Chapter 10

A/N: I want to address the 'touching' issue once again. I got a guest review that said I was backing off or chickening out on what I wrote before, and some other nasty tidbits. Needless to say that sent me back into my story to see where I mentioned Christian allowing Paige to touch his chest or back. I was glad to see that I had not, in fact, lost my mind. I have not written any lemons for this story, only alluded to him and Paige going to the playroom, and when I wrote that she was rubbing him it was meant that she was rubbing his member, his erection, his dick for those of you who need me to be explicit.

I thought the last chapter was just a little something to take a breather from all the weighty emotion. How surprised was I with the reviews I received. I am going to continue with short chapters for the time being, for me they seem to be less daunting. Do you like me updating faster, or would you prefer it take me weeks to get a chapter where I like it? I write when I have the time, and that is, indeed, in short supply. I wrote that before my beta encouraged me to keep going, so thanks to fungirlygirl, you guys got a nice long chapter.

To: Gloria79, I was just teasing you, there was no 'in your face' anything, I thought it was funny that you guessed what my chapter was going to be about. Just good natured teasing….did you see the smiley face emoticon?

I'm going to take this lesson straight from lillian121's experience. Nasty, hateful, attacking guest reviews hit the abyss of the cyber space ash can as fast as I can hit delete.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy.

oo0oo

Narration: Consequences continue to fall for Mr. Grey. No one, including him can figure out what brain he is using. Kate is proving to be a very good friend. A small boy may be his saving grace, leading him back to his heart.

Christian

"Sir," I hear Taylor as if he's calling me through a tunnel, it sounds as if he is a great distance away. "Sir," I hear it again. It seems as if he may be closer but still far away. "Mr. GREY." Irritation seeps into his tone, he's at my side but I still can't see him though. "CHRISTIAN!" He shouts and I finally drift into a state of consciousness.

"What?" I wake up more than a little disoriented, my cell phone vibrating against my crotch, Taylor standing at the foot of my bed, the obvious early hour, and the slight confusion as to where I am, all serve to leave me feeling unhinged.

"We have a situation."

"What the fuck now?" I growl, sleep lacing my voice making it sound low and gravely. I slowly come to wakefulness. Fumbling in my pocket I grab my Blackberry to stop it from buzzing against my balls and I realize I am still tightly clutching Ana's jewelry. Last night comes barreling back to me. Blinking rapidly, I try to focus my sight. I'm in our bedroom at Grey Meadow. I look down at the screen of my phone. Ten messages in the last hour alone. I flick a quick look at Taylor….did he notice what is in my hand? He's as impassive as ever, if he noticed, he's not giving anything away.

"Sir, you need to take a look at this. The Nooz has pictures of you and Miss Dennison at SkyCity last night." He hands his own Blackberry to me. "They ran a blurb, but the pictures tell the story," His voice as flat as a dead calm ocean.

Once I get a glimpse of them I'm off the bed like a shot.

"FUCK!"

The first person I think of is Ana. She's going to be publicly humiliated by this, and it's all-my fault. Once Ana sees these there will be no explaining, no amount of 'I am sorry' will make this right. Are you shitting me, is that all you thought it would take? You are a dickhead.

"Security office 5 minutes, have them on screen. Get Barney and Welch on the line.

Oh. My. God. This is shattering. I put Ana's rings and bracelet in my top dresser drawer and just about take the door of the hinges leaving the room.

As I enter the security suite my steps falter, the pictures are made a hundred times worse on the large screens of the security office monitors. I stand in front of the most damning of the pictorial essay of my stupidity. Shaking my head back and forth as I take it in. This picture makes it look like we are engaged in a passionate kiss. I never kissed her in the restaurant. That never happened. My hands sweep through my hair, how…this must have been photo shopped. My hands are clenched into tight fists.

"Barney?" My calm intonation belies the storm that is raging inside me. "This photo has been doctored." Pausing to choose my words carefully, " There was no intimate contact last night with the woman in this picture. Can you decipher if it has been altered?"

"I'll get to work on it and try to detect any tampering." He mutters.

"Can you hack their servers or crash the site?" I ask out of desperation.

