Chapter 7 – Working Girl

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

"These past couple of weeks…I've enjoyed your company."

It's the truth.
My words over breakfast appear to take Miss Steele by surprise. She looks stunned.
Let's see if this next sentence goes over well with her.

"I would like to offer you a ride home this afternoon."
She gapes at me.
Yep – even more shocking for her.
Hey – I must ask, or that just leaves the role vacant for the doucheberg.

"Sure. I accept," she replies.
Wow – I never knew that her approval would bring such a rush of relief.
Get a grip, Grey. It's just a simple ride home. Nothing more.
I decide to get down to brass tacks.

"So – my proposal."
I take out the program write-up from my leather portfolio, and I quickly run it down for Miss Steele.

In essence, it's a vehicle pool program open to all Grey House employees. Dedicated vehicles will be at the disposal for anyone regardless of job-level. One would simply have to receive executive approval, and they can utilize any one of these vehicles anywhere from one day, up to six months. Utilization purpose can run the gamut from temporary financial need, all the way to community service.

I knew that if I made the program bigger than just Miss Steele, perhaps she would reconsider accepting the car that I got for her.

"The program will initially start with ten vehicles. If feedback determines that there's a greater need, we will expand the program. Here are the complete details. I'd like to know what you think."

I hand Miss Steele the program write-up.
She gapes at me.
Shit – this might just be a bust.

Eventually, she begins to scan over the document.
Finally, her eyes connect back with mine. She looks satisfied.
Slam-fucking-dunk.

"Mr. Grey – I think this program is great," she says in that sweet voice of hers.
I'm glad you think so, Little Miss Fine Derrière.

"Good. I would like you to be the very first participant in the pilot. Then we will roll it out in stages after you conclude your project, and monitor employee satisfaction progress that way."

Her top lip curls up ever so slightly.
Miss Steele is quite intelligent. She knows very well that I am manipulating her into taking the car. But will she give in anyway?

"I accept. Thank you, Sir."

Whoa.
I'm utterly astounded.

She doesn't ask questions and she doesn't fight me on it.
Perhaps it's simply her guilt taking over since she left here yesterday without telling me.

I honestly don't care what it is – she's taking the fucking car.

"You're very welcome. Your pool car arrives tomorrow. You will have it for six months," I inform her. She nods with a smile that lights up the entire room.

Holy shit – that enticing mouth.

….

"It's obvious to me that you want more than just a 'working relationship' with Anastasia," Flynn says to me during our early afternoon appointment in his office.

I close my eyes tightly in denial. But I'm certain that the gesture looks more like me fighting the truth, from his point of view.
Maybe I am.

"Tomorrow is the final time we'll ride in to work together. Her final project is due in just a little over a week. After that, we probably won't be working together so closely anymore," I say to Flynn.

After the words exit my mouth and echo into my brain, a frisson of disappointment comes over me.
I'm really going to miss working with Miss Steele.
Surely I can find something else for her to do.

"But something tells me that this will not be her final rodeo. I'm sure you'll find a way to see her again," Flynn says with a telling grin. I frown.

"Nothing can, nor will ever happen between us," I say with finality. Flynn begins to massage his chin.

"And that's perfectly fine with you?" he poses the question.
"What do you mean? Regardless of how I feel, this is a fact. She is an employee at my company. I don't date employees," I snap.

"Christian, let's just call a spade a spade here. You don't 'date' – at all. You never have. So why should we differentiate between employee and non-employee?" counters Flynn.
I sigh in frustration.

"You know what I meant, John," I say, exasperated.
"Yes…I do. You wouldn't draw up a sexual agreement with an employee. And I get that," he responds.

Finally.

"However, I think back to your phone call from the weekend of the 4th. Weren't you reconsidering partaking in the BDSM lifestyle? Have you since had a change of heart?"

Fuck. I knew he was going to throw that shit back in my face.

"I…I don't know what I was thinking when I called you," I say, flustered.
"Christian – do you like her? Yes or no?"

I can feel my chest closing in. It's getting very difficult to breathe.
What in the fuck's happening?!
I feel…powerless.

"I…I…"
"It's a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer, Christian. Look – I've been harping on this SFBT thing for quite a while now."

Oh no. Not this shit again.
Flynn's been on this Solution-Focused Brief Therapy kick recently. I'm ready for him to move on to something else that we haven't yet tried.
This SBFT nonsense is for the birds.

"I have a hunch that I've talked well enough about it that it's finally been ingrained into your psyche. I think that's what prompted you to call me that day. You're considering leaving the lifestyle because you don't think it's something that would appeal to Anastasia. Please…tell me if I'm way off base here. I won't be offended."

