Chapter 10

I stare out the window as Christian talks on the phone, watching everyone navigate their way on the sidewalk either to lunch, or a meeting, maybe catching up with an old friend, or running errands. I certainly never expected to end up going to lunch after the meeting this morning. I don't know how to classify what this lunch is, business, as friends, a date, forced. Christian is extremely attractive, every interaction I become more attracted to him because of his generosity, or that rare smile or laugh, the elevator ride was charged with electricity, I wonder if he felt it. Even though she was rude, Mia, is right, I am a little mousey, we don't fit together at all, it's not like he would ever go for me anyway, I have seen his secret girlfriends, they all exude confidence and are gorgeous, I have always wondered why they were kept so secretive, Kendra, was gob smacked when she learned he wasn't gay.

"Sorry about that, won't happen again." Christian brings me out of my contemplation. He needs to stop apologizing for things he can't control. Surprisingly we have a normal conversation with ease, everything seems to flow naturally. Pulling up to the Mile-High club I can't help but notice the opulent décor of the lobby.

"Do you eat here often."

"Well, I own the restaurant, I try and eat here once a week just to keep them on their toes." What doesn't this man own, I quickly find out he is very diversified, I'm just happy he isn't my competition. He has the natural intelligence where he seems to be able to pick things up quickly with few struggles.

Christian orders our food and as the waiter retreats we delve more into why I chose pharmacy, he is intently listening to what I have say and I can't help but laugh at the perception he has of my career. Each remark about pill counting being all I do give me more ideas and drive to produce more videos to help educate the public.

"Any plans for the weekend?" I ask, mainly curious what a billionaire does other than work.

"Actually, I am taking my dad and brother out on my boat for my dad's birthday."

"That sounds like fun, do you have a big family?"

"My sister Mia, who you have unfortunately met, my Bother Elliott, he owns Grey construction, my mother Grace, who is a pediatrician, and My Father Carrick, is a lawyer. My Grandparents, mother side, live close by and I have an aunt, uncle, and 3 cousins who live near, and everyone else is out of state." I wonder what it is like to have such a large family, holidays must be fun, always someone around. I think back to how I spent most of my holidays. Before the divorce it was just me, mom and Ray. When they divorced, it was Mom and I alone, then Ray and I alone, now it's just me alone, unless Kate invites me to her celebrations.

"How about you Ana?" This is why I always avoid the family conversation, I don't know why I asked. I can't even begin to explain or want to so I just cop out hoping he will stop the questioning.

"Do you have any plans for the weekend?" Thankfully he didn't probe anymore.

I have enjoyed lunch more than I ever expected, we are joking with each other as Christian walks me to my car.

I unlock my car and turn around to say goodbye, I am met with Christian leaning in to kiss me, I give in and reciprocate. I can't believe this is happening. I look at Christian and he seems shocked as well, he probably regrets it. I quickly say good bye and leave before it can become awkward.

I should have never agreed to this lunch; the meeting went great and then Mia had to come and throw everything off. The kiss was amazing, soft but yet frim, I can't deny I find him attractive, but we are completely different, he seemed so confused afterword, I think we blurred the lines of acquaintance and possibly business associates. I plan to go home and hope to never speak of this again.

I easily make my way home, I love my apartment, it's what I have always dreamed of, it has taken me forever to complete, but I wanted a place I totally loved and I could finally have a restful home. I take my MacBook out of my brief case in my office and set reminders to contact Monica for an estimated head count and finalize the best way to do this clinic. At least everything businesswise went outstanding.

I start finalizing my next video titled 'Charcoal Cleanse Drinks and your medication.' We haven't had this happen a lot but someone came in last week to pick up and antibiotic and she asked if we carried this cleanse drink and was raving about how great they are and how she loves the taste and drinks them all day long. After reading the ingredients I saw activated charcoal and asked if she takes any regular medication and if she makes sure not to take them within a few hours of the drink. She had no idea what I was talking about and I had to explain this is the same, albeit smaller dose, they give to people who ingested something toxic or a possible overdose in the emergency department as it binds to 'toxins' or in her case her birth control pills and they are never absorbed. Luckily, she was not pregnant and just surprised.

Making a quick dinner I sit and enjoy some TV, I am having trouble paying attention as I get lost in my thoughts. I wonder if maybe I should date, not Christian, in general. I am a 27-year-old successful woman, I need to put myself out there if I ever want to be married or have kids, I can't just hope someone is going to waltz into my life without trying. Maybe I need to take Kate up on her offer to set me up, not all men are vile.

Deciding I don't want to wake up and be a crazy cat lady spinster, well I'm allergic so dog lady I need to make a change, I don't have the excuse of being busy with school or starting a business or Mom and Ray. A date is not going to kill me.

On my new determined goal, I search for my phone to call Kate and see if she has plans on Saturday.

"Kate Kavanagh, Seattle Daily News."

"Its Ana, Kate."

"Oh sorry, I didn't even look I am trying to finish this story before my deadline. What's up?"

"If your busy, it can wait."

