CHAPTER 4
ANA – THE SAME NIGHT
What the hell just happened? Talk about a night taking a turn. Never in my wildest dreams did I see the night turning out the way it did. The plan was to meet Sam, hopefully hit it off and maybe have a one on one date sometime in the near future. As soon as I laid eyes on Sam, I knew immediately that I was not attracted to him. On paper, he fits. He's not unattractive. He's pleasant and we both have parents with blue collar backgrounds. Like me, he got a scholarship to attend college and he's now making his way in the world, but something was just missing. There was no spark. He must have felt the same way because he spent the entire evening consumed with Mia Grey.
I can understand it. If Mia and Sam hit it off, this evening won't be a total waste.
She's tall, attractive and much more outgoing than I am. How did Stephen Morton describe me as one time? Oh, yeah. He said I was an interesting as a damp dish rag. I've always been a little on the quiet and shy side, so I can't say that he was wrong, but that really hurt. I refuse to think about that man now. I hate how the experience with him keeps seeping into areas of my life when I least expect it.
Now as far as Christian Grey goes, I will be keeping that man at arm's length. The first way of doing that? One thing I learned about GEH when I was researching the company is that they are very formal over there. Therefore, I will refer to him strictly as Mr. Grey. He's my boss and I can't go around using his first name. That's way too familiar. Although as sexy as he is, I'd like to get way beyond familiar. Stop it, Ana! Just stop it! He probably just wants only one thing. I bet he's the type who likes the chase but will lose interest once he gets what he was chasing after.
Not that I would know. I've had guys interested in me, but I've never really given into the chase. I dated Paul Clayton for about 3 months the senior year in high school. His brother owned the hardware store where I worked part time, and Paul was in my class. He was my boyfriend for about 3 months when he realized that I wasn't going to get past third base. He lost interest and moved on to someone else.
That happened close to graduation and I had too much going on to give Paul and his behavior towards me much thought. My mom must have given him my phone number recently because he's texted and has been hinting about coming to Seattle to see me. I haven't encouraged him, though. I want a new life in Seattle with new people.
Mr. Grey unnerved the hell out of me. Why on earth did he keep staring at me all night? Every time I turned around, his eyes were on me. Those dark, gray, sensuous, bedroom eyes. I felt like he was undressing me with those eyes. Why couldn't he be over 50, fat and bald? Why does he have to be young, attractive and charming? Why did he have to kiss me and why did I let the kiss go on as long as I did? I blame that damn cologne he was wearing. It must be some expensive ass shit to put me under such a spell. That cologne alone must cost more than I make in a month.
Just remember that, Ana. Just his cologne costs more than you make in a month. It's probably $500 an ounce or something ridiculous like that. This man is way out of my league. A carpenter's daughter from Montesano has no business being with a man like such as Christian Grey. Stay in your lane, Ana Steele, before you get run over!
Besides the wealth, power and extreme influence that Mr. Grey has, thanks to Elliot's drunken tirade, it seems like he comes with quite a bit of baggage as well. It seems like some dark family secrets have recently come to light. Being molested and taken advantage of by your mom's best friend is beyond my level of comprehension. And this woman got him involved in BDSM? From the little I know about BDSM, it's supposed to be consensual. If that's what the parties are into, who am I to judge?
What two consenting adults do in their private lives is their business, but Mr. Grey was not an adult at the time and could not consent when this predator got her hooks into him. What kind of person does this to a child? The child of your supposed best friend? If I ever see this woman, I'm going to use some of the self-defense moves that Ray taught me on that evil, predator bitch troll.
Calm down, Ana, I tell myself. When would you ever be in a situation where you would meet or see this woman? I need to stay away from Mr. Grey. If I ever do run into him, I will keep it professional. We do work in the same building, after all. It's only a matter of time before we run into each other. I'll do my best to avoid him, but if we run into each other, I will put on my professional, aloof demeanor.
I finally pull into a parking spot in our apartment building lot. I go inside an empty apartment. Kate has been spending more and more time over at Elliot's. I suppose he really needs someone with him tonight after he got so drunk and made such a scene. I'd hate to be Elliot Grey in the morning.
I take a quick shower and get into bed. I fall asleep instantly and dream of gray eyes.
CHRISTIAN – THE NEXT MORNING.
I wake up around 6 am on Saturday morning. I only had one nightmare, which is an improvement. Most nights I have 3 before I give up on sleep and end up at my piano.