I scoff at him.
"I'm simply bored with it. I've told you this before. I haven't been involved in the lifestyle for months. I was only curious about what else was out there," I say in my own defense.

"Curious enough to completely abandon everything that you've ever known?"
"It's been three months, John. What am I missing out on here?"
"Are you prepared to try a traditional relationship?"

Fuck. I don't know what I want.
I remain silent.

"Christian. I want you to leave here today with an objective – at the very least. If you don't, you won't even know where to start. So…let's have at it. Will you be looking for a new submissive this week?" Flynn poses the question.

Damn it – I'm not interested in that right now.
What is it that I really want?

Suddenly, her face appears in my thoughts.
I feel weak.

Do I admit to Flynn that I feel this way, even though I just told him that nothing can or will happen – ever?

"No. I'm not looking for another submissive right now. I want to try something different. And if it's not for me, then I will hang it up and pick up my flogger," I say, deadpan. Flynn has the grace to laugh.

"So, will you be asking Anastasia out on a date?"
"No," I answer, way too quickly.
Absolutely out of the question.

"Okay then. So who's it going to be?" he asks.

There's no other woman that has my attention at the present time.
Perhaps I should distance myself from Miss Steele.
I need to figure out if what I feel for her is simply just an attraction to a pretty girl, or if I truly have….feelings for her.

Oh God – I think I'm going to throw up.
I'm losing my mojo over this girl.

"So what's the next step then?" Flynn asks.
"I'm going to distance myself…for the next two weeks."
"Distance yourself? From what – sex? Anastasia?"
"Yes."

So that's the plan.

….

Thursday, July 7, 2011

I purposely stayed late at the office last night in order for Taylor to drive Miss Steele home without me present.

I also managed not to follow her whereabouts on CCTV at all that day.

I'm going to try to detox myself from Miss Steele.
I'm also going to hold off on any potential candidates until I figure out what in the fuck this is.

This dull, achy feeling that has seemly taken up residence inside of me ever since I first laid eyes on her is unbearable.
In my case, absence does not make the heart grow fonder.
Some time away from her would definitely do me some good.

Unfortunately, I have to endure her presence one final time this morning on the way in to work. This will be my last opportunity to offer her transportation since her pool car will be all set to drive home this afternoon.

She'll be all on her own.
Well…not entirely.
I had the vehicle fitted with a tracking device.

As Taylor is parked outside of her building, she eventually emerges.

Sweet mother of angels.

She's wearing a tight, sexy black dress with a white collar.
She looks simply divine.
I can feel myself salivating from the very sight of her.

Why is she making this so hard for me?
Hell, that's not the only thing that's 'hard' right now.
I quickly brush away the lewd thought.

When she climbs into the back seat, I can't help but smile.
Get a grip, Grey.
I try to fight the feeling, but I'm losing the battle.

"What?" she says to me as she buckles in.
"I would like to complement you on your dress, but I don't know how to do so without getting HR involved."

The very sight of her completely annihilates my professionalism.
Just before I can backtrack, the blush that rises across her perfect skin has me rethinking taking back my words.

"Well, if I'm not mistaken, I have complimented you personally before and I don't seem to recall HR being called on me," she replies. I laugh.

Shit – is she flirting with me?
Oh Miss Steele – if you only knew whom you were dealing with.

Oh baby – I would take great joy in peeling off that sexy little dress of yours.
The sight of her spread far and wide across the St. Andrew's cross in my playroom comes to mind.

I am instantly disappointed by my weakness.
This is the last fucking car ride, Grey!
Can you not last just thirty more minutes!
I need to distance myself from her now more than ever.
I must figure this shit out.

I quickly change the subject.

"So, are you ready for your new car this afternoon?"
She nods.
"What is it?" she asks.

"An Audi A3. It's the safest car on the market."
"What color?"

Oh, the irony that she would ask me about the color of her A3.
Well, no matter the response, she wouldn't catch on to my original intent anyway.
I mean – I would have never pursued her to be my submissive. However, I thought I would at least have a little fun and order her a red car anyway.
It's symbolic.

Red car, red room.
Mmm.

The thought sends a chill down my spine.

"Well – initially, the car we ordered for you was red. However, since the advent of the pool program, we modified the order to silver."
My answer seems to satisfy her.

"I wanted to take you to breakfast in honor of the end of our transit time together. Unfortunately, I have an early meeting," I tell her.
Well – that's not entirely true.

I figured that after all of the times we've dined together, both morning and evening, she built up a certain expectation. Instead of letting her down by simply not taking her out to breakfast, I decide to let her down gently.

