Chapter 1

August 26, 2011

For the first time in months, I can finally feel relaxed in the company of a man – a gentleman. I am quite enjoying my first date with Jay, whom I just met last week at Fifties with Claire. We've enjoyed a delicous meal of some of the most amazing Northern Italian fare I've had, complete with a divine tiramisu that we both shared. Jay made me feel so relaxed during our meal with easy conversation, that I was able to eat and was not put off by food. If only fifty could see how much you ate, my subconscious tells me! We are not thinking of him tonight, I sneer back at her – he has consumed too many of my thoughts and doesn't deserve tonight!

"So, tell me where is your favorite place that you have ever visited?" Jay asked me. I can help but just admire his lovely features from the candlelight that is glowing from our table. He also has a straight nose, square jaw, and sculptured lips, like someone else. But he has two dimples that make him look so boyish when he smiles, and he seems to be smiling a lot tonight. He has dark hair that also has the just fucked look and his eyes are mix of green/blue/gray, but hard to tell what color they are in this light. More like twinkling right now.

"I haven't visited many places as I spent most of time here in Washington State. Before attending WSU, I grew up in Montesano with my step father. Though, with my mother living in Georgia, I've been there a few times and lived briefly in Texas when I was fifteen."

"So out of the places you have been, which is your favorite?"

"Hmm, I guess it would be a tossup between here, Seattle, and Montesano".

"I've never been to Montesano, maybe you will have to take me there sometime", Jay says with a smile.

"You're up for meeting my step father?" I respond with a giggle.

"Sure, but will he plan to scare me off?"

"Depends".

Jay chuckles, "Well tell me what he is into and I'll make sure that we have the same interests".

"Well, you follow the Mariners will help along with fishing and European soccer".

"Ana, you know I love the Mariners, remember last week when we met? When I was trying to explain the game to you? However, you kept me pretty distracted during the game."

He puts he hand on my knee as we are sitting next to hear other at a small table in very intimate bar. We are sharing a delicious bottle of Riesling, which after the couple glasses of wine at dinner and this bottle; I'm starting to get a fuzzy head.

His hand is soft and strong and he is making small little circles against my warm skin. I'm wearing Kate's plum dress, which has become my plum dress. Our knees are touching. I like his touch on my knee and I'm getting the feeling down in the belly and I'm starting to flush.

"I'm so glad we met Ana. I'm really having a wonderful time with you".

"Me too". I'm not going to deny that I'm having a wonderful time because I am, but I also feel a little guilty? I know I shouldn't, I'm a single woman, but maybe because this is the second man I've been on a date with.

Jay leans in close give me a soft kiss on my lips, which my make my heart skip a beat. His lips moves softly and gently against mine and is a very sweet kiss. He doesn't take it any deeper and then pulls away.

I still have my eyes closed, still trying to savor the kiss when I hear "you are so soft and so sweet".

"So are you", I whisper softly. I open my eyes suddenly and stare into his eyes, which have a mix of desire and lust. "I think it is getting late". Afraid of where this may go right now, I go into flight mode and need to get out of this subspace to clear my mind. I know that kiss could have gone further and maybe I wanted it to, but I'm just not ready to take it there with him just yet.

"Of course, I'll take you home", he states and removes his hand from my leg. He puts down fifty dollars on the table for the wine and a generous tip and helps me from my chair. When he stands up, I admire his body again. He is tall, most definitely over six feet and he also has broad shoulders and a slim waist. You obviously have a type that you are attracted to, my subconscious has to point out.

He doesn't let go of my hand as we walk through the small lounge and make our outside. He continues to hold my hand as we walk down to his sports car that is down the street. I let the cool summer evening envelope me but it can't cool me off has have a warm feeling of Jay Wagner running through my veins with his warm hand.

He pulls his keys from his pocket and the lights flash and the "beep beep" from his silver sports car comes to life. Like a gentleman, he opens the passenger car door for me and I slide into the low leather seat. He strides over to the other side and gracefully slides into his seat. He starts the car and we are off into the quiet streets of Seattle in the direction of my apartment.

Once we reach our destination, he shuts the car off and looks at me when he says "don't move". He again is graceful when exits the low car and comes around to open my car door. He takes my hand to help me out of the seat.

