CPOV

I'm sitting at my desk at work when I hear Andrea's voice through the intercom. "Mr. Grey?"

"Yes, Andrea?"

"Your brother is here"

I roll my eyes. I've been avoiding his calls ever since Ana and I ran into him and Kate two days ago but I'm going to have to talk to him eventually. Especially now that I have been summoned to my parents house this weekend. I was actually thinking of dragging Ana with me. I would really like for my family to meet her. She's important to me and I think that they would really like her. Besides, having her with me will make the time pass so much quicker.

"Send him in" I answer tersely.

I've barely finished my reply when Elliott comes storming into my office. "WHY haven't you been taking my calls?"

"Hello to you too. I've been busy"

"Bull shit you're avoiding me!"

"What do you want El?" I am already tired of this conversation so I would like him gone as soon as possible.

He sighs before sitting down in one of the chairs on the other side of my desk. "You know exactly what I want and why I am here. Don't play dumb. I want to know about Ana."

I lean back in my chair. "What do you want to know?"

"Where did she come from? Last I hear from you, you were devastated over Jane. And then you fall off the face of the Earth for the last two weeks and then I run into you with this unbelievably gorgeous brunette claiming she's your friend?"

"Okay first of all, I don't appreciate the insinuation that she's not my friend? Because that's what she is. What exactly is your question?"

"Okay first where did you meet her?"

"At a bar a few weeks ago"

"A bar?"

"Yeah I got drunk and she was there and-"

"So you've already slept with her?"

"What?!" I exclaim. I try to ignore the excitement that coursed through me thinking about Ana in that capacity but it's no use. Before I can even forget the question, I have a vision of myself hovering over Ana while we are both naked in my bed. Jane certainly did a number on me, I didn't even automatically think of her in the playroom? I shake my head willing the thoughts away. What the fuck was that? "No. We talked and…" I trail off recalling that first night. From what I remember, and what Ana tells me it was quite enjoyable. "El, we're friends."

"Oh really. Tell me more about this… friend"

"Ana is…" I trail off and I wonder how much I want to divulge to my brother about this woman who has single-handedly changed my life. "Incredible. She gets me and… she taught me how to have fun… Enjoy my life. I've spent years trying to fix my issues so that I had a shot at being happy and she came in and turned it upside down with karaoke and funnel cake and tequila and suddenly I feel like a different person. I'm happy for the first time… maybe ever"

"Hold up, she got YOU to do karaoke?" Elliott says staring at me with wide eyes.

I snort. "It wasn't my finest moment"

He laughs along with me before leaning forward in his seat. "Tell me more"

"About what?"

"Ana!"

"What do you want to know?"

"I don't know... I've never seen you like this. So… happy"

"I owe her a lot" I say with a smile.

"We should all hangout soon"

I shoot him a look. "You think I want to subject her to Kate again?" I wonder if there's a way to ask Elliott not to bring Kate this weekend so that Ana doesn't have to be around her. But then again, maybe Kate will be on her best behavior being around my parents.

"Maybe without Kate. We can all get dinner sometime. I want to get to know her"

Why does he want to get to know her? To sleep with her? To try and date her? No, he absolutely cannot date or fuck or anything with Ana. No fucking way. I narrow my eyes in question and shake my head. "No Elliott"

"No what?"

"No you can't try and sleep with her, she's off limits. I mean it. I'm not having you screw up my friendship with her because you can't keep it in your pants" I spit out.

"Whoa whoa whoa" he says putting his hands up. "I'm not, I swear. I just want to get to know her"

"Why?"

"Because she's important to you. And that means she's important to me"

"Fine. I'll think about it"

He nods and the room is silent when I notice Elliott eyeing me. Before I have the chance to ask him what the problem was he blurts out the question, "So have you told her?"

"Ana? Told her what?"

"That you're in love with her" He asks raising an eyebrow at me.

"You're out of your mind. I'm not in love with her! She's my best friend!" I look at my computer screen to avoid my brother's gaze. "She's my only friend. The only person I trust, aside from family" He doesn't say anything for a while and I wonder what he's getting at. I don't love Ana. We are very close I'll admit, but it's not love! See this is why men and women can't be friends. Everyone thinks it's more than what it is! "Ana is amazing, and the man that gets to be with her is the luckiest man in the world but.." I trail off and I kind of wonder what the point is I'm trying to make. "But she doesn't see me that way." I say and just as I see the recognition cross his face I realize my slip of the tongue. Now he probably thinks that I can't admit any feelings for her because I fear rejection.

