AN: WOW! Thank you all so much for the reviews for chapter 5! The overall reaction was positive, which I am truly grateful for. I was nervous about the length, and all the different emotions throughout the chapter. I think Christian gave us an amazing view of Christmas Eve night and Christmas morning. There were several reviews questioning birth control, to be honest, I didn't even think of it, so no I guess they didn't use birth control. I didn't plan a pregnancy for the story, so, no worries! This chapter will have two different dates also, starting with the continuation of Christmas Day, and a time jump (just a few days). I want to speed this up for them, it is only suppose to be a short story, and a holiday one.
AN2: Please head on over to the 'Top Five FSOG Stories' facebook group and vote for your favorite holiday story. There are plenty of amazing holiday stories that was written this past month. Vote for your favorite before January 20th! My story, Under the Mistletoe, is one among the other stories. It's a great honor to be nominated with the other talented authors of Fifty Shades Fanfiction. Thank you.
It is officially 2018 here in New York, and I just completed the last sentence of this chapter. Happy New Year to you and your families. May 2018 bring you happiness, health, love, and anything you have ever wanted!
Chapter 6: Be Mine?
Ana's POV
December 25, 2017
I'm woken up by someone leaving sweet kisses up and down my naked back. I blink my eyes several times, letting them adjust to the afternoon light that is beaming into the room. I squirm against the feather light touches caused by the fingertips of Christian. I stretch my body, now realizing how deliciously sore my body is. I turn my face towards him, his eyes are bright, his smile is wide, he looks relaxed, happy.
"What are you smiling about?" He chuckles in my ear, his fingertips never stopping their slow assault on my back.
"Oh, just how how amazing I feel right now, here in your arms, safe and protected, and more importantly, happy. Really happy, Christian." I honestly tell him with unshed tears in my eyes.
He stops his trail on my back, and wraps himself around me, so tightly there is no open space between us. "I'm glad to heat that, baby."
"Kiss me." I request of him.
"With pleasure," he growls out, rolling us over so he is hovering me. His lips find mine automatically, like two magnets that are attracted to one another.
"How are you feeling? Sore?" He asks against my lips, but he doesn't stay there long, he finds my neck, leaving hot, wet, open-mouthed kisses in his wake.
"Yes, deliciously." I moan out.
"Mmmm… I like that."
"Me, too." We continue to kiss, closing my eyes, I enjoy the feeling of his soft lips against mine, his rough hands against my body, pushing and pulling me to his will. He's commanding, taking all that he wants, and I allow him. I willingly let him dominate these shared kisses, because if I don't I will flounder. I follow his lead, giving into the submission.
The kissing slows down, giving each other pecks across our faces. Christian kisses my cheeks, eyes, forehead, the tip of my nose, and finally, my lips, again. He looks into my eyes, his grey eyes creating a storm, and there's something there, something he is feeling, I just can't place it.
"What?" I ask, blushing under his intense gaze on me.
"You are so beautiful. You have this made this Christmas, bearable. I am so glad that I made the decision to come here, staying with you, being with you. Ana, baby., I have a confession to make."
Oh, well, that doesn't sound too good. When people make confessions, they confess what they have done wrong, their sins to priests, their partner when they commit adultry, the police when they speed or steal, no, nope, I don't like this.
"Oh. Well, I was just about to get up and get our Christmas dinner started." I start to wiggle my way out of his arms, not wanting to hear what he has to say to me. Does he have a girlfriend back home? Did he not like the sex?
I manage to get away from him, hoping out of bed, and throwing a robe on as I run out the door. I hear him in my room, cursing and, possibly, fumbling with his clothes.
I am in the kitchen, prepping the seasoning for the prime rib, while it rests at room temperature, when I hear Christian stomping down the hallway. Brooding, great.
"Ana, why did you run away like that?"
"I told you, I needed to start dinner. It isn't going to cook itself, Christian." I state, nonchalantly, as I start to peel the potatoes.