Why not make her think that I had every intention to treat her to a final meal, but then blame the reason why I couldn't on work.

Granted, I do in fact have a meeting scheduled early this morning, but it was arranged on purpose so I wouldn't be tempted to take Miss Steele out for breakfast.

She appears to be accepting of my reasoning, but I can't help but notice a tinge of disappointment on her face. And suddenly, I feel like such a coward for jumping through all of these hoops in order to avoid her.

At the office, we find ourselves making one final trip up the elevator. Together.
As soon as the doors close, that oh so familiar feeling – that…pull.
It's back.

This time, I turn to look at her. Her eyes are focused straight ahead.
God, she's beautiful.
And as if she just heard my thoughts, she turns and our eyes lock together.

Oh fuck.
I feel weak in the knees as her eyes expose my soul.
She starts to breathe heavily, and the air catches in my throat.
She feels it too.

No – this can't be happening.
My eyes begin to trace the outline of her breasts in that tight, tight dress of hers.
And instinctively, I lick my lips like a rapacious wolf staring at a sheep.

I want to slam her up against the wall, lift up that dress, and fuck her like a mad man.
Right here.
Right now.

Shit!

I am saved by the bell when the elevator pings on the 18th floor.
Fuck. Say something, Grey!
I need to break this…energy.

"Andrea will call you to sign the pool program paperwork," I say to her.

Hell – that was quite intense.
I'm not sure if I trust myself being alone with her.

"Okay," she says in barely a whisper as she exits.
She soon turns around to face me.
On your way, Miss Steele. Don't make this any more difficult than it already is.

"Have a great day, Miss Steele."
She looks exactly how I feel. Lost.

"You too, Mr. Grey."

As the doors of the elevator close between us, it serves as a sign.

I need to close the door on this fantasy once and for all.

….

Friday, July 15, 2011

After a quick late morning meeting on the 18th floor with several members of my management team, I decide to check in on Miss Steele.

I've lasted a week and a day without surveilling her. It was tough – but I managed to stick to my guns. I also stopped myself from calling unnecessary meetings with her. The few times I've attempted to check on her, she was in the middle of in-person interviews. I would only wave to her in passing if she'd so happen to look up through the glass conference room door.

This time, she sits in the conference room alone.
She's obviously all done with her interviews and she's now faced with the task of consolidating her findings for the final report.

I stand at the door and watch her type away on her laptop. The look of determination on her face is inspiring. She's focused and not bullshitting around.
I like that.

And what I like more is that she's wearing a cute pink blouse and blue jeans.
There's an innocence about her that I can't ignore. Every time I see her, she strikes me in a different way.
I need to stop staring at her, or I'm going to start following her around on surveillance again.

Finally, she looks up. She appears to be startled to see me.

Fuck. This was a mistake.
However, I approach the door anyway and open it slightly.

"Miss Steele."
"Hi, Mr. Grey."

"Is everything coming along? Did you have any questions?"
"No…everything is coming along fine, Sir."

"So, you'll be ready next Friday?" I ask with a slight smile.
"I hope so," she says with a nervous laugh.
"I don't think you have any choice in the matter," I say with a tinge of humor.
"I figured as much," she remarks with a bit of humor of her own.

"Well, I'll leave you to it. I look forward to seeing your final report next Friday," I tell her.
"Sure," she says with a little bit of nervousness.

Oh no – this will never do, Miss Steele.
I'm counting on you to get this done and to do exceedingly well.

"Miss Steele, if you have any questions at all – please don't hesitate to give me a shout," I offer.
"I'm fine – honest. I'll see you on Friday," she says.

Is she rushing me out?
No bother – I'll leave her be.

"Very well. Enjoy your weekend, Miss Steele."
"Thanks – you too."

I shut the door and walk away.

Back in my office, I find myself backsliding.
I lasted over a week without following her. Now, my computer monitor displays real-time footage of Miss Steele working away in the 18th floor conference room.

Once I saw her this morning, I couldn't help but to check on her again.
That look of uncertainty on her face was quite unsettling.
I really want her to knock this project out of the ballpark.

So – one more week remains.
After that, Miss Steele and I will go our separate ways. She'll resume her rotation back in finance. After that, I'm not sure what's in store for her. She'll have three remaining rotations and will be placed permanently in a department after her year is complete.

Will this be me a year from now – watching her from the sidelines as she rotates from department to department?

Fuck – it's not like I have a choice in the matter here.
I could ship her out to our New York office and she'd be completely out of sight. Then I wouldn't be so tempted to think about her and seek her out.
But would she move to New York?
Or would she decide to leave my company altogether?

No – I can't lose a talented individual like her.
She needs to be here…at Grey House.

