Ana POV
It's Friday afternoon and I'm home a bit early to get ready for the ball tonight. I have plenty of time to get ready.
Today is also Christian's 28th birthday. Last night after he called me and offered to pick me up and be my ride to the ball, I baked a small chocolate cake. I had put it in the fridge for the night and now I'm just getting the frosting ready. I made vanilla frosting to make it a mix of chocolate and vanilla. I hope he likes it.
I haven't seen him the rest of this week but he's texted me all the time. I love the fact that he always has time to check up on me. It shows how caring he is.
Tuesday afternoon after work I went to the dress store Mia suggested and I found the perfect dress that same day. I didn't think I would. But I did and it was affordable.
After I finish icing the cake I go and take a hot shower. I take my time to let my muscles relax because sitting on a chair all day really hurts afterwards. Once I'm done I go over to my mirror and work on my hair and makeup. I don't want to do too much so I opt for a simple black smokey eye shadow and nude lips. Then I apply a bit of lip-gloss. After that I do my hair is lose curls and push it all to one side. Simple yet elegant in a way.
I step into my room and put on the dress I bought. It's a black floor length strapless gown. It hugs my curves in all the right places and honestly it makes my boobs look perfect and which girl doesn't like that? It's not too low-cut either. This dress was perfect! All my accessories are gold. Gold studs, simple gold necklace, gold bracelet and a black and gold clutch. Yeah the clutch is a bit different. My heels are black though. They're open toe with an ankle strap. When I look in the mirror I'm happy with the way I look. Simple yet elegant.
I look at the time and it's 7:30. I got home at 4:30 where the hell did the time go? I decide to text Christian and tell him to come by now. I can give him the cake and the present I got him. It's nothing big. I found this small model glider he can build. I think he can have a fun time building that.
I'm getting everything set up when there's a knock on my door. When I swing the door open I stare at the man in front of me. Is this man a Greek god or something? God damn it christian looks fucking amazing in his three piece black suit. I'm literally checking him out. Why does his lips look so soft and kissable? Damn it Ana stop it. Fuck. No one should be blaming me for my thoughts right now. Anyone would think the same while having a man like this in front of them.
I take a deep breath and motion him to come in. That's when I notice he's staring at me too. Oh my.
"Wow" he breaths. "You look absolutely stunning. I hope I can keep you on my arm tonight." He ways while walking in and keeping his eyes on me.
"Totally fine with me." I smile. "Come." I grab his hand and lead him to the kitchen. "Happy birthday"
"Who told you?"
"Mia" I say while lighting up the candle. "Come on make a wish"
"Ana, I don't really like celebrating my birthday."
"I know" I reply. "Mia said that too. But come on Christian. It's your birthday you're allowed to enjoy it. Don't over think it just blow out the candle and make a wish." I really wanted to ask why he doesn't celebrate it but I felt like the answer was to personal so I decided not to.
Christian gives me a small smile, closes his eyes and blows out the candle. Afterwards I cut him a bit.
"Chocolate cake with vanilla frosting?" His eye lid up.
"Mhmm" I nod and serve him a piece then me. "And here." I give him his present. He opens up the bag and sees the glider and chuckles.
"Wow" he looks up smiling. "A small model glider. I'm going to have fun building this little thing." He stand up and pulls me to him giving me a hug. "Thanks for the cake and gift. It was really sweet of you".
I hug him back and come to think of it this is our first hug. But for some reason this hug felt like it was important to him. Like it meant more than a hug to him.
I shrug off the thought and give him a smile. "Come on let's go." I tell him while grabbing my clutch and heading out with him. Once I step out I see a white Audi R8 Spyder. The only reason I know this car is because I freaking want one but that's a dream that won't come true. I don't have the money for it.
"Nice freaking car. Can I drive it?" I ask.
He laughs and shakes his head. "Maybe next time."
He opens up the door for me and I get it. I know tonight will be interesting. Let's see what awaits me.
Christian POV
Ever since I woke up all I've been greeted with happy birthdays and birthday texts from Elliot, Mom, Dad, Mia and even Kate. I was hoping the ball today would overshadow my birthday but it hasn't. I just hope that I won't hear any more Happy Birthday's for the rest of the day.
But that didn't happen.
After Ana texted me to come over a bit early I wasn't expecting a happy birthday from her or even a cake and present. Mia apparently told her it was my birthday today. She also told her I don't like celebrating it but Ana didn't listen. For some reason I like that she didn't listen. She baked me a cake and got me something and she hasn't known me for that much. She really is a caring person I couldn't say no to her when she told me to blow the candle.
I want expecting all of that. It was a nice gesture.