"And how do you see her?" Yep, knew it.

"I don't see her that way either, Elliott. Why can't you accept the fact that we are friends!?"

"BECAUSE!" He bellows before he stands up slamming his hands down on my desk. "Because I saw the way you looked at her. I've listened to you speak about her for the past ten minutes! You just bit my head off when you thought I was trying to get with her! God, Christian you should have seen the look on your face! No one has heard from you in two weeks and now I find out you've been spending all your time with her going to karaoke? You took a day off from work? This is girl is changing you, man… for the better. She's bringing you to life. She makes you happy. And at the end of the day, that's all that matters. Why can't you see what's staring you right in the face?"

I rub my temples willing this conversation to be over. "All of that may be true but it doesn't mean I'm in love with her"

I think he's at a loss for words when he looks down and shakes his head. "No" He smiles at me. " it just means you haven't realized it yet." He starts walking towards the door before he turns back to look at me. "Bring her to brunch on Saturday. I'm dying to see mom's take on this" And before I can reply he's gone. Fucking hell.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I'm sitting on Ana's couch waiting for her to finish getting ready so we can head to my parent's house for brunch. It took a little bit of convincing and the promise that "I owed her BIG", but she finally agreed to come to brunch at my parent's house. I made my brother swear to be on his best behavior and to keep Kate in line. I also made him promise not to get mom all riled up. Ana and I are friends and the last thing I need is Mom gushing over her like she'll be giving her grandchildren within the next five years.

"Do I look okay?" I look up from my phone to see Ana wearing a black and white sleeveless sundress under a wide brimmed sun hat and black open toe wedges. She spins around and something catches my eye. Today is the first really warm day of the summer and it's the first I've seen her without anything on her arms or shoulders.

"Wait what is that?" I say standing up and walking towards her. She looks down at herself thinking I'm referring to her dress when I stand behind her and find what I'm looking for. On her back right shoulder blade are three birds. They have such intricate detail and are very well done. I touch her shoulder and run my thumb over the ink and she shudders under my touch. "Sorry" I say. "These are really good"

She looks back at me and gives me a small smile. "Thank you"

I realize my hand is still on her so I remove it and she turns around to face me. "I didn't know you have a tattoo." I say, intrigued that there is so much I don't know about her. And so much I want to know. "What do they mean?"

"Birds represent freedom and hope. I got it during a period of my life when I was learning to spread my wings and fly and all that" she says going towards the kitchen to grab the peanut butter pie she insisted she had to bring because 'one should never go anywhere empty handed!' "I have two more"

"Three tattoos? Can I see?" She comes around her island in the kitchen and stands in front of me and looks down. She points one perfectly manicured downwards and I can see the words 'Look At The Moon' with a few stars written across the side of her foot. "And your third one?"

She shakes her head. "It's somewhere… private" she giggles.

My eyes roam her body freely trying to figure out where these tattoos could be. "What is it?"

"The Latin words Acta Non Verba" she begins to say what it means when I interrupt her.

"Deeds not words?"

"You know Latin?" She says staring at me with wide eyes.

"A bit"

"Is there anything you don't know?"

I laugh. "I'm sure there's something out there" More about you, Miss Steele.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I am driving us to my parents place in Bellevue when Ana reaches for my phone. "Got any decent music on here?" She says tapping the music icon.

"I think so"

She's scrolling through my music and narrows her eyes. "There's some decent tracks on here but what's with all the classical shit?"

"I like it. It's comforting"

"How do you get down to it?"

"Get down?" I say turning to look at her.

"You know.. Dance?"

"I… don't?"

"You don't dance?"

"No?"

"Not even in your penthouse when noone is watching?" She does a shimmy in her seat and I can't help but laugh.

"No, Anastasia I don't dance at all. I mean sure I can waltz, and I actually do a decent tango"

"A tango, huh?" She says as she continues to scroll through my music, not looking up at me.

"Mmmhm"

"I don't know how to tango"

"It's easy"

"Only thing I know about it is it takes two to do it" she giggles and I laugh along with her. "Will you teach me?"

"To tango?"