My mind begins to churn.
I can't see her in the NGP program after being involved in such a major initiative.
That would be a complete waste of her talent.

I do need another mentee.
However, Miss Steele doesn't qualify. The current rules state that an executive's mentee should at minimum be in a supervisory role.

Well – it is my company.
And just like I convinced Miss Steele to take the company car, I need to come up with a way to bypass the mentee program requirements.

Miss Steele needs to remain under my watch for the time being.

….

Monday, July 18, 2011

"So – how are things going with um…"
Dr. Flynn purposely stops speaking midsentence in order to prompt me to chime in.

On the surface, it appears that Flynn is being overly cautious with his questioning – but I know better. He's only tripping me up so I can spill. He utilized the very same technique during our phone call earlier this month.

"Work is going well. Very busy, but productive," I say with a straight face. Flynn winces at me.

"Christian – you appear to be back to your old self-composed, all-business minded self. Where did that man from the 4th of July weekend go? The one who was unsure about pursuing his personal endeavors in the only way that he knew how? That's who my question was for."

"John – I am the same man. I'm just thinking more clearly now."
"Are you sure about that?"
I frown at him.

"What do you want me to say?" I ask, virtually throwing my hands up in the air.
Give me a fucking break, Flynn. I'm trying here.

"I'm going to give you my honest to goodness opinion. Just hear me out. Then I'll leave it to you to either agree or disagree with what I've said. Deal?"

I don't have time for this shit.
I have a mind to just schedule these sessions on a monthly basis once again.

I give him as single head nod in response.
Go ahead and blow off some more hot air, Flynn. I'm used to it.

"I think that you desire more than just a working relationship with Anastasia, but you're fighting it. You are also reluctant to returning to the lifestyle because you want to see if you can function outside of your playroom on a fulltime basis."

After the words exit Flynn's mouth, he smiles at me.
Really?
I am thoroughly irritated. However, I say nothing in response.

"So you're not willing to tell me if I'm wrong?" he asks.
I close my eyes.
I don't want to fucking talk about this.

"I…I honestly don't know what this is," I say under my breath.

"Christian – that is the most honest thing I've heard you say in quite some time," he says with a voice drenched in hope. However, I don't feel the same as he does.
I feel hopeless.

"Christian, it's my job to help you figure these things out. Will you at least help me do that?" he implores.
I sigh in exasperation.

"John – it doesn't matter what I think or how I feel. I will not get involved with someone who works for me. Point blank. Period."

A look of disappointment appears on Dr. Flynn's face.

...

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

"I would like to create a support manager position reporting to myself." I preface.

I can't believe that I'm actually doing this.
I just told Flynn yesterday that I will not be pursing Anastasia Steele in any shape or form. The only way that I would even consider having any sort of relationship with her is if she quit working for my company.

However, upon observing her work ethic over these past few weeks, and after hearing from a number of employees concerning how thorough and diligent she's been while working on her project, I decided that she'd be most valuable as a GEH employee.

I couldn't dare lose the likes of her to another organization, or a competitor – heaven forbid.

Joining me in my office are my chief human resources officer – Todd Emry, and Miss Karen Newman of the New Graduate Program, whose department reports to Todd. Miss Newman appears as if she feels out of place. However, things will soon be clear once she hears the reason why she's in my office today.

"I think that's an excellent idea, Mr. Grey," Todd replies.
"Ros has been on me for quite some time to finally get some help up here," I mention. Todd and Miss Newman laugh.

"Very well, Sir. We'll get started on the paperwork and get the position posted as soon as possible," Todd says.
"I don't want the position posted on the employee jobsite," I say in a hurry. Todd winces.

"Sir – but we always…"
"I already have someone in mind for the job, which is why Miss Newman was invited to this meeting. I'll need her assistance in talking the prospective candidate into accepting the position," I say, cutting Todd off. Miss Newman's eyes grow big and wide.

"Mr. Grey…I don't know if you're aware that I am a career advisor for the New Graduate Program. However, anything you need me to do to assist you in landing the perfect candidate, I'd be honored to help," Miss Newman says very kindly.

"I know that GEH is quite a large company, but I am well aware of what is you do here, Miss Newman. I am interested in hiring one of your current advisees for the job – Miss Anastasia Steele."

Miss Newman's jaw drops.

"S…Sir – Ana is brand new to the company. She's only been here f…"
"Yes, I know how new she is. However, I feel that it's important to invest in our rising talent early," I submit.

Or is it the talent that's causing me to 'rise' instead?
Shit – I don't know why my mind always goes left field concerning 'all things Miss Steele'.