"Steele, come on, you know I am never too busy for you, and you underestimate my multi- tasking ability." I laugh, I could never underestimate that, it's a freak of nature how well she can balance so many things at the same time, I often have trouble keeping up with what she is talking about because she switches so quickly.

"Right, you are a freak. Anyway, I was just calling to see what your plans were this weekend?"

"Is Ana Steele actually willingly wanting to go out with me?"

"Who said anything about going out, I wanted your help baking." I joke, there is no way I would let Kate step into my kitchen for anything more than water, even that is pushing it.

"Right, well, I was going to meet some friends out and the guy I have been seeing for a few weeks, you are definitely coming with us now, everyone probably thinks you are a mythical unicorn since I talk about you all the time but you never show up." Maybe this was a bad idea, there is no telling what Kate said.

"Now that you mention it, I forgot I already had plans."

"Ha Ha like I believe that for a second, you are coming with, I will be over before to dress you and do your make up so you have no excuse."

"Fine, we can catch up while you torture me."

"Sounds good Steele, I will see you then, I need to go and finish this story." With that she hangs up without waiting for my reply. What have I gotten myself into, I should have just tried one of those dating apps Tyler is always talking about.

FlynnPOV

Sitting her listening to Christian ranting about a kiss, its truly remarkable the change he has made in the last few months.

"She exudes this electrical current when we are in small spaces, it had me all confused, I never kiss, then when we are saying bye, out of nowhere something takes over me and I'm kissing her." He has been over this scenario for the last 20 minutes. For so long he has had someone tell he what he should and should not be doing, he never got to experience the awkward emotions as a teenager, not properly. He must go through these adolescent emotions and figure out ways to process them like most teenagers do.

"Christian, let's start at the beginning, why were you having lunch with Ana in the first place?"

"It's all Mia's fault..." As he explains the situation, I am starting to understand why at an emotional level he is overwhelmed. He is having to essentially process his sister wanting him for money, like most of the women in his life and his crush on Ana is beyond what he has emotional capacity for at this time.

"Why did you start giving Mia so much money in the first place?"

"She is my sister, it started off slow, then for emergencies, and I don't really worry about the bill, I can afford it."

"Ok, how else do you show Mia you care? How do you show your parents or Elliott that you care?" He starts pacing, upset with this line of questioning.

"I don't understand how this has anything to do with Ana?"

"We will get to Ana in just a moment. You show you care and love someone monetarily, which is why you often get taken advantage of, I want you to work on expressing that differently, talk to your family, spend time with them, tell them how you feel, don't just give them something."

"What is wrong with giving gifts?"

"It's not about the gift it's about why the gift is given, you need to stop looking at all relationships like you look at a Profit and Loss sheet. People and feelings cannot be monetized. It goes back to why I think you need to pursue a friendship with someone outside of your family, so you can learn that comradery and value of relationships and how to express your emotions."

"Fine, but I didn't give Ana money, I kissed her."

"Correct, why do you think you kissed her?"

"That's what I have been asking, I don't know why."

"Christian, why did you have lunch with Ana? This time don't blame Mia. "

"I don't know, I said it, then she was joking about how we didn't have to go, but I wanted to spend more time with her."

"Why?"

"I just like listening to her talk, she always has a remark, she demands respect, most people don't question to formality. She intrigues me, extremely intelligent as well."

"It sounds as if you like her?"

"Flynn, you know I don't do that, I am too fucked up for her?"

"Christian, you can do whatever you want, there is nothing wrong with BDSM or dating, as long as it consensual and safe. You don't have to have the same relationship repeatedly. You are not fucked up, you were abused for far too long, and until you accept yourself as having value other than just money, you will be able to look at others the same way."

"She is way too good for me."

"Maybe so, but Rhian is too good for me and we are married. Did you enjoy today enough to want to see Ana again."

"Yes" he murmurs it softly but at least he is admitting it.

"Why don't you spend more time with her, ask her on an official date. Talk to her, be honest and open. If you don't know what you feel tell her that, it's acceptable to not have all the answers and not have control over every situation. Just relax, have fun." I try and hold my chuckle at the stare he is now giving me. I do believe Ana is making him question himself. I am happy he is finally making progress.

CPOV

"Just relax, have fun." With how much I am paying him I expect more than relax and have fun. I walk back to Escala contemplating what to do. Flynn didn't help one bit. I enter the building and hit the elevator button with more force than necessary. I still don't know what to do next. Just ignore Ana and pretend it never happened, she was quick to leave.

As I exit the elevator, I never noticed how quiet this place is. I walk to the kitchen where Mrs. Jones is finishing dinner.

"When would you like to eat, Mr. Grey."

"Now is fine, if it's ready."

"Of course, let me make you a plate." I take off my jacket as I sit at the breakfast bar, resting it on the empty stool next to me. Gail places the plate in front of me. I immediately smile, homemade mac and cheese.

"Thank- you Gail."

"Of course, can I get you anything else?" Maybe Gail can help me with my dilemma, she can't be worse than Flynn's advice.

"Can I ask you a question?" I can tell I surprised her with this request.

"Of course, Mr. Grey."

"You know Ana, Dr. Steele?"

"Yes"

"Do you think she would go on a date with me?" She seems taken aback by this, I knew it, of course she wouldn't go out with me.

