by Lynn Emery
“That’s ’cause we had Lebanese five times in a row when we let you order lunch,” Andre said and rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, I’m still tasting garlic,” Imani quipped.
Jacinta protested, and the staff continued their friendly debate as they filed out of the conference room. Nicole smiled as she watched them. Then she glanced at Marcus. He seemed engrossed in his own neat handwriting.
“Those guys are great, huh?” Nicole gathered her own reports, pen, and notepad with deliberation.
“Yes, they are,” Marcus said. He put the cap on his Cross ink pen and stood.
“Uh, you’re eating in with the rest of us?” Nicole said quickly.
“I’ve got a lot of work still.” Marcus nodded to her.
“Wait,” she blurted out. “That compliment included you. So, I’d really like you to join us.”
He gazed at her for several moments, then looked away. “I’ll try.”
“Uh, we’ve got an issue to settle. About that night in your apartment, I’m sorry—”
“I apologize—” Marcus spoke at the same time.
“No, it was my fault for showing up at your place and—” Nicole started.
“Not a good idea,” Marcus said.
“I know, I know.” Nicole sighed.
“Look, I shouldn’t have gotten so touchy-feely. You’re my boss and I was way out of line.” Marcus let out a long breath, as though relieved.
“No, no, this awkward situation between us is my fault. I got carried away and you know.” Nicole’s voice trailed off.
“Do I?” he said in a soft voice. Marcus sat back down again.
“Okay, here’s the deal. We’re a man and woman working closely together,” Nicole began, then stopped, searching for a way to go on.
“I follow you so far.”
She pretended to be irritated with a bogus frown. “Mr. Comedy Central. Anyway, you and me, bad business. Working friends is a better idea.”
“Umm.” Marcus put a finger under his bottom lip and gazed at her steadily.
“Umm what?”
Marcus sat back and stretched out one leg in a waiting posture. “Nothing. Go ahead with your logic.”
“We’re both stressed out. Being in close quarters and sharing tough times can—” Nicole searched for the right phrase.
“Make us think we’re right for each other when we’re not?” Marcus tilted his head to one side.
“Now that’s a good way of putting it. I’ve got to concentrate on Summers Security, no distractions.”
No matter how tempting the distraction is, Nicole could have added. Marcus seemed intent on proving the point. Dressed in navy slacks and a crisp, white, long-sleeved shirt, he looked like a handsome grad student. The cotton fabric did nothing to hide the fact that he worked out. His body looked powerful even in repose. Nicole felt a wistful sigh building and stifled it. Still, her plan to conquer him had kept her awake nights from guilt. When the stuff had hit the fan, with complaints and problems coming hard and fast, Marcus had been there to support her. He deserved her respect, and she had decided to grow up, right?
“This is no time to play.”
“Oh, I see. You were going to play me.” Marcus chuckled deep in his throat. “You’ve got me mixed up with someone else. I don’t get played so easy.”
“No, I didn’t mean—”
“For the truth to slip out. Don’t worry, Nicole. I think I can handle you.” Marcus stood and looked down on her.
“I didn’t mean to imply that I took you for a fool.” She floundered, wondering just how she’d ended up with a Via Spiga pump planted firmly in her mouth.
“Good, because I was almost offended,” he teased. “Just forget it. If anything else comes up I’ll be in my office. Unless of course working close to me gets you all upset.”
“Cut it out,” Nicole said through clenched teeth. “We could try to establish a happy medium. Let’s shoot for something between seriously annoying one another and playing tongue hockey.”
“What do you suggest?” Marcus wore an unruffled half-smile. He tucked his notepad under one arm.
“We’ll talk about it later, when I’m not feeling the need to choke you.” Nicole whirled around and went to her office. She turned to slam the door between the two rooms.
Marcus caught it with one hand. “You were trying to be nice about our ‘awkward’ situation and I got smart. Sorry. You’re right of course.”
She eyed him for several moments. Suspicion blossomed at the quick turnaround, yet Nicole decided to play along. “Am I?”
