Author's NOTE:
So, I never in a million years actually thought that I would get any kind of positive reviews at all for this story and I am so grateful to those of you who have so far: favorited, followed, and reviewed my story! I was so happy that I decided I would post chapter two for you all! I have some ideas to where and exactly how I want this story to evolve and develop. I am completely excited for these characters!
I just wanted to remind everyone that I am open to all reviews! Also any comments or suggestions on how you guys think this story will develop!
I would also like to state openly that I do not own any of the FSOG characters, nor do I own the original storyline. I am creating my own story and tweaking the characters to fit that storyline! I hope you all continue to enjoy!
Chapter Two:
Ana POV
Holy shit! I have no idea where that came from! I never lose my cool in interviews! I realize that I am shaking like a leaf. Whether it's from fear or something a little racier, I can't decide. There's a first time for everything. I feel a blush coming on at my childish outburst as I begin to calm down and attempt to rationalize Christian's reasons for his actions. I highly doubt that he brushed his knee against mine on purpose. How could he have any idea how much I hate being touched? My childhood is something I take extra care not to air out to the public. I have enough dirty laundry out there already thanks to my womanizing brother, Elliot's antics.
I look up and I almost feel bad. Christian is standing there, looking at me like I just let it drop that Santa Clause isn't real. I just couldn't handle the rush of sensation when his knee brushed mine. The touch sent sparks straight up my leg and into a private place I had nearly forgotten I had. Get a grip you slut.
I sigh inwardly and steal myself to explain the rather rash course of action I had just taken so I could maybe ease his mind. I don't want him to think that I rushed away because of something he said. Wait... Why the hell do I even care what he thinks? Maybe it's his good looks, or that damn heart melting crooked smile he gave me.
I feel the ice-cold wall around my heart melt a little when I think of the way he stared at my lips. I shake my head to slow my racing thoughts. I don't even know him… But, maybe I want to. My inner goddess wakes up with a sleepy little, I-know-something-you-don't smile on her face.
I take a steadying deep breath, intending to give a minor explanation of sorts as well as a heartfelt apology for my shitty language and treatment of my guest. I slowly look up and feel my heart crash all the way to my feet. Shit… he's gone.
I almost succumb to the torturous ache in my chest with the absence of the electric charge that must have been running between us when he was in the room. I am a self-proclaimed expert at reading people and situations. I find it extremely peculiar that I missed that little, but crucial detail. Another first. My inner goddess winks at me suggestively. I shove her back into the corner where she belongs, and rush to grab the phone at my desk.
"Taylor? I have a small problem, I need you to stop a Mr. Christian Steele from leaving the building." I sound breathless.
"Is everything alright Miss Grey? Is this man causing trouble? Did he hurt you? How shall I deal with him?" My head of security sounds worried.
"No!" I almost shout into the phone, I can't even think about this man getting the smack down laid on him by my handy-capable ex-marine protector. I lower my voice, "I was in an interview with Mr. Steele and... he... Forgot his… um... tape recorder!" I scramble, looking around the room for some reason to keep this man from leaving the building when I see his tape recorder still in its place on my coffee table.
If Taylor thinks I sound like an airhead he wisely doesn't comment except to tell me that he will intercept Christian before he leaves the building. I sigh loudly and let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding. What did I just do?
My personal cell beeps from my desk, I read the text from the ever efficient Taylor.
"HE'S WAITING IN THE MAIN LOBBY FOR YOU."
I grab the tape recorder, take a deep cleansing breath, and hold my head high as I walk out of my office and into my private elevator. I push the button for the main lobby and think what I am going to say, and any possible outcomes of the situation I am throwing myself into. I hate leaving things to chance.
Christian POV
I rush out of Anastasia Grey's office without a backward glance. I couldn't handle seeing her so lost and vulnerable. I still have no idea what I might have done to cause her to jump away from me so fast. I suspect that it might have something to do with the shock that ran between us when our knees touched. The look in her eyes suggested that she may have childhood ghosts tucked away in the closet. I had to hold my hands in my lap to keep from reaching out to her. I wanted to run my fingers across her cheek and gently kiss her demons away. What the fuck is wrong with me? I shake my head and try to regrow my balls.
I am a ladies man, a player, and a well-known womanizer. I don't chase women who have no interest in getting a little dirty in-between the sheets with me. I've been through too much hurt to let go of that protective image. I refuse to let one woman, no matter how beautiful, tear away the persona I have erected around myself. I am so lost in my thoughts that I run smack into a guy who looks like he just walked off the set of Men in Black 4.
"Whoa Buddy, didn't see you there! Sorry man." I offer a genuine smile.
"Are you Mr. Steele?" He's all business
"No, Mr. Steele is what they call my old man, I'm Christian." This old joke doesn't even crack the guy's stone-like expression. "Who wants to know?"
