Chapter 1- First Impressions (APOV)

I have been making frosting from scratch for as long as I can remember. First butter, then vanilla, then sugar and voila! Simple, right? I can practically do it in my sleep! Yet for some reason, my brain is playing tricks on me. Of all the days! Frustrated, I toss another screwed up batch in the trash. That's the third one this morning and I still don't know what's wrong. I would curl up in a ball and admit defeat, but I truly don't have the time.

Frantically, I grab more ingredients and start from the beginning. I am determined to make this work even though I have limited time available. I check the clock and see that it's 11:30. That gives me just one hour to frost these cupcakes, take a quick shower, gather my presentation notes and make myself presentable for this meeting. Hopefully, the traffic isn't terrible because I need to be in Bellevue by 1pm.

As I measure out my ingredients for the next batch, I hear Kate come through the door. Katherine Kavanaugh, my roommate and best friend, is also the co-founder of our bakery Ana-Banana's. She and I got started with our business just four years ago, when I decided to drop out of college. I hated being in class when all I wanted to do was bake. I'd daydream of perfecting souffle or making cupcakes that were to die for. Eventually I had enough and with the help of a friend, I put together a business proposal. I shared it with Kate and together we presented it to our parents. They weren't thrilled with the idea of their 19-year-old daughters dropping out of college to be bakers. But they saw how passionate and driven we were. I even compromised on taking some business classes on the weekends! That was six years ago. Today, we have our original location in Portland by the UW campus, and our location in Seattle's Pike Street Market. Both locations are pretty successful and we're looking to open our third one sometime next fall.

"Hey Steele, what's up? You look stressed" Kate breezes into the kitchen, looking like your regular All American girl.

"Stressed doesn't even begin to cover it! I haven't been able to get a single batch of frosting done and I need to get ready for this meeting in Bellevue. I smell like bananas and vanilla and now I'm freaking out about this meeting! Help!"

Kate looks at me with a goofy grin on her face before breaking out into a fit of giggles.

"Kate! Now is not the time!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry" she breathes out "It's just you have a little frosting on your nose. And I think it's in your hair too"

I look at my reflection in the stove and sure enough, there's frosting smeared on my nose and my forehead.Crap! Now I have to wash my hair. Talk about cutting it close.

"Look Steele, I'm no prodigy like you but I can take care of the frosting. Just go get yourself together and it'll be done"

Three years ago, this wouldn't have been possible. Kate could barely boil water when I first met her. But after seeing how much help I needed with the actual baking, she asked me to teach her. It was a long journey and there were so many small fires started by her. But she was determined to learn. Now she can do it effortlessly and it's really taken some of the workload off my shoulders.

She shoos me out of the kitchen before getting to work. I hear her clamoring around as I run to my bathroom. 30 minutes later, I am squeaky clean. I've washed all the traces of sugar and frosting from my hair and have managed to tame it. I quickly blow dry it and add some frizz control so that I can put in in a bun. Thankfully, it cooperates with me.

Since my meeting is with a potential client, I opt for a business casual look. I pick my floral ivory printed skirt and match it with a royal blue sleeveless button down. With my white sandal pumps, I manage to pull off a professional, yet casual spring look.

I stroll into the kitchen just as Kate finishes up the last bit of cupcakes.

"Damn girl, you clean up good. I love that skirt on you!" And by 'I love that' she means, 'I'll be borrowing it later'.

"Thanks, you don't think it's too much?" I would love to land this client. A few months ago, we decided to take on custom catering events. It's a wonderful way for me to showcase my talent by creating new recipes and flavors. And the publicity would be a great bonus! We're always busy at our storefront and someday, I'd love to take our business further. Maybe a few more locations along the West Coast.

"Steele, you look professional yet youthful. I think you look good" Kate smiles at me before popping a cupcake in her mouth. I take the time to admire her work.

"These cupcakes look amazing! Thank you so much for helping me. What was wrong with the other batch?"

"Honestly Ana, it was fine. It's just your nerves. You get all antsy and overly critical when you bake for an event." She swipes another cupcake.

"Maybe you're right. It's just that this is such an important client and I want everything to be perfect" Out of the corner of my eye, I see her go for another cupcake. "Kate cut it out, they're for the client!"

"I promise, last one" Kate swipes another and quickly eats it. "These damn banana cupcakes are insane! We should add them to the menu"

I'm seriously considering it. We haven't discussed any new flavors in a while and I think the banana nut would be a fantastic addition.