He nodded. “We don’t want to complicate what’s already a perfect setup for major drama. I’ll just have to forget you’re such an attractive lady, that’s all.”
Excellent move, Mr. Reed. Nicole let a slow smile spread across her face. “Then we understand each other.”
“We sure do. I’ll get back to business now, boss lady.” Marcus saluted her, then left the conference room.
Nicole closed the door with a quiet thump. She went to her desk, sat down, and proceeded to examine just what had happened between them.
The next day Marcus and Russell were in Nicole’s office to discuss several company projects. Marcus behaved as though they’d never touched or discussed the pros and cons of a relationship. Much as she hated it, Nicole couldn’t get either his touch or their discussion out of her mind. She knew he meant to get her attention by ignoring the undercurrent between them. His tactic was quite effective, too. Nicole mentally kicked herself. He’d outmaneuvered her. A galling development she intended to change.
“If we’re still going to have a Louisiana office, then Lake Charles is a better choice,” Marcus said. “Lafayette doesn’t have enough business to justify the expense. New Orleans is saturated. Plus neither city has a strong enough economy.”
“I made the same point a year ago. I should go to Lake Charles and set up the office,” Russell said in a petulant voice.
His whining tone yanked Nicole back to the issue at hand. For the fourth time Russell made her sorry that she had invited him to give his input. Russell and Jolene had complained to the family that Nicole was being autocratic. Their scheming had led to a conference call from Stanton and Uncle Lionel. They’d advised her on how to neutralize them. Since then she’d made an effort to include Russell in more management decisions.
“The answer is no,” Nicole said, her tone short.
“You’re not being reasonable. My father’s will, flawed as it is, does specify that I’m to have some say-so in the direction this company takes.” Russell’s lips stretched in a tight line.
“You can’t sign a lease or enter into any contracts. It doesn’t make sense to send you.” Nicole frowned back at him.
“You could make me an officer of this company. If I were appointed chief financial officer I could make expenditures, with your final approval,” Russell added in a grudging tone.
“You could, but I won’t, so forget it. I spent a lot of time in Lake Charles when the riverboat casinos opened.” Nicole read over a page of the report Marcus had prepared.
“Gambling problem?” Russell’s eyes glittered with malevolent curiosity.
“Daddy did construction work in Lake Charles. I went with him every week to meetings.” Nicole ignored his dig.
“You’re scared the family will realize I’m more competent than you to run this company. So you won’t give me any responsibility. Nice try, but it won’t work.”
“Do you ever get tired of being an asshole?” Nicole glared at him. “Let me tell you one thing—”
Russell turned to Marcus. “She has the temperament of a pit bull and the mouth of a rap singer. This is who runs the top security firm in the Southwest.”
“Hold it. Russell has a point.” Marcus spread out his arms like a boxing referee urging two fighters back to their corners.
“What? I can’t believe you.” Nicole turned her heated gaze to Marcus.
“Mr. Summers did make
it clear that Russell wasn’t to be completely cut out of decision making. On the other hand, Nicole knows the area and has contacts in Lake Charles.”
“Hardly a convincing argument. I’m more than capable of making business contacts.” Russell stuck his chin out.
“I suggest this, Nicole knows the area and I’m the manager under our license. We’ll set up appointments and go to Lake Charles for the day,” Marcus went on calmly.
“So, you’re siding with her.” Russell’s eyes narrowed.
“And we’ll leave Russell in charge, with the staff reporting to him. Since we’re expanding, it makes sense. Nicole, we’re going to be out of the office more.” Marcus looked at Nicole.
“I’m so grateful, considering this company was started by my father,” Russell grumbled.
“Leave Russell in charge,” Nicole repeated the words in an undertone. She shook her head slowly. “I don’t know.”
“I have experience in setting up an office, hiring staff, and getting things in place. We both need to go. Besides, the staff is pretty independent.”
“Well…” Nicole pursed her lips.