I rub one out quickly while I think of clear, blue eyes and smooth, white thighs. As I'm stroking myself, I play that giggle in my head over and over again. I see the pink blush and shy smile. I come all over my hands and stomach.
I wash off with a washcloth and run on my treadmill for half an hour. I usually prefer to run with Taylor, but he has today off and it's raining pretty heavy outside this morning. I send Sawyer, my other CPO, out to get me breakfast. I decide on a spinach and mushroom omelet.
It's about 10 o'clock when I decide to make the trip to Elliot's house. As much of party boy and skirt chaser as Elliot is, you'd think he would live in a condo downtown, close to the night life, but he lives in a gated community full of town homes in Bellevue, a 5 minute drive from our parent's house. I guess he likes living close to them. He eats dinner there most nights.
I ring the bell and after about 3 minutes, Kate opens the door. Her hair is disheveled and it look like she's wearing one of Elliot's shirts.
She looks surprised to see me.
"It's Mr. Moneybags. Is Elliot up yet?" I ask trying to keep it light.
She blushes but her blush doesn't compare to Ana's.
"I'm going to kill your brother," she says. "I'm sorry. It was just something I said as a joke. I didn't mean to offend you."
"No offense taken. I've been called much worse. Is he up yet? I'd like to talk."
She looks at me, probably question whether or not talking to Elliot right now is a good idea. I guess she decides not to ask questions.
"I'll go get him," she says. She leaves and I take a seat in the living room.
I look around the room. I haven't been here in a while, but it looks like he's gotten new furniture. His colors are warm browns and beiges. He has family photos and artwork everywhere. It's nice to see that he hasn't cut me out of the family pictures. There's a framed photo of me and Elliot fishing on my dad's boat. That was about 2 years ago when dad insisted on a Grey men's weekend at the Columbia River and Tributaries for my birthday.
I remember not wanting to go away that weekend. I had a sub, whose name I can't even remember now, and I wanted to have her in my playroom. After much pleading from mom, I went. I ended up having a great time. Dad drank so much the first evening, he spent have the night throwing up. Elliot and I made so much fun of him the next day for being such a light weight. He made us promise not to tell mom. Elliot made him buy his silence for $20. I was so shocked when dad pulled out his wallet and paid, that I spit my beer out. I told Elliot is silence was worth way more than that. Dad agreed and for the rest of the weekend, we referred to Elliot only as Cheap Whore.
I look at the picture and it's me and Elliot holding up a huge salmon. We are both smiling at the camera and Elliot was giving the thumbs' up sign. Dad's been wanting to do a family weekend of fishing, but we haven't been able to arrange it in all this time. Maybe I should take the lead and do that.
Elliot walks in while I'm holding the picture frame of us. He looks like you'd expect someone with a bad hangover to look. His hair is all over the place. He's in the same clothes he was in last night, which are not stained and wrinkled. I can smell body odor and stale alcohol all the way from here.
"I'm surprised you haven't cut my head out in all of these pictures, El. I like what you've done with the place."
Before he can respond, Kate comes back dressed in last night's outfit.
"I'll go so you two can talk," she says.
She looks straight at me and says, "I'm sure Ana is wanting some company right about now."
I hold her stare but make no comment. I don't know how she feels about me and Ana, so I'm not giving anything away.
She hugs Elliot goodbye and whispers something in his ear. He nods.
After she leaves, I turn back to look at Elliot.
"It's too early for this, C. I'm not feeling well and I'm not in the mood," Elliot grumbles.
"Too bad. You decide to make a spectacle of yourself in a public place and in front of strangers. I say this conversation is way over-due," I say. I'm tired of his shit. He's going to have to man up and speak with me today or I'm going to beat the shit out of his hungover ass.
"Fine," he says, resigned. "Let me just get some coffee first. You want some?" This is the most he's said to me sober in months.
"Sure."
Elliot goes into the kitchen and makes a pot of coffee and offers me a mug. It's a red mug, full of hearts. I admire his skill in the kitchen. I would set the house on fire if I tried to do that. If Gail isn't there to make breakfast, I have to have one of the security guys get me some Starbucks.
He stays quiet. I decide I better start this conversation or we're not going to get anywhere.
"You made quite a scene last night," I begin.
