Chapter Three: New York
New York in the winter was quite lovely. A gentle snow had covered the city with a blanket of white and got people thinking about the upcoming Holiday Season. Ana awoke to the glorious view of Central Park from the Crider Penthouse that was in the Crossings apartment complex. She sat up in bed and stretched. She would have a busy couple of days with meetings at Crider East with five authors that could be the newest stars in the literature world and she wanted to get them signed up with WP. A knock came at the door, and a petite blonde haired maid stepped in with a breakfast tray. "Good Morning Inez." Ana said smiling. She did like this woman who took care of the Penthouse for the Criders and always made her feel right at home when she had to use the Penthouse for business. "You didn't have to bring me breakfast in bed."
"Mr. and Mrs. Crider ordered it, Miss Ana. They want me to make sure that you are pampered and well taken care of." The woman gave a tender, motherly smile that made her appear much younger than the fifty-three years old that she was. Inez had been with the Criders ever since they were married and was sent back East to care for their New York penthouse when she told them that her family needed her back in New York. They were more than happy to keep her on the payroll because she had been a faithful and loyal employee and friend. Jeb wouldn't have been able to live with himself if he let Inez go to New York without some employment. She was offered the job of being the caretaker of their New York Penthouse and was allowed to live there and use it as her own. Inez placed the bed tray across Ana's slim lap. "I am sorry about you and Mr. Grey."
Ana shook her head. "Don't be, Inez. It is for the best that this happened now instead of after we got married." She looked down to see her favorite breakfast of two pancakes with three slices of bacon and a serving of scrambled eggs. "Oh, Inez, this looks and smells delicious."
Inez was told about the breakup between Mr. Grey and Miss Ana and it broke her heart. She thought they made a striking couple and they seem to be in so much love. She looked over the pretty little miss and saw the strength that she had missed before during other visits. Ana was much stronger and seemed very confident. "Just call me when you are done and I will come for the dishes."
"There's no need, Inez. I will bring them to you after I get cleaned up." Ana gave the kind lady a gentle smile. "Oh, yes, I will not be here for dinner tonight. I have a dinner meeting."
"Thank you for letting me know."
Ana ate her breakfast then she showered, dressed, and put on a little makeup after doing her hair. She had a long day of meetings then her dinner meeting with Jed's friend to try to save WP. She just hoped that she would find a few moments during the day to take a breather.
Ana was early for her dinner at Harrow's, a Fifth Avenue restaurant that Jed and Rachel adored. She gave her name to the maitre de who fussed over her when he realized that she part of Crider Industries. She was shown to a beautiful table that was tucked away in a private alcove. She ordered a white wine and then checked her emails. She was reading a message from Kate who wanted to plan a girl's night out when she came back from New York when a shadow crossed over her phone. She looked up to see one of the most attractive men she had ever seen. He was tall, dark, and dangerous with shoulder length glossy black hair and intense electric blue eyes. Her own sky blue eyes scanned up and down his body. He had broad shoulders which his black suit fit perfectly. He was made to wear such a suit. He was elegant yet still rough and wild.
"Good evening." His voice was deep and smooth. "I am Gideon Cross. I believe we have dinner plans."
Ana smiled at him and extended her hand. "Welcome Mr. Cross, I am Anastasia Steele. It is a pleasure to meet you. Please have a seat."
"Thank you, Miss Steele." He unbuttoned his coat and sat across from her. His sharp eyes swept over her. She was a pretty little thing with her big bright blue eyes that reminded him of a clear sky and silky long brown hair that flowed over her shoulders. He noticed that smile that lit up the room and for some reason made him feel warm all over. He noticed that their waiter stood beside the table. "I would like a white wine."
"Yes, sir." He gave them menus and took the time to steal a look at the pretty brunette.
Ana only smiled at the waiter and her attention went to the menu. "Have you lived in New York City all your life?"
"Mostly, except for college." He looked over his menu and smiled at her. "I met Jed there my freshman year."
"Jed is a wonderful man. His wife Rachel is my boss and I am completely in awe of her." Ana licked her lower lip then bit down on it as she considered her choices for dinner.
"Would you like me to order for us? I have dined here before and they have delicious steaks."
"That would be excellent." She said sweetly.
The waiter came back with Gideon's wine and asked them if they were ready to order. Gideon ordered for them both a steak with mushrooms, baby potatoes with basil, and asparagus with hollandaise sauce. He handed their menus back to the waiter. He sat back and looked her over once again. "Are you married?"
"No, Mr. Cross. " Ana said lowly while memories of Christian was kept at bay by her thinking of her job and the future of WP. "And, you?"
"Never been married."
Ana only nodded hearing the relief in his voice that he had avoided marriage. She understood for she was relieved that she saw Christian as he truly was and avoided more heartbreak and a divorce down the road. "I guess I will just dive into why Jed and Rachel sent me to speak to you." She took a deep breath. "Crider Industries is in trouble, actually WP. Rachel is battling a hostile take-over and they are hoping that you will not sell your stock in WP to anyone. Before, you say anything, I believe you should know who is trying to take over WP and why. The reason why is me and the who is Christian Grey."
"Why would Christian Grey want a publishing house? That is not his usual type of business he goes after. He usually sticks to hard industry."
"He is my ex-fiancé and this is his way to try to get control over me." She was completely honest with Gideon in hopes that he would understand that Jed and Rachel needed his help. "He told me if I would return to him that he would stop buying up all the Crider stock he can get his hands on."