“Work with me on this,” Marcus said in a firm tone.
“Fine, okay.” Nicole forced the words out.
Russell stood. “At least Marcus is finally using common sense.” He walked out with his leather portfolio tucked under an arm.
“You’re welcome,” Nicole called after him with a grimace. She turned on Marcus. “What is this you and I going to Lake Charles business?”
Marcus sat back with a smile. “You nervous about being alone with me for that long?”
Nicole felt a flash of annoyance. Yet she was determined not to give him the satisfaction of knowing he was getting on her last good nerve. Instead she forced a smile. “Of course not. All business. I’ll make some phone calls and let you know.”
“Good. I’ll get Imani’s marketing survey and make some calls to prospective customers. Shelly has information on commercial real estate companies.” Marcus did indeed assume a brisk, professional manner.
Her annoyance deepened at his offhand attitude after pushing her buttons. “Fine,” she clipped and tapped the keyboard of her desktop computer.
“Excellent start to our new collaboration,” Marcus said.
The blazing look Nicole shot at him was wasted. All she saw was his broad back going out the door. With heroic self-restraint she held her tongue, until the door closed.
“Smart-assed, conceited chump,” she muttered and threw an ink pen.
Cat came in and ducked just in time for it to clatter against the frame. She closed the door behind her. “Hmm, I just got back from a coffee break. Let me guess. You had a meeting with Russell.”
“And Marcus,” Nicole spat. “Those two are really asking for it.”
“Look at it this way, you’re the one in charge no matter how they kick.”
Nicole willed her jaws to relax. She breathed in and out deeply three times. Then she rested her head against the leather of her chair. “You’re right. It’s about time they find out just how in charge this lady can be.”
“That’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout,” Cat quipped with a mischievous grin. “Show ’em who they’re dealing with as only a sister can. Now I’ve got these for you to sign.”
They went through payroll checks and other details that needed the CEO’s approval. Cat talked about minor office management issues. Nicole nodded, signed, and offered a few comments. Still, her thoughts were on what promised to be a long two-hour trip with Marcus seated next to her.
“You are listening to me, right?” Cat eyed her.
“Of course.” Nicole signed the last paycheck and handed Cat the pile of papers. “I know a wonderful restaurant on the lake,” she murmured.
“Huh?” Cat gave her a puzzled look.
“Nothing, just planning to be in charge.” Nicole gave a short laugh and rocked her chair gently. “Yeah, we’ll see who starts running scared.”
“Okay, I’m officially out of this conversation. What did I miss?” Cat put one hand on her hip.
Nicole laughed again. “Nothing, Cat. As usual you were two steps ahead of me. I’m going to put Russell and Marcus on notice. No drama, but they will get the message.”
“Firm, but fair,” Cat smiled and left.
“Firm, yes. No promises on being fair.” Nicole smiled as she turned her attention to the work on her desk.
Three days later Marcus drove the company Dodge Durango along Interstate 10 toward Louisiana. He made it a point not to glance at Nicole. She seemed strangely relaxed, and it disconcerted him. He’d been a lot more comfortable when she’d been the one off balance. Nicole seemed unaware he was trying to figure her out. She tapped a foot to the music coming from the radio and flipped another page of the trade magazine on private security.
“I’m guessing you haven’t been to Louisiana often,” she said without looking at him.
“A grand total of two times, both with Mr. Summers. We met with two clients and came back. I was lucky we stopped for lunch someplace.” He edged the Durango up to seventy-five. The scenery whipped by.
“Now it’s three.” Nicole nodded at the sign welcoming them to Louisiana. “I promise not to rush. If we get through early enough we can have dinner someplace nice. Preferably close to the lake.”
“Sounds good.”
Marcus risked a quick look at her. Nicole seemed absorbed by an article on preventing identity theft. He shifted in his seat. Static crackled from the speakers as they went out of range of the radio station. Before he could react, Nicole found another one. In seconds a driving zydeco rhythm surrounded them. A male vocalist sang in a husky basso timbre. The Creole French lyrics sounded both exotic and provocative. She hummed along.