What I also didn't expect was me pulling her into a hug. She touched my back and chest a bit. I don't know what I was thinking. I just wanted to thank her and ended up pulling her into a hug. Isn't a hug a natural reaction for wanting to thank someone?
I don't ever have reactions like that but with Ana I did.
Want to hear the funny part?
It didn't bother me.
I don't like my chest or back being touched. I barely let my family hug me because of that reason. Hell, Mia was the only one allowed to hug me. Just two years ago I started letting Mom, Dad and Elliot give me hugs.
Baby steps.
I'm sitting in my car with Ana next to me driving to the ball.
And, fuck!
She looks absolutely stunning. Just beautiful. When she opened her door she blew my breath away. I hope she understands that she really will be on my arm tonight. I'm definitely not letting her go.
Once we arrive I see her stiffen up at the sight of paparazzi. When we stop at the front I spot Taylor. I step out the car, throw him my keys so he can park the car then open the door for Ana. After I help her out the car I bend and whisper "just stay beside me alright? Smile and don't answer anything."
She nods and immediately holds my arms.
"Mr. Grey over here."
"Mr. Grey, who's the girl?"
"Is she your girlfriend?"
"Sweet cheeks what's your name?"
Ana looks up at me with a face telling me she wants to scream at him for calling her sweet cheeks. I hold in my laugh and head in with her. The moment we walk on we're greeted by my mother and father.
"Christian! Happy birthday son" dad says while shaking my hand.
"Happy Birthday" mom smiles and gives me a kiss on the cheek. Then looks at Ana. "Who is this lovely lady?"
"Sweet cheeks here-"
"Christian!" Ana scolds while playfully hitting my chest. I just laugh but both Ana and I noticed my mother gasp.
"I was joking! Mom, Dad this is Anastasia Steele"
"Oh Anastasia! I'm so glad you could make it." Mom says and hugs her. "We've heard a lot about you. So nice to finally meet you. Oh, and welcome back to Seattle."
"Nice to meet you both Mr and Mrs Grey." Ana greets back.
"Oh sweetie, call me Grace"
"And I'm Carrick" dad shakes her hand lightly and smiles. "We'll see you both around."
Ana and I start walking into the main area.
"I meant what I said. I hope to keep you on my arm tonight."
"I don't mind." She smiles "I don't know anyone here besides you, Kate, Mia, Elliot and now your parents. So I'd rather just stay with you"
"Alright. Come, I have to greet some people." I walk around with her greeting the guest and introducing her to business partners or some of my parents friends.
I've already spotted some fuckers staring at my Ana.
My Ana?
Jesus, Grey, she's not yours.
Fuck it. For the night she is.
Ana spots Kate and Mia and looks up at me.
"Go, I'll meet up with you in a few"
She smiles and walks over to them and I can't help but stare.
Ana, Ana, Ana. You are truly a beauty.
Ana POV.
So I met Christian's parents and they seemed really nice but it was weird how his mom gasped when I slapped him on his chest lightly. What was that about?
Anyways I'm here with Kate and Mia, who look stunning by the way.
Kate has a gorgeous halter top, red gown on while Mia has light pink shirt in the front and long in the back type of dress.
"Damn, Steele.. you look hot!" Kate says.
"Hell yeah, totally loving your look" Mia adds.
"You both look stunning tonight."
"I have a surprise for you" Kate says and begins to look around. Who is she looking for? "Ah here they are" when I turn to see who she's smiling at I see Ethan with Brandon and his wife. Oh my god! I run into Ethan's arms and hug him tight. I haven't seen him in MONTHS!
"I thought you weren't coming until next month?" I tell him.
"Nah I got back sooner." He smiles. He was in his own vacation and wasn't coming back till next month. But he's here and I finally have both my cousins together.
"Hi Ethan" I turn and see Mia giving him a sweet smile and giving him a look that I would give David Beckham. Oh my god, does she have a crush on Ethan?
"Hi Mia" he takes her hand and gives it a kiss. "You look lovely."
"Thank you." She blushes a bit. "Nice to have you back.
I turn to Kate and give her a questioning look. She just winks and smirks.
I turn to Brandon and dramatically say "Hi stranger"
"Ana, come here" he takes my hand and pulls me into a huge hug. God I've missed him. I'm pretty sure I'm squeezing him. "It's so nice to see you and have you back in Seattle."
"It's been a while. I hope we can catch up soon" I turn to Jessica. "hi Jess. It's nice to see you again"
"Hi, Ana! You look amazing." She gives me a sweet smile.
"So do you."
Jessica and I only met a handful of times while I was with William but she was always the sweetest.
