Thank You, I am truly astounded that your words in review have been so kind. I love the detail some reviews give, and please be assured every word is taken on board. A longer chapter, with so much to say I will admit I got a tad carried away, as always I hope you enjoy.

- ryetjo :)

A/N All characters belong to EL James. I do NOT own the characters or lay claim to them.

Chapter Twelve:

Christian's POV

Fuck, Fuck, Fuck, did I just flinch?

This is why, why I've always meticulously controlled my interactions. Never before have I allowed another person so close, not only to me, but all that I am. The reaction is my fault, it happened because Anastasia has robbed me of my senses, my pure need of this woman has overtaken my usual control. For the first time, there is no contract, there is no hard and soft limits, there are no defined boundaries, no restraints.

I know Anastasia saw the reaction. Her eyes spoke volumes, however, those eyes were not of pity, but of genuine care, it made me want to dive into the pool of those blue eyes. Fuck. I have to find a way to make this work. Fuck. I have to find a way. There is finally a more, that I alone want.

Surprisingly the most surreal part of the flinch was after I had processed the touch, the warmth that spread from Anastasia's hands unleashed a flood of emotion, and at the very edges beginning to glow brighter was a craving, this touch, from this woman alone, I want, I want more. After I felt the pressure cementing Anastasia's hands in place, having that eye contact that spoke of an understanding that I run deeper than I've shown and she is capable, sadly, of comprehending this, I could no longer contain myself. With pure abandon I claimed her mouth. Wanting, taking, needing and giving, all melded into one outpouring of emotion.

Anastasia's POV

This man over rides my senses. Somehow it is as though he can see directly through me, he is looking beyond the surface, somehow seeing the Ana that has been hidden from view for years. How is this possible? My walls were perfected for years, or so I thought. What does this man have that sets my heart alight, has made me react in such a way that my inner most hidden thoughts are surfacing. Yes he is a picture of male perfection, he has so many achievements, but there is something else, something I can not define, there is a subconscious pull, willing me to accept this ride, for whatever it might bring.

His ravishing kiss leaves me without words. It is full, it is demanding, it is possessive. He has the ability to take me from this reality, to make me forget my surroundings and time, to create a bubble of anticipation. A pure raw energy that consumes both of us, an attraction that is so primal.

As we pull away and regain composure, evening our breathes, my mind begins a whirlwind of emotions, scenarios and self-doubt. Christian's ability to have every sense on high alert, responding to his ability, his obvious experience, his wandering tongue, his commanding lips, the ability to reach to depths inside of me that have been inaccessible, it all leaves me wanting this, this man. Just at what cost?

Seriously Ana, you couldn't get a guy like Christian Grey, let alone hold his interest, if this is how he can kiss, you don't stand a chance, you don't have the experience to keep up with this man, on so many levels.

I need to compose myself, I need to distance myself, to regather my thoughts and process what has gone on today. With Christian in such close proximity, I do not stand a chance in deciphering a single train of thought, my mind continues on its whirlwind of emotions. My wildest dreams today have transpired into a reality, a reality I am struggling to comprehend, a reality to accept that is real. The man whose arms broke my fall in Honolulu, the man who has occupied my mind since that 'trip'. Of all the places to begin work, it is his company. Of all the days to do a company induction, he was in the office and a media opportunity presented itself. Of all the men to catch me, my heart and my mind, why does he have to be so far out of my league.

"Christian, it is getting late, I am going to need to find a phone to call the Rodriguez's, where I am staying, I am sure they would be getting worried", honesty is always the best policy. Christian surveys me from his narrowed eyes, "Find a phone?", he asks with a slow drawl. I feel a little silly, everyone these days has a mobile phone at their disposal, "Yes Mr Grey, find a phone, my mobile came to an unfortunate end". His look turns from questioning to slight amusement, "An unfortunate end, and pray tell, how did that happen?". Looking down I reply very quietly, "a bin ate it". The laughter that ensues is hearty, the chuckles giving way to complete hysterics. It isn't that funny is it? I feel his laughter's directed elsewhere, a private joke maybe. Blushing profusely I hazard a look into Christian's eyes, "I can not believe you just said a bin ate your phone, that would explain why we had to wait until you contacted my office to organise your company induction. Andrea had actually been calling you for a few days", Christian pauses, ever so briefly, "knowing the media would be there and knowing you were in the country. Explains a lot". His words seem to have underlying meanings the way his grey eyes shift and swirl.

