Incapable

by Marie Skye

  “Oh, that’s right. Well, I’ll see you next week then?”

  “Of course. I’ll call you.” He leaned in for a hug and kissed my cheek. He shot one last look at Grayson, who oddly enough appeared as though he wanted to commit murder, before walking off.

  I watched Grayson and saw fire in his eyes. His jaw was clenched, and his fists were balled at his sides.

  When he finally looked at me, his eyes softened.

  “Shall we?” he asked, as he grabbed my coat to put it around me, but not before I caught a scowl.

  “You seem to have a very interesting fascination with my coat.” He started buttoning up my coat, but I fanned him away.

  “Is that what you’re calling it? A coat. Well, we seem to have very different definitions of what a coat entails.”

  Smiling, I shook my head. “It’s not much, but it’s mine. Remember that, and I like my coat.” I picked up my bag and headed for the door. He quickly caught up to me to open the door.

  “You're very gentlemanly tonight. Special occasion?”

  He smiled. “I just like being around you any chance I get.”

  I shook my head, not knowing what to think of that statement. Honestly, I liked being around him as well, but that wasn’t something for me to think about at the moment.

  We rode in silence. That seemed to be our thing. He always looked like he wanted to say something but didn’t. Probably best. I watched the snow fall. I hated this time of the year. Traveling in the cold was never my strong point, especially being from Arizona. I still hadn’t adjusted to the winters of Chicago yet. The snow was becoming noticeable and not just small flakes as we pulled up outside my apartment. I sighed.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah, just thinking,” I answered vaguely.

  “Well, I would love to hear it.”

  I smiled and shook my head. We sat in the car in silence. Before it became even more awkward, I cleared my throat. “I’ll see you tomorrow at work.”

  He nodded, and I opened my car door to get out.

  “Good night, Grayson.”

  “Good night, Emmalin.”

  “Have you gotten in touch with your psychiatrist since you’ve been back in town?”

  Sighing, I observed the falling snow out the window, before finally facing my father who sat in my chair. “Not since I’ve been back, no.”

  “Well, don’t you think you should schedule an appointment?”

  “I think I’m good, actually. I haven’t had any episodes in over a year, and, in fact, I would even be inclined to say that I’m cured.” I smiled before taking a sip of my coffee.

  “You know there are a lot of people who would agree that using sex as a treatment for Impulsive Aggression is, in fact, not a treatment.”

  I ran my hands through my hair.

  “Can we not have this discussion here, please? I’m fine. If I feel any triggers, I promise to get help before it gets out of control, okay?”

  “I know, son.” He finished the last of his coffee and stood up.

  “We all want what’s best for you. I just don’t want you to go down that road again. None of us do.” He patted me on the back before heading out the door.

  I had this under control. I’d had it under control for years. I fought the demons. I won. I’d always won.

  I sat at my desk and scrutinized today’s agenda, so fucking tired of meetings. I glanced over at Emmalin’s desk and checked my watch: 8:15 a.m. She was late. She was never late. The entire time she’d worked here, she’d never been late. I tried not to focus on it. I mean, why the hell was I worrying anyway? It wasn’t like she was my girlfriend. I shouldn’t care. As her employer, I cared.

  There I go, being a dick. I didn’t care she was late, but that was fifteen minutes I didn’t get to see her. I stared out the window at the snow falling harder. This was turning into a typical Chicago winter.

  “Good morning, Mr. Mandrake.” Glenda’s voice came over on the intercom.

  “Good morning, Glenda. How can I be of service?”

  “Cute, Mr. Mandrake. The conference room is ready for your eight thirty meeting.”

  “Yes, I’ll be right in. Has Chace arrived yet?”

  “He’s standing in front of me, sir.” I heard rustling.

  “Get your ass out here, fuckwad,” Chace said before hanging up.

  Every day I questioned my friendship with that asshole.

  My attention was drawn back to Emmalin’s empty desk, and I checked my phone again. Nothing. Telling myself not to worry, I headed toward the conference room.