We slowly make our way to the front door of my building and I'm nervous. I want to spend more time with him, but I'm not ready to take this any further and I know that is what will happen if I invite him. I know that Kate is at Elliot's as they are going to Aspen tomorrow, but I'm not sure if Ethan is home and would feel uncomfortable if he was.

As we make it to the door, I hesitate on retrieving my keys from my clutch.

"Ana, I had a wonderful evening. It's been a long time since I've really enjoyed being on a date and I would really love to see you again soon".

"Jay, I had a wonderful time as well and I would like to see you again too".

The look of desire and lust are in his eyes and I can see that are turning a dark green. He leans in places those soft luscious lips on mine again and they move together so sensually. I feel his tongue taste my lips and I part my lips so he can enter my mouth. I can taste the sweet wine on his mouth and it taste so delicious. It's been over two months since I've had a kiss like this and oh how I have missed kissing! Jay is such a wonderful kisser! I feel the desire bloom inside my belly again and I know I need to pull away before I succumb to that desire.

We both pull away breathless and communicate with each other by staring into each other's eyes.

"I should go if you don't want to take this any further", he tells me seductively.

"OK", is all I can manage in a whisper.

"I'll call you over the weekend. May be we can meet up on Sunday, if you are available?"

"Yes, that sounds wonderful. I should be around".

"Ok, I'll call you tomorrow. I have a wonderful night".

"You too. Drive home safely."

"Sweet dreams, sweet Ana". With that, he walks away and I watch him walk back to his car before I can put the keys into the lock. Before he opens the door, he blows me a kiss and I return a kiss the same way. I unlock the door and make my way into the building before he drives away.

I make way into the apartment and it's very quiet. I see the door to Ethan's room is closed. It's kind of early for him to be in bed unless he is out. I promised Kate I would texted her when I was home from my date with Jay

**My date was wonderful – I had an amazing time**

A few minutes later, my phone vibrates I have a text back from Kate.

**OMG Steele – so happy 4 u! Did he kiss u? Did u go home with him? Need details!**

I reply back:

**He is an amazing kisser, but no did not go home with him and I'm home by myself. I have a great weekend.**

I put my phone down and finally take off the four inch heels that I have been hurting my feet all night, but worth it since they look so great with the dress. I hear my phone vibrate again:

**You can still come to Aspen with us!**

Oh no, I can't go to Aspen. A last minute idea by Elliot, he and Kate are going to Aspen for the weekend and they are staying at his place and taking his plane. I wonder if he going with them as well. Kate told me he probably wouldn't and lets Elliot and Mia use his house there anytime they want. But since Mia is going along for the trip and maybe Ethan, Kate was begging me for the past two days to come along. I told her that I would feel uncomfortable going to his house whether he was there or not.

**Next time – have a fun weekend**

Completely exhausted and coming down from my date high, all I want to do is crash and get a good night's sleep. I didn't sleep well last night I was so anxious for tonight's date and stayed half the night wondering how it was going to go. Now that it is over and it went well, I'm hoping for good night's sleep.

As I'm about to head towards my bedroom and finally rid of this dress, I hear the door unlock and Ethan comes strolling in.

"Ana, hey, did you just get in? How was the big date?" Ethan asks with a big grin on his face.

"The date was wonderful. How was your evening?"

"Just fine - went to a buddies' house for a couple of beers. Kate and Elliot invited me to Aspen for the weekend and we leave early. Aren't you coming this weekend?"

Oh boy, seems like everyone is going to Aspen this weekend expect me. "No, not this time. I want to get a few things done around the apartment this weekend. Anyway, I might see Jay on Sunday".

"Whoa, second date already? He must really like you! Uh, is he here?"

"No, no sleepover on the first date!"

"I'm beat. I have a good night Ana. We will miss you this weekend".

"Good night Ethan. Enjoy the weekend", I squeeze his shoulder as I walk by him on the way to my room.

I finally peel the dress off, put on my pajama boxers and camisole and go into the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. I decide to put in my ear buds to my iPod and listen to a mix of slow songs to help me ease into an easy sleep.