"We'll do some taste testing over the weekend and see what response we get. But I think they'll be a huge hit as well"

Kate helps me load up my car as I tell her about the client I'm meeting with. I'll be traveling to Bellevue to meet with Dr. Grace Trevelyan Grey. She's one of the top pediatricians in the area and she hosts an annual charity event for this foundation called Coping Together. She and her husband created the foundation to help families with drug addiction and substance abuse. It's a great cause, and I know being selected as one of their local caterers would really open a range of opportunities for us. I hope they like everything. From what Grace explained to me, it's a major event. The rich uppercrusts of Seattle make an appearance and they always manage to raise several million dollars. This is the big leagues for us.

"Oh Dr. Grace? She's such a sweetheart. She and my mom know each other. They've been on a few of the same charity committees. Now that I think of it, mom did mention passing along our number to one of her friends. I didn't put two and two together"

"Really? You don't think she'll be difficult or picky about what I bring?"

"Ana relax. This is a shoe-in. Your cupcakes are to die for. The apple crumb cake might as well come from heaven. And you're chocolate brownies? Forget it! Besides, you're the sweetest, most trustworthy and most business savvy person I've met. Grace will be lucky to have you at her event" And this is why Kate is my best friend.

"Thanks Kate, you know how to make a girl feel special." I hug her tightly after packing up the last few items. "What are your plans for the day then?"

"Well, I might have to head to Portland and give some of our managers a kick upside the head. Apparently, there have been some leadership issues and employee disputes not being handled properly, so I'm going to set them straight. I'll probably crash at Ethan's overnight and come back tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then? I'll call later on to let you know how everything went" I buckle myself in and start the car.

"Okay, be safe!" she says.

As I cruise down I-5, I decide to call Jack and see what he's up to tonight. Kate will be gone which means we'll have the place to ourselves. And it's been awhile since I've cuddled up with my man. Jack and I have been dating for about two years now. We met at a bar in Portland, right before Kate and I moved to Seattle. We were celebrating the launch of our newest store and we had one final hurrah with some of our UW friends. It was a great night, except for the…incident.


FLASHBACK

I feel the cool air roll against my skin as I stand on a street in Portland. It wakes me up and I'm thankful for it. This is the last time I let Kate convince me to do tequila shots. I'm not a lightweight, I can hold my liquor. But Kate can easily drink me under the table and I don't know why I try to keep up with her. I think it's the competitive side of me. I stare out in amazement at this little town that has meant so much to me over the years. I started my business here! I I can't believe I'll be leaving it next week.

"Jeez Ana, I've been looking all over for you" I turn around to see my friend, Jose Rodriguez exiting the bar. He comes over and puts his coat around my shoulders before holding me tight to him.

"You okay, you must be freezing out here"

"Thanks Jose, I didn't think to bring my jacket. I just wanted some fresh air" He nods in agreement.

"Yea everyone is getting pretty hammered in there. Kate is leading the charge"

I snort. "Of course, she is. She's the life of the party"

"Well I still don't think she has anything on you. You're special to me Ana" His glossy chestnut eyes gaze at me admiringly.

"Aww, Jose. You're special to me too. You're the first person I met on campus. Even before I met Kate"

He laughs and hugs me tighter. I don't mind since the alcohol is really kicking in. I can feel myself swaying on the spot.

"Well Portland will be a lot less cheery without you. And besides, I can always come and visit. It'll be nice to see the big city"

"Of course Jose. There's always a place for you in our apartment" I notice that I'm slurring my words a little. Oh yea, I'm definitely drunk.

Jose turns me to face him, still holding me in a vice grip. He looks me in my eyes, his face unreadable.

"Jose what are yo-"

"Ana please, I need to do this. You're leaving and I don't know if I'll ever have a shot like this." He sounds nervous, frustrated even.

"Ana I like you. I have for a really long time. And I'll kick myself if I don't do this" He has one hand holding me at the small of my back pressing me against him. The other holds my chin tipping my head back. Shit, he's going to kiss me.

"Jose, please. I don't feel the same way. We're just friends" I turn my head and make a feeble attempt to push him away. My head is starting to spin. I think I'm going to be sick.

"Please, cariña, Ana" his hand slips into my hair, holding my head. I feel suffocated and I struggle to break from his hold.

"No, Jose-stop. No" I begin to panic as he brings his lips to mine. I can taste the bile at the back of my throat. "Jose stop, please"

He's suddenly ripped away from me and I quickly bend over, projectile vomiting into the bushes.