"Anastasia", the way he says my name has the immediate effect of a skipped heartbeat, provocative beyond imagination the way Christian extends each syllable, "please use my phone. As part of your company package I will organise a new phone for you". I start to protest, a phone was not in the original Foreign Placement paperwork which I knew word for word, having read it over and over. I am immediately silenced with the CEO wave of a hand, "I will organise it Anastasia, no arguments", the feeling of being dismissed rises sharply.

I take the mobile phone Christian hands to me, wishing for some privacy to make the call, but knowing that was not going to happen. I dial the home line number of the Rodriguez's house. The phone is answered on the fourth ring by Yolanda, her teenage effervescent voice barreling down the phone line, "Ana, where are you, where have you been", barely pausing to take a breath. "Yolanda, is Jose or your Mother at home?", Jose's name has an immediate effect on Christian, barely hiding his disdain, he isn't jealous Ana, no, no way, squaring his shoulders and taking an exaggerated breath. I choose to ignore Christian, this whole situation is snowballing and I am really unsure on how to feel, or how I should feel. Mrs Rodriguez comes to the phone, she informs me that both Mr Rodriguez and Jose are still at work, their day turning into a much bigger effort than normal. However, Mrs Rodriguez seems overly excited in her voice, her tone normally so calm, the extra happiness noticeable immediately, "Ana, Ana, oh Ana," whilst having nearly impeccable English, Mrs Rodriguez speaks very fast and at times very hard to understand, "we are having a celebration tonight, a double, no, triple celebration. Your second last night here as our guest, your induction today, your on your way to the American dream for real now Ana, and", at this point her voice takes on a whole new level of excitement, "wonderful news Ana, Manny has secured a prized contract, his hard work at lawn mowing paying off, a prized contract Ana, such wonderful news". Her words spill out, but I share the elation, my smile growing bigger. I've heard about a Mrs Rodriguez celebration dinner before, from Jose's earlier stories, it is one very big feast, lot's of laughter and family fun.

As I end the call, explaining I will find my way home soon, I return the phone to Christian. I am unsure of his look, he appears nonchalant, yet has his serious CEO face plastered on. Shrewdly assessing me, the phone and my expression. Obviously also assessing what part of the phone conversation he could hear. When he speaks, his words are slow, measured and have a hint of that little lost boy again, "So it seems you do have prior plans". My turn to silence him, the accusatory tone is yet another dramatic change in his demeanor and approach. I start slowly, almost like addressing an errant child, "No Christian, I did not have prior plans as you put it. It is my second last night staying with the Rodriguez family, I thought we were having a special dinner tomorrow night, however, it seems there has been some unexpected good news today with Mr Rodriguez winning some sort of contract". I do not know why I feel I should fully explain myself but I do. I feel I am justifying my need to go home. His possessive nature really coming to the front, possessive nature, ha Ana, he has nothing to possess, you are just another toy for him, what does a man of his standing want with you Ana? My feelings of needing time out to process the day and all that is Christian Grey growing by the second.

Christian seems to withdraw further, the momentary slump in his shoulders an admission of defeat before the shades of commanding, in control, CEO replace the lost, unsure look. With emotions clearly in check Christian almost spits, "Home, I shall take you home", adding with a mercurial change back to deep-seated hope, "that is if that is what you want to do". My heart catches, what do you want Ana? I know for one thing, I do want Christian Grey, but I am not ready to lose myself to his commanding CEO ways, I am not an acquisition. I know I need time to process, whilst I am near him, I can not think. So much has happened in such a short period, so many tidbits of information that whilst none of it pieces together in the whirl my mind is now in, I know I want more, but I need to piece together what I do have, I am out of my depth, emotionally, physically, financially.. Just what more means remains to be seen.

"Christian, whilst I would love nothing more than to continue our", I pause, I have no idea what words to use to describe our situation. It is obvious the pause has intrigued Christian too, it seems we are both struggling to define what has gone on today. Ignoring my pause, "I really should be getting home, I do need to organise myself to move in a few days too, especially if tonight is taken with a dinner". At the word 'move', I have again reached Christian, his eyes alight again and ready to devour my next words, "I am moving from the Rodriguez's, they live in a smaller house, plus with work commute times, I have found a room, with Kate Kavanagh, in the Pike Market District, nice apartment block". Christian spends the entire time nodding, like he is mentally noting and devising how this new information works for him too.