"I understand, Mr. Grey. However, Miss Steele only graduated from college two months ago. This is her very first professional position," argues Miss Newman.

"Miss Steele has been working on a major initiative for me for the past three weeks. She is set to present her final findings to me on Friday. I believe that this project will demonstrate her true potential. I also believe that she will grow exponentially under my guidance. More than anything, this would be the perfect opportunity for me to mentor her," I explain.

Granted – this is my company, and I don't owe anyone any explanation. However, I want them to see that I have indeed thought this through.
I have all of the confidence in the world that Miss Steele is capable of doing the job.

"Karen, I think this would be an excellent opportunity for Miss Steele to learn and grow under Mr. Grey's leadership. If all goes well, she would be the perfect spokesperson for the New Graduate Program," adds Todd.

Glad he's seeing things my way.

"Yes, I agree. However, wouldn't you prefer to hire someone in the NGP who's gone through at least two or more rotations in the program?" Miss Newman suggests.
Alright – time to exercise my authority.

"No – I want Miss Steele."

My stern words seemingly shake her.
"Of course, Mr. Grey," she acquiesces.
"I need the job description and the salary offering prepared and ready to be signed by Thursday," I order.

Yep – I'm giving them less than two days to complete the task.
Everything needs to be done in time for Friday.
If I like what I see in Miss Steele's final presentation, I will offer her the job.

"Very well, Mr. Grey. What salary range were you considering?" Todd asks.
"One to one-point-five," I respond.

Karen Newman's mouth and eyes grow big and wide.
"Sir – did you mean one…hundred thousand?" Todd says with an unreadable expression.
"No – million," I say matter-of-factly.
Miss Newman mouths out the word, 'Whoa', while Todd repeatedly gasps.

I believe that's a fair salary for Miss Steele.
Do they think I should go even higher?

"Mr. Grey – that's a lot of money," Todd says with a nervous laugh.
"Well, that's the range I want you to work with," I reply, unwavering.

"But she has no prior business experience. Can we um…possibly lower that down slightly? We should at least give her something to aim for," suggests Todd.

Trust me – if I offer Miss Steele a million and change, she'll work very hard for me.
And…she'd be hard-pressed to want to work for anyone else.
No other employer would ever offer her the kind of money that I'm willing to give her.

"That's what I want to pay her. Draft up the paperwork and have me review it on Thursday. I'll let you know by ten o'clock on Friday if I'm ready for Miss Steele to sign the offer," I say to the two of them.

"Very well, Sir," Todd replies.
As he stands, so does Miss Newman.

"Please keep this meeting between the three of us," I direct.
They both verbalize their intent to comply before exiting my office.

….

Friday, July 22, 2011

My Friday schedule is jam-packed with meetings.
Heading off the pack is a one-hour session with the lovely Miss Anastasia Steele.

It's her one opportunity to shine.
Will she sink or will she swim?

Due to the nature of my meetings today, I decide to wear a suit instead of the traditional casual Friday attire.

I am pleasantly surprised when I exit my office and see Miss Steele outside waiting, wearing a smart blue skirt suit. The skirt further accentuates her enticing curves.

Damn – she looks good.
I idly wonder if someone's been taking her shopping. Her good taste in work attire has increased exponentially over the past few weeks.

I summon her into my office. Once we are settled in the two chairs opposite my desk, we begin.

"So – first things first. You look very beautiful this morning," I tell her. And my lips can't help but to curl into a smile.

I don't reprimand myself this time for the inappropriate remark.
Quite honestly, I've missed seeing her. It's been a good while since the two of us have met one-on-one like this.
Hopefully, this won't be the last time.

"Thank you," she says bashfully. She quickly remembers herself and quickly wipes away her smile.
I wonder if she's having the same inner-turmoil that I am.
I quickly get us back on track.

"Let's see what you have."

She hands me a softcover glossy booklet.
Whoa – what's this?
It's professionally bounded together at the spine like a published book.

I observe the cover.
Wait a minute – she didn't do this…did she?
I am practically floored.
No…she couldn't have. This looks…Wow.

The cover of the report itself appears as if someone from an advertising agency designed the concept and put it together. I liken it to something that would go to an end customer versus being circulated to a small group of internal employees. I was expecting Miss Steele to hand me a PowerPoint presentation printed out on regular 8 ½ X 11 paper – stapled together.

I haven't even opened up the book yet, and what I've seen at this point has far exceeded my expectations.
I just knew that there was something special about this girl.

I study the cover art.
There's an elaborate illustration of a road with various twists and turns that ends up at the horizon. The horizon consists of a rising sun containing the GEH logo.

I have so many questions, and I haven't even seen the report itself yet.

