Authors Note: Here is my new story. It's a 'what if' Ana and Christian story. Many thanks to Julie, who is my beta for this story.

Regards

Maria Amore

Our Initial Encounter

To: Christian Grey

From: Sam Robertson

Date: 26-5-2011, 9:05am

Subject: WSU graduation

To Christian Grey,

Since graduation is today, here is some information you will need to know. The current Chancellor of WSU is Mel Netzhammer and the Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences is Ron Mittelhammer. They will both meet with you prior to the graduation ceremony. Kate Kavanagh is the Valedictorian and designated student representative and will also meet with you prior to the graduation ceremony.

The ceremony is scheduled to commence at two. It is estimated that it will take about two hours. After the ceremony, there is a must attend reception for students and guests. There is a VIP and honour student tea which you will be required to attend. There may be some media, but the University wasn't able to confirm.

Sam Robertson

Head of Public Relations, Grey Enterprise Holdings.

After uncharacteristically re-reading the email from Sam, I slam my laptop closed. Conferring these degrees will go down as the most mundane job I have ever done as a CEO and benefactor of the University. I run my hands through my hair, pull slightly. My thoughts wander to the progress of our aid packages to Durfar, and my most recent acquisition. I can't believe how much the previous owners fucked up big time! However, rather than working on projects that will make a difference; I am conferring degrees at WSU. FUCK! I scream as the laptop lid comes crashing down. Sam has repeatedly told me that this is a tremendous honor and will somehow assist the University. BULLSHIT… I know that I am a big deal but don't buy that my name will encourage more people to match my investment. If the University could just show me some proof that the ideas they propose will actually be implemented and help just one person hungry, then I would just hand over another two million and head back to Seattle. I am beyond tense. It takes extra effort to remain still, even though I've had numerous sessions with Bastille it has been way too long between subs. I am going to have to take Elena up on her offer to find me number sixteen. Her suggestions are always primed and ready, but they often do not last long.

To piss me off even more, now I have to be in the company of Miss Katherine Kavanagh. I wonder if she will even look me in the eye. Actually this could be a bit of fun. After her inane questions and lack of professional etiquette at the interview, I phoned her father to inform him that his daughter was going to get chewed up in the media world if she didn't smarten up. This of course is not my usual style, but I figured I was doing everyone a favor. Kavanagh got back to me and apologized for his overzealous daughter, saying she has talent but had got ahead of herself. She had hoped to start her journalism career with a bang by outing me as gay. I agreed not to blacklist her in exchange for numerous favors that I will cash on it the future. Kavanagh may be a shrewd operator, but I learned his daughter was his 'Achilles heel'.

Taylor parks the SUV in the lot reserved for VIPs and stays close to me out of a sense of duty. I snicker wondering if he also is trying to prevent me from just turning and running out of this fiasco.

"Taylor I believe the University may want me to attend some function after the graduation ceremony. I do believe that you be able to will find some reason for me not to attend and therefore, expedite our trip home" Taylor gives me his straight faced look and nods. I know that he wants to get home to Ms Jones also.

As expected, I am met by several University officials and the now shaky Miss Kavanagh who engage me in idle and irrelevant conversation.", Mr Grey, I believe you have met our Valedictorian, Miss Katherine Kavanagh" The Chancellor states.

"Mr Grey, It's good to see you again" She says politely, her precious abrupt tone seems to have been misplaced. Even though she is the complete opposite of my type, I take enjoyment knowing that I have put her in her place.

"Miss Kavanagh" I nod acknowledging her. But ignore her to focus my attention on the Dean of the Agricultural and Environmental Department. The ceremony commences and I scan the hundreds of graduates with their overly proud parents behind them. I recall my parent's dissatisfaction when I dropped out of college. I know they would have been so proud to see me graduate. College just wasn't for me.

I sit back after my giving the opening address and then inwardly groan when Katherine Kavanagh is called to the podium. She begins to speak, and I am slightly persuaded to believe her father she may have some creditability, but regardless I am glad that this will be the last time that I will be in her company.

I have conferred over a hundred degrees, and the monotony of this activity is irritating. I am going to have to hit the gym to get some relief from stress. Every graduate comes on stage, I congratulate them in the most monotone voice and shake their hands. I grab the next folder, and sigh that we are only half way through this process. My eyes catch a mane of long brown hair, she's tall and thin and looking down and fidgeting. Hhhhmmm... It is almost the perfect submissive stance.

