a/n Happy new year everyone.
As I feared, I found it really difficult to find time to write during the holidays, but I've finally got this chapter and some of the next chapter done now, so the wait won't be as long next time.
After the sauciness of the last chapter, this is a bit of a lemon-free scene setter, so I hope it's ok for you all. Please let me know what you think anyway, I love to read your reviews.
Chapter 8
I work solidly, determined to prove my worth to Christian and by four o'clock I've almost through the second box file. Mr Kaden has continued to make snide remarks in my direction all afternoon, clearly miffed that his gofer has been taken from him, but I have steadfastly ignored him; I have no idea what his problem is with me and thanks to my stimulating little interlude with Christian this afternoon, I no longer particularly care. I smile to myself; he really does know how to relieve my tension. The other interns have spent this afternoon much like this morning, running the length and breadth of the factory, gathering information. Christian disappeared into another meeting with Mr Seaton shortly after we returned from that screening and I haven't seen him since.
"Coffee, tea anyone?" Darcy asks. I glance at her briefly, surprised. Darcy making the tea – now that's a first! Give the girl a chance, Steele. I force a smile. "Thanks Darcy, tea, bag out for me please". She sidles over to the corner of the room where Taylor and Sawyer are stationed and takes a drinks order from them. I watch her narrowly. She is giggling and flicking her hair around just like…she's flirting with them. The realization hits me suddenly. Now my interest is really piqued; what is she up to? Taylor and Sawyer exchange a look as Darcy glides away. Oh course…they know too. Taylor catches my eye and shrugs. I return to my work, embarrassed, chiding myself for my nosiness – it is none of my business.
A few minutes later and Darcy's back, holding a tray aloft, weighed down with hot drinks and biscuits. As she hands out the drinks, I cannot help myself; I strain to hear her exchange with Taylor:
"Here you go Taylor, a coffee just as you like it. The caffeine should help to keep you alert. It will be a long day for you today, with the early start this morning and now the dinner tonight. You'll really have your work cut out, keeping Mr Grey and his girlfriend safe?" It's not quite a question, but the expression on Darcy's face betrays her – she really wants to know.
"I'm fine ma'am, thanks for your concern" replies Taylor politely, taking the cup from her. A look of irritation crosses Darcy's face, but it is quickly replaced by a saccharine sweet smile. She leans in towards him, her voice a low purr: "Do you like her?"
Taylor is really not co-operating. "Beg your pardon ma'am?" he asks blandly. I turn my face away to hide my gleeful smile.
"Mr Grey's girlfriend" Darcy repeats, clearly irritated that the conversation is not bearing fruit. "I take it she will be accompanying him to the dinner tonight?"
Her reply suddenly seems loud. I look around and see that everyone has stopped what they are doing to stare at Darcy. I turn around slowly and see the reason for the momentary hush; Christian has entered the room. Upright in the door frame and wearing just his shirt and suit pants, his tie has been loosened and his shirt sleeves are rolled up. His hair is sticking up; instantly I know he was irritated before he entered the room. Now I can see he is really angry. I sense everyone nervously waiting on Christian's reaction. Taylor and Sawyer have jumped to their feet and are looking anxiously at their boss. I look at him with a silent plea; please don't give us away.
Christian is glaring at Darcy, his eyes dark with fury. He takes a step towards her: "That. really. is. None. Of. Your. Fucking. Business." he growls, anger seeping out between each word in a hiss.
Darcy's mask of sophistication has slipped for once and she looks aghast, her eyes wide with horror. "I-I apologise most sincerely Mr Grey". She looks sideways at Taylor who glowers back at her. "Mr Taylor and I…er, I mean, I should say I thought it would be courteous to get to know your girlfriend before the event tonight. I expect we have lots of common acquaintances already of course but even so…" her voice trails off under the intense pressure of Christian's patented death stare. Darcy swallows and looks at her feet.
"Miss Pendleton, let me remind you of one thing. My private life is just that. Private. It is not up for any sort of discussion with my employees. Ever. Do you understand?" Christian's voice is dangerously soft, but there is real menace in his tone.
"Of-of course, Mr Grey" whispers Darcy.
Christian's eyes rake the room, scowling. He turns to me, still looking furious: "Miss Steele – is that ready yet?" he snaps, gesturing to the files in front of me. I clear my throat nervously. "Almost complete Sir"
He stills and glares at me: "Almost? I need what you've done so far right now. Make sure it's complete before you leave, then email it to immediately". He spins on his heel and goes back into the side room, slamming the door in his wake.