"Impressive. What was your concept behind this?"
"That all roads leading to the vision aren't necessarily straight. It's going to take some maneuvering to improve on these employee satisfaction scores."

Her words confound me.
She has really given this entire project some in-depth thought.
If she took that same amount of thought on the meat of the report as she's done with the cover, I'm in for a real treat.

As I thumb through the pages, I am fucking blown away.
We have a true genius on our hands, folks.
And suddenly – I know without a shadow of doubt that I did the right thing in getting the process started for her next role.

She'd be absolutely perfect for the support manager job.

Her graphical summaries are complex, but intuitive. Her supporting text does an excellent job in explaining what it is I'm looking at.
So far, I have absolutely no questions about what I am seeing – which is quite rare.

Then I get to the summary of the survey verbatims.
Holy shit.
The air practically leaves my lungs.

I'm not one who normally cares about what people think.
I know that I am a good leader. Across the board, GEH pays employees more for their talent versus other companies in our industry. That is why we are number one in what we do.

But what this output is telling me is that not everyone in management is adopting my approach to leadership – and that's troubling.

"Wow, I had no idea people felt this way," I murmur.
"Where are you?" Miss Steele asks, holding up a second copy of the report so she can follow along.

I give her the page number and I quote an excerpt. I then continue on reviewing the remainder of the report.

Just when I think she's done – Miss Steele goes the extra mile and includes her recommendations along with backup detail supporting how her suggestions will improve future scores.

I'd be stupid not to hire this woman to work directly for me.
I need her eyes and ears. She'll be my secret weapon.

"Well done, Miss Steele. This is top-notch work. I had no doubt that you were capable of this and more. You should be very proud," I commend.
My praise pleasantly surprises her.

"Thank you so much for the opportunity, Mr. Grey. I've learned so much during this entire process about the company. Things that I would have never known had I not had the chance to do this," she says quite humbly.

And there is so much more that she can learn. She would greatly benefit being under my tutelage. In a few years, I wouldn't be surprised to see her at the upper echelon in our industry.

Hell – maybe years down the line, Miss Steele will be the next 'Ros Bailey' if the opportunity ever presented itself. The complement speaks volumes. Ros is in fact the best employee who's ever worked for my company.

Not only is Miss Anastasia very decorative, but she's fucking smart – almost genius.
It makes for a deadly combination.

I decide to slip Miss Steele a preview of what's coming her way without necessarily giving it away.

"You will do great things, Miss Steele – no doubt. My executive team and me will comb through these results and also consider your recommendations. Make sure Andrea gets twenty more copies of this report."

"I'll have them to her by the end of the day," she confidently replies.

….

The second Miss Steele leaves my office, I immediately call Andrea and have her adjust my entire schedule for the day.

I have her call an emergency all-day meeting with my entire management team and tell her to include soft-copies of Miss Steele's report in the meeting notice. After hanging up with Andrea, I quickly phone Miss Newman. I instruct her to meet with Miss Steele's current supervisor first before calling in Miss Steele to present her with the new job offer.

A few minutes later, I head towards the elevator to begin my marathon meeting on the 19th floor. Before I call the elevator, a thought crosses my mind.

I should send Miss Steele a token for her efforts.

"Andrea – Can you order a nice-sized floral arrangement for Miss Anastasia Steele and have it delivered to her desk on the 8th floor? Make sure that she gets it before noon."
"Yes Sir."

Floral arrangements contain a personalized note.
I quickly grab a nearby pad of paper and pen on the reception counter.

Miss Steele: Thank you for a job well done. As I told you earlier,
I expect great things from you. Remember that. – Christian

"Here – Include this note on the card with the arrangement," I instruct Andrea.
"Sure thing, Sir."

My executive management team and I meet moments later and begin discussing Miss Steele's report. I have someone in the room display the report on the overhead projector. I then begin passing around a single hard copy of the report.

"Andrea will have hard copies for everyone by close of business today," I preface.
As time progresses and I hit some of the high points – or should I say low points – of Miss Steele findings, it's quite obvious that my team is just as dumbfounded, as I was when I first saw it.

A productive discussion ensues and a laundry list of action items are handed out. In the middle of the meeting, Marco – my head of M&A speaks out.

"Mr. Grey, do you mean to tell me that someone brand new to the NGP put this report together?"
"Yes."
"Holy shit. Sir, please forgive my candor – but this is unlike anything I've ever seen before. And I've been working for large firms for many, many years," Marco says, utterly astounded.

"Agreed," I say with a telling grin. My smile causes Ros to flinch.
What in the hell's her problem?