"Yeah, I've always wanted to learn"

I turn to look at her before turning back to the road. "I'll do it." She smiles a smile so bright that it almost blinds me. "For a price"

Her smile fades. "You're going to charge me? Sheesh you don't make enough money, Grey?"

"No not money."

"Then what?"

"I'll think of something" I say before shooting her a wink as we pull up to my parents house.

We get out of the car and I am shocked to see my sister standing on the steps leaning against one of the pillars.

"Mia?" I say as we get closer. "What are you doing out here?"

"Waiting for you to get here" she says before turning her attention to Ana. Of course. "You must be Ana" she says.

"That's me" she smiles and Mia looks down to the pie in her hands and then at me.

"I brought pie" she says. "Peanut butter. Christian said no one was allergic. It's kind of like my specialty"

"I love fucking peanut butter" she squeals. "And I LOVE your column. You are fabulous" Mia grabs the pie from Ana and links an arm with her before walking into the house. "Don't worry about Kate either. She's all bark and no bite. She's going to die knowing I'm not on her side with all this bullshit"

"Sides? I-I don't want anyone taking sides over me" Ana says.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

APOV

I walk through the foyer and my eyes widen as I take in my surroundings. Wow, Ana you are so not in Kansas anymore. I mean Christian's penthouse is phenomenal of course but this is a home. A family home. And it's beautiful. So beautiful I have to stop the gasp from escaping me. "You grew up here?" I say turning to look at Christian.

"Yep. This is home" he says placing a hand at my lower back and guiding me behind Mia through the foyer towards the living room. "Where is everyone?"

"Oh out on the patio. Mom wanted to eat outside. Want a mimosa?" Mia asks me and I nod vigorously. Mia disappears and Christian turns to me.

"There is nothing to worry about. Kate is going to be on her best behavior in front of my parents." He smiles at me before nudging my shoulders. "Besides, I got your back" he smiles and I start laughing. We walk through the house and I'm more stunned by each room I enter. We get to the patio and the view is breathtaking. I'm about to make a comment when I see a mass of blonde hair in a pink princess costume beelining for me.

"CHRISTIAN!" The blonde hair whisks past me and Christian kneels to capture her in his arms and stands up.

"Hey munchkin!" He says placing a kiss on her cheek and she immediately wraps her arms around his neck squeezing him tight and the visual does something to my ovaries. I never thought men with babies were particularly something to drop your panties over but Christian with this adorable blonde girl has my insides tingling. "I've missed you" he says to her and I melt. Jesuuuuus. "Can you say hi to my friend for me?" She turns her head to look at me and I am lost in her chocolate brown eyes.

She waves at me. "I'm Hallie"

"Hi Hallie, I'm Ana. I love your dress."

"It's AURORA!"

Christian looks at me confused and I smile. "Like Sleeping Beauty?"

"YEAH you know her? She's my favorite" She smiles.

"Really? She's sleeping the whole time? Belle is the best Disney princess."

"BELLE!? No way, that Beast is no prince!"

"He is too!"

Hallie kicks her legs to get out of Christian's arms and when she hits the ground she grabs my hand and pulls me towards the table. "We gotta talk. Bye Christian" she says and I giggle.

After about ten minutes of "arguing" with Christian's five year old cousin over who is the best Disney Princess of all, I look up to find an older woman moving towards me that I assume is Grace.

"Ana! I wish someone would have told me you got here" she says pulling me to my feet and into a hug. "I'm Grace. Thank you so much for coming"

"Oh.. thank you for having me. You have such a lovely home"

"Thank you, dear. I saw the pie, I hope Christian didn't make you bring that. You didn't need to bring anything!"

"He didn't. I wanted to"

"Auntie Grace, Ana thinks Belle is the best princess, tell her she's crazy"

"Hm, you know I am a fan of Belle too, Hals. Honey go find Uncle Carry, he's looking for you"

"Ohhh great, he has my dollar" she says skipping off.

"She's adorable" I say as I watch her take off back into the house.

"Yes, since none of my children seem to be in any rush to give me grandchildren I have to kidnap my sister's grandchildren." I take a sip of my mimosa. "Do you have children, Ana?"

I choke a little on my drink and begin to cough a little. I feel her hand on my back and I shake my head. "No.. no." I take another sip to kill the tickle in my throat.

"But you want them?"

