Kiss Lonely Goodbye by Lynn Emery Read Free Book Online

decision when I get complete information.” She looked at her Citizen wristwatch. “Have it on my desk within the hour.”
    â€œI included a rough estimate of the total operating cost, but I’ll break it down to the last paper clip if that’s what you want.”
    Nicole crossed her arms. “You’ve got a problem with details?”
    He studied her as the wall clock ticked off the seconds. Nicole was acutely aware that she was being sized up. His expression seemed to shout that she didn’t measure up to some standard he had. Marcus Reed was a proud man who’d pulled himself up out of the ’hood. To him she must seem like a spoiled dilettante with the power to make his life difficult, at least for a few months.
    â€œRegretting that promise to stay on? I know what an ordeal change can be for some people.”
    â€œYou’ll find I’m very adaptable, Nicole,” he answered, his voice even deeper than normal. “I’m not going anywhere.”
    The challenge in his brusque response sent a thrill up her spine. Nicole nodded once and sat down. She picked up a letter Cat had left on her desk. “Good. I’ll give you a call after I look at that budget breakdown. Paper clips and all,” she said as she scanned the page.
    â€œDone.”
    Nicole glanced up just as he whirled around and strode out the door. Her eyes narrowed to slits. “I’m going to have fun training you, Mister,” she murmured.
    Â 
    Two hours later Nicole sat across from Russell. Instead of summoning him, Nicole had agreed to meet with Russell in his corner office. She was giving diplomacy one last attempt. With more of her mother in her than she cared to admit, reining in her impatience proved to be a constant battle. Nicole tried to follow her father’s example in dealing with her cousin. Stanton was respected for his business sense and his ability to build alliances under the most demanding circumstances, yet even the most forbearing saint would have cracked under the situation Nicole now found herself in.
    â€œRussell, we’ve gone over the reasons I don’t agree with your plan three times. I’m not going to change my mind,” Nicole said through clenched teeth.
    â€œIf we want to win over the Fortune 500 companies, Nicole, we have to go state of the art,” Russell insisted. “We could double or even triple our profit. Using pupil scanners at ATM machines would put us miles ahead of our competitors.”
    Nicole counted to ten. “Russell, not one of the banks you contacted is interested. Not one .”
    â€œThat’s because you won’t let me put together a full videopresentation and buy the prototype. Brandon assures me this is new millennium technology.”
    â€œUnproven technology. Your frat brother has a reputation for losing other people’s money,” she retorted.
    â€œWho didn’t suffer losses when the bull market ended?” Russell waved a hand. “We can’t stop moving forward because of one downturn.”
    â€œWe discussed this in a meeting. Marcus and I agreed that these new devices seem promising, but—”
    â€œYou and Marcus,” Russell cut in. “Every time I try to take this company to a higher level one of you blocks me.”
    â€œ But ,” Nicole pressed on louder to get his attention, “those machines are too expensive. Your pal wants us to beta test the things and pay big money in the process.”
    â€œBrandon might convince his people to lease us the V-Protex for six months. I could set up a test site at the Pink Isle riverboat casino in Lake Charles. First Federal has an ATM machine installed there.” Russell sat forward eagerly.
    Nicole gave a short laugh. “Russell, think about what you just said. I’m not going to pay for Brandon’s field test.” Those were Marcus’s words, actually. Nicole wouldn’t have known the