A/N: Sorry for the delay. Holidays and all. The next chapter should be much quicker. Thank you again for your reviews and feedback. It's very much appreciated.
I do not own the characters. They belong to E.L. James. This is just for fun.
Figuring Things Out
Ana POV:
It's another morning filled with my mind on permanent overdrive. I walk over to the mirror in front of my dresser and look at my reflection. There's no one else I can discuss this with. Kate's not here and I signed an NDA...so it wouldn't matter anyway. .
It's just me, my mirror image and my rambling thoughts to figure this out. A lethal combination.
He wants to try my way. He actually wants to try my way. I can't believe it. I have to keep reminding myself, over and over again. I'm cautiously giddy. Do I believe him? Is he sincere?
He says he wants me, only me. And he says he's willing to wait for sex…which I was sure was going to be the deal breaker. I'm a little confused about that…I mean, given his obvious experience, and just looking at him you know, the man oozes sex. I'm sure women throw themselves at him. Why would he wait? He could have anyone.
Anyone, but me. Hmm…does he really want me? Or is it the challenge he's attracted to?
Is he going to seduce me, then spit me out when he's done? He said he didn't contract that girl. He could have had all the sex he wanted with her, but he passed on it. Well, that's what he told me at least. I think I believe him.
She surely didn't pass on him. You'd have to be crazy to pass on him. Although, I passed on him. I must be crazy or was that my only sane decision? He did come back. Not that him coming back was my intention when I turned him down.
I'm not going to lie to myself, I'm glad he came back. I think. Ugh…..
I hold my hands to my head, shaking my head back and forth. I look back at my reflection.
"Ana, Ana…stop this overthinking." I reprimand the image staring back at me. I'm starting to tear up…I have to stop confusing myself. I either trust him or I don't.
The sound of the doorbell snaps me out of my errant thoughts. He's not back already is he? I know he said he'd be in touch, but we just spoke last night. Oh Ana, don't be ridiculous. It's a work day for the gainfully employed and he is most certainly employed, and then some. He's busy taking over the business world.
I open the door and it's a delivery man holding a medium sized box.
"Package for Ms. Steele" He dryly mumbles.
"Err…ok" Ms. Steele…there's only one person who would sent a package to a Ms. Steele.
"Sign here please. I've been instructed to show you how to use this" Use this? What the hell kinky thing did I just get? Do I want to know? He shoves an electronic confirmation pad in front of me. Jeez, chill out buddy. I sign it.
"What is it?" I ask
"A Mac Book Pro" He politely answers.
I burst out laughing. The guy looks at me like I'm insane.
Some men court women with flowers or a box of chocolates, Christian sends me a laptop? This is crazy. Crazy! I am being wooed be a sexy, brilliant, control freak…who is plain old...nuts. I know this is a sign I should run for the hills…but for some strange reason, I find this…amusing. Maybe I'm the one who's crazy.
"Ok. Show me what I need to know"
One thing I've figured out about Christian, he's definitely pro-active.
The guy shows me the basics in using the laptop and an email account has already been set up for me. I'm shaking my head in disbelief. Why has he sent me a laptop?
After my lesson, I show the computer tech/delivery guy to the door and sit back at the table to examine the laptop.
I click on the email icon and there's an email from Christian waiting for me.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: I told you I'd be in touch.
Date: June 1, 2011 7:15AM
To: Anastasia Steele
I am a man of my word.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc
Jeez, He wasn't kidding when he said he wasn't a patient man.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Your word…
Date: June 1, 2011 10:42 AM
To: Christian Grey
…has left me at a loss for words. Care to explain this special delivery?
Ana
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Delivery of your words
Date: June 1, 2011 10:45 AM
To: Anastasia Steele
Emails are the best way to keep in touch with me. You don't own a computer, now you do.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc
Wow, that was a fast response. He doles out computers just to keep in touch with him. He really is a control freak.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: I have…
Date: June 1, 2011 10:47 AM
To: Christian Grey
…a few words to say about this computer. I can't accept this. It's too much.
Ana
From: Christian Grey
Subject: How about…
Date: June 1, 2011 10:49 AM
To: Anastasia Steele
You consider it 'on loan' until you get your own.
Would you like to join me for dinner tomorrow night?
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc
I'll humor him on the computer. Eventually I'll have a job, buy my own and return this.
He wants to take me out to dinner, like a date? Christian Grey has just asked me out on a proper date?
Take a chance Ana. My instincts say yes, my brain is a little confused. Oh what the hell, don't overthink, Ana.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Technology and Food
Date: June 1, 2011 10:53 AM
To: Christian Grey
Fine. The computer is ON LOAN.
Dinner sounds lovely. What time?
Ana
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Agreeable…
Date: June 1, 2011 10:54 AM
To: Anastasia Steele
…suits you. You should try it more often.
I shall pick you up at 6:00.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc
He's saying I'm not agreeable? This is coming from a guy with a ten page manual of rules and regulations. Pot meet kettle.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Dress Code
Date: June 1, 2011 10:55 AM
To: Christian Grey
What should I wear? Dressy? Casual?
Ana
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Dress code?
Date: June 1, 2011 10:56 AM
To: Anastasia Steele
Casual, dressy or nothing at all.
You'll find I can be quite flexible when required.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc
My mouth is gaping open at the laptop screen. I thought I recognized it before, but here's tangible proof that Christian has a sense of humor. Well, I think he's kidding around. I'm never quite sure with him.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Gymnastics
Date: June 1, 2011 10:57 AM
To: Christian Grey
While I appreciate your flexibility, that was not an answer.