"I could get to work on something along those lines, I'm guessing you would like plausible deniability, so details won't be important to you, right?

Taylor leans in to inform me that Caryn Cahill my Public Relations Department's second in command is calling in.

"Hold on Barney." I glance at my watch then pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to bring order to my thoughts.

"Tell her to be here at 9 sharp with a preliminary press release written up." I instruct Taylor and turn my attention back to Barney.

"Correct Barney, do what needs to be done, and get back with me. Welch I want to know where these pictures came from before sun up. They certainly don't look professional, probably taken from a cell phone from the looks of it. Find out who submitted them, and get a background check run on the reporter. Let's start squeezing."

"Certainly, Sir." His tone is hostile, accusing, or maybe that's my guilty conscience.

"Is there a problem Alex?" I loom over the console glaring at it as if it's a real cowering person.

"You mean besides the pictures splashed all over the internet making it look like you're cheating on your adoring wife…no, not one…Sir," Same maddeningly accusing tone.

"Good, get your ass to work." I answer my own inflection hostile then punch the button ending the call. Real good Grey, alienate everyone, why don'tcha.

I turn back to the monitors and deflate. This is so fucked up. There was absolutely no intimate contact, but here I stand looking at a picture that looks like we are in a serious lip lock, that is possibly being viewed by millions around the world. I've got to get a grip and stop doing stupid shit. And that date was the height of stupidity. Why did I do that? What was I thinking?

"The only time I touched her was when I grabbed her arm because I was angry about the mistake at Neiman's." I say more to myself, but Taylor is standing there. "And someone snapped a pic at just the right moment to out my private shame."

"It is an unfortunate angle, both your heads cocked in opposite angles, with you holding her arm and leaning in the way you are, it absolutely looks like you could be kissing her."

"Well I wasn't." I snap, it's my only come back. "I have to get in touch with Ros, and Pete Jenson on this Mexico situation." I glance at my watch again and calculate the time difference between here and Monterrey. "Have whoever is at Escala drop off Miss Dennison's car at her condo. Ask Gail if she'll have my breakfast ready at 8:30. I'm picking Teddy up at 3 and I 'm sure I'll be up to my ass in this mess until then. You're dismissed, try and get some sleep.

"Have you taken into consideration that we are going to need extra security? You are going to have to up Ana's detail, and the paparazzi are going to be on a feeding frenzy. They are going to look for any of the Greys and anyone close to you. We'll need security for your parent's home, Elliot's, Mia. Monday will be a zoo at Grey House. " Taylor has taken his seat at his desk and lets out a long sigh. "I'll get Wilson and Ryan to drop of Miss Dennison's car in the morning. Scratch that, I want to go over and remind her of her NDA. This is going to be a real cluster fuck. I'll check around and see who may be looking to pick up some more work, I got some guys I can count on in a pinch." He picks up his phone and starts making calls.

I feel like I've been dismissed, so I make my way to my study and start looking through my messages. Ros, Pete, Caryn Cahill, and Paige have all left repeated messages. I reply to all expect Paige, though I do read through her texts.

*I am really disturbed by the way we left things.* PG

PG? Has she lost her fucking mind? Delete.

*Oops, did I sign PG, projecting the future I guess. I heart you.* PD

This shit is not cute or funny. She's trying to get a rise out of me. Delete.

*Shit! Baby, there is an article on the Nooz website, with pictures of us.* PD

Delete.

oo0oo

Elliot

I feel loose limbed and totally relaxed after my morning romp with my amazing wife and her very talented tongue.

"Alright Katydid time to get up," I roll over and smack her soundly on her rump.

"OW! Shithead, I thought I told you to stop calling me after that ugly ass bug." She grumps into her pillow while rubbing her tenderized ass. "Go way, I want to bask awhile longer in the afterglow."

"Baby, you are well fucked, all mumblely and cute as a bug, my Katydid." She rolls and tries to clobber me with her pillow. I duck just in time, jumping from the bed and head for the bathroom, deciding to let her sleep a few more minutes.

I'm lathered from head to toe when I feel cold air on my wet and exposed ass as Kate sweeps into the shower. I tilt my head into the spray trying to rinse the suds from my face so I can get a gander at my beaut…..What the….I trail off. I try desperately to stifle the snort I feel rocketing from my throat.