"One day" I say tucking a hair behind my ear nervously. "Of course. But only if they're like Hallie" I smile. "She's a gem" I say as I watch her run back into Christian's arms and I blink my eyes a few times trying to remember this image. I turn back to Grace to find her studying me and I take another nervous sip.

"I have to say.. I was so excited when I heard Christian was bringing a woman today but he assured me you two were just friends"

"Yes" I smile. "We are great friends"

"Oh honey that's wonderful. He needs a good friend." I nod and I know that this isn't the end.
"So do you have a boyfriend?"

"I-uhh" Okay Christian and I totally should have created a code word or signal when I need saving. Like now. I feel like I'm talking to my mother. "No ma'am"

"Oh my gosh, a beautiful, charming girl like you? How is that possible?"

"Haven't found the right one I guess?"

"Pity. But I'm sure the men are chasing you around like crazy" she says to me. "You should totally meet this resident from the hospital. He just-"

"Alright alright, what are we talking about over here?" I hear as Christian approaches us. Thank God.

Grace fiddles with Christian's collar. "Oh nothing, just girl talk!" She says before floating away.

"What was that about?" Christian asks me.

"Apparently your mother wants to set me up with some doctor" I shrug before taking a sip of my drink.

"Absolutely not" he says immediately and my eyes widen at how quick he was to shut down the idea.

"What.. why?"

"I just… what does my mother know about who would be good for you?"

"I don't know.. Couldn't hurt though right?"

"There's the lady of the hour!" Christian is interrupted by Elliott draping an arm around me. "So glad you came, Ana." I'll have to readdress this conversation with Christian. Last time I checked he was not the boss of me. Why does he care who I go out with?

"Hi Elliott, good to see you again" I smile. I try to crane my neck to see if he brought that blonde nightmare with him but I don't see her.

"She'll behave. I made her promise" he says knowing who I am looking for and I nod.

"She better" Christian growls and right on schedule I see her approaching. Be nice, Ana. Be nice. Bigger person. She's coming from a good place. Her best friend. I'm repeating these thoughts in my head as to prevent myself from biting her head off when she inevitably steps out of line.

"Ana" Kate says.

"Hi Kate" I give her the usual girl once over and my eyes widen when I get to her feet. "Holy shit, great shoes" I mentally smack my head. Don't compliment her, that makes you look ridiculous after how she acted last week. But whatever, those shoes are fly as fuck.

She looks taken aback by my compliment and stutters slightly before murmuring a simple "Thank you" she says before turning and walking away and towards the table.

"You may have just won her over" Elliott says teasingly. "She's crazy about her shoes"

I am seated at the table in between Christian and Hallie because 'I HAAAD TO' according to Hallie. Mia, Elliott and Kate are across from us and Grace and Carrick are on either end of the table.

"So Ana, I hear you're a writer?" Carrick says to me and I nod. I really hope this brunch isn't about to be the 'Ana Show' and they're all going to be rapid fire asking me questions.

"Yes, that's correct"

"Writers are brilliant people. Some of the most brilliant of our time. What do you write about?"

I bite down on my bottom lip. "Love"

"I can tell you a lot about that" Hallie interjects.

I smile and turn to her. "Really. Mind if I interview you?"

"Yeah! Have your people call my people" she says causing a round of laughs. She looks up from her food. "What?"

"What can you tell me about love?" I ask her.

"Well I love my mommy and daddy, and Auntie Grace and Uncle Carry, and Mimi, and Lelly and Christian of course" She takes a huge bite of her pancakes. "Then there are friends, like the girls from Kindercare. I love them, we're best friends. Like you and Christian." She says. "Friends that are like family… right?"

I smile at her and I nod. "You know you summed up in two sentences something it takes people years to figure out"

"And then there is love like mommy and daddy love… where you kiss all the time and have mommy daddy alone time and kids can't come in and there's funny noises and-"

"OOOOKAY Hallie" Grace says as Elliott, Mia and Christian all try and contain their laughs.

"Like Kate and Lelly!" She looks at me. "They kiss ALLLLL the time"

"Damn right!" Elliott says putting an arm around Kate and planting a kiss square on her mouth.

"Language!" Grace says.