Gideon couldn't believe that a powerhouse like Christian Grey was basing his business decisions on pure personal reasons. "And, you don't want to return to him, correct?"
"Correct." She said as she reached for wine glass. "I know he won't stop until he gets control of WP and I will probably be out of a job unless you stop him by not selling your shares to him or anyone even though the shares are dropping in value."
"Please tell Jed and Rachel that I will not sell my shares." He took a drink of his wine. "Will you be alright?"
"In the long run, yes I will. I have a head-hunter scouting for a comparable job anywhere in the United States or England. I hope to be moving in a few months from Seattle even though I will miss my family and friends."
"But, you can't stay in Seattle with Grey."
She nodded.
"What if I offer you a job here in New York? I have a publishing house and we can always use an exceptional editor."
"Mr. Cross, I am not an editor, I am the Vice-President of Editorial Services at WP. I also stand in for Rachel while she is on maternity leave."
"That is very impressive for one so young. You are what, twenty-three?" She nodded agreement. He considered her very exceptional to rise so fast in WP. She had to be very efficient and knowledgeable for Rachel to trust her with so much responsibility. "I will find you a position that is comparable to your duties at WP."
"And, why would you want to do that? You don't know me or anything about me."
"True, but I know Jed and Rachel and if they trust you, then I can trust you." His blue eyes raked over her with something more than admiration. There was lust in his eyes. He wanted Anastasia Steele in New York City with him. He didn't understand why he felt that way. He just met this woman and for some reason he felt the need to protect her. "I would like you to come to the Crossfire Building tomorrow at eleven. We can discuss your future with Cross Industries."
"I will be there, Mr. Cross. Thank you for this opportunity. How long do you believe our meeting will take? I have to be at the Kennedy by 4 to catch my flight to Seattle."
"Do not worry about that. I will take care of your travel arrangements. I have a fleet of private jets that can take you back to Seattle whenever you need or want. I will also take care of your unused airline ticket, so you won't have any problems."
Ana was about to say something when their food arrived. The steak was sizzling and she found that she was hungry. She was at ease with Gideon Cross and he didn't make her so nervous to where she couldn't eat. "You are very kind, Mr. Cross."
"Please call me Gideon."
"Only if you will address me as Ana." She replied with her own smile that touched Gideon. His eyes could not leave the sight of her lips. Such pretty lips that were made to be kissed and he wanted to kiss them.
Gideon gave a smile that rivaled the sun and could melt the coldest of hearts. Ana found him very attractive. He looked dangerous, but he has a soft side to him that she found very attractive. She just wondered how long that sweetness lasted. She could tell that he was a powerful man who was used to getting what he wanted. She knew from his reputation that not many people got anything over Gideon Cross and that he could be ruthless in business. He had a reputation as a cold blooded businessman who did not mix business with pleasure, nor did he mix his female friends with his romantic escapades. Rachel told her that Gideon separated sex from friendships. She also warned Ana not to fall under the spell of Gideon Cross because he was a confirmed bachelor. "I am sure that Rachel has warned you off of me. She might adore me, but she does not always agree with my lifestyle choices."
"Gideon, your personal life is your personal life. I only want employment if you truly have a position for me. I do not want you to create one for me. But, my greatest wish is that you stop Christian Grey from hurting people that we both think very highly of."
"No one, not ever the great Christian Grey will do harm to Jed and Rachel." He said deeply. "And, as for my personal life and you…I do believe you will be in my personal life, Ana."
"What makes you think that?" Her eyes sparkled with devilment. She bit her lip as her body began to respond to the pheromones that he was sending off. There was a sexual charge between them.
"I don't think anything, Ana. I know. I know that tonight I am taking you home with me and I am going to fuck you."
Ana began to laugh. "Really, Mr. Cross, does that approach really work for you?" She was smiling but still biting that lip. "Please, don't ever underestimate me. I may seem petite and helpless, but I have been living with Christian Grey for over a year and I am much stronger than I look." Her eyes changed and became hard. Her stature changed to a cold businesswoman. "I am also very well trained in self-defense and I have no qualms of beating down anyone who tries to touch me without my permission."
Gideon couldn't help but laugh because she was so small. "And, who taught you this self-defense, a DVD program?"
Ana bit the inside of her cheek as she counted to ten. "My father who was a Special Ops specialist in the Army taught me self-defense and how to use firearms."
Gideon knew that he had insulted her. "I apologize Ana." He knew she was not like most women who fell under his spell and he could get into bed in one evening. Ana was not a woman who would be a one-night stand. To have her company she would want some kind of commitment. He wondered how Christian Grey lost her. If she was his, Gideon wouldn't let her go. He would do anything to keep her even putting a ring on her finger and sharing his name with her. Gideon felt his heart burst when this thought crossed his mind. He never considered marriage with any woman but this little slip of girl had him thinking of a life with her. She would be a balm to him and she would also be a passionate lover. There was something about her that made him want to know her better and discover that passion that was in her. He wanted her. "If I have offended you it was not my intention. You are a beautiful woman and yes, I would like to get to know you better." He reached across the table and took her hand into his large paw. "Will you stay in New York City and give me a chance to learn about Anastasia Steele?"
Ana consider his words and studied his actions. "I will meet with you tomorrow and we will see what happens. If I like your proposal for employment then I might stay in New York City, but I can't make you any promises for anything else."
Gideon only smiled. He was going to make sure that she stayed in New York and he was going to make sure that Ana Steele would be his.
