Had fun writing this today so thought I would post it now to make up for the lack of updates with this story! Hope you enjoy xxx

It turns out that the flight to New York leaves Saturday morning at 6:30 am. We'll be staying for two nights and flying out early Monday morning. Mr Grey has arranged for a car to come and pick me up and drop me to the airport where I shall meet the rest of the team. To say I'm nervous is an understatement.

I'm at my parents place for dinner right now as I tell them.

"This could be great for you," my dad smiles. "Get you out to New York, bit of shopping, change of scenery."

"Will you be okay though?" My mom asks worriedly. "On your own I mean?"

"Mom, I'm not on my own." I tell her.

"Ah Carls she'll be fine," dad dismisses. "It's two days."

I nod. "I'll be fine."

"I'll pack your bag if you want honey," mom says softly.

"That would be great mom." I reach across the table and squeeze her hand.

I love them both more than words can say and I'm so grateful to have them.


It's Friday night and I'm all packed, ready for tomorrow's 3 am wake up. It's currently 7pm and Kate and I are just lounging around chatting.

"Do you think you'll share Mr Grey's room?" She asks.

I chuckle. "Never in a billion years. I suspect we've all got our own lavish rooms."

"You do realize this is your only chance right?" She says seriously now. "You have to take it."

"Kate, I'm not going to New York to seduce my boss," I insist. "He'll fire me for sure and besides, I really don't think he's into me."

"Take my red underwear set," she says, ignoring me. "Just in case."

I throw the cushion at her. It lands on the top of her head.


Saturday 12th October 2016

I wake up at 3 am from my alarm. I'm super tired and so getting dressed is a bit of a task. I pull on a pair of leggings and Kate's Gucci hoodie. It's absolutely freezing.

As I walk into the lounge I see Kate at the breakfast bar.

"Wanted to help you get ready," she smiles. "I know you're nervous but everything's going to be fine Ana."

I smile gratefully at her. I truly do have the best family and friends anybody could ever ask for.

Kate does my hair for me. She straightens it, something I rarely do and it hangs almost to my waist. She then does some light makeup.

As soon as she's finished, we hear the car pull up outside. My heart beats a little faster in response.

"Thank you," I whisper.

"Have the most amazing time in New York," she says gently, throwing her arms around my neck. "Text me as soon as you get there and FaceTime me tonight at the hotel."

"I will," I laugh.

She walks me to the door where I have an oversized Louis Vuitton travel bag (courtesy of Kate) and the matching small suitcase (also courtesy of Kate). I can't help but wonder when I'll finally be able to have my own nice things that aren't loaned to me by my rich best friend.

It's pitch black outside, as expected, and freezing cold. A man wearing a suit stands outside the sleek back SUV.

"Miss Steele," he greets professionally. "My name is Sawyer, please, let me take your things."

I slip into the back of the car, feeling nervous. This is it. This is really happening. I'm going to New York with my work colleagues. I'm going to New York with Mr Grey. I buckle myself in and we're off.


The drive to the airport is slow and relaxing. Sawyer plays music low and I feel myself drifting off. I'm slightly embarrassed that he has to wake me upon arrival.

"We're here miss Steele," he says.

I open my eyes and get out of the car immediately. He carries my bags and escorts me all the way inside sea tac. Bright lights greet us inside and I have to blink several times to adjust. We head over to a lounging area where I see everybody else already sitting.

"Thank you Sawyer," Mr Grey says. "Good morning Anastasia, take a seat."

I sit down next to him, feeling myself flush all over.

It's the first time I've seen Mr Grey out of his suit and he looks glorious. Dressed in a navy blue sweatshirt and jeans, he's absolutely gorgeous. I avert my eyes away from him quickly toward Andrea who is opposite me, clad in jeans and a blazer. Ross is wearing her usual suit.

"How was the journey?" Mr Grey asks me.

"I...uh. Well I fell asleep for the most part." I confess.

He chuckles. "It's early," he agrees. "We were waiting for you to go and grab something to eat."

"Oh," I smile. That was nice of them but I'm really not hungry.

We head over into a nice little cafe, leaving our luggage with Taylor and Sawyer. Andrea orders a bagel and coffee and Christian has the same. Ros opts for bacon and eggs. Andrea and Ros then walk away to a table but unfortunately, Mr Grey stays behind with me. When it's my turn, I ask for an English breakfast Tea.

"Is that all you're having?" He says disapprovingly.

I nod.

He purses his lips slightly but refrains from saying anything. We walk silently back to the table and I watch Andrea look swiftly over at me through her eyelashes.

"Excited?" Christian asks, turning toward me.

I take a sip of my tea and smile. "Yeah, I've never been to New York."

"Well we've got the business meeting at 2:00 pm today and I suspect that shall last for at least an hour. After that we have a formal dinner of sorts with the clients at five."

"Formal?" I ask apprehensively.

"Of course," Andrea says seriously, interrupting. "I hope you've bought suitable attire."

"Of course," I mumble back.

Shit. I hope Kate or my mom packed something. Oh God.