I release my breath slowly and looked at Darcy. She still looks shell shocked but she offers me a ghost of a smile. Like she feels sorry for me? As my heartbeat starts to return to normal, I begin to feel relieved. She doesn't seem to suspect anything. I return her tentative smile and return to my work.
Around me I can hear the hushed whispers and nervous giggles from Christian's other staff as they try to unravel what had happened.
"The boss has a girlfriend? I always thought he was gay?"
"No fucking way. Who is she?"
"Did anyone see him with anyone? I never have"
"The lucky bitch"
"Where did the intel come from anyway? I never heard that before in all the years I've worked for the guy"
"It is a girl right? Or is that why he's so pissed?"
"You wanna ask him?"
Darcy and the other interns remain uncharacteristically quiet, not joining in the discussion or the nervous laughter, suitably discouraged by Christian's outburst.
Just then I feel my blackberry buzz and I slip it out of my purse.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Oscar nominee?
Date: June 14 2011 16:15
To: Anastasia Steele
I hope you were not too alarmed by the theatrics. I trust it will discourage Miss Pendleton from asking any further questions. Did I do ok baby?
PS Finish at six and go to the hotel. I have a late meeting this afternoon so I will see you downstairs for dinner.
Christian Grey
Thespian CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: No complaints
Date: June 14 2011 16:17
To: Christian Grey
Your performance was, as always, truly spectacular and utterly mind blowing.
Thank you.
A xxx
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Mindblowing performance?
Date: June 14 2011 16:20
To: Anastasia Steele
Glad to hear my performance lived up to the high standards you have come to enjoy (over and over again).
No need to thank me baby. It is a pleasure that I intend to repeat very soon.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc
I slip my blackberry back into my purse and smile to myself. If only they knew.
000
At six o'clock I pack up and head out to the parking lot, Sawyer discreetly following some distance behind until we reach my car. He seems to have forgiven me for inadvertently getting him into trouble yesterday – or at least he seems himself as I drive the short distance to the hotel. We are all staying in the Heathman and tonight's dinner will take place in the Heathman's restaurant. For appearance's sake I have a room reservation in my name, not that I have any intention of actually sleeping there. I plan to sneak into his suite later on tonight. I doubt I'll be doing much sleeping in Christian's suite tonight either judging by the tone of his last missive.
I am relieved that my colleagues are not checking in at the same time as Sawyer and I. Mr Kadens left at five thirty, barely managing to grunt a goodbye and the other interns left shortly after five, excitedly discussing their post-dinner plans for this evening. After Christian's Oscar winning performance this afternoon, I feel a little more relaxed, confident that my colleagues no longer view me with suspicion. And arriving with a security detail or checking into the boss's suite would have been quite a major tell.
Once safely in my room, I unpack the cocktail dress I've brought along for tonight and look at it critically. Christian and I were going to eat alone and intimately tonight and the dress I had chosen was perfect for a private dinner date. Unfortunately Mr Seaton had rather surprised Christian with the dinner, effectively scuppering my plans and along with it, my wardrobe. I sigh and wince nervously. I fear Christian will not appreciate me wearing such a dress in public, but I have nothing else suitable so it will have to do.
It is a beautiful dress, one of Ms Acton's purchases in a deep gun metal gray, with an eye-watering price tag to match. It has a halter neck with a very low back and a simple short skirt in a soft organza designed to skim the waist and hips. It is, I concede, very short indeed. I hang the dress and head for the shower.
000
The dress reflected in the mirror is beautiful, the deep organza skimming over my slight curves and the halter top fitting around my breasts. Thanks to the combination of the indecently short skirt and the impossibly high heels, my legs seem even longer than usual. I turn a little to the side – do I look lanky? I hope not. My hair is down and slightly curled at the ends, the diamonds in the Cartier drop earrings catching the light every time I move my head. I would be so much more comfortable curled up with a book tonight than dolled up spending the evening in the company of my boyfriend that I cannot openly touch. It's your own fault remember Steele – you wanted this. I take a last critical look my reflection, drop a lip gloss into my purse and reluctantly leave the safety of my room for the restaurant.
Stepping out of the elevator, I spot Dex, Andy and Amanda standing in the lobby. Dex's face breaks into a huge smile when he sees me and he strides straight over, his eyes eyeing me up and down appreciatively. That's not going to go down very well with someone.
