by Marie Skye
I shrugged. “I just call it how I see it. I’m a gambling man. You know this.”
“Right. And if I win?”
“You won’t.”
She laughed. “Humor me, Grayson. I may have something up my sleeve.”
“I tell you what. Let’s reveal our plans at the end of the game, and no matter what, that person has to do it. Deal?” I extended my hand.
She eyed it warily before meeting my eyes and taking my hand.
“Deal.”
I gestured towards the table. “Ladies first.”
Half an hour later, we were tied. She was bringing her A game. I didn’t expect someone like her to know her shit. Should’ve played poker. That game would’ve been over twenty-nine minutes ago.
There was one ball left. The eight ball. She was up. If she got this, the game was over. She studied the table, circling it, trying to find her best shot.
“Eight ball, corner pocket.” She took position at the table. It was clear she wanted to win this, but so did I.
She shot. I clenched, watching the white ball roll toward the eight ball. This was it. I watched, waiting for the ball to hit. It didn’t. It went right past it, missing by barely an eighth of an inch. I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding. The disappointment on her face was unmistakable. The beer had miscalculated her judgment.
I approached the table, hoping the odds were in my favor, and took position. “Eight ball, side pocket.” I aimed, willing this to go in. Shot. I looked up. Fuckin aced it. I glanced at Emmalin with the biggest grin I had.
She crossed her arms and mumbled. “Lucky shot.”
I paced towards her, removing the pool stick from her hand and placing it back on the wall before turning back to her, standing as close as I possibly could.
“I believe the word you’re looking for is ‘Congratulations.’” Lifting her up on the pool table and parting her legs so I could step in between them, I took the hair tie from her hair, watching the dark waves cascade down her shoulders. I wrapped my arm around her waist. Her breathing became heavy as I kissed down her neck. “Congratulate me,” I whispered in her ear. She moaned instead. I smiled.
“Is this your plan for winning, Grayson?”
Pulling back, I gazed into her eyes, shaking my head. “No. This is just bonus points.” I claimed her mouth. It’d been far too long since I put my hands all over her. After a moment, she pulled back and cleared her throat. I got it. I still had to earn her trust.
“So what’s your real plan?” She peered up at me.
Taking a deep breath, I reminded her, “Just for the record, we said no matter what.”
She eyed me warily. “Sure. Within reason of course.”
“No, we said no matter what. That was our deal.”
She looked down at her hands. “I don’t know if I’m going to like this, but a deal is a deal. So, Grayson, what is your plan?”
I smiled. “It’s simple. Move in with me.”
Did this beautiful bastard just ask me to move in with him? It was official. He’d lost his damn mind. Either that or he was one hell of a comedian.
I threw my head back and laughed. When I looked back at him, he wasn’t laughing. In fact, he appeared downright serious. I tried to slide off the pool table, but he had me caged in. All of a sudden, I felt suffocated. I scooted back till I was out from under him and on the other side of the pool table, finally able to climb off. Rounding the corner, he watched me.
“Have you lost your mind?” He wasn’t saying anything and stood to his full height.
“Grayson!”
He cleared his throat. “We had a deal.”
That was his fucking response?
“Yeah, something within reason, not something as absurd as moving in with you.”
“Why not?”
I was officially astounded. Here I was freaking out, and he was completely calm.
“I can think of a million reasons why not!”
He leaned against the pool table, arms crossed, and just stood there staring at me. The beautiful bastard looked like he wanted me to actually give him a million reasons.
“Grayson!”
He took a deep breath. “Your apartment isn’t safe.”
“We’re back at this again? You’re unbelievable.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling a headache coming on. “My apartment is fine, Grayson,” I said through gritted teeth.
“Fine?” He raised his voice. “No, Emmalin, I’m sorry, but your apartment is anything but fine. It’s not even secured. The front door doesn’t lock, so anyone can go in and out and do God knows what!”