"Tomorrow we have brunch in the morning," he continues, "but after that, we're done."

"Ros and I have booked a spa day," Andrea smiles. "That was before we knew you were coming of course Anastasia, I apologize."

I don't answer. I sip my tea instead, thinking about how she doesn't look sorry at all.


The flight leaves exactly at 6:00 am and although it's not my first time flying, it isn't something I do often and so I'm naturally scared. We're in first class however which is amazing. Ros and Andrea are sitting opposite eachother over on the right side and Mr Grey is opposite me on the left. Sawyer and Taylor are in the back. A table separates Mr Grey and I, adorned with more tea, magazines, snacks and a button to call for the attendants. I think about how I have to sit opposite him for the next five hours and pray I don't do anything embarrassing.

He gets out his computer almost immediately however and I instantly relax. I take out my book as we set off.

An hour into the journey and I'm already feeling a little restless. I place my book down and Mr Grey looks up at me from his laptop.

"You okay?" He asks.

"I'm not used to long journeys, that's all," I say.

"Nervous of flying?"

"A little bit," I admit.

"Why don't you try sleeping?" He suggests. "I always find that helps. Passes the time quicker."

It's crossed my mind; however I've been a little nervous to sleep in front of Mr Grey. What if I drool or something? However, I realize I'm being a bit silly. He's engrossed with his work and I am exhausted. I slip my earphones in and doze off almost instantly.


When I open my eyes, I'm a little disoriented. I have a blanket on me that I don't remember using and I sit up immediately once I realize where I am. I hear Mr Grey chuckle.

"Don't worry, you're perfectly safe," he grins.

"Did you..." I trail off, looking down at the blanket.

He nods. "It was cold. I thought you'd appreciate it."

"Thank you," I whisper. "How long was I asleep?"

He closes his laptop shut and leans further back in his seat.

"We should be landing in about half an hour," he says.

"A long time then," I murmur.

"Do you want something to eat? You must be starving," he notes.

I'm not, but I realize there's no excuse not to eat and so I condescend to a piece of toast and another cup of tea. I see him frown as I nibble the edges but once again, he doesn't say anything.

True to form, twenty minutes later we land. We're shuffled off the airplane and into another large SUV which immediately drives us to the Four Seasons hotel.

"We'll meet in the foyer at one," Mr Grey instructs as we stand in the enormous marble entrance.

He briefly talks to the receptionist and then issues us each with a card. "Don't be late," he warns before striding off ahead.

I follow Andrea and Ross. We're all on the same floor but my room is at the end. I am most definitely not prepared for what I see upon walking in. It's an enormous suite, complete with a small kitchen, bathroom with a bath, lounge and bedroom. The ultimate luxury. My bags are sat neatly on my bed and the first thing I do is open them to see what my mother and Kate packed. Much to my horror, I indeed see Kate's red underwear set but I'm instantly relieved when I find her gorgeous red satin gown. It's a body-con that hugs each curve and crevice delicately. It's strapless, elegant and sexy all rolled into one. There is also my mother's necklace in there and several other changes of outfits. I send a quick thank you text before getting ready.

I slip into my usual work attire; however, opting for slightly higher heels and a pinker lipstick. I straighten the wavy bits of my hair once more and tuck my blouse into my skirt. Once that's done I open up the fridge and see it's filled with complimentary drinks and snacks. I have a fruit smoothie to fill me up.

My heart is beating again as I prepare to leave but I try to ignore it. I can do this. I grab my bag which contains my laptop and laptop charger, take a deep breath, and exit the door.

I'm quiet throughout the entire journey and once we get to the building, I feel myself starting to shake. Mr Grey turns toward me briefly.

"You'll be okay," he says quietly, offering me a small smile. "Deep breaths, laptop out and type away. You can't go wrong."

I smile back weakly, following his lead as we walk in.

There are several men and women seated upon a large round conference table. Their eyes survey us and Christian smiles.

"James." He states.

"Grey."

We sit down and Mr Grey gestures for me to sit next to him. Andrea casts me a glance and I sit down quickly. I get out my laptop and breathe.

Deep breaths Ana. Deep breaths.


The meeting is over. I've taken all the notes I possibly could have and Mr Grey smiles at me as we exit.

"You did great," he says. "Well done."

"Thank you," I blush.

"Well, the dinner is in a few hours," he then says, addressing the team. "I'll leave everyone to get ready, relax, whatever. We'll meet here at 4:30."

He walks off again and I hurry back to my room.

"I can't believe I did it," I say to Kate as I lay on my bed. "I finally feel like I can breathe again now."

"I'm proud of you Ana. What's the plan for this evening?" She smiles.

"A formal dinner," I groan, but much to her delight she jumps in the air.

"This is the perfect opportunity to catch Mr Grey's eyes. The red dress is going to look amazing. In your makeup bag, I've also put one of your red lipsticks in there."

I sigh. "I really don't want to go."

"You'll have an amazing time," she assures me.

I hope she's right.