"Ana!" I hear Kate in the distance and she's immediately by my side, holding my hair.

"What did you do to her you asshole?" There's a man's voice I don't recognize. Who is that? God, why did I drink so much?

There's yelling and it escalates to full on shouting. It sounds like there's a brief scuffle before Kate yells out.

"Jose just go, you've done enough already"

"Can I say goodbye at least? I just got wrapped up in the moment, I'm sorry"

I turn to make some rude reply to Jose but all that comes out is more vomit.

"Dios mio Ana!" He cries out in disgust. But I don't care. I just want the vomiting to stop.

"Hey asshole, she said go. Can't you take a hint?" That voice again! I want to see my savior. I need to thank him.

My vomiting stops but horrendous dry heaves continue to rock my body. I finally stand up and take a breath. Throwing up is physically exhausting. I immediately feel faint and try to sit down somewhere. I feel the floor come up to meet my face or is it the other way around?

The last thing I hear before passing out is Kate and the voice of my savior crying out.

"Fuck!"

Apparently, after I passed out, the mystery man helped Kate take me home. She let him sleep on the couch since it was so late and he was rather drunk himself. In the morning, I took him out to breakfast to thank him for stepping in. He told me his name was Jack Hyde and he lived in Seattle. He worked as an editor for a small publishing house near our store. Conveniently, he was in town to celebrate a friend's birthday when he heard me trying to fight Jose off.

"I didn't even think to be honest. I was kind of hammered but I knew if I walked away, something terrible could happen. So I just pulled him off you" He peers at me intently, his eyes piercing into mine. I notice that they are blue like mine, but more like the the bluish-steel of a midwinter sky. They're mesmerizing.

"Well I'm glad you did. I don't remember much, but I know for a fact I didn't want to kiss him last night."

"I know it's not my place, but I hope you don't continue a friendship with him. Drunk or not, he shouldn't have tried to force himself on you."

I feel my eyes brim with tears. It's not how I expected my last few days in Portland to go, but that's life I guess.

"I don't know if I'll ever forgive him but right now, I don't want to talk to him. He crossed the line. It just sucks, you know. I think I lost a really good friend"

"A good friend wouldn't put you in that situation. It's his loss, not yours" He smiles before swiping one of my french fries.

"Hey! Get your own mister!"

We share a laugh and proceed to spend the rest of the afternoon together.

We've been pretty inseparable since. It's crazy how connected we are. There are things I told him about my mother and stepfather number three, that I never told Kate. He shared with me some things about his early life and being in foster care. He's been through so much and I just want to make him happy. I truly believe in my heart he's the one. I remind myself to text him before the meeting so he knows to come over.


When I arrive to Bellevue, I'm amazed by the grandeur of Dr. Grey's home. It's a beautiful estate with spacious grounds. All the houses in the neighborhood are majestic, but this one surely stands out. I knock on the door and am greeted by who I assume to be, the housekeeper. She introduces herself as Gretchen and leads me into the dining room. She then proceeds to help me unload my car to bring the food inside. Afterwards, I get started on setting everything up. I quickly take in my surroundings, amazed at the beauty of this home. Everything looked opulent from the gleaming wood floors covered in loving throw rugs to the sheer curtains billowing like mist on the wall of floor to ceiling windows that faced a slope and then a sunset. Even in the midst of such grandeur and wealth, there was still a sense of warmth that radiated around you. This was truly a home, a place of love.

A few minutes later, an elegant middle aged woman walks through the door. I'm taken away by her natural beauty. She wears her hair in a perfectly styled shoulder length bob. Her mahogany hair has flecks of grey in them but I think it helps enhances her beauty. She has a kind face and I instantly feel calm in her presence.

"Anastasia Steele? Oh I'm so happy to finally meet you! I heard wonderful things from Diane" She greets me with a warm hug and I notice she smells like cookies. That must score her points with the kids.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well Dr. Trevelyan. And please, call me Ana."

"Only if you agree to call me Grace" She smiles sweetly before taking a seat.

"Okay" I don't normally refer to clients on a first name basis, but I don't mind it with Grace.

"So Ana, Diane tells me you and Katherine have been baking for sometime. What inspired you to open a bakery?" Gretchen comes in and serves us lemonade while I tell her about dropping out of school and pursuing my dream.

"Well I think you've done quite well for yourself. It's funny you mentioned dropping out of school. My son dropped out of Harvard to start his own company. His father and I were terrified but I knew if any of my kids could do it, it would be him. Now, I just wish he'd quit being such a workaholic."