I think about how my life has been since I moved to Seattle. I fell in love and then had that terrible break up with someone I could never be with. It has taken me two months to get over the break up with Christian, and I don't think I am really over him. I think about him everyday and every night and I know that I still love him, but I can't be what he wants and he can't be what I want. I just wasn't meant to be. I feel bad for turning him down to bring me to Jose's art show and the couple times that he has asked to dinner, but I just don't think I would have been able to handle spending time with him. From what Kate has told me, that he has become reclusive again and his family never sees him, but I'm sure he has moved on with another submissive that can give him what he needs.

I am grateful that I have great friends like Kate and Ethan around, though I don't see much of Kate since she practically lives with Elliot. I have a feeling they are going to move in together and their relationship is going to get very serious. I wish her only happiness with Elliot, but they same time I will be very sad if that does happen. Or may even jealousy since their relationship is working and my relationship with Christian didn't? At least I have Claire from the office in which we've become good friends and Hannah, another assistant editor at SIP that recently started, seems to be very friendly and I enjoy having lunch with her lately, though she is a bit older.

Then I think about Jay and his touch on my leg, holding my hand, and that kiss at the end. I haven't felt like that since before I took that, no I'm not going to think about that morning before I left Christian's for the last time.

Jay – he is so handsome with his dark hair, multi dimensional eyes, so tall and broad. And he so smart with a great sense of humor. Just thinking about to last Friday when we met at Fifties:

I decided to go out with a few coworkers after work on Friday to the bar across the street. It had been since my first week at SIP that I've been out after work. Dealing with the break up with Christian and then the whole Jack Hyde situation, I really didn't want to socialize with my co-workers, but felt it would be good for my soul since both Claire and Hannah were going along for drink. After enjoying a couple of beers and some appetizers, it was just Claire and I swapping stories and giggling like school girls. It wasn't late, only about 8:30 in the evening, but I knew it was time to go, but we couldn't seem to stop having a great time. After a quick trip to the ladies room, I come back to Claire talking to a tall guy with shaggy brown hair and light blue eyes. She was really flirting since she was giggling at everything this guy was saying and kept putting her hand on his arm – it must be the liquid courage.

"Ana, meet my new friend Brian and his friend Jay".

"Hello Brian", as I shook his hand. When I went to greet Jay, the words couldn't come out of my mouth. I just stood there with my mouth gaped open and eyes wide.

"H-hello Jay. Nice to meet you".

"Nice to meet you too Ana". I placed my hand in his large, soft hand and instead of shake, he brought my hand to his mouth and places a soft kiss on the back on my hand. "Can I buy you a drink?"

"I really shouldn't have another, maybe a diet Coke", I murmured as I felt blush creep across my cheeks.

"Ok, one diet coke coming up" he said with a boyish smile which then revealed his dimples.

I couldn't believe here is another guy that I find very attractive, but the scary part is that he looks just like him. Tall, over six feet with very broad shoulders and slim waist with dark hair and eyes in which I couldn't place the color of.

Once my diet Coke arrived, Jay and I got into a nice conversation and I haven't felt this comfortable talking to such an attractive man since maybe Jose. With Christian, not all conversations were easy as I never knew which way his mercurial mood was going to go. But I didn't get that with Jay as he was pleasant and just kept those dimples on his face!

Claire had informed both that we worked together at SIP and explained how I was an assistant editor and was currently an "acting editor" since my boss was recently fired. We both attended WSU Vancouver, though he graduated six years before with a degree in Engineering and Computer Science, we had taken some of the same courses. He also played baseball while at WSU and he a big Mariners fan. He explained how we went for his MBA so he could get promoted as a project manager for a local software company he currently works and seems to be doing well.

He then asked me if I had a boyfriend and just simply stated "no". He didn't have a girlfriend but he mentioned he was in a serious relationship up until a year ago and has been on some terrible dates since then through an online dating website.

When I realized it was after ten pm, I told Claire I needed to get home as I was getting tired. Claire said good bye to Brian and slipped him her number. As we were walking out, Jay called out.

"Ana, wait!" I turned around and he was walking quickly towards us. He looked at Claire and then me, with a nervous look in his eye.

"I'll meet you outside, Ana", Claire murmured to give Jay and me a moment.

"I would like to see you again, maybe take you on a date", he asked a bit nervously while shuffling from one foot to another.

"I would like that". I can't believe I just agreed to go on a date with him! It must be the alcohol that is making me so brave.

"Do you have a number or do you want my number so we can arrange a date?"

