Read Online Kiss Lonely Goodbye by Lynn Emery - Free Book Online Page B

spoke.
    Nicole held onto her temper. “Russell, our guard license could be on the line over name patches. Spend the extra three dollars per outfit and change.”
    â€œEven my father allowed me to make decisions on supplies,” Russell said. “I’ve spoken with Vickers Uniform and they’ve assured me—”
    â€œNot good enough. Frey may be nitpicking, but he’s right. Change to another company. I talked to Andre, and he suggests Cole’s Guard Supplies.”
    â€œYou discussed this with a subordinate behind my back?” Russell said in a flat tone. His eyes narrowed to slits as he tilted his cobalt blue leather captain’s chair back. “That’s unacceptable. Father specified in the will that I have an important role in this company. My attorney says that includes making management decisions.”
    â€œGood, then I’ll make you vice president in charge of kitchen, bathroom, and janitorial supplies. You can exercise your managerial judgment on toilet tissue!” Nicole tossed back. She spun around and yanked the door open.
    â€œYou can’t demote me!” Russell called out. When Nicole kept going, he stormed after her down the hall. “I’ll call my attorney.”
    â€œYou’ll be a vice president. You wanted management power, have at it.” Nicole rounded a corner, with Russell in pursuit.
    â€œI’m not going to stand for this bull, Nicole. Not even Uncle Stanton will back you up when I tell him.” Russell grabbed her arm as they stood in front of the elevators.
    â€œGood, tell him. In the meantime start brushing up on the fine points of brooms and mops.” Nicole pulled free of his grasp.
    They stared at each other without moving. Nicole weighed the pleasure of feeling her fingers tighten around Russell’s neck against doing jail time. She’d decided that stepping over his unconscious body was worth it when the elevators whisked open. Marcus and a stocky man with wispy blond hair stepped out.
    â€œWe’re fully committed to—” Marcus broke off when he saw Nicole and Russell. He cleared his throat.
    Nicole blinked back from the edge of assault. She forced a smile that hurt as Russell let go of her arm. “We’ll talk about the uniforms later. Hello.”
    â€œMr. Kleinpeter, this is our new CEO, Nicole Benoit, and Russell Summers, vice president of development.” Marcus glanced a warning at them. “Mr. Kleinpeter is impressed with our coordination. I was just telling him teamwork makes the difference.”
    â€œOf course it does. Even when we disagree, the exchange of ideas results in a better outcome,” Nicole said smoothly. She shook hands with Kleinpeter. “I’m glad you came by. Why don’t we go to my office.”
    â€œOf course.” Mr. Kleinpeter grinned, pleased at the invitation. “I know how busy a boss can be, though.”
    â€œYou’re the reason we work so hard. We’ll have something cool to drink. I’m still getting used to how humid Houston can be in the summer.” Nicole favored him with her best smile.
    â€œA glass of cold soda would be nice.” Mr. Kleinpeter followed her happily.
    Nicole kept up a stream of conversation with him for thenext fifteen minutes. She even managed to forget about making Russell’s face turn blue. By the time she’d turned him over to Marcus again, Nicole had calmed down. A timid knock on her door interrupted the progress she was making plowing through state licensing regulations.
    â€œYeah,” Nicole answered.
    Cat came in with a wary expression. “Uh, I finished these letters for you.”
    â€œThanks.” Nicole took them from her. “I’ll proof them later.”
    â€œYou okay?”
    Nicole breathed in and out once. “I will be. I’m getting tired of fighting battles.” She rested her head against the chair back.
    â€œI hear ya.” Cat closed