“What is he saying?” he asked.
Nicole didn’t answer immediately. After listening for several minutes she smiled. “I can only catch a few words. He’s begging this woman named Therèse to be his lover, but she’s not having it. He’s trying to convince her they belong together. He tells her that the man she’s chasing won’t satisfy her.”
“You caught more than a few words,” Marcus said.
“It’s an old song. My grandparents still live in a small town called Loreauville. They taught me a few things. M a parle kreyòle ye a trape li osi, to kòne.”
Her voice dipped into a throaty quality that sent a jolt of power up his spine. “Yeah, whatever you said,” he murmured.
When she laughed the electricity snapped elsewhere in his anatomy. The sound tapped into a place inside him that Marcus didn’t know existed. For the first time his unease turned to apprehension. This woman was reaching too deep for comfort. Then she glanced at him with an enigmatic smile that played across her alluring, full mouth. His apprehension evaporated in an instant. In its place was desire. She seemed to offer him a chance to taste something wild, like a moonlit night on the banks of a bayou. He looked ahead at the highway to counter her effect on his senses. His imagination spun out of control and she hadn’t even touched him. Marcus cleared his throat.
“I said ‘When I speak Creole they will catch it too, you know.’”
“Okay.” He wondered if there was any truth to those legends about voodoo love spells.
“My mother’s parents are fluent, but most of the younger generations don’t speak Creole French at all. In the past five years I’ve made it my hobby to learn. Louisiana Creole French is one of the most endangered languages around,” Nicole said with a serious expression.
“I didn’t realize.”
“Not many people know about it. It’s different from Cajun French in some ways, but mostly the words and phrasing are the same.” Nicole seemed to warm to the subject.
“Fascinating subject, Creole culture, I mean.” Marcus found this side of her intriguing.
Nicole’s eyes lit up. “How much do you know?”
“Very little. My father’s great-grandmother came from somewhere called LaF
ourche. Is that right?” He glanced at her.
“LaFourche Parish. Mais yeah, chere! You’ve got Creole in your veins.” Nicole grinned back.
Marcus shook his head. “Maybe. I don’t know anything else. My father didn’t hang around long, and his family didn’t keep in touch.”
“Your parents divorced, huh? Tough.”
“They were never married. My old man wasn’t big on responsibility.” Marcus wondered why he was sharing such details with her. He rarely talked about his dysfunctional family background.
“Too bad. Do you ever see him?” Nicole turned in her seat. Her interest seemed genuine, caring even.
“Nah, I got tired of visiting him in prison. He always wants money.” Marcus clamped his back teeth together.
“I’m really sorry,” she said softly.
“Don’t be. I hardly know the man.” Marcus forced a lighter tone to his voice. “My coach in high school did more for me. We still keep in touch.”
“That’s great.” Nicole continued to study him.
“I’m going to pick up some zydeco CDs. Any recommendations?” He wanted to get off the subject of his family.
“Try on some Buckwheat Zydeco to start. Speak of the devil, as my Tante Marie used to say. That’s him.” Nicole turned up the radio. A new song blared out.
They talked about the music, food, and culture of south Louisiana. Marcus found himself more interested than he realized. His connection to his father’s family had always been tenuous at best. As Nicole went on with vivid descriptions of summers spent in rural Creole country, the hint of a Creole accent came through.
“Here I was thinking you were a big-city girl.” Marcus smiled.
“I am really. Once I got to be a know-it-all teenager, hanging out with poules and kochons wasn’t too cool.”
“Translate again please,” Marcus said.
“Chickens and pigs.” Nicole laughed hard. “My great-grandparents inherited a farm. Passed down from the French slave master they kind of blackmailed.”
“Sounds like you’ve got some high-class skeletons in your closet.” Marcus looked at her.
“Don’t tell my mother I mentioned it. She and my aunts like to give a different version of the family tree.” Nicole wore an impish grin.