Fifty Shades or Not?
Chapter One: Old memories and new beginnings
Carrick was the CEO of Grey Enterprises and he knew his son desperately wanted to take over once he retired. But their relationship was far from perfect. Carrick and Christian had falling outs all the time, the last one was so bad that Christian decided to leave the company and to start his own. He got close, but it didn't come of anything. Christian felt like a failure as he always wanted his dad's approval.
His father decided one day that Christian was ready. So after months of talking, he decided to step aside and allowed his son to take over. Christian was happy, because now he was finally given a chance to prove to his father he could do it! But there was a little bit of a problem. Anastasia Steele.
Christian never expected his relationship with Ana to be like this. He tried really hard just to be her her friend in the past...but damn it somewhere along the way it became more. Their relationship started when Ana came to town, she practically moved herself into his houseboat.
She had a innocence about her, such a free spirit but yet an old soul. The more Christian was around her the more his attraction to her became apparent. But part of him was afraid, because he felt like he would totally destroy her. His family was nothing like hers; in fact they were nothing like hers. The Greys' would use each other to get what they wanted. The Steeles' were about loving and caring for each other, something the Greys didn't know anything about.
Ana and Christian had a romantic relationship at one time. To be honest, this girl made his heart stop every time when they were together. It was her innocence that drew him in. Christian never met anyone like her before. She had this old soul but yet she was oh so young...she wasn't a teenager by all means but he was a quite bit older than her. When Christian was thirty she was about to turn twenty one. Plus he had already had a been married twice; both marriages didn't last long. Christian felt in a way he would corrupt Ana in his world.
Christian remembered the time he took her to New York years ago. He wanted to show her the city and basically sweep her off her feet. He intended for them to stay the night in one of the suites. But Ana wasn't exactly liking the situation so she threw his wallet from the balcony.
Ana wanted him not rely on his bank account to show her a good time. Although, Christian was upset, he did his best at what they had with the money in his pocket.
Once they arrived back to his family's estate in Seattle, they were finally able to settle down. Ana was nervous as she knew that Christian expected her to sleep with him. They sat on the couch drinking some brandy, he began getting closer to her.
"Why did you come with me tonight, Ana?" Christian asked, as he softly pushed a few strands back.
"I guess because I wanted to have a night alone with you. Is tonight as special for you as it is for me?" she whispered asking.
"Yeah, it is. I've been waiting for a night like this for a long time without interruptions," Christian replied his voice was low and husky.
Christian flashbacked to when they were alone a few weeks ago in his family's estate in the great room. He had Ana close to his body as he kissed her passionately. He held her face in his hands as he nipped and sucked on her lips.
'God, I want you, Ana! So much,' in between kisses. 'I want to wake up beside you, I want to devour you!' he exclaimed, huskily taking her to the couch as they made out on the couch until Roz came in turning on the lights and talking about business as if Ana wasn't there.
"Not as long as I have," Ana mumbled out breaking him from his thoughts.
"Well you got your wish, Anastasia. We are completely alone," Christian replied, as he leaned in to kiss her.
Ana's heart was beating ninety miles an hour. Christian was being very romantic and a gentleman however; he was putting the moves on her as well.
"You certainly don't need a valentine's card to mean what you say," Ana whispered. "How long do you have the house to yourself?" she asked nervously, not wanting someone walking in on them.
Christian was kissing her face oh so gently.
"A be honest, Ana, I don't think I could let you go tonight, I want you. I want you so much!" he replied, kissing her again.
"Until?" she breathed out.
"Until tomorrow? Or maybe until the next morning, or maybe next month," he replied, very huskily as he continued to kiss her and laying her down onto the couch. Christian never wanted someone so much as he did her. Only Ana fell off the couch onto the floor as he chuckled. He helped Ana by helping her off the floor.
"I'm sorry...I didn't realize the couch was so narrow," as he pulled her closer to him. Only Ana pulled back some.
"Have you ever gotten in over your head?" Ana asked him out of nowhere.
"Oh yeah," Christian replied huskily, "Especially when I'm with you." Christian went in for the kill, kissing her using his tongue. "Hmmm…" he moaned kissing her.
Ana pulled away from his kiss. "Um...maybe you could get me some ice for my drink?" she was thinking of a way to stall.
"Brandy doesn't take ice, Ana," he replied trying to kiss her again.
"But, I do. Please, if you wouldn't mind?" Ana asked shyly.
Christian looked at Ana weird but agreed to go get her some ice. Before he left he asked, "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah. That is if your freezer works."
He left the great room and headed to the kitchen. Only Ana was freaking out, she had been waiting so long to be with the man of her dreams and now that she is, she was confused. Ana picked up the phone to call Ray.
While Christian was in the kitchen, he couldn't figure her out. Ana was very special and he knew that. But something was different about her but he couldn't figure it out. That was until he made it back to the great room over hearing her phone conversation.
"Dad, I don't know what to do here. Christian is being romantic and sweet but I'm just not sure he's the one."
Though Christian couldn't hear what her dad was saying, he concentrated on the tone of her voice.