"Damn" I hear Hallie whisper next to me and Carrick and I both chuckle as we are the closest to her.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"Your family is great, Christian." I say as we are walking along his gorgeous pool. I have never seen a pool that looks quite like this. It's massive. There's no other way to describe it.

"They certainly seem to be taken with you" he says raising an eyebrow at me. "Not that I had any doubts"

"I'm a crowd pleaser what can I say?" I joke and before I can even think I feel myself propelling forward towards the water and I reach for something to anchor me to the cement. I think I grab a hold of something but it's no use and the next thing I know I'm hitting the water. I drop a few feet down when I hear a splash next to me as well and I knock into something in the water. I kick myself to the surface only to see Christian pushing his wet hair back. "What the hell!?"

I look to the left when I hear giggling and then see Hallie take off. "ELLIOTT I DID IT GIVE ME MY TWENTY DOLLARS!"

"I'm going to kill him" Christian says. "Are you okay?" He looks at me.

I look at him, and then down at myself at my soaking wet dress and my suede shoes that are definitely ruined, and then to his family that are sitting at the table staring at us in awe and I can't do anything but laugh. Hysterically. I'm laughing so hard that the tears are streaming out of my eyes. "Oh my God!" I wipe under my eyes and before long Christian is laughing with me. I reach for his shoulders and attempt to dunk him but he stands firm.

"Ah ah ah, Miss Steele." He wraps his arms around my waist so that I'll stop and only then do I see how close we are. I don't know what to do with my hands as I know he doesn't like anyone touching his chest so I let them hang by my side. My dress is clinging to me tightly and I wonder if he's noticed that my nipples have hardened under my dress.

"We should probably get out" I say needing some space from this man who's giving off so much heat despite the cool water. "You couldn't have tried to catch me, geeze Grey" I say as we walk up the stairs getting out of the pool.

"I tried, but it was too late and it sent me sailing in after you"

Mia greets us with towels. "That was great" she laughs. "I wasn't in on it, but that was truly the best thing I've seen all day… You alright?"

"Yep, fine. Just want to get out of these clothes" I say as I pull the dress from sticking completely to my skin.

"I have some clothes here you can borrow" Mia says as we follow her into the house. We are heading up the stairs when I see Hallie sitting there literally twiddling her thumbs. This girl is hilarious.

"What happened?" I ask.

"I have to sit on the naughty step for pushing you"

"You deserve it!" Christian says furrowing his brow at her.

"Oh Christian stop, it was funny" I say putting my hand out to give her a high five. "You get your twenty bucks?"

She pulls it from her pocket and waves it at me. "You know it"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

CPOV

"Oh my God your room is so cute" Ana laughs as she takes in her surroundings. She's still drying her hair with the towel and I worry that she's cold and needs to get into a shower to warm up.

"You can use my shower, I'll go across the hall"

"Thank you" she says gripping Mia's clothes in her hands

"I'm sorry about my cousin"

"Don't worry about it"

"And about your shoes" I tell her

She shrugs. "No bigs"

"I'll replace them"

"I-" she starts. "I'll take you up on that"

"Good" I say. She stops laughing and for a moment I don't see my best friend but this beautiful woman who has somehow affected me deeper than anyone ever has. Her mascara has streaked down her face, and the rest of her face void of makeup and her hair is knotted and stringy from the water and yet I've never seen anyone more beautiful. Before I realize what I'm doing, I'm rubbing my thumb under her eye wiping the mascara away. "You're beautiful"

I see her swallow hard and capture that bottom lip with her teeth and I resist the urge to make her release it when she backs up. "How many mimosas have you had?" she giggles. "I'm freezing, going to go shower." She shivers and with that she's gone, leaving me with my very confused thoughts.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

EPOV

"Hey squirt" I say leaning against the wall.

"Don't talk to me! You got me on the naughty step" She says crossing her arms and making an angry face at me that makes me laugh.

"What do you expect, you pushed someone in the pool! Bonus, Christian going in after her, that was gold. Anyway, I'm busting you out of here" I say picking her up and sitting her on my shoulder.

"Auntie Grace is gonna be pissed"

I look up at her. "Where did you hear that word?"

"From you" she shrugs and I groan. Her parents are going to kill me! AGAIN!

"Why did I have to push Ana anyway? I ruined her pretty dress"

"It's okay. I just need things to move a little faster. Those two are killing me"

"Who?"