Half an hour later I decide that it's time to get ready. I have a quick shower and curl my hair delicately into soft waves. For my makeup, I go for sultry fluttery lashes and my dramatic red lipstick. Finally, I slip into the red dress and I actually smile for once at what I see in the mirror. The silky material hugs all the curves in the right places and frames my delicate frame. I slip on some black heels, grab my clutch, swallow my meds and head down to the foyer.

Somehow, I always manage to be the last one. Andrea is there with an elaborate up do and a turquoise dress. Ros is in her usual suit and Mr Grey is there in his. He smiles as I make my way nervously to them.

"Anastasia," he greets. "You look beautiful."

Andrea looks over at him funnily and he coughs a little. "As you all do," he adds. "I'm proud of you all. Shall we go?"

He walks ahead and I can't help but swoon a little over how he called me beautiful.

The dinner is formal and a little uncomfortable. I have to sit by Andrea and eat strange foods that taste funny. The conversation is all business and Mr Greys' new renovations on Grey enterprises. I'm relieved when it's over to be perfectly honest.

After we get up, everybody spreads out to drink wine and mingle. I find myself a seat in the corner and just sit there awkwardly. I'm not old enough to legally buy any drinks here and I don't know anybody to even mingle with. I'm the youngest person here by a mile and nobody's paying me much attention apart from the older men giving me sleazy looks. I decide to get out my phone and message Kate but as I do, a shadow falls over my screen.

Mr Grey is standing over me. He passes me a glass of something sparkling.

"Thank you," I murmur.

He looks deep into my eyes and I suddenly feel exposed. As if he's reading all my thoughts; as if he's finding out all my secrets. He then sits down next to me and I nervously take a sip of the wine. It's nice.

"I've never much liked these things," he muses, looking out to the scene before us. "Part and parcel of the trade unfortunately."

"I feel…a little out of place," I confess.

He turns to look at me. "Why?" He asks.

"I don't know," I take another sip quickly. "Everyone here is so successful I suppose."

"You're successful too Anastasia, especially for your age. You have a brilliant mind and incredible talent."

I'm a little entranced as I stare at him and drink another sip. "Thank you Mr Grey," I smile.

Mr Grey stays with me a few moments more but unfortunately, a leggy blonde comes to whisk him away.

I down the rest of my drink.


I must stay for another hour or so before I decide to leave. Nobody else has spoken to me all night and I'm feeling kind of cold and a little upset. I exit swiftly up to my suite and run myself a bath. As I undress, I imagine Mr Grey's hands unzipping the back for me and a tear escapes my eye. I know, I'm ridiculous.

In the bath I furiously wipe away my makeup and pile my hair on the top of my head. I let the warm water wash over me until it turns cold. I then slip into my hoodie and pajama shorts and open my laptop where I skype with my parents.

I talk to them for ages and then I talk to Kate for another hour or so. By the time I close it, it's almost midnight and I flop on my bed, feeling restless. I'm not sure what I expected of this night…I just know that I hoped it'd be a little better. That Mr Grey would stay with me maybe. I also wonder why Ross and Andrea won't speak to me and that also makes me upset. That's when I decide to go for a little walk around the hotel to clear my head. Maybe get a snack from a vending machine.

I slip on my socks and enter the hall. It's dark and quiet but as I walk further, I hear Ros and Andrea's voices talking loudly from Andrea's room. I pass it quickly and turn left toward the vending machine. I settle on the Reese's peanut butter cups. As I walk back to my room, I'm opening up the candy when I almost trip on something. I look up and see Mr Grey almost colliding into me. He steadies me and looks down.

"Anastasia? Are you okay?" He asks concerned. He's still wearing his suit.

I nod.

"Are you sure? You left the dinner."

"Nobody was talking to me," I admit truthfully. "I was just sitting there alone. I didn't mind though; I was tired anyway."

Why do I keep opening up to him? What's wrong with me? This is so unlike me…

He considers me for a moment before looking away. I'm not sure what to do. I'm standing here in booty shorts and socks, holding peanut butter cups. Embarrassed is the understatement of the century.

"I'm sorry," he finally says. "People just kept sweeping me away, introducing themselves, talking endlessly about nonsense."

"It's okay, honestly Mr Grey," I say quickly.

He then looks at my candy and smiles.

"Can I have one?" He asks, much to my surprise. "They're my daughter's favorite."

I pass it to him wordlessly, suppressing my own smile. I watch him eat it and feel extremely jealous of that little piece of chocolate.

"Are you sure you're okay?" He asks after eating.

"I'm not used to being alone," I say truthfully. "But I think I'll be okay."

He's silent for a few seconds. "I'm not going to sleep yet," he finally says. "I'm probably going to do a little more work, watch a movie or something perhaps. I know this is probably not very professional of me, but would you like to come to my suite for a while? I don't want you to feel alone here Anastasia."

My breath hitches just a little and all I can do is nod.


Next chapter Christian and Ana talk and we get to know more about Christian's life, his daughter and his daughter's mother. Please review and let me know what you think. your thoughts motivate and encourage me to update, love always!xoxo