I closed my eyes. “You know what? I’ve been taking care of myself for a very long time. I don’t need a hero. I don’t need you as a hero.” I looked around the room. “I also don’t need you to bestow your pity on me. We’re two different people, and we’re different for a reason.”
I turned to walk out, and he grabbed my elbow. “I’m not trying to put you down. I just want to help.”
I yanked my arm from his grasp. “I’m going to start gathering my things, that way it’ll be ready in the morning.” Before he could say anything more, I turned and left.
I envisioned that going completely different in my head. I walked over to my desk and finished signing the documents before sending them off to my lawyer. I was now the official owner of several apartment buildings. If she wouldn’t allow to me improve her living conditions, the least I could do was own it and have it fixed. We needed to talk.
I headed upstairs to the bedroom. She wasn't there. I saw her bag on the chair with her clothes for tomorrow laid out. I had no idea what my problem was. Never in my life had I met someone and found ridiculous excuses to see them. It was always the exact opposite. Emmalin was different. I wanted to see her. I had to see her. I needed her.
I headed back down to the place she’d been spending most of her weekend; the library. I peeked in, and there she was, sitting on the floor with several books around her, as if she couldn't decide which one to start first, but in her hands was a worn-out copy that wasn't mine.
I noticed several of the pages had come out and were held together by tape. I stood there at the door watching her for a few minutes before I heard her speak.
"You know, it's creepy when you do that." She turned toward me. "Staring at me like that, it's what creepers do, and while I don't peg you as one , I can't help but want to ask, are you a creeper, Grayson?"
I smiled and strolled toward her. "Why can't we just call it an observation?"
She gazed at me as if to ponder that thought. "If that's what you want to go with to make yourself not sound like a creeper, then who am I to judge?" She shrugged and turned back to her book.
I sat on the floor next to her. "I wanted to clarify some things." She didn't say anything, which urged me to go on. "You're extremely difficult. You're feisty, not to mention stubborn." She started to speak, but I held up my hand to cut her off. "You're also incorrigible when you want to be. But you're the most honest, headstrong, independent, sexiest, frustrating woman I have ever met. You don't like to be noticed, yet when you enter a room, everyone takes notice. You're breathtaking, and you don't even know it. Did you know that when we have meetings, I can't focus because I'm too busy trying not to get up to beat the shit out of all the men in the room undressing you with their eyes?" I ran my hands through my hair, frustrated.
"I realize it's crazy. I appreciate that. I only met you two weeks ago, and we barely know each other, but I really like when you're around. You test me. So with that being said, I propose a new deal." She eyed me skeptically. "We be friends."
Her eyes narrowed. “Friends?" She repeated the word like it was foreign.
"Yes, friends. And for the next month, you stay the weekends with me."
She smirked. "I knew there was an underlying clause there."
I laughed. "I own a slew of very successful businesses. Of course, there's a clause."
She closed her eyes
and tilted her head back as if she was thinking about it. A few seconds later, she opened her eyes and looked at me. “I feel like we need to talk about the other night.”
I ran my hand through my hair. “Yeah, you’re right, you’re right. I can’t tell you how sorry I am for the way I acted, and if—”
“No.” She cut me off. “No, not that. Before that. You know, you and I, together.”
I moved to where I could sit directly in front of her. “Emmalin, do you regret that happening? Because I don’t.” I leaned in closer, tucking her hair behind her ear. She relaxed into my touch.
“I don’t know what you expect of me. I don’t even know what this is, and that scares the shit out of me,” she whispered, her eyes tearing up.
I pressed my forehead against hers. “We can just go with the flow, make our rules as we go.”
“I’m not like the other girls you’ve been with, Grayson. I’m not them,” she continued to whisper.
I cupped her face. “Good.” My lips were just inches from hers.
“I’m no good.” She shook her head.
“You’re perfection.” With those words, I kissed her gently.