Kate looks crazed. She's clearly not yet alert, and has serious bedhead, with the the pillow case creases imprinted on the leftside of her face. "Babe, I thought you were going to sleep awhile longer."

"No, busy day, gotta get moving." She just stands there swaying ever so slightly on her feet.

A smile creeps onto my lips. "Ooookay." Then she leans in for a kiss. As I lean away with a comically horrified look on my face.

"What?" Oh now she's awake. She leans in again. I step back and shake my head.

"Ummm, dick mouth….," trying once again to stifle a smile.

"It's your dick." She exclaims loudly, trying not to laugh herself.

"Have I EVER given you the impression that I wanted my dick in my mouth?" I can no longer hold my laughter.

"I'm sure you've tried before you freaky bastard." How could she possibly know that? I narrow my eyes at her.

"If you don't give me a kiss, and I mean right now, that is the last time your dick will see the inside of my mouth."

Oh shit, I'm looking at her closely, is she serious? Oh fuck, I can't take that chance, so I close my eyes and pucker my lips tightly and lean in slowly for a lightning fast peck. As I move past the point where I think our lips should meet, I peek out of one eye. No Kate. She has stepped back with her arms crossed over her breast.

"You're such an asshole." She says shaking that crazy mound of hair. "Move," She is swatting at me as she moves to the spray of tension melting hot water. Opening her mouth she takes in a large swig of water. She's swishing it around in her mouth, ahhhh, let the smooching begin. As she turns I see the stream of water just before it hits me in the face.

"Classy, Kate, real classy."

Our shower over, we are both dressing and the jovial mood we had in the shower is gone.

"What is it Babe…Ana?" I ask catching her reflection in the mirror. She sighs and I have my answer.

"I'm getting ready to break her heart a little more. I have to tell her about the Nooz article and pictures. I am beyond pissed that I couldn't make that bitch Edy Aycox let this unsubstantiated drivel go. She's a hack that just stumbled on to the biggest celebrity news of the year. If it had been me I would have sat on it until I could verify the info, while digging around to get more solid evidence and then done a scathing expose, and rocked your brother's world.

I stand there a little dumbstruck. "Kate, would you do that to my family and your friend."

oo0oo

Kate

Whoa, I better slow this down or we're in for a knock down-drag out, humdinger of a fight. So I say, "Whoa, slow down tiger. First, I don't participate in yellow journalism, those aren't the stories I write. I am not interested in the Celebrity beat. I don't want to fight with you about this again." My hands go to my hips, I'm getting into this. "And given the fact I ran down to the Nooz offices in the middle of the night to try and get Miss Edy Aycox not to run with that story I'd say you have your answer. Do you just want to fight with me this morning?"

"You're right, no, I absolutely do not want to fight with you this morning."

"Good, we've got a lot of shit to do, and I don't want to have a 'tude with you all day." I walk over to my night stand and grab my watch. "We're supposed to be having fun and distracting Ana." I stop in front of my blonde god and tilt my head for a kiss, and to my delight he takes my lips with no hesitation.

As I enter the kitchen Ana already has the coffee pot going and both our children in their high chairs. Teddy tackling dry cheerios while she feeds Ava baby oatmeal, her brand new iphone sitting on the counter. Do it now while other things are holding her attention. I swipe the iphone and stash it in my pocket.

"I have something to tell you, you're not going to like it. I want you to promise not to look at it until later tonight, after the BBQ so you can have some fun and relax today. I thought long and hard about this, it's why I went out last night. I started not to tell you until later, but I don't want you blindsided by it." I say in practically one breath.

"Good morning Kate, I'm not promising you anything until I've seen what you're talking about." She says in a singsong voice like she's talking to Ava.

Shit. "The whole point is that I don't want you to look at it right now."

"Still not promising. I'm guessing we're talking about some pictures…show me." Still talking to Ava, but not so singsongie anymore.

"Come on AB, don't be so stubborn, just trust me."

"Don't call me AB, and no….show me."