  “Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!” I tried my best running through snow since it was virtually impossible to get a cab. I overslept. Completely against my will. I also woke up to it being thirty degrees in my apartment because of no electricity. I was behind on payments, and the only way to get it back on was to get to the electric company before closing. I was already late to work and hoped I could leave early, so I could have heat over the weekend. I reached Mandrake Towers, wet from snow as well as sweat. I ran into the building and headed for the elevators.

  As I rode the elevator, I tried my best to wring the water out of my hair. I looked like a hot mess. Attempting to smooth out my hair and clothing only seemed to make it worse. At the top floor, I rushed by Glenda into Grayson’s office and straight to my desk, immediately powering on my laptop. I stood up and started taking off my coat.

  “Thanks for joining us today.”

  Screaming, I whirled around. Standing in the corner with the golf set was a man almost, if not just, as tall as Grayson, with thick blond hair, broad shoulders, and a nice, tailored suit opened at the collar. Clearly you have to be straight off the runway to work here. I put my hands on my chest.

  “You scared the hell out of me.”

  He smiled. “My apologies. I was expecting Grayson, but you’re way sexier than he thinks he is.”

  Damn, was I blushing? I tried not to look directly at him and turned my attention back to my desk.

  He stalked toward me and extended his hand. “I don’t think we’ve ever been formally introduced. Chace Cartwright, CFO here at Mandrake Enterprises.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Cartwright. Emmalin Ross.”

  “Please, call me Chace.”

  Nodding, I shifted my attention back to my desk, but he stepped in front of me.

  “So, you’re Grayson’s newbie? I’ve heard a lot about you and how you have a knack for numbers. I may have to steal you away.” It didn’t escape my notice how close he stood. He casually brushed my hair off my face but kept his hand there. Instinctually, I jerked away, but before I could respond, Grayson strolled in.

  “What the fuck is going on here?”

  His eyes blazed with fury, and his hands were clenched at his sides. I purposefully stepped back from Chace.

  Chace looked over at Grayson and chuckled.

  “No sweat, man. I was just introducing myself. We never had a formal introduction.” Grayson stepped further into the room. Suddenly, this huge office seemed small. Too small. I was surrounded by two men who took ownership of any room they were in. I didn’t belong here.

  I turned toward Grayson.

  “I’m sorry I’m late. It won’t happen again.”

  “No, it won’t. You can stay late to make up for it.” Before I could say anything, he turned to Chace.

  “I need you to follow me now.” It wasn’t a request. He stormed from the room before Chace even took a step.

  “It was really nice meeting you, Ms. Ross.”

  As soon as we got to Chace’s office, I slammed the door. “What the fuck was that, Chace?”

  Chace sighed. “Are we really going to do this now?”

  I banged my fists on the desk, creating a loud boom. “Cut the shit, Chace. I told you she was off limits, and I walk into my office and you have your fucking hands on her.”

  “You don’t have anything to worry about. She’s good.”

  “What the fuck
are you talking about?”

  Chace sighed and ran his hands through his hair. “You don’t have anything to worry about. She flinched.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about, Chace?” I repeated, gritting my teeth.

  “She flinched. I moved her hair out of her face, and she flinched. Any other girl I would’ve done that to would’ve had her panties off, bent over the desk, and had me fucking her brains out. Emmalin flinched. She’s the first person ever to pass my panty test.”

  I ran my hands through my hair, thinking of all the times Chace and I had been with women together. I finally had to stop hiring personal assistants, since it clearly got too personal. “You’re fucked up, you know that? You’re fired.”

  He smirked. “That’s only the fourth time this week I’ve been fired. I must be doing something right. Now, leave me alone. I have meetings you’re making me do, and I want to hit the tables before the storm is in full force.”

