Chapter 1

Anastasia groaned and kept banging her head into the counter.

"But Ana, I need you to go! Please! I am begging! I will do anything, anything!"

Ana looked up at her roommate and slowly nodded her head. She hated seeing her best friend begging like that. She hated even more what she just agreed to. She wasn't a journalist and didn't want to start today. But Kate was sick. It was more important for her to get better before Graduation next weekend when she would make her commencement speech. I finished my oatmeal and put my bowl in the sink.

"Give me all your notes and questions so I can prepare myself to meet this billionaire asshole," I told Kate and I started to pull my shirt off to hop in the shower.

"You are the absolute best! I'll lay an outfit out for you," Kate exclaimed that turned into a coughing fit.

I rolled my eyes and hopped into the shower. I wish I could get excited about graduation but without Him it just felt impossible. Its been 11 months, 4 days, Stop it Anastasia. Stop it now. Don't do this to yourself. It's time to put on the brave face.

Getting out the shower I look into the mirror. I don't recognize the woman staring back at me. I feel like I've aged 20 years in just a few months. After fixing my hair and make up, I put my robe on and go into my room to find out what Kate picked out for me. A cream colored ruffled blouse with a black pencil skirt is on the bed. I change into and go out into the living room.

Kate whistles as I walk into the room. She's wrapped up in a blanket with a cup of hot tea.

"I really do appreciate this Ana. I'm so sorry I can't go with you."

"Katherine. It's fine really. I have everything done. Maybe this will be good for me to get out of the house for the day. Now get better," I take the packet off the table and kiss her on top of the head.

I hurry out of the apartment and head to my car. I put in my favorite mix CD and take off. It should only take me about 3 hours to get to Seattle. I follow the GPS to the building. I look up at its shining black glass that reflects the Seattle sky.

Deep breath. Hold it. One two three four five six seven. Breathe out. One two three four five six seven.

Shaking my head I pick up the packet and begin to read through the notes Kate gave me. I don't want to go in unprepared and look like a fool.

Self made young billionaire, yadda yadda. Adopted by the Greys, yadda, yadda. Never seen with a woman. Hmmm, he's either gay or into some weird shit.

I check the time and see that it's fifteen minutes before my appointment. Gathering my bag and notes, I get out and walk out into the building.

After explaining who I am three times, I am finally waiting for the 'great' Christian Grey.

"Mr. Grey will see you now," says the blonde bimbo secretary.

I open the door to his office. It's massive. He's standing with his back to me staring out the window. I stand in the doorway and wait for him to turn around. I politely clear my throat and he turns around.

"Miss Kavanaugh, please come in. Shut the door."

Suddenly my senses are heightened. The air in the room feels electric. He's in charge and he knows it.

I straighten my stance and walk towards him, closing the door behind me.

"Actually, it's Miss Steele. Anastasia Steele. I am Kate's roommate. She seems to have come down with the flu and asked me to fill in. I hope that's quite alright, Mr. Grey."

I stick my hand out for him to shake and he looks taken aback for a moment before he reaches out to shake it.

"Mr. Grey, do you mind if I record this interview? It will be beneficial for Kate later on."

"Go right ahead Miss Steele."

I go through Kate's questions, as enthusiastically as I can. But to be honest, all the answers to the questions are on Google. The only one I refuse to ask is if he's gay. By the way he's staring at me, the way his eyes roamed my body when I walked in, he's not gay. Not by a long shot. He's just private and I can respect that.

"Mr. Grey, it's been a pleasure. Thank you for your time."

I go to stand and lose my footing in these damn heels. I stumble and two strong hands grab my upper arms to steady me.

I look up at him from underneath my bangs, I can feel my face going scarlet. That smirk and those gray eyes make me go redder. It's like he's trying to look into my soul. I don't like it. I need to get out. Now.

"I apologize Mr. Grey. I don't usually wear heels. I'm more of a converse kind of girl."

He chuckles and doesn't let go of me.

"It's quite alright Miss Steele. May I walk you to your car?"

"Unnecessary Mr. Grey. I know you are a very busy man. I will just be going."

I carefully retrieve my bag from the floor next to the chair I just vacated. I feel his presence behind me as I go to the door. He begins to open it for me but then stops himself. Slowly I look up at him, questioning him with my eyes.

"Miss Steele."

"Mr. Grey."

I don't know what kind of game he's trying to play but I don't like it. I grip my bag a little tighter and start my breathing exercises again. I'm trying to calm my nerves. My body is screaming at me to fight or flight. I would prefer flight. Something about his stance and lingering stare is making my hair stand on end.

"What are plans for after graduation? Do you have a job lined up?"

"I haven't decided yet. I have three options. I just have to decide."

"Would you like a tour of the company? I would like to show you around, Maybe find a department where you fit in nicely?"

The smell of his cologne is starting to make me nauseous. I'm getting hot under his stare. For fuck's sake stop staring at me.

"No thank you Mr. Grey, I really must be going. I have one last final exam to prepare for and it's a long drive back."

My voice is strong and steady or so I think. He smirks again. He knows he's having an effect on me. I can see it in his eyes.

"Very well then. I'll give you my card just in case you change your mind. My cell number is on it just incase you have any follow up questions or need anything else."

"Thank you Mr. Grey, I really do need to be going now."

"Of course, I wouldn't want to keep you."

He opens the door and its like a breath of fresh air. He walks with me to the elevators. As were waiting he pulls out his business card and holds it out to me. I gingerly take it, never meeting that damn gaze of his. I refuse to give him the satisfaction. The elevator dings and opens. I step into and turn to look at him.

"Anastasia"

"Christian."

The doors close and I'm out of there. Finally. The air feels so light in here. I'm away from his intense stare. I'm going to kill Katherine when I get home. The questions were dumb, he was intense and I wasted a full day.

Getting into my car and turning my music on, I begin to relax. Pushing Christian Grey far out of my mind I head back home.

Hello! Welcome to my new story! I hope everyone enjoys it! As always, No Characters, Any recognizable Content, are NOT owned by me. I just like to play with them. Happy Reading!