Monday morning, it was close to 6:00 a.m., so I quietly got up and headed to the kitchen to make coffee. I was staring at the ginormous coffee machine. I had no idea what to do with it. Whatever happened to normal coffee machines? Screw it. I decided it was a good thing I brought my own tea bags. I turned to grab a mug and screamed. There in front of me was a petite, middle-aged woman staring at me. I put my hand over my heart, trying to slow my breathing.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone else was here," I said, trying to control my breathing.
At that moment, Grayson came running into the kitchen. "Emmalin!” He looked from me to the older lady and smiled. "Magda!” He reached down and gave her a big hug, which she returned.
"You can't let people know you're here, boy? I had to hear it from Alistair that you finally arrived a few days ago."
He smiled. "Sorry about that. I wasn't expecting to stay here at Caliscades, but…" He looked toward me. "Something came up."
She corrected his posture. "Well, it's about time. This place was starting to collect dust.” She looked back at me. "Well, don't be rude, boy. I know I taught you better than that." She hit him on the arm, and I struggled to hide my smile.
He walked over to me. "Magda, this is Emmalin Ross. Emmalin, this is Magda Mancini. She's been working for me for as long as I can remember."
Stepping forward, I extended my hand. "Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Mancini.”
She surprised me by engulfing me in a hug. "I don't do handshakes. They're so formal. Call me Magda."
I smiled. I liked her already.
"If this knucklehead here gives you any trouble, you tell me. You're not too grown for an ass whooping, boy."
Grayson rolled his eyes.
"And don't think I didn't see that either. Boy, I tell ya.” Magda walked over to the fridge, grumbling. "Now, get out of my way so I can make your breakfast."
I stopped her. "Oh, Magda, you don't have to do that."
"Out of my kitchen, I said! Come back in twenty minutes.” Grayson placed his arm around my waist and walked me from the kitchen.
"She doesn't have to do that, Grayson," I whispered.
"It's her domain. Besides, she'll feel unloved if you turn her down, and then I get to hear it from her the rest of the day."
"She sounds sweet."
“Yeah, sweet pain in my ass."
Twenty minutes later, we were dressed and ready for work. Magda was just setting two plates on the island.
"Good. You know how I hate tardiness."
Grayson pulled the chair out for me, and I sat, practically salivating at the food: a spinach, mushroom, and ham omelet with a side of sliced tomatoes and toast. I didn't realize how famished I was, and before I knew it, it was half gone. Or maybe it was my body not used to being able to eat as much as it wanted when I knew I was on a budget.
Grayson was taking bites between sending e-mails on his phone. He excused himself when the phone rang.
Magda walked back into the kitchen.
"A girl that can eat, now I like that.”
I smiled. "It's really good, Magda. Thank you so much."
"My pleasure. That boy is never here, so I never get to cook, and he's never brought anyone here for me to cook for, so that's a bonus. Well, not since...” She faded off. I wanted to ask ‘not since what,’ but Grayson came in.
"Sorry about that. Are you about ready?" He entered the kitchen in a custom-made suit, and I had a brief moment to truly appreciate him. He walked over to his plate, which was now cold, and took a few more bites before putting on his suit jacket. I stood up and began to collect my plate.
"Magda will get that. Let's get going.” I stood there with my plate in my hands, feeling a little awkward someone else was cleaning up after me… but okay then. We headed to the living room, and Grayson held my coat open for me to get into. I pushed his hands away when he tried buttoning it up.
While Grayson put on his coat, I grabbed my overnight bag. He stared at it, and I noticed a slight look of disapproval cross his features, but it was instantly masked. He reached down and took my bag before placing his hand on the small of my back and guiding me outside.
"Emmalin, this is Alistair Montgomery, my main driver. Alistair, this is Emmalin Ross.” Alistair appeared to be in his late forties and was all muscle.
He extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Ms. Ross."
"Emmalin, please. Nice to meet you too.”