"Um, yeah, here let me give you my number", telling him this as I frantically look for a pen and paper in my purse.

He pulls out is cell phone "What is your number and I'll just put in my phone now".

I give him my number and he programs the number into his phone and then takes a picture of me with his phone.

"What was that for?", I asked a bit stunned.

"So when you call me, your beautiful face shows up.", and I get to see his dimples since he is grinning at the thought.

I look out the door and see Claire patiently waiting for me. "I have to go, Claire is waiting".

"Of course. I'll call you soon.", and he gives me a hug. "Have a good night and it was a pleasure meeting you".

So of course he called me two days later asking me to dinner for the following Friday (tonight) as he wanted to check out new Italian place. We talked or texted every night leading up to our date and really love the calls and banter we had going on. So with delicious thoughts of Jay in my mind, I finally fall into a peaceful sleep.

The next day I wake up just after ten am and I know Ethan has already left as they had a nine am flight to Aspen. I look out the window hoping for a sunny day, but I see it is overcast and looks like rain is coming. Only in Seattle!

I decide to put on my sweatpants and jump into cleaning the apartment by cleaning the bathrooms, washing the floors, and doing all my laundry. Once the place is spotless, I take a long, hot shower and slip on my favorite jeans and t-shirt and decide to hit the Pike Market to make myself a nice dinner.

I meander through the market and buy some vegetables to make a salad and maybe some stir fry for this week along with some other provisions and the loveliest bunch of sunflowers for the apartment.

When I get home, I put the sunflowers in a vase with water and make myself a Spanish omelet for dinner along with a nice glass of white wine, Hmm, this would taste better off the lips of Jay.

He must have read my mind because then my phone starts ringing and it's Jay.

"Hi Jay, how are you?"

"Ana, I'm good. How was your Saturday?"

"Just fine. I did some house cleaning and then went shopping down in the Pike Market. Now just enjoying a glass of wine and watching some bad television. What about you?"

"Oh, the Mariners had a day game so I went with my buddy. I just got in. Are you by yourself or are your roommates home?"

"I'm by myself tonight. Both my roommates went to Aspen for the weekend".

"Aspen, what's in Aspen? And you didn't go?"

"Um, no, I didn't want to go. My roommate Kate's boyfriend's brother has home there". I know that sounded a bit confusing, but was easier than saying my ex-boyfriend has a house there and that is why I didn't go with them. "They wanted a weekend getaway, to go hiking".

"Oh, ok. Ana, I had a wonderful time last night and I've been thinking about you all day today". I can hear that he smiling as he tells me this over the phone.

"Me, too. " I whisper over the phone.

"Do you have any plans tomorrow? A friend is having a get together in the afternoon and I would like for you to come with me". Oh, a second date? To meet his friends? This makes me a little nervous. "If you don't want to, I understand, but I would really like to see you tomorrow and I already told my friends that I would come by. We don't have to stay long".

"Um, Ok. What time should I expect you?"

"I'll pick you up around 1pm. They live up in the Green Lake area. I think you will really like them, they are also WSU alumni". I am bit happy that not only does he want me to meet his friends, but that he actually has friends.

"Ok, sounds like a plan. I'll be ready at one o'clock tomorrow."

"Excellent. I'll you tomorrow. Sweet dreams, baby girl".

"Good night Jay".

Now I'm excited to see Jay again tomorrow and that he is going to introduce me to his friends. This must mean that he really likes me? I can't wait to tell Kate. What should I wear?

About an hour after my call with Jay for a second date, my phone rings again. It's Kate.

"Hey Kate, how is Aspen", all I can hear is a lot of loud background noise. "Where are you?"

"Steele, he proposed! Elliot asked me to marry him! I said yes! We are in a restaurant here in Aspen. You are the first person I called to share the news!"

"Oh my god Kate, Elliot proposed? Just now? How?" Wow, I can't believe Elliot proposed to Kate. We both didn't see that one coming.

"We are all having dinner at this really nice restaurant here in Aspen and he just asked me in front of everyone".

"Well, congratulations Kate, I'm so happy for you".

"Thanks Steele. I wish you were here with us, to be part of this special moment with us."

Oh, boy, now I feel guilty for not going to Aspen with them. I know that I should be s Kate is like a sister to me.