"Look, man. I'm sorry for it coming out in such a public forum but I meant what I said. Ever since mom and dad brought you home, I've made every attempt to build a relationship. I was only 7 when they adopted you, but I was so happy to have a brother. They bring you home and you don't talk, but we still play, and do shit that causes us to get in trouble together. When Mia comes along, you finally open up and for a few years, things were great between us. You still had your issues with touch and the nightmares, but you were ok. You were my best friend. Then the teen years hit and you become a fighting and drinking machine. I know I had just gone away to college when you were 15, but I tried everything to get you to open up to me. I offered for you to come spend weekends with me at Stanford, but you wouldn't. I would come home for the weekends to spend time with you, but you'd either be locked away in your room or helping Elena. Now I guess I understand why," he says and takes a sip of his coffee.
I was about to speak, but Elliot continues.
"For years, I couldn't understand what happened. You weren't fighting anymore and your grades improved, but your relationship with the family got worse. It was polite and distant, not how one would behave with their family. So I try harder to reach you, with no success. When you went away to Harvard, our relationship almost became non-existent. I tried everything. I called. I emailed. Hell, I even wrote letters and the most I would get would be an unenthusiastic response. You dropped out and mom and dad were so angry. I figured I would be the one to bring the family back together, but you just kept pushing us all away. I'd go two or three months without hearing from you, but I kept trying. For years, the only time you would give me the time of day is if I forced you to. You never initiated contact with me and that hurt. Then I find out about you and Elena fucking Lincoln. I can't even say her name. When I found out about that, C, I just didn't know how to feel at first."
"Elliot, I never thought that my behavior would affect you like have such an effect on you. I guess I should have, but I only saw things the way the affected me. I'm sorry about that. I was a total dick and acted like a selfish asshole towards the people who have always loved me. You already know the story about my life before I became a Grey so I'm not going to rehash that shit. I had so much anger, so much sadness inside of me for so long. Then puberty hit and I was a horny, angry kid who couldn't stand to be touched. What girl would want to fuck me when I would freak out by the slightest touch? I couldn't trust myself not got get violent with someone for touching me so I stayed away from girls. Then Elena offered me a way. Part of what I found appealing about BDSM is the rules, and one of my rules was no touching. So, imagine my situation. I'm horny, angry and frustrated and this older woman offers to fuck me without touching my no touch zones. Of course, I took her up on it.
I was fifteen and didn't see what she was doing as wrong. She punished me when I got a bad grade, so my grades improved. Once mom told her I got into the liquor cabinets and she took a cane to me. Guess what? That shit hurt so I stopped drinking. I saw all of those things as positive. Mom and dad were happy so I must have been doing something right, right? I didn't see her for the manipulative person that she is. That came later, with age and the help of Flynn. By the time she spilled the beans at the party, I hadn't been intimate with her in years. I hadn't had a submissive in months. I was pulling away and she was getting desperate to keep her control over me. That night, she was offering to come fuck and I turned her down. That's when mom overheard. I didn't see how fucked up it was that she would find women for me or that her interest in my life was borderline obsessive. I thought she was my friend, the one person who helped after I dropped out of college," I finally finish.
That must have been the wrong thing to say.
"Elena was the only person who was there to help you? See, that's what I'm talking about. I was there to help you. I was always there," he says dejectedly.
"Yes, you were, but I didn't want to bring you into my shit. You were always the happy, carefree one and I didn't want to taint you. I always felt that you guys didn't deserve to be with someone as fucked up as me."
"You know I blame myself, C? I felt like I let this happen to you. I should have tried harder. I should have known somehow," he says.
"Elliot, there is no way anyone could have known. This is not your fault. This is on me and Elena," I say.
"Don't you dare blame yourself for what that predator did to you. You were a scared kid and she preyed on you, took advantage of a 15 year old boy with issues. That cunt alone is to blame, not you."
"I was so devastated that night you told us. Do you know what I did? I drove to her house and parked outside for about 2 hours. Thank goodness our parents raised us to hate guns, because if I owned a gun, I probably would be waiting for my murder trial right now. Then I thought about going into her house and beating the shit out of her, but we were raised never to hit a woman. A few days later, I came up with a plan to burn down Esclava or to cut the break lines on her Mercedes, but the last thing this family needed was me behind bars. I swear, C. I became full of anger and because I couldn't take it out on that bitch, I turned my anger on you. I'm ashamed of my behavior last night. Kate told me off last night for behaving that way. You should know Sam signed an NDA and won't say anything."