I go to make my coffee trying to buy some time and think. I sip at my coffee and make my decision. "Fine, I'll show you, only in the interest of you not being caught unaware." I get my tablet out and punch up the Seattle Nooz website. Oh there is a God. Seattle Nooz's site is down, that's strange, but works for me. Elliot walks into the kitchen.

"The Nooz's website is down." I inform him. His brow shoots into his hairline then back down as he frowns, more than likely thinking what I'm thinking, Christian. I showed him the pictures and caption when I got home in the wee hours of the morning.

"Good, that rag is a nuisance, and they get it wrong more often then they get it right. Hey Ana Banana, will you make some pancakes." He walks over and gives her and Ava a good morning kiss on the cheek and ruffles Teddy's hair.

"Good morning El, you and your wife have horrible manners. I'm not making you anything when you call me Ana Banana. And have you seen whatever it is Kate is talking about?"

"Elw, Elw." Ted holds his hands up, wanting Elliot's attention. He says Kate perfectly, I love it.

"Let me see if I got all of that." He reaches in to release Teddy from his high chair. "Hey Buddy!" He nuzzles his nephew's neck. Back to Ana, "Good morning, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it's just a nickname, and yes."

"This conversation is making me dizzy. So tell me about what was on the Seattle Snooz's website."

'No!" We both say in unison. She stops in her tracks and looks back and forth between us. Slowly sliding her chair back she walks to the counter to retrieve her new phone, turning to pin us both with a withering scowl.

"My phone was right here, which one of you took it?"

"I took it," I step up, "and you won't get it back until tonight after the party….will you just trust me on this, and the site is down anyway, let's have a wonderful, fun filled day, and we'll deal with the Nooz later." I plead.

Ana just goes over to Ava and picks her up from the high chair, "This is far from over. Come on Tedster, let's go get dressed." Ted hugs Elliot's neck tighter, and shakes his wild copper mop. Elliot's face splits into a wide grin.

"It's okay, I've got him Ana."

She turns and leaves the kitchen with Ava in her arms.

"Aren't you going to make pancakes?" He sounds pitiful.

"No!" She spits without turning around.

He turns to look at me, the smile gone. "Is she serious?"

"I'd say so, seeing as she's headed up the stairs at the moment."

"Shit, I love her pancakes."

"Awww, do you want me to make you some pancakes?" I offer.

"Ummm, no…thanks. Me and Ted will have cereal, thank you."

"Suit yourself, I've got to hide her iphone, got any suggestions?

"Yeah, give it to me, I'll hide it where I hide my porn, she'll never find it." He's so confident.

"Do you think I don't know where you hide your porn? Dear, I've known for years." I start cracking up laughing as I pop a bagel into the toaster oven.

"Porn." Damn, I forgot about Peter Parrot there. "No, Ted don't say that." He chooses now to speak perfectly clear. Elliot's eye are about to pop from his head.

oo0oo

Christian

This has been an impossible morning. I am really looking forward to seeing Teddy and Ana. I pray she didn't see those God awful pictures before Barney and his band of hacker buddies crashed the Seattle Nooz website. They've been down for the past seven hours. I checked an hour ago and it's still down. I'll have to find out what Barney has to give them in compensation and triple it. I want them to rain mayhem on Seattle Nooz's website once a week. Welch did get me a preliminary background check on Edith 'Edy' Aycox, the bitch reporter who uploaded a bunch of fucking cell phone pictures that will no doubt throw my life into a tailspin. Yeah, dipshit, it's her fault, keep telling yourself that.

Ros just about lost her shit with me in our impromptu conference call. She ended it with warning me that the conversation was not over, and she would be getting the answers she was looking for. At least everything in Mexico is in order. Seems Mr. Vargas didn't follow protocol and didn't lock out/tag out the machine he was working on. Another worker, who didn't know he was behind it started it up, thus electrocuting Mr. Vargas. He had been properly trained, we have all of the pertinent paperwork, and it is just an unfortunate accident. I instructed Ros to pay off the Vargas' modest home, make sure his wife got his yearly pay on top of his life insurance benefit, and take care of all funeral expenses. Our liability is nil due to his disregard of specific safety precautions, but an investigation will still conducted. Ros and Jenson are headed home tomorrow once they insure everything is in order. Jenson thought a press release at this point was premature, and I agree. Though I know we will have to deal with this in the near future. Taylor was spot on, the paparazzi are in a frenzy. The pictures weren't up more than three hours, but they've got the scent of blood in the water and the sharks are circling.