"Me, too. But we will celebrate when you get back home".

"Ok, and you know that you are going to be my maid of honor! I'm so excited that we get to plan a wedding together! And, I can't wait to hear about your date from last night. Have you heard from your guy?"

"Yes, and we are going out tomorrow", I tell her with the biggest grin on my face.

"Steele, he must really like you. I have to meet him now".

"Maybe tomorrow evening".

"Look Steele, I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow! Love you"!

"Bye Kate". Wow, is all I can say right now. I can't believe Elliot proposed to Kate. She didn't think he was the type to settle down, and I got that impression from Christian and Mia. I'm so happy for her and know her complete focus will be planning the wedding of the year now. Oh, I bet this means that Christian will be Elliot's best man and I'll be the maid of honor, so there is no way I can avoid Christian now. You're going to have to suck it up Steele and play nice, my subconscious is telling me. This definitely deserves another glass of wine, or maybe the whole bottle at this point.

I wake up late on Sunday as I had too much wine last night and I did finish the bottle. I don't feel like I got the best night sleep last night, mainly because of my dreams were of piercing gray eyes and beautiful smiles with dimples. I can't believe I'm dreaming of both Christian and Jay! I almost feel like I'm torn between two lovers when that is not the case, at least for now. I don't think Christian will be back in my life as anything more than Elliot's brother that is also the best man in Kate's wedding.

And there is Jay, we had a great first date on Friday and he is taking me to meet his friends today. I really do like Jay and I'm very much attracted to him considering how much he looks like Christian. I can' t stop thinking about that kiss from Friday and how I want so much more than a kiss from him. I wonder if he feels the same way? Sex with Christian was amazing, but considering he is the only man I've ever been with sexually, how will Jay compare. I shouldn't have these thoughts and I probably shouldn't compare the two if and when the time comes when I do have sex with Jay. Maybe I'm having these thoughts because it has been over two months since I had sex and I can't even bring myself to masturbate, so I must be a big ball of sexual tension. I need to get up before I start touching myself.

Jay picks me up promptly at one pm and I decided to wear my white capri pants with blue camisole and cardigan sweater. I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and put on a little mascara and lip gloss. I took Kate's espadrilles from her closet as I know she won't mind if I borrow them to complete the look. I hear the buzzer and instead of letting him up, I go down and meet him at the front door.

He is standing there in a pair of tan cargo shorts and a tight light blue t-shirt that definitely shows off his broad shoulders. He is wearing a pair of aviator sunglasses that he takes off as soon as he sees me come through the door.

"Hey, beautiful! You look very nice today". He leans down and give me a chaste kiss on my lips.

"Thank you, so do you".

"Are you ready to go?"

"Sure". And just like Friday night, he takes my hand to the short walk to his car since he parked on the street in front my building. He opens the door for me and I slide into the familiar comfortable leather seat of his car. He gets in the car, starts the ignition, and starts off in the Seattle traffic.

He has is aviator sunglasses on again and I notice that he has a tattoo on the bicep of his right arm. It looks like a tribal band tattoo.

"Oh, you have a tattoo", I ask him.

"Yeah, I got my sophomore year at WSU. A bunch of guys from the team decided to get tattoos one night. Not sure if it is something I would do now in life. I kind of think of it as a reminder of my crazy days in college. What about you, do you have any tattoos?" He asks with a wolfish grin on his face which also brings out those adorable dimples.

"No tattoos and no piercings except my ears. I don't think I could mar my body with any think like a tattoo and not that I would know what to permanently put on my skin".

"Yeah, you have to be committed to it since it will be there for the rest of your life, unless you have it removed, which I hear is very painful and expensive. But I have no regrets about the one have and it's the only one I have", he says with the smile again. He can smile at me all day and I just love to see those dimples!

We cruises up I5 and we keep the conversation light during the drive. I can tell he is a bit nervous so I try to stay calm not to make him any more nervous that he already is.

We are finally driving through a neighborhood with quaint bungalow style homes and he finally stops in front of a blue house.

"We're here. Wait, I'll come around". And he gracefully gets out of the car and comes around to my side to open my door for me. Since we are low to the ground, he extends his hand for me take and helps me out.

"So we are meeting your friends from WSU?"