We share a laugh and hear some voices in the foyer. I hear Gretchen greeting someone followed by a soothing baritone voice. The sound of footsteps hitting the hardwood floor, echos through the hall. I wonder who could that be?

My question is answered when a strikingly handsome young man with unruly copper hair walks into the dining room. The first thing I notice is how tall he is; even in heels, I can see that he towers over me. He's dressed in a finely tailored suit and white shirt, yet his impressive physique is still visible. But what truly takes my breath away are his intense, stormy grey eyes that rake over my body hungrily. I feel my cheeks heat up under his gaze. Damn, he's good looking. My subconscious glares at me over her half moon specs.

You have Jack remember?

Yea, but I'm not dead. A girl can look, right?

"Christian, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Grace's question breaks our mutual gawking. I notice a knowing smirk on her lips. Christian turns to his mother and smiles at her lovingly.

"What? Can't a guy come see his mother for no reason at all?" He places a soft peck on her cheek and sits next to her.

"Well of course darling but any other time, you're busy with work. Yet you're conveniently free on the day that I mention meeting with a baker for Coping Together. You sure you don't have any ulterior motives, dear?"

Christian's face breaks into an All American boy next door smile and I stare in amazement. He is truly one of the most beautiful men I've met.

"Okay mom, you caught me. What can I say I have a sweet tooth" He casually shrugs and turns to me.

"I apologize for my rudeness, I'm Christian Grey, you are?"

Grace takes over and introduces me.

"Oh forgive my manners. Christian, this is Anastasia Steele, but she likes to be called Ana. She has a bakery in town that we're considering for the gala. She made all the sweets that you're drooling over" A giggle slips from my lips as I take his hand in mine. He gazes at me, his face unreadable.

"Ana, this is my son, Christian. I guess he'll be joining us this afternoon"

He takes my hand and I feel a sudden jolt, almost like a shock from a short fuse. I know he feels it too, because he briefly stares at his hand before shaking some thought of out his head.

"Well I'm glad you two have put this meeting together. I'm looking forward to sampling some of your treats Ms. Steele"

I splutter out my drink, picking up on his double meaning. With an arrogant smirk, Christian takes a seat next to his mother. Bastard knows the effect he has. I excuse myself the bathroom so that I can clean myself up.

When I return, I hear Grace admonishing Christian. Mr. Grey was right, he does have a sweet tooth. I enter the room just as Grace slaps his hand away from the banana cupcakes.

"Oh good you're back. I was about to ask Gretchen to get you because this one keeps trying to eat everything"

I can't help the giggle that slips through as I look at Christian. He has his arms crossed over his chest and he wears the cutest pout on his face. His brows are furrowed and I swear he looks like a 5 year old who's been put in timeout

"Well what would you like to try first? I'd recommend the brownies if you aren't sure. They're our best seller"

Christian looks to his mother for approval before swiping up one of the brownies. He takes a bite and I find myself strangely turned on watching his mouth move. He moans in appreciation and I find myself clenching my legs together. What is wrong with me?

"I take it that they're good?" Grace asks amused.

He gives a thumbs up as he swallows and I swear, I damn near lose it. The sight of his throat bobbing is doing strange things to my nether regions.

"That was the best damn brownie I've had. If Mom doesn't pick you for Coping Together, I'll make up an event just to have you make these." He reaches for another one and Grace does as well.

"Oh my, Ana these are delicious!" I blush at the compliment. Call me a narcissist but I feel incredibly proud when people eat my treats. My favorite part of my job is watching people's face light up after they take the first bite. Even on my worst day, the smile of a satisfied customer always manages to turn my mood around.

Grace and Christian sample the rest of my selection, raving about the flavors. Grace asks me what inspires me and I take time to think about it.

"Well my grandmother was the family baker and I loved spending time with her. I started baking with her when I was about 8 and I just kept a good memory of all her recipes. Now I try to think of things that she would probably enjoy while adding my own twists. I have a few new recipes up my sleeve but I'm still doing some testing"

"So do you have just the bakery here in Seattle?" she inquires. Christian busies himself with his third brownie.

"Oh no, we have our original location in Portland where it all began. Then there's our location in Pike Street Market. We're hoping to have a third location opened sometime next year. But I'd love to expand along the West Coast eventually. It's been a dream of mine to have a chain of locations"

"Well dear, with these recipes here, I have no doubt you'll make that dream of yours come true" My cheeks redden from her compliment.