Paige has left several increasingly desperate texts, each of which I have deleted. I will deal with her soon enough. I head up to change my clothes, excited to spend some time with my little guy. This is what I should have been focusing on for the last three months, not the bullshit I was. I've got a lot to make-up for, an actual shiver of regret runs from my head to my toes. I have a horrible premonition that this is just the beginning. I shake it off, grab a black v-neck t-shirt from my dresser and let my mood shift as I go to see my boy and hopefully my wife for the afternoon.

Taylor pulls into Elliot's drive way and the place is a beehive of activity. Are they throwing a party? Guess I'm not invited. Are you actually having a pity party? Fuck off jackass, I've had about enough of that. The front door opens before I get fully out of the car and Elliot is holding Teddy, where's Ana?

"Elliot, wait a minute." There she is. "Here, give this to him, some snacks and things." My heart is in my mouth. She is the epitome of summertime sweet, her feet in flip flops, her beautiful legs showcased in a pair of cut-off denim shorts, and a pretty lavender tank top that has metal chain links for straps that somehow set off her eyes. She is beautiful.

"Bye baby boy, have fun with daddy, okay?" She hands Elliot an insulated bag. I'm focusing intensely on her. She is kissing Teddy's face and hands. "I'm going to miss you, but I'll see you later Stinker" She makes a funny face at him which makes him laugh and me smile. She looks up at me briefly, turns and goes back through the door. Wait, what,…I was going to ask her to come with us. Elliot heads down to the car with Teddy in hand. The last time we spoke it was pretty ugly. I am cautious to see how this goes.

"Hey."

"Hey."

He hands me Teddy and the bag of snacks. We are both feeling awkward. "I think she packed you guys some snacks."

"Yeah, I heard. Hey buddy," I say while kissing Teddy's cheek.

We stand there for a strained moment before I say, "So you're having a party?"

"No, no…just a little BBQ, you know, some summertime fun. It should be in full throttle when you get back with Ted." I guess that's his idea of an invitation.

"I wanted to ask Ana if she wanted to come along."

He hesitates before saying, "My best advice is for you to go have a good time with your son, and leave that idea on the drawing board."

I come close to telling him I could give a shit about his advice, but l let it go, not wanting to start a fight. None of this is his fault and he has been a stand up brother looking after my wife and son.

Teddy and I have a glorious afternoon. Our first stop was a large municipal park where we run, slide, swing, ring gongs, laugh and play together. We eat our packed snacks of ham and cheese sandwiches with the crust cut off, peeled sliced apples, and shredded carrots. Ana put in a juice box for Ted and a Gatorade for me, still perfectly cold and refreshing. She is nothing if not thoughtful. Guilt and regret course through my blood system. We have one little hitch when Ted falls and cries loudly for his mama. No less than six other mommies come over to offer assistance.

"He's fine, thank you."

"No, he'll be alright."

"He didn't scrape anything, no, we don't need a band aid, thanks though." Good grief, go away. Taylor and Wilson manage to stave off the rest.

The only other fly in the ointment is when the paparazzi got wind that we are there and show up en masse. We high tail it to the SUV and the Aquarium for the last hour it's open.

Teddy is done in and I have to carry him through the exhibits at the Aquarium. I love it though. Every now and then he'll lift his head up, point and say 'fish'. I want to come back with Ana, and do this as a family. By the time we are heading for the car he is out like a light. I want to hold him all the way home but know that is not safe so I buckle him into his seat, and just keep my hand on his knee. I actually need the physical contact, I need to feel connected to him.

Instead of going through the house, I walk around the side to Elliot's yard with Ted asleep in my arms. The BBQ is in full gear, the smell of grilling meat, music, and laughter waft over the fence. I open the gate and just about lose my mind.

ATF

All I've got to say is..."My beta is better than your beta!" Thanks fungirlygirl, you truly are the best.

All previous disclaimers still apply.