"Look, you were indiscreet but I never saw things from your point of view. I didn't know you were hurting or blaming yourself. If I'd known, we would have had this talk sooner. I'm not angry at you about last night. I just wish you had said all of this to me sooner."
He nods.
"I'm glad you decided not to do anything criminal to Elena. Look, her shop is failing. It's only a matter of time before she has to close up shop. Let the universe take care of her. I'm having someone watch her 24/7 so the minute she does something wrong, I'll know. We can go after her together."
He nods once again.
"Are we good?" He asks.
"As far as I'm concerned, we are," I reply.
"Good. Let's stop talking about our feelings like a bunch of women. We're good, man. I'll stop being a dick," Elliot says. Just like that, my brother is back.
"And I'll stop being aloof. I need my family and that includes your dumb ass, ok?"
"I'm the dumb one? I'm not the one who had drool on his chin over Ana Banana last night. You were pathetic," he laughs. He moves to slap me on my back but stops himself.
"It's ok, El. I've been working with a therapist who specializes in patients with touch issues, and I've been able to tolerate some touch. That's why I didn't lose it and kick your ass when you touched my chest last night."
"Like you can ever kick my ass. Ana, huh?" He asks.
"I thought you said you wanted to stop sharing our feelings like a bunch of women?"
"Fuck that. This I want to hear. You just promised to stop being aloof. If you want me to help you get the girl, start talking."
"Fine. I lost my ability to speak when I first saw her. I have a meeting out of the office on Monday but I'm thinking of forcing them to come to me or canceling the whole thing because I don't want to leave the building knowing that she's there. You happy?"
"God, you have it bad then. I've never seen anything more pathetic in my life. You were like a little puppy," he says.
"I walked her to her car and we kissed but she put a stop to it really quick and drove off. She said I'm her boss and she mentioned something about me having a body guard. Taylor was there the entire fucking time lurking in the parking lot like some kind of pervert. What can you tell me about her?" I ask.
"She's quiet, shy and loves to read. I've been with Kate for about 5 months now and I've never known Ana to even have so much of a date. That's why I tried to fix her up with Sam last night."
"Thank goodness that didn't work out."
"I don't know the details but Kate mentioned that her mom married this asshole when Ana was about 13 and he was horrible to her mom. Kate seems to think she's guarded against men because of what went on with that asshole. He treated Ana's mom like shit. I think he treated Ana pretty poorly too because her mom sent her back to Montesano to live with her dad. That's all I know. Jesus, of all the people for you to fall for, you fall for one who works for you. Are you sure you're interested in her? Kate will kill both of us if you hurt her. If you want to get laid, I can find you someone."
I got to figure out who this asshole was and what he did to Ana. If he laid one hand on her, I will destroy his life.
"I don't' need you to get me laid, Elliot. Grow up. I'm interested in Ana, not some random hook up," I say.
He rolls his eyes.
"Fine. I'm done gossiping like a 15 year old girl. Watch this," he says as he grabs his cell phone.
"Hey, babe," the asshole calls Kate while I'm standing right here.
I don't know what she says but he tells her everything is ok now. He listens for a bit longer and then puts the phone on speaker. He mouths for me to stay quiet.
"Is Ana there. I have something to say to the both of you. Put your phone on speaker, babe," he says.
"Ana," I hear Kate yell. "Elliot's on the phone and he wants to talk to you."
"Hey, El," I hear my angel say.
"Hey, ladies. I want to apologize for being a total douche last night. I want to make it up to you by taking you both to a late lunch. I'll invite Mia too. What do you say?" Elliot asks.
"Is your brother ok, El?" This from Ana. She's so sweet to worry about me. My heart aches just hearing her voice.
"We talked and cleared the air. What do you say? Pick you up in about an hour."
"Can we have seafood?" Kate asks.
"Sure. You in, Banana?" Elliot presses.
"I don't want to be a third wheel, and you don't owe me an apology, Elliot. Just work it out with your brother," Ana says. I look at Elliot. I can't speak but I'm telling him with my eyes to convince her.
"Mia is coming too so you're not a third wheel. Blueacre Seafood? I'll pick you both up, ok?"
"Ok," I hear Ana say. "That sounds fun. See you soon. I'm gonna go get ready."
"I'm going to go get ready, too. See you in a few," Kate says hanging up.
"So, what's the plan?" I ask.