  “I remind myself every day that I’ve known you since the third grade. I hated you then, and I still hate you now.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  I turned and left Chace’s office. What a way to get that temper going by yelling at her? I ran my hands through my hair and took a deep breath before walking into the office, preparing to apologize. It was empty. The thing she called a coat was still hanging on the rack, so she was still here. Still with me. I backed out and called over to Glenda.

  “Glenda, have you seen Ms. Ross?”

  “Yes, she went to collect files from Peterson and Brown on the seventh floor. Is there something I can help you with?”

  I scratched my head. “No. No, thank you.”

  I spent the rest of the day making sure all the establishments were fully stocked for the storm, dealing with last minute arrangements, and making sure each facility was well equipped with backup generators for my backup generators. I loved winter. Business was practically tripled. Why be at home when you could wait out a storm at a luxurious hotel, casino, and spa? Spending money always helped pass the time.

  I didn’t see Emmalin again until well past five. The rest of the staff was already headed home, but she was at her desk on the phone, looking almost frantic. She kept glancing at her watch as well as out the window. By now, the snow was sticking and going on four inches.

  “Hello, sorry to bother you. I was just making sure you guys were still open… I know, but— Are you sure no one could wait just a little bit longer?” Her voice dropped. “Okay… yes, I understand. Yes, thank you anyway.” She hung up the phone, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath before looking out the window.

  I walked in, already feeling like an asshole from earlier, and now here I was eavesdropping. I could hero this. “If it’s a ride you need, I’m more than happy to take you home. Besides, it is my fault you’re here.”

  The sadness in her eyes gutted me. “It’s not that, but thank you. And I’m sorry for not being on time this morning.”

  “I owe you an apology. I understand things happen, and I was already in a mood. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.” Nodding, she avoided eye contact and stared down at her hands. Something was going on. “Well, give me ten minutes to finish a few more calls, and we’ll be on our way.”

  This was going to be an extremely long weekend with no heat. I was too embarrassed to call anyone to see if I could stay with them. Everything was shut down due to the weather, so I guess even if I had been on time this morning, I still wouldn’t have made it to the utility company. I wondered how much a few nights in one of the Mandrake hotels would be. Shit, who was I kidding? I couldn’t afford it. I couldn’t afford a motel.

  “Ready?” Glancing up, I noticed Grayson had my coat. We made our way down to the parking garage. The only vehicle in sight was a black Range Rover. “I haven’t seen this one yet. Latest toy?”

  He smiled, attempting to buckle me in, while I pushed his hand out the way. “Yes, this is my ‘bad weather’ vehicle. It does a mighty fine job.”

  Grimacing, I took off my hat and gloves. The snow had accumulated. No chance of a letup. Fuck.

  “Penny for your thoughts?” We had pulled to a stoplight.

  “Just observing the snow.”

  “It takes some getting used to, but the city clears it quickly. But you never know, anything could happen.”

  “Different than Arizona, that’s for sure.”

  “Do you miss it?”

  “No,” I said with a firm voice and hoped he didn’t press for more information. Luckily, he took the hint.

  As we pulled outside my apartment, I inwardly cringed, knowing damn well I had no heat, not to mention it was below zero outside.

  “Thank you again for the ride. I know you didn’t have to, but I do appreciate it.”

  His hand stroked the side of my face ever so gently. I found myself leaning in to his touch and closing my eyes, relishing his attention. “It’s never a problem. You’re never a problem to me. Ever. Don’t ever think that.”

  I opened my eyes and stared into the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. Before I had time to react, he leaned in and his lips brushed mine. Gently at first. Then with much more force. His hand went around to the back of my neck, and his other hand in my hair. He pulled back after a few seconds, and I was instantly lost without his touch. He pressed his forehead against mine and gripped the lapel of my coat.

  “I won’t apologize for that.”

  I smiled. I didn’t want him to.

  We sat there, still trying to catch our breaths. He brushed my hair from my face and tucked it behind my ear. “You’re so breathtaking.” It was a whisper, so quiet I almost missed it.

  “Goodnight, Grayson.”