"Baby, stop." Christian grabs the peeler out of my hand, places it just out of reach, and turns me to face him.
"When you fell asleep against me, after we made love, I said something to you. I didn't realize you were sleeping so heavily yet, but when you didn't respond, I didn't want to wake you. I just held onto you even tighter, letting the sleep take me with you. I dreamt of you, of us, here, and back in Seattle." He is starting to rambling.
"What did you say to me when you thought I was still awake?"
"I said, umm…" His cell phone rings interrupting us from a conversation he seems we should be having right now.
"Fuck, it's my parents, I should take this."
"Of course." I nod my head and go back to preparing our dinner. I am thankful he received the phone call, giving us some time apart.
What if he thinks that we shouldn't be together? We are from two completely worlds outside of here. However, he did mention that he had a dream about us being together back home. I just don't know…
Minutes or hours pass before he returns to the kitchen. I have the prime rib in the oven and a pot of water boiling for the potatoes.
"My parents wished you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. They would love to meet you, when we are back in Seattle. I am shocked you didn't hear my sister, Mia, squealing from in here." He laughs.
"Oh, um, meeting your family?"
"Sure, why not?"
"Well, I just because, um, well, how would I be introduced?" I ask, hesitantly, playing with my fingers, and avoiding eye contact.
He walks over to me, every step is calculated. My breath hitches as I look up and see the intensity in his eyes. He keeps walking, which causes me to back up until I can't anymore. I am locked between his hard body and the cool metal of the refrigerator. His hands are out stretched on either side of my head, his eyes on me, never moving from my face. His determined eyes to my petrified ones.
A small smile begins to appear on his face, the corners of his lips curled ever so slightly. The he begins to speak to me, his voice is as smooth as honey.
"I would like to introduce you to my family as my girlfriend, if you allow me." His eyes are sincere and honest. He wants to be with me? As his girlfriend?
"Christian, we, we are from two different worlds. Once we get home, to Seattle, how could this work? How could we work?"
"Just as we are now. Ana, I love you. I have fallen head over heels in love with you. You, little lady, have wormed your way into my heart. Be mine? We could do this. I truly believe that. Please, baby, give us a shot, and be mine?"
Holy. Fucking. Shit.
He loves me? Me? Annie Steele from small town, Montesano. I have feelings for him, of course I do, if I didn't, I wouldn't have slept with him. Is it love?
"You, Christian, you love me?" I stare up at him, not believing that this is my Christmas.
"I do. I think I fell in love with you the moment I first saw you, well bumped into you. The moment you were in my arms, there was a magnetic pull towards you, and once you left the safety of my arms, I felt empty. Making love to you today, Jesus Ana, it was the most amazing experience of my life. Nothing, absolutely nothing will beat that moment we shared. I want to make love to you for the rest of my life, I want you to be mine, just as I am yours. Baby, I will ask again, be mine."
My heart is racing, inching to explode out of my chest.
"I, Christian, I would love to be your… girlfriend." I stutter out.
"You're mine." He growls out, as he pushes me against the fridge and attacks my lips.
"Yours." I moan out.
"Baby, I love you, I do." He declares again. I have really strong feelings for him, it's just, I am not ready. At least, I don't think I am.
"I.." I pause.
"Christian, I.." I stop myself again.
"Shh, Baby, it's okay. I know how you feel. When you are ready, you can say it."
I should be able to tell him exactly how I feel, but my heart, it just hurts too much still. The last person I said I love you to, left me, so unexpectedly and aggressively.
"It's just that, the last time I said those words to someone, he left me."
"Ana, baby, I understand. Take your time, I will wait lifetimes to hear those words from you. When you finally are able to say them to me, because believe me, one day you will be able to, I will be here, listening to those sweet words come from your lips. And, when that day happens, it will be one of the best days of my life."
"One of?" I curiously ask him.