"I show up with Mia and you. We all go to lunch. You try to have a conversation without drooling. Come on, man. Grow a pair. Give me a few to shower and change."
I feel nervous all of a sudden, and Christian Grey doesn't do nervous. I run a billion dollar empire and I'm scared of a 5 foot 2 inch little woman? Fuck, no. If that kiss was any indicator, she's attracted to me. I just have to build upon that. But how? I'll have to figure it out along the way.
"Hurry the fuck up, Elliot," I yell up the stairs.
ANA
"It's just not a good idea, Kate," I say.
"But why not? He couldn't stop looking at you all night. It was pretty funny to watch. I've always heard about how ruthless he is in the boardroom, but he wasn't like that at all last night. He was like a lost little puppy the way he kept following you with his eyes. It was quite sweet," Kate says.
"What am I supposed to do with a man like that? He's way out of my league. I could never hold on to a man like him for long," I say. Lord knows Carla would never hold on to a man and that shit is probably genetic.
"Bullshit. You've never even given anyone the time of day. How do you know you can't hold on to him?"
"Well if I'm going to try with a guy, I wouldn't start with him. I looked him up this morning. You know he's a billionaire? He's in mergers and acquisitions. I read a little bit about that and two words come to mind: ruthless and cutthroat. He practically owns half of Seattle and lord only knows what else. He can have any socialite he wants. What does Ana Steele from Montesano have to offer someone like that?" I ask.
"First of all, you're smart as shit, gorgeous, sweet, caring. I can go on and on. You're the total package, Steele. The question isn't what YOU can offer Christian Grey, it's what can Christian Grey offer you. They way he was acting last night, you can have him eating out of the palm of your hand."
"You're supposed to say that. You're my best friend. Have you forgotten I work for him? That can get complicated. Besides, I probably won't get to see him. I work in the daycare, remember? He will have no business down there."
"We'll see. I know guys like him. What Christian Grey wants, he gets. And he wants you. Get ready," Kate says as she walks to her bedroom.
I don't know if she means get ready for Grey or get ready for lunch. I quickly shower, blow dry and flatten my hair. I put on some black leggings, black tank top and a blue denim jacket. I put on a pair of black boots. It's casual but nice. I finish up by adding some gloss and mascara.
Just as I step out into the living room, there's a knock on the door.
"You look good, Steele," Kate says.
Kate has on a short denim skirt and tall stiletto boots and red black sweater.
She goes to open the door and Elliot picks her up off her feet and kisses her right in the doorway. How I wish I had a relationship like that. Ana Steele, the 22 year old virgin, is getting old, lame and pathetic. Maybe I should see Paul again. He's old and familiar.
I look up and I see Mia. Right behind her is Christian. To say I'm speechless is an understatement. Today he's wearing blue jeans and a white button-down shirt. He looks yummy. What I wouldn't give for him to greet me like Elliot greeted Kate. I'd rip that shirt off and have him carry bridal style into the bedroom and make me scream in ecstasy. I've always had fantasies of a man's head between my legs as I moan in pleasure. I can see the muscular outline of his upper body. I continue to look up and our eyes meet. I involuntarily lick then bite my bottom lip.
He's caught me checking him out. Fuck! Without saying a work I turn and go into the kitchen for some cold water.
"You know how to clear a room, bro," I hear Elliot say. I guess the fight they were having is over now.
I walk back out there with a bottle of water, feeling like an idiot for walking out.
"Hey, guys. I got thirsty all of a sudden and needed some water."
"It's hot in here, isn't it, Christian?" Elliot says, laughing.
Christian, er, Mr. Grey rolls his eyes.
We all fall silent.
"Elliot," Kate says, "I want to show you that thing in my room that you needed to fix. Mia, you should come see it, too."
"Sure, Elliot was telling me about the thing on the way over here. Let's go," Mia says awkwardly.
They all leave and it's just me and Christian. Mr. Grey. It's just me and Mr. Grey.
He's looking at me with those intense eyes. He comes and stands directly in front of me. He looks down into my eyes, and puts a piece of hair behind my ear. His touch causes goosebumps all over my body.
"We meet again, Ms. Steele," he says seductively.
I am so screwed.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I wanted Christian and Elliot to get over their issues so we can focus on Christian and Ana, and the rest of the crazy Greys. Grace won't be able to contain herself when she gets confirmation that Christian in interested in Ana. I hope to update again mid week. Thank you for following, favoriting, reading and commenting.