"Miss Grey has informed me that you left an object of value in her office and she wanted me to intercept you so that she might return it before you left the building. If you could please have a seat in the waiting area over there," he gestures with his right hand, "Miss Grey will be down shortly."
SHIT MY TAPE RECORDER! I realize that Kane would kill me if I didn't bring it back. The thought of seeing Anastasia again, makes my heart lift a few inches and a smile slowly tugs at the corners of my lips. Maybe she wants me after all. I picture Miss Grey in lacy red lingerie, dripping wet on the edge of my bed. I feel myself harden in the right place. Hook, line and sinker! Great work Steele!
I take a seat in one of the not-so-comfortable waiting chairs in the lobby and pull out my phone to send a thank-you text to Kane and to tell him to cover for me if my parents happen to care where I am for once. Finally, I tell him not to wait up.
"WHAT!? CHRIS DON'T!" Kane texts back within a few seconds.
"NO CAN DO BRO. SHE'S HOT FOR ME. I'M SCORING BIG TONIGHT!" I laugh out loud at how this could have been Kane sitting here. I smile at my sudden luck, the big guy upstairs must like me after all.
"Mr. Steele, what's so funny? I would have thought you wouldn't have been so joyful after leaving a lady in her office without a goodbye."
Her voice is like silk, wrapping my entire body in desire. I glance up and see her sitting beside me. I thought she sounded slightly pissed, but there is a coy smile on her face. It reaches her eyes, lighting them up. She looks radiant, and she smells faintly like vanilla. Damn… I just want to run my tongue all over her body. I bet she tastes like vanilla too. I wince inwardly at the pain I feel from the stretching of my pants and suddenly, for the first time in my life, I'm glad I wore jeans.
"I'm sorry Miss Grey, I never meant to offend you, but in my defense… you did tell me to 'get the fuck out'." I say the words teasingly but I see her visibly wince and the smile slips from her eyes. I rush forward, "Please, call me Christian. Mr. Steele is my father." I joke lightly. It works, because her eyes light up again.
"Well in that case, please call me Ana." She smiles as she says it and reaches out to touch my arm.
I feel it again, that incredible electricity that passes between us. She gasps quietly to herself and then closes her eyes. "I'm sorry, I just needed to know if that would happen again." She whispers.
I am elated to find out that our connection isn't just something that my horny mind made up on its own. I reach for her hand but she hastily pulls it back. What the hell? She must see the confusion in my eyes because she launches into a rushed explanation.
"I am so sorry for my reaction earlier Christian, I just… I have this thing about not liking to be touched because of childhood issues. I didn't mean to act to rashly, I should have thought about how it would make you feel, but I just didn't think. I just reacted. I-I'm sorry." She takes a deep breath and lets out a shaky laugh, running her left hand through her long, silky hair.
I cannot get the words out. I am mesmerized by the way she rushes to get her words out. The way her hands keep straying to either glide through her hair, or to play with the edges of her skirt. She is clearly nervous about apologizing. I find it adorable and sexy. Anastasia Grey, ruthless CEO woman, reduced to a babbling mess because of me. I'm flattered.
"And now I see that I have to apologize for rambling like a school girl." She blushes.
"I'm sorry Ana, I understand your reaction earlier. I am just rendered speechless by your beauty." I wink softly at her. "But in all honesty, I am sorry if I acted a little rash myself, I should have gone to you and made sure you were okay. I should have been there for you." I give her one of my crooked smiles, only to see a steely resolve creep into her eyes.
"I am quite fine on my own. I do not need anyone to be there for me. I'm sorry if I gave you the impression that I am a weak woman. I'll have you know that you only caught me off guard." She is in hard-ass woman CEO mode now. "I came down here to give you this." She hands me the tape recorder that I forgot in her office.
"I trust you got everything you needed. I have business to attend now. If you'll excuse me." She stands. "Have a safe trip home Mr. Steele." She turns her back on me and starts to walk away. What the HELL DID I SAY?! Fuck me, and fuck this woman and her 180 degree mood swings!
"S-sorry." This is all I can manage to get out. I feel like I've just been scolded by my own mother. So I'm majorly caught off guard when I stand and, "Can I see you again Ana? We could go for dinner or coffee or something." Comes out of my mouth.
She turns around and surprises me with a malicious laugh. "I don't do dates Mr. Steele."
She leaves me standing there like an idiot. Watching her fuckable ass shake in that tight skirt. She doesn't do dates. Well neither do I! So why in the hell did I just ask her out? It is at this point that I realize that I have found myself a woman that I would chase. Something about Miss Anastasia Grey captures my attention like no other woman can. Right there, standing in the Lobby of Grey International Holdings, I make a decision. I will see Anastasia again, and she WILL go on a date with me, and at the end of the night she WILL be in my bed.
"I will do anything to see your sexy smile again Anastasia Grey. You haven't seen the last of me!" I call out and I swear I see her step falter slightly. You've still got it Steele!
I smile and whistle on my way out of the building. I'm a determined man, and I always rise to a good challenge.