"Oh and congratulations to you both"
As I finish what I'm saying, Elliot and Christian both join us. Elliot wraps his arm around Kate's waist while Christian puts his hand on my shoulder.
"Hello people" Elliot says. "Ethan, man, you're back. How was Cabo?"
"Amazing as always." He responds. "By the way this is Brandon and Jessica." Both Elliot and Christian greet them but I see him kind of eyeing Brandon.
"Brandon is an old friend of mine and Kate. We went to college together. Jessica is his wife and umm William's cousin" I tell them.
"That asshole" Jessica mumbles.
"Can't believe he's your cousin." Mia says.
"Me either." Jessica responds then turns to me "Did you know he begged uncle Tim to let him take over the business. That was suppose to me my business but he took it away. I went to college for this and that asshole begged and took my position away."
"Really?" Christian asks.
"I studied business in college just for this position. I'm not trying to be cocky but I was always his favorite. Plus he was like a father figure to me more than my own dad ever was. Uncle Tim doesn't have any kids and he told me the moment I graduate college he's handing down the business to me and making me CEO. William was a damn history teacher." I can tell Jessica is mad and has the right to be. What happened was totally unfair to her.
"Speak of the devil" she says and we all turn to her gaze. William is walking towards us. Christian suddenly slides his hand down my back and to my waist and pulls me closer.
"Good evening. Ana.." He turns to me. "You look absolutely stunning" say looks at me in a way that's making me a bit uncomfortable.
"William can you stop and not eye fuck her when her date is right there?" Jessica says annoyed.
"Date? I didn't realize she was here with Mr. Grey." His gaze falls to the possessive hand around my waist.
"Well she is." Christian says calmly. "If you'll excuse us, we'll be heading to our table."
With his arm at my waist he leads me to our table. He doesn't let go. I can tell William didn't want to fight back with him since he can lose him as an investor.
Interesting night so far.
Christian POV.
That fucker. That fucking fucker. Eye fucking my girl. I wanted to punch him but I held back. I calmed myself down.
The good thing is that Ana didn't move my hand when it landed on her waist as I pulled her close to me.
We've already ate dinner and done some auctions. Ana has been enjoying her night. She's relaxed and having fun. I've been watching her every move, though. The way she keep moving her legs, pushing a small strand of hair that keeps getting in the way, how she covers her mouth sometimes while laughing. Her laugh is the cutest. I can listen to it all day.
It's time for the ladies to be auction for the first dance. Mia comes our way and grabs Ana's hand. "Come on Ana, this will be fun."
"Alright I'm in." She turns to me. "Watch my things?" I smile and give her a nod then watch her walk away with Mia.
Of course I'm bidding there's no way in hell I'm letting another fucker win her.
First is Mia's friend Claire then her other friend Kyla. After them is Kate, of course Elliot wins for this one. Then it's Mia. By the look of surprise on her face she can't believe Ethan bid for her and won.
Then it's Ana.
Anastasia.
"Alright men, the bidding will start at $5,000."
"$7,000" someone yells and when I'm about to start making my bid there goes the one person I didn't want bidding. William.
"$10,000" he says. Ana discretely looks in my direction. Her eyes pleading for help. I come up with a plan. And a good one. I'm going to let them bid all they want then last minute I'll make my bid.
"$15,000" someone else yells.
"$20,000" William retorts.
"$25,000"
"$30,000"
"$40,000"
"$50,000" William smirks.
With the look on Ana's face I can tell she can't believe men are bidding this much for just a dance.
William has a cocky smile in his face as if he thinks he's won.
"Going once, Going twice..".
I get up and calmly call out "$100,000". I hear gasps from everyone.
"$100,000 going once, going twice... SOLD! To the gentlemen over there."
Ana gets off the podium and heads over to me. "Not sure if I should thank you to kill you."
"You should thank me, I did win." I smirk.
"$100,000? Really? That's a lot of money for a dance Mr. Grey." She teases.
"It's worth it."
"When is this dance?" She ask.
"In about 30 minutes"
"You better know how to dance Mr. Grey or I'll be schooling you." She jokes.
"Oh, Miss Steele, wait till you see my moves" I tease.
I notice her eyes wonder to someone then back to me. When I turn I see her standing there watching us.
"Hello Christian."
"Hello Elena"
Dear god don't let this get bad.
I was going to do that ball all in one chapter but it seemed best to split it into two part. So the next chapter will be part 2.
Christian is already being possessive call Ana his Ana. Hmm.. things between them are going to start blooming.
Oh and Elena appeared. She's going to be trouble but not a lot of trouble like William.
Any questions or comments? Don't forget to review :)