"I'd have to agree with my mother on that. Hell I'd give you a loan right now. Consider these brownies your business plan"

Grace and I laugh at Christian's joke as a shy smile spreads across his face. It really isn't fair to be that damn attractive!

The two of them continue to sample the rest of my selection as I share a little about my baking process. I'm careful not to reveal any Steele family secrets. I can't give just anybody that kind of power! Grace really seems to enjoy the banana nut cupcake which makes me hopeful. I've felt stagnant with some our recipes and I think this flavor will be our next hit.

I take notice of the way Christian watches me while I talk. I try to focus on Grace since she'll be making the final decision, but occasionally I lock eyes with him. His heated gaze excites me and I'm worried about what it means. I have a boyfriend so why am I fantasizing about what another mans mouth is capable of?

"Well Ana, it's certainly been a pleasure having you over. Your recipes are absolutely delightful, I think they'll be a big hit at our gala"

Am I hearing things? Did I close the deal?

"Wait, are you serious?"

"Of course! My son ate 4 brownies and I'm sure he'd finish them all if I wasn't watching. And those banana cupcakes are absolutely divine. We'd love to have you as one of our caterers." She smiles warmly at me, waiting for my response

"I don't know what to say! I was so nervous and I'm so glad you like everything. Thank you so much for this opportunity!" I stand up to shake hers and Christians hand. I did it!

Gretchen makes an appearance to inform Grace that she has a call in the other room.

"Oh that must be one of the other benefactors. I won't hold you up, I'm sure you have other things to do today. But I'll be in touch with our specific order and quantities. Would it be okay to stop by the storefront sometime this week?"

"Of course! I'd love to have you. You can meet Kate. We're in the Pike Street market and we have a big colorful sign. It's a cartoon version of us"

"Oh how wonderful. I can't wait to see it! We'll talk soon darling" She stands and hugs me warmly before leaving the room. I find myself alone with Christian and I do my best to look everywhere but him.

"Well Ms. Steele, I have to say coming here beats sitting in stuffy meetings all afternoon. Especially when you bring such delectable goods for me to try"

I blush under his gaze and gnaw at my bottom lip. It's a terrible habit I have when I'm nervous. Jack hates when I do it.

"Well I'm glad you enjoyed everything. I think I'll leave the rest with you since you did enjoy them so much"

And there goes that shy smile of his. I bet he can charm the panties of a nun with that face.

"I do appreciate the gesture. And I'm sure my trainer will. I'll definitely need an extra session with him after I'm finished with those brownies"

I giggle and once again, that look from before resurfaces. It's like he can't believe I'm standing in front of him. What's that about?

"Ms. Steele" he starts, his voice wavering, "Would you like to go out to dinner with me sometime?"

Crap! A hot guy asks me out, one of the few times it's happened, and I have to decline because I have a boyfriend. Why does that upset me so?

"Mr. Grey, I am really flattered but unfortunately I'd have to decline. I have a boyfriend, and I'm not sure he'd enjoy me sharing dinner with another man"

Yea, Jack would definitely not appreciate that. Christian's face falls for a moment but he quickly recovers. I hate rejecting him and something tells me that he isn't used to it himself.

"Ana, it's okay. If there's one thing I respect, it's monogamy. Your boyfriend is a lucky man"

"I guess he is. Except I can be a bit of a handful and I have a hobby that can make him fat"

His threw his head back in amusement, letting out a deep rumbling laugh. He was a beautiful man, no doubt about it.

"Beautiful, talented in the kitchen and a sense of humor? Like I said, lucky man" he murmurs while gazing at me curiously. We stand there for a moment locked in an intense staring contest. The way he looks at me sends shivers through my body.

I break eye contact and gather the rest of my things. The longer I'm alone with this man, the more inappropriate my thoughts are. And I won't allow myself to break Jack's trust. I'm not that kind of girl.

Christian walks me out to my car, helping me put everything away. He thanks me again for the remaining sweets I've left him with and congratulates me on the securing the event.

"Thank you Mr. Grey, I hope I do a good enough job. Please tell your mother I appreciate her hospitality, she was so welcoming to me"

"Ana please, call me Christian. And I think you're going to do amazing. I'll make sure to pass your regards to my mother"

We shake hands, once again feeling that spark when our hands meet. I quickly get in the car and take out, desperate to get to as far away from him as possible. But oh those beautiful grey eyes.