He gives me a shy smile and cocks his head to the side, "Yes, one. One was the other day when we first met, the next was our first date and kiss, then of course, today, the first time we made love."
How can someone so dominant and cut throat in the business world, be so sweet and endearing with me? He is the perfect mixture of sweet and sour; heaven and hell.
The rest of the day is spent quietly puttering around the house. We didn't want to go out anywhere, and just really get to know one another. We are sitting at the dinner table, the prime rib cooked to perfection, the mashed potatoes creamy, asparagus drizzled with hollandaise sauce, and the rolls warm and buttery.
"What made you want to go into starting your own company?"
"I have always had an interest in finding solutions to problems, instead of just walking away from one. My grandfather was a buisness lawyer, he would go over contracts for mergers and acquisitions, as I got older, I would ask questions, becoming interested in the process. When I was in high school, if allowed, my grandfather would bring me to some business meetings. After the meetings, my grandfather, Theodore, would ask me what would I do in a given situation, and I would have to decide to merge, or buy out the company. He told me I had a good eye, and head for this type of buisness. I went to college, majored in business and economics, and I was bored out of my mind. The professors were giving lectures on business conduct, laws, and scenarios that I already knew since high school. I, honestly, wanted to drop out and start my company, but my grandfather spoke to me and told me that having the degree would look better. I, reluctantly, agreed and stuck it out until I graduated. My friend, Ros, and I came up with buisness plans, and then in senior year, I bought my first company, and three years later, I am still building it up."
"You're very brave, Christian. I believe that your company is going to be very successful for years to come." I tell him honestly, he has the drive and determination to see his company to greatness.
"Thank you, Ana, that means a lot to me, coming from you. I hope you are at my side for it all. To be honest, I will be busy, and there is travel involved, but, I want us to work." He reaches over and grabs my hand in his, lacing our fingers together, his thumb rubs my hand, sending shockwaves throughout my body.
"I think we could make it work. There are times where we will have to try harder, but I feel like it will be worth it."
We smile at one another and continue to eat our holiday meal. "This is delicious, baby. Where did you learn to cook like this?"
"I had to teach myself. My dad didn't stand a chance in the kitchen, he tried, but rice became soup, chicken would be served clucking, and vegetables would be mush. It was just us, I would watch Food Network, and take out cook books from the local library. I started to really enjoy it, and besides reading, it was a stress relieve. I eventually began to make up my own recipes and experiment in the kitchen. Sometimes it paid off, and other times, it certainly did not."
"You said it was just you and Ray, do you mind me asking about your mom?"
"She left us. She had an affair with her now ex-husband. My dad caught her cheating on him, in our house, when he came home early from work. She went to take me with her, but I fought it. My dad adopted me when I was a baby, so the judge let me decide who I wanted to stay with. It was a no brainer for me. He went to everything that involved me, parent teacher conferences, recitals, spelling bees, events where parents show up proud that their child is in participating in something. My mom called every now and then, always a week after my birthday or Christmas. So, I should be expecting a call from her sometime in the new year. She didn't come to my high school graduation, well, because she forgot, and my college graduation, her current husband, broke his toe. Ray was the best father and mother a daughter could ever ask for."
"Baby, you say that I am brave, but God damn, you are the strongest and bravest person I have ever met before."
The rest of the night is watching Christmas movies on TV. We are both yawning and have difficulty keeping our eyes open during the third or fourth movie.
"Let's go to bed, baby. It's getting late." Christian notices the time, I look and see that it is close to one in the morning.
"Sure. It is hard to keep my eyes open, I couldn't even tell you what is going on in this movie right now."
We get up, and start walking towards my bedroom. Christian stops at the threshold of the bedroom, looking nervous. He is tipping back and forth and his feet and glancing at me from the corner of his eye.
"Christian, what's wrong?"
