Kiss Lonely Goodbye by Lynn Emery Read Free Book Online Page A

difference.
    â€œCooperative deals are made all the time, Nicole. Maybe a few more years’ experience in the corporate world would help you understand the way business is done.”
    That was it! Nicole stood and looked down at him. “Work on equipping the new branch office.”
    â€œBuying staples, ink pens, and notepads can be done by your secretary,” he snapped.
    â€œCat doesn’t have time,” Nicole lobbed back. “Ordering staples, ink pens, and notepads is your forte.”
    â€œI’m going to enjoy watching you crash and burn,” he replied in a flat tone.
    â€œAre you going to do your job or not?” Nicole stared back at him with a frown. “You can move on anytime.”
    Russell picked up the receiver of his phone and pressed a button. “Bring me the office supply catalogues,” he said to his secretary, then slammed it down again. He gave Nicole a defiant smile that stretched his facial muscles to the limit. “I’m going to be right here, cousin .”
    Nicole drew in a deep breath, counted to ten, and let it out. “Look, this constant fighting is a waste of energy for both of us. Together we can really take Summers Security to the top.”
    â€œRunning a company can be scary, huh? All those sharp employees watching you. A dozen decisions to make each day.” Russell crossed his arms. “No thanks. I’ll stick to ordering supplies for now.”
    Nicole spun around. “Fine,” she muttered as she walked out.
    Russell’s secretary, a tall brunette named Amber, eyed Nicole with interest as she strode past. “Uh, you won’t need that coffee after all, Ms. Benoit?”
    â€œNo, but a huge dose of aspirin would be nice,” Nicole tossed over her shoulder without breaking her stride.
    Cat was standing in the hallway leading to Nicole’s office. She took one look at her boss’s expression and hastily took two steps out of her way.
    â€œI’ll get you a cool glass of orange juice. It’s good for high blood pressure.”
    Nicole glanced at her with a frown. “Is that a joke?”
    â€œNo, no. I’m really into natural healing. You should drink herbal tea instead of coffee. Going caffeine free is much better for your nerves.”
    â€œUh-uh.” Nicole went straight to the refrigerator in her office and got a cola. She picked up a napkin from the table nearby.
    â€œI’ll stock up on juice. You’ve got a lot more meetings with Russell coming, you know,” Cat said in a controlled voice.
    â€œMore cola. I’ll get my own headache pills,” Nicole mumbled and sat down hard. She glanced up to see her brother standing in the door.
    He crossed the space between them and kissed the top of Nicole’s head. “Poor little sis. I stopped by to see how you’re doing.”
    â€œGuess,” she said with a grimace. “I just finished another delightful discussion with Russell. Murder is still illegal, right?”
    â€œI’m pretty sure,” Terrell said and laughed. “I’ll check on the possibility of justifiable homicide as a defense.” He perched on the edge of her desk.
    â€œPlease do.” Nicole took another sip from the can of cola, then put it down. She rocked back in the chair.
    â€œHere’s another plan—fire his obnoxious butt.” Terrell pursed his lips. The expression made him look even more like a younger version of their father.
    â€œI can’t. Uncle Hosea might have had a low opinion of him, but the will specifies that he hold some kind of position in the company. He’d be a fool to damage the company. He’d take money out of his own pocket. If for no other reason, he’ll be careful,” Nicole said.
    â€œNikki, Russell is a fool.” Terrell slid off the desk. He went to a leather chair and sat down.
    â€œI’ve got my eye on him. He’s pathetically predictable, lucky for me.”