  “Goodnight, Emmalin.”

  I didn’t know what the fuck was wrong with me. That girl did something to me. All I wanted to do was be around her, yet I kept telling myself I couldn’t. She was different.

  I had driven about two blocks and was sitting at a stoplight watching the snow fall when I caught something out of the corner of my eye. Her scarf. She left her scarf. Surely she needed this. Granted, I could wait until Monday to give it to her. Or I could turn around, drive back to her place, and give it to her now… any excuse to see her.

  I headed back to her place. I ran up the stairs, preparing to press the button to be let up, and I noticed the door wasn’t even closed all the way to the building. I already hated the place. She couldn’t possibly live in a place that lacked so much security. I checked the hinges and noticed two of them were loose. Well, this wasn’t going to do at all. She couldn’t live here. It wasn’t safe. The entire building looked like it’d fall over. Heading inside, I discovered the elevator was broken. Of course. Surveying the questionable stairway, I made my way to the fifth floor.

  Apartment 5C, this was Emmalin’s home. I knocked. A few seconds went by, and I knocked again, only this time louder. It was amazing the door didn’t fall off. I finally heard rumbling inside.

  “Who is it?”

  “Um, hey, it’s me… Grayson.”

  There wasn’t even a peephole. What if I was an ax murderer? As if an ax murderer would announce himself.

  She unlocked the deadbolt and opened the door.

  She stood before me still in her coat but also with a blanket around her, her gloves still on, and a lighter in her hands.

  Something was off.

  Stepping into the hallway, she blocked the entrance.

  “Grayson, was there something you needed?”

  Yeah, you.

  “No, you left your scarf in the car. I figured you would need it.”

  She glanced down at my hands. “Oh, okay. Thank you. I’m sorry about that.”

  “Don’t be.” I couldn’t help but look past her into the apartment, noticing it was only dimly lit by a few candles. It was dark and cold. Pushing past her, I stalked inside and scanned the apartment.

  “What’s going on? Is your heater broken?”

  She looked flustered. “No, it’s no
t broken. It’s just not on.”

  “Why? It’s below freezing outside. It’s freezing in here. You’ll get sick!”

  Realizing I was yelling, and she was still standing at the door, cowering. She took a deep breath.

  “It’s not broken, okay? It’s not on because…” She trailed off.

  “Emmalin!”

  “Because I was past due, and I didn’t have the money to pay for it until today. That’s why I was late. The power was shut off sometime during the night, and they closed before I got off to pay them, so I can’t get to them until Monday.” She stepped forward and reached for the scarf still in my hand. “Thank you for returning this. I’ll see you Monday.” She went back towards the opened door, waiting for me to leave.

  Smirking, I ran my hands through my hair. “Yeah, okay. Pack your stuff.”

  “Grayson, you—”

  “Pack your stuff, Emmalin. You aren’t staying here.”

  “Grayson, it’s fine really. I’ll figure something out.”

  “Emmalin. Pack your stuff, or I will pack for you. I’m not asking you.”

  We stood facing each other. I wasn’t going to back down. Her stance showed she wasn’t going to back down either. I had half a mind to throw her against a wall and fuck her, because the angrier she made me, the harder I got. But ever so slowly, she crumbled. She put her hands up in surrender.

  “Can you at least relax and give me a few minutes to get what I need? I’m not going to do this with you standing over me. This place is small enough as it is, and now it just looks ridiculous with you standing here.”

  I relaxed my posture only slightly. That was all she was going to get. Spotting a card table with a single chair, I took a seat while she began filling an overnight bag. It gave me a chance to compose myself and get my cock under control.

  I seized the opportunity to examine her apartment more thoroughly. It was small, yet had some homey qualities to it. I could tell she tried to make this place her own.

  Aside from the card table and chair, the only other piece of furniture was a futon. She had a small bookshelf and a stand where a TV normally would’ve been. I wandered over to the bookshelf. All VC Andrews. Interesting. She cleared her throat.