"Well, I wasn't sure if you wanted to sleep together, or if I should give you a goodnight kiss, and head to my room." I bite my lip to stop from giggling, he sure does turn into a schoolboy when he is nervous. It's adorable.
"I was hoping you would stay with me. It's been a long, emotional day, it would be nice to be wrapped in your arms."
"I would be honored to." We both head towards the bed and climb in. He automatically pulls me into him, his arms wrapping around my body, and my head finds his chest.
"Good night, baby. I love you." He whispers as he kisses the top of my head.
"Sweet dreams, Christian. Me too." I say back, kissing his bare chest.
Christian's POV
December 28, 2017
The past few days after Christmas has flew by. Ana and I have become closer by talking about anything and everything. She is really opening up to me, and I couldn't be more proud of her for that. She has yet to say the actually words of, 'I love you', but she will respond by stating, 'me too', and for now, I can take that.
We have been busy exploring Aspen together. Yesterday, we tried skiing. I haven't skied in years, but it was just like riding a bike. My girl had difficulty, and I spent most of the day holding her hands or hips and helping her down the bunny trails. She fell, a lot, but we had a lot of fun together. The smile she had on her face all day was well worth it. For dinner, I had asked Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Roberts to come in today and cook a dinner. Ana has been cooking and baking up a storm, I know she loves it, but I wanted us to have a nice dinner together, where she wasn't worried about cleaning up.
Since Christmas night, I have stayed in Ana's room at night. I only go to my bedroom to shower and change. We have made love several more times, and the more times we are together, the better it gets, I also think that is because she is opening up to me more. The more she opens her heart, the more passion and love I feel coming from her during those moments together.
Tonight is the Night of Lights. It starts at eight o'clock, so we should leave soon. I am dressed in long johns, jeans, two pairs of socks, a regular pair, with a pair of thick ones, I have several shirts on, including a sweatshirt. Our jackets, hats, and gloves are by the door. I am pulling on my hiking boots when I see Ana walk down the hallway from her bedroom. How can she still look so fucking sexy all bundled up like that?
She is wearing, from what I can see, tight pair of jeans, a long sleeved white shirt, a fur vest, with a chunky scarf. She also has her hiking boots on, thank God. I was scared she would just wear her Uggs. Her hair is up in a messy bun on top of her head. Her make up is minimal, a simple rose gloss and masacara. She doesn't need anything else. Her eyes are bright and happy.
"I made hot chocolate, I found two thermos'!"
"Marshmallows?"
"Oh, but of course, sir," she giggles.
"Of course, silly me. Come on, we should head out, we don't want to miss it."
She puts on her pale pink headband, which is thick and made for winter, as I put my hat on. After I put my gloves on, she hands me our drinks, and puts on hers. I hand her her themors, take her empty hand and lead her out of the house.
We finally arrive in Snowmass, the next town over from Aspen. We see the night skiers getting ready to light up the torches that are set in the snow, there's energetic music blasting all around us, and children and families running around, laughing.
"This looks like snow much fun!" Ana squeals and then giggles at her own joke.
"You are the cutest girl ever," I tell her as I pull her close to me. I kiss her soundly.
We walk around the lot, amongst the other hikers, holding hands and taking in the sites.
"What else do you want to do in Aspen, baby?"
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. I was looking up things to do, and I came upon the Aspen Animal Shelter, and did you know that they let you rent a dog for a day or more? Well, if it is okay with you, and of course Jack and Leslie, I would like to do that. I was doing some thinking and I want to adopt a dog when I get home. There are too many that need a good home, someone to love and nurture them, I can give that one. What do you say?"
Like I said, she has the most endearing, kindest, purest heart. I just fell even more in love with her.
"I think that is a great idea baby," I say as I take out my cell phone to text my Uncle Jack.