"Congratulations" I state as I pass her the degree. She finally looks up slowly, and her perfect crystal, blue eyes look up at me. It is as if she can see through me. I offer her my hand and the minute we touch a shot of electricity hits me. From her reaction, I know she feels it too. I don't even know who she is, but I want to know everything about this woman. Her name. What is her name? I scream inside my head frantically. I wasn't listening when her name was called. I swiftly scan the folder and read the name 'Anastasia Steele'

"Congratulations Miss Steele." I say smoothly. "Thank you, sir" She says and then tries to release my hand. Fuck I didn't even realize I was still holding her perfect hand. I don't think I have ever heard the word 'Sir' sound so alluring. Ahh she called me sir with that shy little voice. Then there is her mouth. Oh what I would like to do it! I quickly look at her as if it will yield extra information of this lovely creature standing in front of me, but the only thing I can ascertain is that she is an honor student as I notice the extra adornments on her gown.

"Sorry," I say hastily and let go of her hand. Did I just say sorry? I haven't said sorry in... I don't even recall the last time that word has ever come out of my mouth. I am utterly disorientated by this beautiful creature. I am forced back into the here and now, as the name of the next graduate is called. In between each degree, I gaze out at the sea of graduates hoping to find those piercing blue eyes staring back at me. Fuck there are hundreds of people out there.

After conferring the degrees, I return to my seat and look for sweet Miss Anastasia Steele. I am like an animal seeking out my prey. My eyes feverishly scan the audience. Thank fuck, I found her. She is right in the middle. Her blue eyes clearly distinguish her from everyone else. Though now she isn't looking down and she doesn't appear shy.

In fact, she is glaring at me with her intense and almost burning blue eyes. She has me beyond intrigued.

I keep my eyes focused on this beauty until the ceremonial cap toss. Shortly after they toss their caps everyone scatters. Fuck! I've lost sight of her. DAM I need to talk to her, breath her and touch her again. As soon as we exit the stage, I nod to Taylor and hurry off. I look around and start to identify the direction Anastasia must have gone off in. I am about to head off to find her when the Chancellor and the Deans stop me.

"Mr Grey, would you please join us for a mixer with the staff, our valedictorian and the honor students?" He asks. Honor students? Anastasia is an honor student. "Mr. Grey, there is a call for you from your office. It is important." Taylor pipes up doing exactly what I asked him to do, when we arrived at WSU.

"Take a message for me or tell the office that I will call back later." I snap. My attendance at the graduation reception is requested, and I want to congratulate a few people" I declare. "Of course Mr Grey," Taylor says, though a tight lip. I wonder if he knows what I am playing at. He has worked for me for about four years now and has seen more than anyone else in my life. Taylor must be confused since I have never actively sought out anyone let a woman. Women come to me. I'm Christian Grey for fuck sake.

With my usual outstanding manners and charm, I greet all the right people and exchange pleasantries, I am eager to move on. My breath stops as I spot her there in the corner, talking to a couple of other graduates. My mystery girl. My Ana She is the one I am looking for. As I approach, her companions scatter about obviously intimated by me. I just can't take my eyes off her.

Anastasia glares at me, curiously almost with distaste. It is as if she knows everything about me. It is a feeling that is uncommon for me. No one knows anything about me. I am a closed book, even with my family and especially Elena when it suits me. "Miss Steele, I am…" I hold my hand out and commence to introduce myself before she interrupts me.

"I know who you are. I do not live under a rock" Her remark confounds me. I don't know if I want to spank her, kiss her or fuck her. Maybe I should do all three. I can't explain it, but I think I like her smart mouth. "Since you know who I am we can dispense with the pleasantries. I will get us both a glass of wine." I inform her as I take two glass of wine off the tray nearby. I am quite sure they are not up to my standards. Maybe I should offer to take Anastasia away from here and get her a decent glass.

"Mr Grey, I am not interested in having a drink and definitely not with you." She hisses. I raise my eyebrows but then narrow my eyes. "Well that is something I haven't heard before. Please Miss Steele, what have I done to receive such a negative reception from you?" Anastasia rolls her eyes at me, and it almost pushes me off the brink. FUCK! Is she doing this intentionally?

"Goodbye Mr Grey," She says and walks away. No woman has ever refused me, walked away from me or spoken to me with such distain. I'm Christian Grey. Women fall at my feet. I have to check my surroundings just to make sure I haven't entered some alternate universe.

Ever so subtly I watch Miss–smart mouth –Steele as she circulates around the room. I take note that she spends more time talking to the female graduates then the fuckers that are trying to get into her panties. A fact that makes me particularly pleased. Oh god what if she is actually in a relationship which is why she is avoiding all the guys. Worse still, what if she isn't interested in men. Fuck I need a background check ASAP! I pull out my blackberry and pound out an email to Welch. He responds in his usual quick manner telling me it will take twenty-four hours. This in reality is a rather quick turnaround, even for a man of my means, but right now it feels like an eternity.