Smiling, he held the door open. Once we began our drive, I turned to Grayson.
"So you have a driver?”
He glanced up from his phone and smiled. "I do."
"I see. With the number of cars I've seen in just these past two weeks, I didn't expect that."
"Well, Alistair has been on vacation."
"I see, so you were 'roughing it.'”
He leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "If by 'roughing it' you mean, roughing it with you, then yes.”
I blushed and sat back in my seat, looking toward Alistair, who didn't seem to be paying us any attention.
Grayson smirked and turned back to his phone, which reminded me, I hadn't even looked at my phone since Friday.
I took my phone out and saw I had four missed calls, three from Tyler and one from Caleb, as well as several text messages. A couple were from Isabella, but most came from Caleb, asking me how I was doing with the weather and if I needed anything. He was sweet. I felt bad for not seeing these messages until now. I sent him a quick reply, apologizing to him that I hadn't checked my phone all weekend and hoped he was doing well.
He responded immediately.
Caleb: Good I'm glad ur fine. I was beginning to worry. Didn't know if you needed to be rescued :)
I smiled.
Me: I'm really good actually. Sorry, I didn't see these till now.
Caleb: No worries. I kept myself busy making snow ice cream. Who knew there was ever such a thing?
Me: Snow ice cream? I'll have to try that.
Caleb: Pretty tasty. Tea Lites is resuming business this morning. Will I see you tonight?
Me: You will.
Caleb: Good :) Makes my night better when you're there.
I smiled again. Caleb was a nice guy, but I never saw anything past a friendship there. I started to think about all the times I had turned him down.
"Who has your attention?” I looked up at Grayson, thoughts interrupted. He was scowling.
“What?"
"I said, who has your attention?"
"Why do you think that's any of your business?”
He leaned forward, lips just inches from mine. "I thought I made it clear that anything you do is my business.” He tucked my hair behind my ear. "Or do you need a reminder?”
At that moment, the car stopped. I wanted to kiss him. Badly. My thoughts were jarred by the sound of the door open
ing and Alistair getting out. I seriously forgot he was there.
"Don't worry, we'll continue this later.” He grabbed my hand and led me out of the car. I quickly pulled my hand from his before entering the building. I didn't need any speculation going on. He furrowed his eyebrows before opening the door.
"Good morning, Mr. Mandrake.” The receptionist seemed awfully cheery.
"Good morning, Janet. Did you have any trouble getting in this morning?"
"No, sir. I didn't."
He smiled. "Good. Enjoy your day, Janet."
"I will, Mr. Mandrake," she chirped after him as we headed toward the black elevator. I was quick to notice how almost every female was smiling his way, and he didn't even notice. I shook my head.
"What?"
"Oh, nothing, Mr. Mandrake. Nothing at all." I grinned.
"Emmalin."
I laughed. "It's just that everyone was practically drooling. If you told Janet to come to work naked, she would have." He led me into the elevator.
"Why would I notice something like that when I'm standing next to someone as beautiful as you?"
I looked down at my feet. He placed a hand under my chin, so I had to meet his eyes.
"But I imagine it's no different than you not noticing every other guy around you wanting to fuck you."
I sighed. “That’s all in your head, Grayson.”
All of a sudden, he moved, backing me into the wall, but he just stood there. His masculine scent overwhelmed me, and I tried telling myself to focus. I attempted to look away, but all I could see were his cerulean eyes and those gorgeous lips. The way those lips felt like on mine consumed my thoughts.
The elevator dinged, and he took my hand and led me out. I tried to break free, but he held on tight.
Relentless.
Glenda wasn’t in her usual spot. We walked swiftly to his office, and he shut the door, immediately pressing me against it. His lips were mere inches from mine.
“Don’t make light of the situation. It only leads to dangerous territory.”
I bit my bottom lip. “Are you my dangerous territory?” I whispered.
He stared down at my lips and smiled.