"It's just that...I have never felt this way with anyone. Remember that time, I took off with that guy for a while, well, we never did anything. I'm still a virgin. I really want Christian to be the one, but he hasn't said it yet. I just keep waiting for him to say, that I'm the only one for him. That I'm his forever."
That's when Christian realized what was wrong with her. He never expected her to be a virgin. Although he liked that, he didn't want to take advantage of her. So he poked his head inside telling her they were out of ice. She hung up the phone quickly as she stared back at Christian.
"Listen, why don't you stay the night in one of the guest rooms. We can call it a night."
"You mean by myself? Alone?" Ana asked, confused.
"Yeah. It's just that it's getting late and I have to get up early in the morning," he replied.
"Oh. Did I do something wrong?"
"Ana...no. Something is very right. For the first time in my life, I will do this right."
That was when Christian realized he had very strong feelings for Ana, but he didn't want to take her virginity. He knew how important that was, especially for a girl like her. So he slowly got out of that relationship and concentrated mainly on business ventures.
Christian tried many times to start his own businesses but it wasn't the same. He had worked at Grey Enterprises before and tried to become the president but his father wasn't quite ready at that time. But now Carrick was ready for his son to run the business, but the situation was rather a sticky one.
Anastasia worked for his dad as his assistant and she knew the office really well. Christian didn't want to go through the trouble of having to rehire someone who was already qualified for the job even though they had a romantic past.
Christian approached Ana about working with him to which she declined. She basically said, "I don't think this could work, Christian."
"Look, Ana, I know we have a past, a romantic one at that. But...I'm willing to put that aside. What I mean is, we can make this strickly professional if you want to."
"Really?" she asked looking back at him with those amazing blue eyes of hers.
"Yeah. I know that I hurt you and I'm sorry for that. But I think we could make a really great working team. Please say yes...this is a great opportunity for you. I can make a deal with you. I will give you a raise, and more time off if you need it. Whatever you need, I can take care of it."
Ana sat for a moment. They were sitting in her family's diner. Her brother and sister in law owned it until Ray took over. It was called Fifties. It was a 50's diner with all the trimmings, down to the colors and the jukebox that played...you guessed it 50's music. She looked back at him unsure.
"I don't know, Christian," Ana sighed to him.
"Will you atleast think about it. Please? I really need you there. Just think about it." He suggested to her.
"Okay fine, I will work with you. But we keep this strictly professional, right?" she asked, looking at him.
"Fine by me." Christian agreed. At that time he didn't need any romantic hassles and this was the perfect solution.
Everything was working out great! Ana knew the business inside and out. Anytime a potential client called, she gave him information about that person such as little things as the wife, the kids, how many did that person have, all of the personal little touches. Christian was astounded how much Ana had grown since she worked at Grey Enterprises.
Valentine's day was nearing again and not a date in sight for either of them. Christian opted to take his up and coming executive, Jose Rodriguez, out to discuss some business. He was steadily becoming a very important part of the company. Jose had become a Junior Executive making his way up the ladder.
That night, he and Christian decided to go to the nearby bar for a few drinks. And low and behold Ana was there with her friends. She was dancing with her friends and seemingly having a good time. Jose saw her and right away was asking Christian questions about her. Such as was she dating anyone serious. Christian told him she was very picky about the guys she dated.
"Well tonight maybe her luck is about to change," Jose replied, as he walked over to her.
Jose walked right over to her and began talking. Christian saw her beaming at him as he whispered in her ear and she laughed at what he said.
Christian couldn't take my eyes off Ana. Jose took her out onto the dance floor. They danced to fast songs at first but when it changed to slow he put his arm around her waist pulling her closer to him. She obliged.
Watching him pull her closer to him, made Christian's heart stop. When he saw Jose kiss her cheek, Christian began to feel a pang in his chest. He could tell Ana was attracted to him as she didn't pull away. Jose excused himself, leaving her for a bit.
Ana saw Christian sitting on a stool and walked his way. Christian's heart began beating so fast he was so sure she'd be able to hear it.
"Hey, Christian, what's up?" she asked, smiling.
"Not alot. What's up with you and Rodriguez?" he asked, genuinely wanting to know.
"Oh nothing much. We just met tonight. He seems like a great guy. I know he's a junior exec at Grey Enterprises. He asked if he could take me for a quick night cap."
"That's nice. What did you say to him?"
Before she could respond Jose walked up behind her, putting her jacket over her shoulders while he asked, "Ready to go?"
She must have said yes to his invitation. "Sure. Where do you want to go?" she asked, looking back at him.
"How about we head to Starbucks?" He suggested giving her a smile.
"Sounds good," Ana replied to him. Looking back at Christian she said, "See you tomorrow."
"Yeah, thats cool." Christian replied.
"See you in the morning, boss," Jose said, as he led Ana out of the establishment.
Christian followed watching them with his eyes as Jose led her out the door. But when he looked down at his hands they were clenched into fists. He felt his blood boil at that moment.
Christian was very confused at what he was feeling. Seeing her leave with another man made him uncomfortable. He told her their relationship would be strictly professional, however; watching her leave with someone else made his heart stop. Christian wondered if he made a mistake by making this deal with her. He wanted her to be happy surely, but with someone else? He had to find out if they were going to go out again.
