a sigh he padded back into the living room of his condo. He sat down with the bowl in his lap and put the mug of beer within easy reach. Only a few days ago he’d found such an evening to be a treat. Instead the muscled movie hero was getting on his nerves. For some insane reason he kept wondering what kind of man she might be with tonight. When his cordless phone rang, he snatched it up.
“Come out to play, old man,” Shaun quipped into his ear. “Can’t believe you’re home alone on a Friday night.”
“Me either,” he grumbled back.
“Hey, I’ve got a cure for the solitary blues. I’ll swing by with two lovely ladies and—”
“No,” Marcus cut him off. The idea left him cold.
“Listen to your partner, man. I’m into quality. This girl I’m dating, Lisa, has a friend.”
“I said no.”
Shaun hissed into the receiver. “Look, she’s the right temperature. The girl’s on fire and she’s almost done. Now you and me could—”
“We must have a bad connection, ’cause you didn’t hear me say no twice,” Marcus said louder.
“What’s up with you?” Shaun’s voice went deeper with concern.
“I’m watching a movie,” Marcus replied mildly.
“That’s not what I mean and you know it. Okay, I’m coming over.” Shaun hung up.
Marcus thought about calling him back, but the truth was he could use the company. He blotted out thoughts of Nicole and tried to get interested in the movie. The overly muscled hero tossed bad guys around like toothpicks. Cars blew up. Buildings burned. All in the cause of truth and justice. Even a buxom brunette in a wet T-shirt didn’t register on Marcus’s radar. His thoughts kept making a U-turn back to Nicole. When the chimes sounded, he unlocked the door and headed for the kitchen for another beer without looking back. He heard the door shut again with a thud.
“Nuts on the table,” Marcus said over his shoulder.
“Thanks, but I prefer popcorn.”
He spun around to find Nicole dressed in jeans and a ruby red v-neck cotton shirt. She wore open-toe denim sandals that displayed her crimson toenails perfectly. Her hair was pulled back, but only loosely, with tendrils trailing to her shoulders. The picture was completed with large shiny silver hoop earrings, a bangle bracelet on one arm, a silver watch on the other, and rings on the middle finger of each hand. He knew all this quickly because his gaze swept her from head to toe. Nicole smiled at him. In fear that he might be drooling, Marcus wiped his mouth.
“I thought you had plans,” he said.
“My sister and cousin made other plans.” Nicole shrugged. “So, here I am.”
“This is a real surprise. I was expecting someone else.” Stop babbling, fool!
Her smile wavered. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have presumed you wouldn’t make other plans of your own.”
“No, no. Not a date. My buddy Shaun is coming over.” Marcus blinked rapidly at the realization. Damn! Shaun would find her here.
“Maybe I’d better leave.” Nicole turned to go just as the chimes rang again. “Oh-oh.”
Marcus grabbed her arm and started toward the bedroom. “This way. I mean, don’t you think it would be better if—”
“Yes. This complication we don’t need.” She scurried down the hallway, then stopped. “Hey, this is kinda exciting. I’ve never had to sneak around with a guy before.”
Marcus laughed out loud, then stifled it. “Stop being a little brat and go!” he whispered.
“Say, man, this isn’t funny,” Shaun called through the door.
“I was in the bathroom,” Marcus yelled back and waved at her to keep going. Her soft giggle as she closed the bedroom door sent electricity zigzagging up his spine.
“Finally,” Shaun complained when Marcus let him in. “Good thing I wasn’t being pu
rsued by bloodthirsty muggers.”
Marcus yawned. “I’m whipped. Truth is, I plan to be asleep well before the midnight hour. How are ya?”
“Worried about my slick partner.” Shaun’s thick black brows pulled into one line.
“Thanks, Mama, but I don’t need to be tucked in,” Marcus cracked.
“Ha-ha.” Shaun strolled in and sat down on the sofa. “We’re overdue for a serious talk. I’m truly concerned.” He nodded for Marcus to sit, too.
Marcus suppressed a groan of frustration. He sat on the edge of the large chair facing Shaun. “I’m okay. Like I said, just tired from working overtime.”
“Which is what I’m talking about.” Shaun waved his arms in a circle. “We’ve been through a lot, right?”
“No trips down memory lane, please.” Marcus glanced toward the bedroom. “We’ll be here all night.”
“Just listen. You’re working to make somebody else rich. Now I say—”
“I’ve heard it before,” Marcus cut him off quickly. “Now you listen, I’ve had a long week and I don’t want to hear another lecture.”
Shaun put both hands on his hips. “What’s up with you? I mean, I understand you left the old neighborhood behind. But it looks like you’re trying to kick your old friend to the curb, too.”
“I appreciate your concern. I really do.” Marcus put a hand under Shaun’s elbow and lifted him up.
“Yeah, well I don’t feel appreciated.”
“Let’s get together Sunday for a run through the park. Breakfast is on me. How’s that sound?” Marcus patted his shoulder.
“Like you’re trying to get rid of me,” Shaun retorted.
“Don’t get paranoid on me. You sound like some of my old girlfriends.” Marcus laughed while he turned the big man around and pointed him toward the door.