I set her down in the kitchen on the counter and pluck a grape from one of the million trays of food my mother prepares when she hosts a brunch. "Can you keep a secret?"

"Yeah yeah yeah!" she says bouncing up and down and grabbing a grape too.

No you can't. But it will work to my advantage. "Christian and Ana love each other"

"I know like best friend love!"

"No like love love… like mommy daddy love"

"What!? No way Jose"

"Yes way! They just don't know it!"

"What do you mean they don't know it? How?"

"Sometimes... " I stop wondering how I am going to put things into words for a five year old to explain. "They just don't know how they feel. It's kinda like… okay. Remember when you thought you hated shrimp because it looked funny and you hadn't had it before? But then you had it and you realized you loved it?"

"Yeah!"

"It's like that… Christian and Ana don't realize they love shrimp. They haven't had shrimp before so they're worried they won't like it"

"Well that's silly, just make them try it!"

"It's… not that simple. And remember you wouldn't try the shrimp until you were ready?"

"Daddy says it's because I'm stubborn"

"Well Christian and Ana are stubborn"

"Well what can we do to get them together?"

"I'm workin on it, squirt"

"Good, because I really like Ana"

"Me too, munchkin, me too"

I set Hallie loose and go to look for my woman. I really had to lay into her yesterday when she threw a fit about Ana coming to brunch. She needs to realize that Jane is in the past and Ana is my brother's future. I know Jane is her best friend but come on, they were together like what two weeks? I've had milk longer than that. I find her pacing the pool looking agitated and as I get closer I realize she's on the phone. God she better not.

"Who are you talking to?"

"I have to go" she says hanging up. I think she's going to lie to me but she sighs. "Jane"

"Why?"

"I didn't call her"

"Oh?"

"No. I'll admit I did after we ran into them. But not since you told me to stay out of it" She says looking down.

"Hey" I say lifting her chin to meet my gaze. "What did she say?"

"She's coming back"

"Coming back… here?"

She nods and I groan. "Seriously? This is what happens when you stick your nose somewhere it just does not belong!"

"Okay first of all Elliott, she lives here. Did you forget that? She was coming back eventually. And why are you so pressed on keeping Jane away anyway?"

"You know why"

"Because you're afraid she's a threat to your precious Ana?"

"Relax, Kate"

"What's so special about her anyway?"

"She cares about my brother, Kate. And I have NEVER seen my brother like this with anyone. Ever. This is big. Bigger than him and Jane. I need you to respect that. I'm sorry that she got hurt. I really am but it has nothing to do with him trying to find his footing in this relationship with Ana. Kate, my brother never dated anyone seriously and now… I want him to be happy. And Ana makes him happy, happier than I've ever seen him. It's not a knock on Jane, but it's not about her, Kate" She's silent and I wonder if I am finally getting my point across. "I've dated women before you Kate and I too have broke some hearts, so what if one came around again, should I just leave you even though you're who I want to be with?"

She contorts her mouth I assume to prevent the tears from falling. "He wants to be with her?"

"I don't know. I think so. But he's trying to figure that out."

"But he was pretty upset when Jane left… doesn't he owe it to himself to make sure he's over it?"

"I'll admit he was upset, but… Ana brought him to life, Kate. He's done things for him that no one has ever been able to do." I sigh running a hand through my hair. "When is she coming back?"

"Wednesday, four days from now"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

APOV

I'm finally dry after my impromptu swim in the Grey pool when I walk back towards Christian's room. I see the door is ajar which means I know he isn't naked. Not that I would mind a glimpse. I chuckle, but I stop when I hear talking. I get to the entrance to his room to see his back to me facing the window.

"It's good to hear from you too Jane, yes I will let you know about Wednesday" he hangs up the phone and tosses it on his bed and lets out a sigh. I don't want him to think I've been eavesdropping but I'm frozen in place. He turns around and his eyes meet mine and he immediately smiles. "You're dry!"

"I am!"

He looks at me and then at his phone. "Did you hear any of that?"

"Just the last part. Is she coming home?"

"Evidently"

"Are you going to see her?" And I find myself holding my breath wondering what the answer is. Okay, Ana why do you care? He's your friend! And he's clearly still got feelings for Jane, right?

"I don't know. I was going to ask what you thought"

"Me?"