It was the next business day when they were back in the office. Jose hadn't moved up to their floor yet, so it was Christian and Ana in the office.
Christian was sitting in his chair on the phone with a client. As they were talking Christian was watching Ana's every move. Ana was oblivious to Christian watching her as she moved about.
"Hmm, huh, yeah, I believe so," Christian replied, into the phone not really paying attention to what was said.
"Mr. Grey, we appreciate your enthusiasm and can't wait to get working with your company. However; we do have some concerns regarding wording on the contract."
Christian barely heard him as he was looking at Ana's long legs and all he wanted to do was wrap those legs around his waist, push her up against the wall and...
"What?" he asked, his attention going back to the client.
"I said, we are concerned about the wording in the contact, Mr. Grey. Is there anyway to have someone read over it and get it back to us?"
"Sure. I could have my assistant look at it. I will personally see to it." Christian replied, as this was one way he could have her by his side. He hung up the phone just as Ana was making her way into his office.
"Hey there, do you have that Benson contract signed, so I can send it off?" she asked standing next to him.
Christian was having a hard time as he could smell her fragrance, it was sweet, as it smelled like vanilla.
"Um...sure," he replied sitting there staring at another document.
Ana waited for him to hand it to her, when he didn't, she leaned over to retrieve causing Christian to gasp. Having her near him like that was causing a major problem Ana began to leave his office as Christian couldn't stop looking at her legs. It was driving him insane!
"Would you please stop that!" he yelled at her.
Ana turned to him asking, "Stop what?"
"Just stop...that…" Christian bellowed, his heart was racing.
Holy hell, how am I going to do this? I was doing just fine a month ago with our current relationship and now I feel like I'm going to have a panic attack! Jesus, she's not even aware what she's doing to me.
Ana was looking at Christian puzzled as she had no idea what she was doing. "Did I do something wrong?"
"Yes-no, not really," Christian replied, trying to think of an excuse.
"You're not making any sense, Christian," Ana replied.
"I just wish you wouldn't leave my office door open while you put stuff away. It's very distracting, and I'm in middle of a major deal and I need my privacy," Christian replied, much calmer now.
"Oh...I didn't realize. I will shut the door for you," Ana said as she began to walk away. "Next time though, could you please refrain from yelling at me?"
Christian realized at that time he was being a jerk. It wasn't her fault that he was distracted.
"I'm sorry, Ana," he began to say.
"It's okay, just don't do it again," she said back as he handed her some more papers to file.
Just as Ana was walking out of his office, Jose appeared.
"Hey there, boss, I have those figures you asked me about," Jose said, standing at the door beside Ana.
"Right now isn't a good time, Jose," Ana began to say.
"No! It's okay, Ana. Come on in, Jose," Christian replied, needing the distraction.
As Jose approached Christian's desk he mumbled, 'Nice, girl.'
Oh geez, Jose, you don't know the half of it! Christian thought to himself.
Christian knew that they had went out to get a nightcap last night. He was curious as to where it was going with them.
"So, you and Ana went for a nightcap last night. How did that go?" Christian asked.
"It went fine sir. Here are the figures you wanted," Jose said handing his boss the paper.
"Thanks. You could have waited until later to give them to me."
"Well since I was on my way up here, I figured why not bring them now."
"Oh? What's going on?" Christian asked.
"Ana and I had a great time last night so I wanted to officially ask her out on a date," Jose replied, smiling back at his boss.
"I see. What did she say?" Christian asked, hoping she said no.
"We have a date tonight actually," Jose responded to Christian's question. "That is if you are okay with that?"
Christian looked at Jose stunned. "Why wouldn't I be okay with it? Ana's free to date who she wants." Though, I wish she wouldn't. Stop it Christian, you promised.
"Okay, cool! I just know that you two are friends so I didn't want to cause trouble at the workplace. But if you're okay with it that's great! Listen, I need to get back to accounting so if you need anything else let me know," Jose offered as he left Christian's office.
Christian was beside himself. He didn't know that Ana would be dating someone so soon. He had no idea he would feel this way. He certainly didn't want to get in the way of her personal life. Christian buzzed her into his office.
"You buzzed, did you need something?" she asked looking back at him.
Yeah you, Christian thought. I want you sprawled over my desk so I can have my way with you. However Christian cleared his throat and replied, "Yes, I did."
"What did you need?" Ana asked Christian.
The two began to stare at each other. Christian's heart began to race as he looked into her blue eyes. How in the world did I ever think I could let you go?
"Have lunch with me?" he asked, lowering his tone of voice making it sound husky
Ana gasped at his tone of voice. She's heard it before, when they had those romantic evenings together.
"Christian…" she whispered out.
A/N: It's only the first chapter and Christian is having a hard time already! So what do you all think? Just to let you all know, this will be a slow burn kind of romance. Yes it is a Christian and Ana story but these two will have an obstacle to get through first. There will be no cheating. There will be some violence in this story. This is just the beginning.