"Wow Ana, you look…wow" Dex splutters as he reaches me and envelops me in a hug. I tap his back awkwardly and take a step away as soon as I feel it's polite, smiling back at him. He means well, he's just a little…too much.
"Hey Dex, you're looking smart" I reply. He really does look dapper in his suit. He doesn't affect me in the same way as Christian does, but then nobody affects me like Christian does.
"Are we going in?" I ask, looking towards Amanda and Andy who are smiling at me. Amanda also looks lovely in a sophisticated red cocktail dress and Andy is handsome in his suit.
Dex tilts his head towards me. "Amanda wants to wait for Darcy. We'll go on ahead shall we?" It's not really a question. He calls over to Amanda and Andy "We'll go in and grab our places guys, see you in there". He takes my elbow and begins to steer me towards the restaurant. Out of the corner of my eye I see Amanda and Andy watch us and exchange a meaningful look. Shit, now it's going to look like I'm with Dex tonight. How do I extricate myself from this? I turn and gesture pointlessly at Amanda and Andy in a bid to retrieve my elbow from Dex's hand: "I think Amanda's right, we should go in together or we may wind up on separate tables tonight". Dex's face falls and his hand drops back to his side. "Sure Ana, of course, we should wait." He hesitates for a moment and steps in front of me, preventing me from making any further progress across the lobby.
"I've been hoping to speak to you Ana. I wondered whether, when we get back to Seattle, if you'd like to go out to dinner with me one evening?" Oh crap. Dex looks really nervous as he looks at my face carefully, waiting for my response.
"Thanks Dex, that's nice of you to ask me, but I have a boyfriend" I reply with a smile. Please don't ask me for his name.
Dex grins at me. "Yeah, I guess I'm not surprised Ana, really. I-I just really like you, so figured it was worth asking". He shrugs his shoulders. "We can be friends though, yeah?"
"Sure, I'd like that" I reply, breathing a sigh of relief that he hasn't asked too many searching questions about my boyfriend. I take his arm and we cross over to join Andy and Amanda.
The reception area is now bustling with people, dressed up for the evening and probably for tonight's dinner. I feel a little surprised; I thought the dinner was just for the ten or so GEH employees who are working on the new acquisition and a handful of Mr Seaton's own employees. By the look of this reception area, he's invited the whole damn factory. Unfortunately, the whispering and suspicious glances have also followed us to the dinner. Some people are looking at us speculatively – others look downright hostile. It doesn't make for a very comfortable wait.
I cannot see Christian anywhere yet, although I regularly and surreptitiously scan the heads around me looking for him. I guess he must have been held up in the meeting and is now running late. I'm not the only one looking for him. We have been joined by a few other GEH employees who have sought us out, desperate to hear the full story behind Christian's outburst with Darcy in the office earlier. I realize glumly that whilst it might have been successful in getting me off the hook, it has only served to pique people's interest in Christian's closely guarded private life even further. His employees are now desperate to see whether Christian arrives with his mysterious girlfriend this evening and to take a look at who she is. With all eyes on him, I will need to be even more careful than usual to avoid arousing anyone's suspicions.
Finally Tyler ambles out of the elevator looking as chaotic as ever followed a few minutes later by Darcy, stunning in a chic green cocktail dress and we can finally make our way into the restaurant.
People are waiting three deep at the bar and the perspiring bar staff look harassed and rushed off their feet. I hear Andy sigh behind me. "Not much chance of getting loaded tonight then folks". I see an opportunity to lose them for a moment and grab it with both hands. "You guys go and sit down and I'll shout up the drinks" I offer. I might even manage to sneak a few moments with Christian if they're not with me I think to myself, rather deviously. Where the hell is he?
Fifteen minutes later and I'm next in line. The crowd for the bar has only increased in the last few minutes and now I'm so hemmed by the people waiting around me, I can no longer even scan the room for Christian's arrival. I put both arms on the bar and lean forward as far as I can in a shameless attempt to use my feminine wiles attract the bartender's attention.
Suddenly, I start as two hands slowly begin to stroke my hips and thighs and I feel a hard male body press suggestively against my backside. Shocked, I make to turn around but I am stopped in my tracks as a familiar voice breathes in my ear: "Stay still baby. Don't turn around". I gasp as I feel a slow flush burning from my inside out. Finally, he's here.