Still, I don't disclose the plans that I have for the person Marco is currently praising. Pretty soon, the entire room echoes Marco's sentiments.

"I'd like to have her work a rotation in my department," Fred, my head of telecom calls out.
"Get in line, Fred. Ana needs to finish her rotation in my group first," my CFO interjects.

No one will be getting Miss Steele.
She belongs to me.

Where in the fuck did that thought just come from.
I quickly brush it aside and ignore the sidetracking. I get the meeting back on track.

After some time has passed, I eventually call for a thirty-minute recess. A few members of the team stand and huddle in several small groups before disbursing. I pull out my BlackBerry and begin checking my email.

"Christian – Can I have a word with you?" I hear Ros say. I look up at her.
"Sure Ros," I reply. Ros begins to stare down several people who remain in the room. Once their eyes see hers, they quickly catch the hint and leave the conference room one by one.

Am I as scary as Ros can be at times?
I chuckle to myself as she shuts the door behind the last person leaving.

"Christian – what are you doing?" she says with a frown. I wince at her.
"Ros, what are you talking about?"
"You know good and well what it is I'm talking about – this Anastasia Steele girl. You have something else up your sleeve…don't you?"
"Again, what are you talking about?" I say, feigning surprised.

"Don't you bullshit me, Grey. It's obvious that you've proven your point. Yes…she was the right person for the project. Her work is extraordinary," she acquiesces.

Do you need a little salt to go with that crow, Ros?

"It's exceptional," I add. Ros fights a grin.
"I've never heard you call anyone 'exceptional' before, Grey. I still think you have a slight crush on this girl," she sighs. I frown at her.

"Ros – my admiration for Miss Steele is strictly on a professional level," I respond.
"Again, Grey – I call 'bullshit.' So are you going to answer my question or not? You might as well tell me what she'll be doing next. I'm sure whatever it is, I'll be working with her," she says with a smirk.

And this is why Ros is Ros.
I decide to put her out of her misery.

"I need a support manager. I'm offering the job to Miss Steele."

She gasps.
"You've gotta be fucking kidding me, Christian."
"No – I'm not. You've seen her work. She's more than capable of doing the job."
"She will run screaming for the hills, Christian! You can't possibly offer her that job!"

This was not the response I anticipated.

"Why do you say that?"
"Christian…do you think she actually enjoyed working on that project for you?" she scoffs.

"What? What's wrong working for me?" I say, affronted.
"You're nitpicky, you like to breathe down people's throats…"

"I'd have you know that I did not bother Miss Steele for the final two weeks of her project," I say proudly.

"Christian…she just graduated college. She's not ready."
"I disagree. I think that she is."
"I don't think that she will take it. Even she probably thinks that she's not ready for such a role."
"I'm offering her the job, Ros. Period."

"A hundred bucks says that she doesn't take the job," she blurts out.
Oh, Ros Bailey – I never knew that you were a betting kind of woman.

And my cool and confident self wants to immediately call her bluff. But then I recall from past experience that Miss Steele may require some additional persuading in order to finally bite the line.

"I'll see your wager. Give me a month, and she'll take the job," I say with the utmost confidence. Ros' eyes grow big and wide.

"I don't care if it's two months. She'll quit GEH before she takes that job, Christian."

Game on, Ros.

….

Thank God I have a month to accomplish this.

I am more than disappointed when I finally check my email in my office and discover that Miss Steele has in fact turned down my offer.

She has decided to stick with the NGP program and complete her rotation with finance. Miss Newman had one fucking job to do – and that was to get Miss Steele to sign the goddamn paperwork!

And why in the hell would Miss Steele opt to keep her lowly salary of $60k?
She's in essence turning town the opportunity to become an instant millionaire and to work alongside the CEO.
Who fucking does that!

Then I think back to what Ros said earlier.
Miss Steele obviously doesn't have the self-confidence built up yet to accept such a role.

What can I do to show Miss Steele that she can be successful in this brand new role that I created especially for her?

I have to be creative.
Miss Steele doesn't like to be forced into anything.
Stubborn girl.

I have to make the opportunity appear very enticing for her. But how?

On a whim, I launch my calendar on my computer and advance it for the next two weeks. Immediately, my eyes gravitate to the out-of-office color scheme visible on my calendar occurring the week after next.

Las Vegas. I'll be speaking at the leadership conference.

Suddenly, I get an idea.
This would be the perfect opportunity for Miss Steele to learn.
She would be sitting in workshops and garnering the skills needed for a position such as the one that she just turned down.

I decide to leave the job offer on the table. However, I won't push her to take it.
Instead, I will extend the invite for her to join a couple members of my management team and myself on the trip to Vegas. She'll get to spend some time with myself and with Ros.