After engaging in too many useless conversations, I turn to check on Anastasia and notice that she is walking out with someone. I make my move quickly, and intercept them both before they leave. "Miss Kavanagh that was an excellent speech." I praise her purposely ignoring Anastasia.

"Thank you Mr Grey." Katherine is trying to be as polite as possible. Her father must have given her a talking to. Speaking of Kavanagh, I think I saw him a few seconds ago talking to the Chancellor.

"Kate, it wasn't a very good speech, it was an amazing speech," Anastasia says overriding me. Fuck, Miss Steele is asking for it now that smart mouth of her begging to be kissed, but I don't have the paperwork. Okay Grey get a grip… I repeat to myself… I'm going to have to take a different approach. Chit Chat. I'll make chit chat with the annoying one.

"Your father mentioned that you have obtained an internship. Congratulations"

"Thank you Mr. Grey. I start with the Seattle Times next week. Ana and I are moving to Seattle tomorrow. I am extremely excited, my brother tells me that the city is filled with men." Katherine says winking. She seems a little off. She is borderline drunk.

"Here is one of my business cards for both of you. If either of you need anything, please don't hesitate to call. Seattle is a big city, and it can take some time to find your way around." I walk away quickly before either of them can respond. I head over to Mr Kavanagh, he will be able to give me some information I need about my mystery girl. I grin realizing that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree; Daddy Kavanagh seems to have had a generous amount to drink, as well.

"Grey," He says in his husky, drunk voice. I nod and shake his hand. "I hope the issue of my daughter's interview is resolved and forgotten"

"Yes. I was very impressed with her speech. I just spoke to her and her friend, Anastasia?" I pose my statement as a question to gather the information need.

"Anastasia?" He thinks for a minute before he realizes whom I am talking about. "Oh you mean Ana. Yes, they have been friends since the first week of college. Ana has a good head on her shoulder and keeps my daughter's feet a little closer to the ground. She is a pretty little thing. She has all kinds of men fighting for her attention, but she is so focused on her studies she doesn't even notice them. Heck I would have gone for her if I was 20 years younger and she wasn't my daughter's best friend. Wink Wink you know what I mean Grey. Disgusted by his words I want to punch him but I count to 10. I need this guy for information about my Ana so control myself.

"They told me they are moving to Seattle this weekend. I would have thought Katherine would want to go to New York to be with you and Mrs. Kavanagh and Anastasia would return to her parent's home." I ask in an attempt to get more information.

"No, Kate has a job with the Seattle Times. Our son is moving here to attend graduate school at Seattle University. Ana's father lives in Montesano while her mother is in Georgia. Ana wants to get into publishing. If it doesn't work out for her in Seattle, Ana is will head east I bet. " Perfect I say to myself. I have never been so happy to chat with a drunk. Kavanagh can't shut up. He is telling me everything I need, even before I can confirm it with the background check. In the car, I ring Andrea and give her very clear instructions.

Ana's POV:

"Steele, maybe we could just live like this." Kate says as we sit on our couch, drinking, with literally hundreds of boxes around us. The thought of unpacking seems eternal, but we both know that we need to get on top of it. Though sitting here enjoying my gin and tonic seems like a much better alternative.

The door buzzer startles us a little, and I jump up and press the intercom. "Delivery for Mrs. Steele and Ms Kavanagh" A voice calls out.

"Okay" I respond and look at Kate for a clue to what it could be. Kate shrugs, not sure of what it could be. I head downstairs and find a well-dressed man standing in the lobby. "Ms Steele?" He inquires.

"Yes that is me." I respond. "This is for you and Ms Kavanagh, from Mr. Grey." He passes me a plain envelope. Mr Grey? Christian Grey?

"Thank you. Who are you?" I inquire. How on earth would Christian Grey even know where we live? We have only just moved here this week. I hated how he reacted to Kate's interview. Seriously who phones a twenty-one year olds father to tattle on her?

"Sawyer. Luke Sawyer. I work for Mr. Grey." He says and then heads back to a black Audi SUV. He disappears as quick as he arrived. As I walk back up the stairs, I examine the undistinguished envelope. I was so cold towards him that maybe he has written a letter to tell me off. I laugh at the thought.

"What is it ?" Kate inquires. "I'm not quite sure actually" I tell her passing the envelope. She looks at the envelope just as confused as I am. "It is from a one Christian Grey" Kate's interest immediately peaks as she rips into the envelope.

"Oh Ana, this is amazing," Kate says examining the contents. I don't share her sentiments.