Uncle Jack, I have a quick question for you. ~C
What can I do for you? -JH
Ana mentioned about 'renting a dog' for sometime from the local animal shelter. She doesn't want to do it without your and Aunt Leslie's permission. You should have seen her, her eyes were lit up, her smile was beautifully spread across her face … ~C
We have no problem with that. We trust you two. So, Christian, everything is going well? -JH
Yes, I love her, Uncle Jack. I can't see myself leaving her side. I know we just met, but spending this time with her here, it's just been…. magaical. ~C
I knew you two would hit it off! I wish you two the best of luck, but, Christian, I look at her like a niece, like Mia, if you hurt her, I hurt you. She doesn't have a father in her life to threaten her boyfriend, I'm going to do that. She's a treasure, treat her as such. -JH
Always. ~C
"We got the go ahead, baby. We will go tomorrow to the shelter and see what we can do."
"Yay! Christian, you are the best! Thank you, thank you, thank you." She yells and jumps onto me, which causes me to quickly catch her. A few people walking by look at us and smile.
The music pauses, just for an announcement that states that the 'Night of Lights' is about to begin. The music starts again, as the crowd moves to the gates of park.
There's a trail of lights leading up a small mountain, there are all different colors. On the hills to the left and right, there are skiers going down the mountain in glow in the dark clothing. It looks pretty insane to watch as they weave back and forth as they ski down the mountain.
"This is so cool!"
"It is. I'm glad we received tickets for this."
We keep following the crowd, watching the lights as they change colors, until we end up in a large clearing. There are tables set up with snacks and hot beverages.
"I need refill." Ana states, shaking her thermos. I need a refill also, so I tell her to stay where she is, by the fire pit, and I take our empty thermos' to get them refilled at the station.
"Two hot chocolates, please." I request of the vendor that is helping out at tonight's event.
"Sure, sir," she purrs at me. I give her the two thermos' to refill for me, she takes them, forcing her hand that is reaching for the thermos to touch mine.
"Lady, listen, I have a beautiful, intelligent girlfriend, who is here with me, right now. Please, just refill our thermos' so we aren't as cold tonight. Thank you." I don't wait for her response as I turn to keep an eye on Ana.
She's sitting in an Adirondack chair, in front of the fire, the flames casting a light on her. She is bundled up in a blanket, I am assuming she picked it out of the many baskets they have arouns, large blankets rolled up with ribbons in each of them.
"Here you are, sir," I turn back around to the vendor, notching it is a different person holding out my drinks.
"Thank you ma'am."
I turn once again, and walk towards my girl. There aren't any other chairs to sit in. "Here you go, baby. Are you warm?"
"Thank you," she says as she takes a sip of her hot chocolate. "I'm getting there. It doesn't seem like there are more chairs. Do you want to go somewhere else?"
"Nope," I tell her, as I take her hand and lift up off the chair. I sit down in the chair she was just in, and before she can say anything, I pull her into my lap.
"Perfect," she giggles as she kisses the tip of nose.
We sit, snuggled up under the blanket, sipping our hot beverages, and taking in the moment of being together. The fire is crackling, a flurry of snow is beginning to fall, and the mountain air is surrounding us. It's pure bliss.
The first sound of a firework exploding in the night sky makes Ana jump in my arms. I hold her tighter, as we look up and watch the show unfold in front of our eyes. This night, a special date for us, has been spectacular.
The 'Ohh's' and 'Ahh's' of the crowd are heard throughout the mountains. The fireworks are bright, lighting up the dark sky.
The finale has the fireworks dancing with one another, before one firework can fizzle out, more rocket upwards and explode, making its presence known.
Ana can't keep her eyes off of the show, I can't keep my eyes off of her.
"I love you," I whisper into her ear, giving it a quick kiss, knowing what that does to her to.
She glances down to me, the fireworks creating a halo above her head, she bites down on her lip, and a low growl erupts within my chest. She knows what that does to me.
She opens her mouth, closes it, then opens it again. She quietly starts to speak to me, and the words that she chooses to say in this moment, will stay with me for the rest of my life.
"I love you, too, Christian."