"Yes, Jeff and Kelly live here and we all graduated from WSU together. They've been together since our junior year and they just got married back in April. I think you will like Kelly".

We walk around to the back to the house and there about six other people already gathered around the large table with an umbrella to keep out the sun. There are various salads, chips, and condiments with rolls already on the table.

"Hey Wagner, you showed up! How was the game?" Asks Jay from the grill. He is a tall guy with light blond hair wearing jeans and WSU Cougars t-shirt that has seen better days.

"You knew I was coming. Jeff, this is Ana Steele. Ana, this Jeff Montgomery".

"Welcome Ana, nice to meet you", and moves the spatula to his left and comes over to us and shakes my hand.

"Nice to meet you, Jeff".

"Where is your better half?" Jay asks.

"She is in the house getting some chicken to put on the grill. Are you hungry Ana?"

"Um, not quite yet".

"Just help yourself whenever you're hungry".

"Dude, what about me?" Jay asks while feigning like he is hurt.

"Dude, you're not a guest at my house. Plus, I don't have that much food. Ana, have you seen how much this guy can eat?"

Giggling, I tell him "No, but he did clear his plate at dinner the other night".

"See, she already knows Jay. I hope you took her somewhere nice".

Right then, a petite brunette with olive skin wearing a sleeveless floral dress and flip flops comes to the grill with a platter of chicken pieces.

"Jay, you made it. I should probably get more food out", she says with a smile and then looks at me with smile.

"Hi Kelly, how are you sweetie", Jay asks has he gives her bear hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Kelly, I want you to meet Ana Steele, Ana this is Kelly. Ana just graduated from WSU Vancouver in May with a degree in English Literature".

"So nice to meet you Ana. I know that you just met Jay, but he has already told me about how you met and your how he took you out Friday night. Another Lit major and I hear that your work in publishing! You are so lucky! I have the same degree from WSU and I'm a preschool teacher".

"It is nice to meet you too Kelly" and then we get into a conversation about having the same courses and professors and share some the sentiments for some those professors. She brings me around to the others around the table and introduces me to the other three guys and two girls sitting at the table. She offers me glass sangria that she made and it tastes delicious.

Jay finally makes his way over the table and pulls up a folding chair next me and gently puts his hand on my knee.

He leans in and whispers in m ear "How are you doing? Do you need anything?"

"I'm good and I got a drink, so I'm good for now. I'll have some food in a bit."

"Ok, just let me know when you are hungry and I'll make you a plate".

Then one of the girls sitting across from us with very short blond hair, too much make up and jewelry and stares at me and says "Ana, is that your name?"

"Um, yes".

"You look really familiar. I think your picture was published in the Seattle Times recently".

My picture in the Seattle Times? I'm trying to remember when and then it dawns on me. The picture from graduation, with Christian. "Are you sure?" I had to ask her how she would think it was me as I don't think my name was published.

"You just graduated from WSU Vancouver, right?" She asks me.

"Yes".

"Wasn't Christian Grey there? He gave a speech or something?"

"Um, yes and he also conferred the degrees". Oh boy, this is going to head into a conversation I don't want to have especially with Jay sitting next me. I need to change the subject.

I turn to face Jay, "So Jay, how was the Mariner's game yesterday? Did they win?" Now I'm desperate to change the subject even if it's to Mariners baseball.

"So do you know Christian Grey, I mean personally? I mean to be the only woman to had been photographed with him must mean you know him", the snarky girl with the pixie blond haircut asks again. She is not going to let this subject go. Who is this woman?

"I met him before graduation, I had interviewed him for the WSU newspaper and we talked after the graduation ceremony". Not entirely a lie but more of a lie of omission. I can't tell these people how he pursued me to be his submissive and how he took my virginity!

"I didn't know that you were on the WSU newspaper", Jay asks me.

"I wasn't, I was filling in for my friend Kate, who was the editor".

"I can't believe you know Christian Grey", the blond bitch states. "Is he really that good looking in person like he is in pictures? God, I could stare at the guy all day. I hope the rumors about him being gay are not true. The things I could do to him". If this bitch only knew how good looking he really is, but sorry to say, you are not his type!

"Jay, I think I'm hungry. I think I'll go see what Jeff has on the grill". With that statement, I get up from chair as I can no longer be sitting at this table having a conversation about Christian.