I'll even invite someone else who isn't in management to tag along.
This will make the trip less intimidating for her.
Then once we return from the trip, I'll present the job offer to her once again.
Hopefully, she will finally take it.

That afternoon before regular quitting time for Miss Steele, I step out of my meeting for a few moments to phone her at her desk.

"Hello," she answers in an unsure voice. She obviously knows it's me. Perhaps her nervousness is due to guilt for her turning down the job.

"Miss Steele."
"Yes?"
"I would like to meet with you. Tonight, if possible."
She pauses.

"Tonight?"
"Yes, tonight."
"What time?"

"I'll pick you up at your house at 6:30."
"Okay."

The tone of her voice is almost alarming.
This isn't a date, Miss Steele. This is a 'professional opportunity'.

….

I pick up Miss Steele from her house that evening. To my surprise, she is still wearing that hot little number she wore to my office this morning.
I am pleased.

We don't have the opportunity for small talk on the way to the restaurant. Phone calls from Barney and Ross take up my time during transit.

At the restaurant, the hostess seats us at a table that's a little too intimate for my taste.
This is in fact a business meeting after all.

Once the wine is poured, Miss Steele finally breaks her silence.

"Thank you for the flowers."
"You're very welcome. You did a fantastic job, Miss Steele."
In response, she flashes me a shy smile.
She is so fucking attractive.

In order to shake off my admiration, I decide to engage in a little bit of small talk.

"You're originally from Washington, correct?"
That's a dumb question. I already know the answer.
Without fail, Miss Steele calls me out on it.

"Yes – you know this."
I flash her a shit-eating grin.

"You? Were you born in Washington?"

Oh no.
We are
not going there.
That was the risk I ran by asking her a personal question.
Now, she wants to return the favor. I need to nip this shit in the bud.

But I've already opened up a can of worms. The least I can do is be straightforward with her and quickly skate back out of this personal bullshit and get right to the business at hand.

"I was born in Detroit. I was adopted there when I was four. Eventually, my mother took a job back west, so we all moved here."

I've said too much.
Immediately, I regret telling her.
Why is she looking at me like that?
Baby, I don't need your pity.

"And your sister?"

Geez – give me a fucking break here.
I need to stop this conversation. Now.
However, she gives me a sad little look in anticipation for my response.

If I don't answer this question, I might turn her off.
No way will she accept the job offer after that.

"She was adopted here sometime later."
She nods in understanding.
Good, Grey. Now skate far away from this topic of discussion.

"So, what do you have a taste for?"
From the displeased look on her face, she obviously knows what I am up to.
Too bad, sweetheart. I'm regaining control of this conversation.

"Sir, I'm curious to know why you called this meeting."
Her directness is both disturbing and appealing all at once.
I can't help but smile at her.

"Well, Miss Steele – since you are so eager to know, I will tell you. The Monday after next, I am speaking at a leadership conference at Las Vegas. I think the conference would be a wonderful opportunity for you to learn and grow. You'll get to know about what it is that I do as well as some of my peers."

It takes her a few moments to digest my words. I watch her expression morph from confused, to surprised, to...I don't know exactly what.

"Mr. Grey, I really appreciate the opportunity. It sounds – great. However, I've lost one entire month of finance training due to the employee satisfaction project. I would feel guilty to take off yet another week from work."

You've got to be fucking kidding me.
She's turning down a leadership training opportunity. In Las Vegas.
Unbelievable.

I am absolutely speechless.
Maybe Ros was right.
Perhaps I need to stand down and remove the job offer from the table as well.
She's way too stubborn for her own good.

I decide that I need some time to collect my thoughts – away from her.
In the meantime, I resolve to abandon the discussion altogether.
Let's just finish up dinner and get her home as soon as possible.

"Understood. Well, that's all I had for this evening," I respond.
My finality appears to take her by surprise.
She obviously expected me to make her go.

I know how to play your game now, Miss Steele.
I am not going to force her to go to Vegas.
Otherwise, she'll fight me on it.

And trust me, Miss Steele does not want to try me.


A/N: In the next chapter, personal feelings creep in once more when Ana tells Mr. Grey in passing about her new roommate. Afterwards, Ana is mandated to go to Vegas where things get even murkier between the two of them. Find out what was going on in Christian's head when a stranger gets a little 'too close for comfort' with Ana. Also, we get to find out what he was thinking when they almost kiss in that hotel elevator.

We'll end the chapter with Ana finally taking the job. What was going on in Christian's mind when he finally decides to kiss her in his office?

Please leave feedback! Thanks for reading. – ST2