"You know me better than anyone"

"I can't tell you what to do about this"

"Yes you can.. I need your help, Ana. Please"

"I- Do you still have feelings for her?"

He looks at me for a beat and I think he's at a loss for words.

"Who's up for heavy drinking!?" Elliott bellows as he enters the room and hops on Christian's bed. "Oh good you guys are dry." He looks at me and shakes his head. "Don't wear that"

I look down at Mia's clothes and roll my eyes. "Yeah thanks for that and what did you have in mind?"

"The new club that opened downtown"

"I could be interested. I do have to make appearances at new hip and happening clubs" I say doing a dance.

"Do people still say happening?" Elliott asks.

"Probably the same people that say cool" Christian says cheekily and I stick my tongue out at him.

"Okay so let's meet at your place at say 9?" Elliott says

"My place?" I squeak.

"Yeah, you're closer to downtown right?"

"Well yeah but-"

"Perrrrrfect."

"Well wait what about… you know?" I say giving him a knowing look.

"Kate will be fine! And you'll have Mia. Aren't you guys besties now?" He says heading out the door. "9 PM STEELE" he says before he disappears.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It's quarter to nine when Christian enters my apartment with some tequila and limes. "I have tequila" I say looking at the bottle he brought.

"Well just in case!" He says setting it on the counter before turning to look at me. "Look I'm sorry my siblings just invited themselves over" he says pinching the bridge of his nose. "But hey at least Kate isn't coming."

I was pleased about that. Although she seemed to hate me less than she did a week ago, I certainly didn't want things being tense or awkward as we are clearly not best friends. With Jane coming back, I am sure she doesn't want to be seen befriending the enemy. Although I am not even the enemy! I don't want to be with Christian! If Jane wants to I'm not going to stand in the way. Is that what they think? "Yes that is good news." I pour myself a shot of my open tequila and pour him one as well. We cheers and down them quickly. "We never finished talking earlier about.. Jane"

"I don't want to talk about it. Not tonight. I just want to have fun" he says and I smile. "With you.. And my brother and sister. Something I never thought I would ever say" he chuckles. He looks me over once.

"What?"

"Just seeing if I see the tattoo.. You've got more skin showing at least up top" I'm wearing a white off the shoulder bandaged top and a black jogger and black heels.

I shake my head. "Nope"

"Let me see" he says taking a step towards me.

"No!" I giggle.

"Is it on your ass?" he asks and I shake my head.

"Your tits?"

I shake my head again and I feel myself start to sweat knowing what his next guess will be. "Christian-"

"Anywhere else?" He asks raising an eyebrow and I swear I catch him staring at my crotch.

"Oh my God here" I say lifting my top slightly to see it written on my ribcage right underneath my bra.

"Deeds not words" he says reading it. "That's powerful"

I lower my shirt and laugh. "There. Now you know all my secrets"

"Do I?"

"I think? I don't know.. What do you want to know?" I ask and I immediately regret it.

"That first night at the bar… before we started talking" he says leaning against the wall. "Would you have let me take you home?"

"Christian..." Abort abort abort! I say in my head. This is a slippery fucking slope and we are not going down it.

"Take a shot if you don't want to answer"

"We aren't playing"

"Answer or shot" I lick my lips and pour myself a shot and down it. "So that's a yes"

"Fuck you" I chuckle.

"Do you find me attractive?"

"Who said you got a second question?" I ask and I'm currently wishing I had more than pita chips and hummus for dinner because that second tequila shot is already going into effect.

"Answer or shot" he says and I shake my head.

"No or I won't make it to the bar"

"Then answer"

"Do you find me attractive?" I ask throwing my words back at him.

"I asked you first"

"I asked you second" I retort.

"What are you taking your arguing tips from Hallie? Just tell me"

I am never more thankful for my buzzer than in this moment. I dart to it buzzing them in because the less time I'm alone with Christian right now the better. When did this happen? When did the walls of my apartment start closing in? When did Christian my best friend start becoming… Christian who was suddenly making my skin come fucking alive? Just in time for his ex to come waltzing back into town? Shit shit shit! This is bad. Very. fucking. Bad.

A/N: This night will now have to be a two-parter! Also, Ana's tattoos are actually Dakota Johnson's tattoos if you want to google them. The one on Ana's ribcage is actually on Dakota's arm but it didn't work for the story because it's too visible! Hope you enjoyed! :)