"I'll come with you", Jay gets up with me and we both head over to the grill.

After we get some food, I strike up a conversation with Kelly and let her go on about her time at WSU, how she met and fell in love with Jeff, about their wedding, and her job as a preschool teacher. Anything to stay away from the blond and talk about Christian.

It is starting to get dark and didn't realize how long we had been at Jeff and Kelly's house. I really enjoyed spending time with Jay and his friends, except the whole thing about me being photographed with Christian. I asked Jay who that the blond bitch was, but not calling her that. He told me she is a friend of Kelly's from a previous job and actually works at the Seattle Times doing layouts for the newspaper. That is how she remembered the photograph is because she helped do the layout. That and her obsession of the man.

We finally leave when it is dark and we are mostly quiet on the ride back to my apartment. When we finally get to my building, he gets out of the car and I wait so he can come around and open my door.

"Do you want to come in and meet Kate?" Kate had sent me a text an hour ago letting me know that she was home and wanted to know when I was getting home so we could spend time together.

"Sure, I would love to meet the infamous Kate", Jays says with a grin. Oh those dimples!

We make our way into the apartment and Kate, Elliot, and Ethan are in the kitchen laughing while eating pizza and drinking a few beers.

"Steele, about time you made it home and to the party!" It seems that Miss Kavanaugh as had a few beers already.

"I didn't know there was party going on", I state and make way over to Kate and give her a big hug. "Congratulations, now let me see that rock", and I pull on her left hand to look at the ring. It is a beautiful ring. It's single solitaire with an elaborate claw with smaller diamonds on the side. It looks like it maybe an antique.

"Nice job Elliot, this proves that you do have good taste!"

Then Kate looks up, "Well, you must be Jay. Finally glad to meet you. I hope you are treating my girl well!"

"Kate!"

"Only like a princess", states Jay. Which he has, but this was only our second date.

"Good, she deserves it, unlike your brother, Elliot". Damn Kate, please don't mention him, I scream to her in my head.

"Hey, Christian can be an asshole at times, but give him some credit, Ana was his first girlfriend. He didn't know what he was doing". Oh no, what I've been trying to avoid all afternoon has now reared its ugly head.

"Well, it is finally nice to meet you Kate" and Jay shakes her hand. "And nice to meet you, Elliot. And congratulations to the both of you", and Jay then shakes Elliot's hand. "Elliot Grey, nice to finally meet Ana's new boy toy". Oh Elliot, just stop!

"And this is Ethan, Kate's brother, and he also lives here". Jay goes to shake his hand "Nice to meet you Ethan".

"Nice to meet you, Jay".

"Well, Ana, I'm going to go. You should catch up with your friends.", Jay says. I really don't want him to leave but I notice a bit of annoyance on his face.

"I'll walk you out".

"Have a good night everyone".

"Hope to see you around Jay. It was nice to finally meet you".

As we walk out of the apartment and out of the building, I grab Jay's hand and hold on to it. When we finally make it out to the street, I turn to him "I had a wonderful afternoon Jay and I really enjoyed meeting and spending time with your friends".

"Meet too, Ana. I know that Jeff and Kelly really liked you and I'm glad you had a nice afternoon" he says to me with his brows furrowed and a bit of a frown.

"What's wrong?", I ask him.

"Nothing Ana. I'm good".

"Ok. Will I see you again, soon?" I had to ask because I really want to and I don't want lose him.

"Of course. Do you have plans for Wednesday night?"

"No, I don't have plans".

"Good. I call you before Wednesday to firm up some plans. Maybe I can cook you dinner, but it would be more like grill you dinner", and there is his smile, dimples and all.

"Sounds perfect. Thank you again for a wonderful afternoon". And then I get on tip toes and place a soft kiss on his lips. Then he puts his arms around my waist and deepens the kiss. I grant him access with his tongue and it is a soft and sensual dance while I put my hands on his bulging biceps. The kind of kiss that I can feel deep down in my belly and could lead to something more.

We finally pull away, both of us breathless. I don't think I've lost him, not after a kiss like that.

"Ana", he finally breathes. He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear and gives me a small, soft kiss on my lips.

"Now I can't wait till Wednesday", and all anxiety is gone.

"Me, too. I can't wait till Wednesday either".

"Good night Ana".

"Good night Jay".