"I don't see why she wouldn't." I harrumph and raise my eyebrow looking towards the Red Room.

"Mr. Grey.." I stop her

"Christian" I have never asked her to call me by my first name. It just seems a little silly, all the formality, well at home.

"Christian, I think any young woman would be delighted to be asked out by a gentleman like yourself." I'm no gentleman and it's not just any woman.

"Sure, but Ana, specifically."

"Christian, I think Ana would consider going out with you, I don't know her that well, but she is a wonderful and reasonable person."

"She has to know something is off, she reports to Taylor about my submissives medicine."

"Everyone has a past and a story, as long as you are honest I don't see a problem. Just because she reported doesn't mean she knows what was happening, anyway, Ana is not a judgmental person."

"Thankyou Gail, you can enjoy the rest of your night." I eat my dinner and contemplate what I should do. Gail is right, I don't think Ana is judgmental. I continue my evening in my office working.

The night has gotten away from me, I decided to stop and take a shower before attempting sleep. I can't help but think of Ana while I am in the shower, her lips were very soft and kissable this afternoon. I slowly stroke myself imagining her soft lips on my cock, drawing me completely into her warm mouth as she teases my balls. I can feel her kiss up my body and finally at my lips as she takes my erection into her hand and pumps me at her own pace. While entrancing me with those round blue sapphire eyes lock with mine. Before I know it, I am blowing my load again in the shower. I need to stop doing this, I have more self-control.

The rest of the week goes the same way, as much as I tell myself to stop, I masturbate thinking of Ana every day. I really need to work on a plan to ask her out, at least then I will know my answer.

Its Saturday morning and I am at the Marina waiting for my dad and Elliott to arrive. We have all afternoon to sail and fish, I am excited for today, it has probably been close to 15 years since we have done this. I see them approaching the docks and making their way to The Grace.

"Happy Birthday, Dad." I greet as he walks aboard.

"Thanks, Son, how is everything looking." He greets me with a handshake and a pat on my shoulder, careful to not encroach upon my boundaries.

"Perfect weather today, I'm excited to get out there. Elliott" I nod as Elliott steps up.

"Looking good Bro, you ready to lose the fish count today." I laugh, always a competition, not one I plan on losing either.

"Like that will happen, I plan on enjoying my meal on you tonight."

"Business not going well, you need your big brother to help you out."

"Speaking of, I am glad you finally cut Mia off." My dad chips in

"Yes, she was getting out of control, I just changed the limit initially but she came down to the office making a scene in the middle of the day." I hear him sigh

"Sorry about that, you shouldn't give her money anyway, she gets enough from us and she has her trust fund now. I'm glad to be away for the day, she is talking Gracie's ear off about how she needs more money, I'm pretty sure your mom was seeing is she could work today to get a break." I can only imagine, Mia is already a chatty, but when she is upset its never-ending.

"She needs a job, but enough about Mia, let's get this fishing started." Elliott interjects wanting to move away from Mia, she has been calling him nonstop since I cut her off.

We had a great day out on the water and are at SP's place enjoying some beer and seafood chowder. Elliott is pouting because I beat him in the number of fish and Dad beat him in weight of the fish.

"Christian, any plans for tonight?" Elliott asks as we are getting ready to leave.

"Just planning to get some work done."

"So, nothing, good. Come with me, I'm going out with this girl I've been seeing a few weeks, I am meeting her friends tonight." I'm shocked someone has lasted a few weeks with Elliott, a weekend is his usual max.

"I don't really care to meet your flavor of the week and her friends."

"She different, crazy in bed, but its more than just sex, come on just meet her and stay a little while, then you can leave." I guess I should make more of an effort, and I'm intrigued to see who has Elliott changing his ways.

"Fine, I'll meet her and stay for one drink."

"I'll just go with you now and chill at Escala before we leave." Of course, he will, at least he is not coming in from a construction site and getting dirt all over.

We are on the way to the bar to meet Elliot's 'girlfriend' , I am ready to go home and get some work done, I haven't done any all day and tomorrow we have Sunday dinner.

"Who is this girl anyway?"

"Her name is Kate, she is a firecracker, literally, red hard, big tits, green eyes, and is phenomenal in bed." I roll my eyes at his crassness.

We pull up and walk straight past the line to the bouncer, who lets us in immediately. Elliott is leading me to a table with about 6 or 7 other people. As I approach, I see Elliott greet Kate with a inappropriate kiss, he moves out of the way to introduce me when I see the beautiful brown curls and piercing blue eyes of the one and only Dr. Anastasia Steele.

A/N Thanks for all the kind reviews! This is longer than my normal but I didn't want to stop before they met again, honestly big props to the authors who can write 10,000 word chapters. I hope you like the direction this is heading, I originally didn't plan for them to interact until much later but I was getting impatient myself and had to change my original plan. Let me know what you think!

I do have a Pinterest, as I know I am horrible about describing how each place looks, user name is Obsessedtwenty

As for the comment for the Guest who thinks I need a beta, I don't have one, I decided to write this story on a whim and if anyone would like to offer to help it would be appreciated!