A girl needs to know such things.
Ana
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Wear…
Date: June 1, 2011 10:58 AM
To: Anastasia Steele
…whatever you'd like.
However, panties are optional
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc
I roll my eyes. Christian does has a playful side. Who would have guessed?
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Impossibly rude men
Date: June 1, 2011 10:59 AM
To: Christian Grey
You know the rules Mr. Grey.
I will wear proper attire. All of my proper attire.
I'll figure it out on my own.
Ana
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Rules
Date: June 1, 2011 11:00 AM
To: Anastasia Steele
… are my Middle name. Surely you've worked that out.
I remember the rules well, Ms. Steele.
Until Tomorrow…
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Until Tomorrow
Date: June 1, 2011 11:02 AM
To: Christian Grey
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Ana
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Laters
Date: June 1, 2011 11:04 AM
To: Anastasia Steele
Baby.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc
I close the Mac Book and sit back in my chair with the stupidest grin plastered across my face.
Chrisitian POV:
I can't seem to get this stupid smirk off my face. I have reread the emails from this morning three times. Miss Steele, for as entertaining as you are, I have work that needs to be addressed. I drag myself back into the tasks at hand.
There's a knock on my study door.
"Yes, Taylor"
"Sir, Mrs. Lincoln is in the parking garage and on her way up."
Christ. I've been avoiding her like the plague.
"Very well. See her to the kitchen. I'll be there in a moment"
I exhale a long breath; let's just get this the fuck over with. I walk in the kitchen. Elena is already sitting there, in her usual black attire, long red nails clicking on the counter top, waiting for me. She is the polar opposite of Ana… although beautiful, Elena is harder, severe… not natural or soft at all.
"Elena. What do I owe the pleasure?"
"Christian darling, I've been trying to contact you. Haven't you received my calls? I've left several messages"
"I've been busy. Wine?"
"Yes, please."
I take out two glasses, pour us each a glass of Sancerre and hand one to Elena.
"What can I do for you?" Cut to the chase, Elena…we both know why you're here for fucks sake.
"I wanted to know how your interview with the new submissive went, Ms. Adams"
"It went fine"
"Excellent. She came highly recommended from her previous Doms. I knew she would be perfect. Her experience and few limits are well suited for your specific needs, she knows what to expect and what is to be expected. I'm so very pleased. Have you worked out your first scene? "
"No, I haven't worked out a scene"
"Whyever not? Are you going out of town again?"
"No."
"Then I don't understand, surely you've contracted her to be your submissive"
"No. I haven't."
"Christian, Why not? "
"I decided against contracting a new submissive right now"
"Need I remind you that it's been two months since Susannah. You have needs Christian. You know what happens when they aren't met. I know you better than anyone. "
"I have this under control Elena"
"Under control? What do you have under control? You found another submissive? "
"Not exactly"
"Not exactly? Playing coy doesn't suit you Christian" she smirks.
"I am not contracting a submissive. I am…exploring a different avenue"
"A different avenue? What does that mean? A different avenue?"
"I've met someone. A girl."
"Is she into the scene?"
"No" I flatly state.
"Christian, surely you know that a man like you has demands that cannot possibly be met by someone who is not a part the scene. What about control, your requirements? "
"This is not your concern Elena"
She pauses and runs her index finger across her bottom lip. I know she's carefully contemplating what to say next.
"I'm only thinking of you. You are my friend. We both know that you would not be satisfied in a vanilla relationship. You're a Dom. It's what courses through your veins. It's what you are. It's who you are. "
"Flynn thinks this may be a good development"
"Flynn doesn't understand our world. The way we tick. He's a waste of your time. Who is this …girl?"
"Someone I met. She just graduated WSU"
"A college girl?"
"Yes. She's living in Seattle now"
"Are you training her to sub for you?"
"I…suggested it, but it wasn't something she was open to"
"And you continued to pursue this …girl? Is it the challenge? Is that what interests you?
"No."
"Is she claiming she's a virgin? Manipulating you with the promise of the ultimate ownership? "
"It's not like that"
"Christian, you are the ideal prize, powerful, wealthy, handsome…a scheming young girl will use any trick in the book to gain your attention. Don't be foolish. "
"Careful Elena, I do not appreciate you speaking like this. Anastasia is not like that"
"What about following your rules? Limits? Understanding her place, her role to a man like you. "
"I am aware that some adjustments will need to be made. "
"Christian, you need to reconsider this."
"I know what I'm doing"
"Do you?" She accuses.
"This is none of your fucking business Elena" She's really starting to piss me off.
"Of course. I'm just trying to be your friend. You know, my only concern what is best for you." She retreats.
"I know. There's no need for concern. I know what I'm doing. Look, I have a lot of work to do. I need to get back to my study" It's time to end this conversation.
"Very well. Christian, just think about what I said. I'm only looking out for you; your best interests remain in the scene. When you take time to think about it, you will agree. Don't forget who you are. "
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Alright. Remember, I am your dearest friend. I care for your well being. You are a Dom, a Master. Don't lose who you really are over a young girl who has caught your eye. She very well may be manipulating you. I'll see myself out. Think about this."
I nod as I watch her get into the elevator.
Is Elena right? Am I fooling myself? Fuck me, I just don't know now.
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