"Well, let's get you home Anastasia", Christian has set himself a plan, the controlled face coming across. "You need to be ready to move, how are you moving your belongings, is there anything, and I mean anything, you need to move or set up a new house?". I decline any offers of help, in honesty I do not have much to move, a suitcase and a back pack is my only belongings. Mrs Rodriguez has bundled together some linen, towels and other bits and pieces to start me off with, I will be forever grateful for her generosity, it is something a Mother would do for her child, I feel honoured that she cares enough to do that for me, more than your own Mother has ever done for you Ana.

The rest of the car ride home is silent. Christian maintains contact with his hand on my upper leg, a slight pressure, that is surprisingly comforting at this point. I have my own hands knotted in my lap, trying to squash the nerves that threaten to overtake. Sawyer draws the Audi towards the curb, the Rodriguez house like a lighthouse, signalling a safe port of call, safety from the consuming emotions I have.

With an efficiency displayed, despite his size, Sawyer is around at the rear passenger door, pausing before opening the door, giving Christian and I one last moment in our private bubble. I turn to face Christian, looking down I feel his hand gently connect with my jaw, raising my head, until our eyes lock. His voice dripping with honey, "Anastasia, Thank You for today, so many firsts for me today, for that I can never Thank You enough." With that he leans in, his eyes searching, his mouth forming a smile, his intention clear. His mouth is on mine, gentle, caressing, his lips soft and giving, waiting for that slight part in my own lips, giving his tongue access to stroke and explore, before reluctantly pulling away, but not before running my bottom lip through his teeth, enough pressure so I am reminded of his mouths presence on mine. I can not help the shy smile that erupts across my face, "Thank You Christian", is all I can say.

As the door opens, Christian steps out, holding his hand out to help me climb from the back seat. With a curt nod, and the hint of a smile Sawyer returns to the driver's seat, leaving us standing on the curb. Christian pulls me in towards his lean frame, his muscular arms catching me as he plants a quick tender kiss on my lips before releasing me, his eyes full of appreciation and a glee that touches all sides of his being. "Till next time Anastasia". With that he climbs back in the Audi, the door closes and he is gone. Hidden behind the darkened tint, the Audi pulls back out, and heads down the street, disappearing around the corner with a deep throaty roar.

Suddenly I have a pang of loss. I feel part empty, it is as though without Christian by my side, a part of me has gone missing. Such a silly reaction after spending so little time together, but after a week in my mind I feel like I have known Christian forever. I reason this is simply because this man has claimed my heart. A part of that is now his, willingly or not.

I spin on my heel, managing to stay upright, considering the uneven path that is a mean feat. As I start the short walk up the neat path, lined with perfectly pruned hedges I look up. My mind stops. At the door with the most perplexed face stands Jose. He looks hurt. After a huge day back lawn mowing I assume Jose's bad back must be playing up, after a week on holidays playing host and proudly showing off Seattle, his city, like I had done all those years ago whilst he spent time in Sydney, the first day back must have been hard. Jose smiles as I approach, but for the first time I see that smile does not reach his eyes, his black pupils appearing to be replaying a memory, a memory that is not sitting well in his mind. I begin to wonder, did Jose see Christian kiss me, Christian's arms around me. Oh my Ana, at what cost does Christian Grey come at?

By the time I have reached the door, in only a few short steps, Jose has lost the look of disbelief and hurt. He is back to my friend Jose. As Yolanda and Mrs Rodriguez join us in the lounge room, which is situated between the front door and the open kitchen, I am hit with a barrage of questions from all three. Giggling I put my hand up, "One at a time with the questions", I say whilst rolling my eyes. We all dissolve into laughter, and it feels good to be me, Ana, laughing freely, for what feels like the first time today, without questioning the intentions or direction of the conversation. I answer the questions, starting with my phone call this morning to arrange an induction time, to the induction itself, lunch in the boardroom, talking to a journalist and the photo shoot to promote the Foreign Placement program. We all joke I am now a star, it is a big thing in the Rodriguez family to make the paper, with Yolanda having done so a few times for her sporting achievements. I mention coffee after the media, and whilst saying the big boss was there, I fail to add there were no other people joining us. That same look darkens Jose's face, momentarily but it was there.

Once Mr Rodriguez arrives home, the celebration begins. A celebration is in order as Mr Manny Rodriguez has managed to get the exclusive contract for a rather large group of houses just out of Seattle, apparently a very affluent area with large properties, and extensive gardens, not yet knowing the Seattle area I am told the houses back along the waterfront in many cases with The Sound as a back drop, which still means little. The houses are all owned by wealthy and prominent Seattle residents, in the class of doctors, lawyers, and judges. This contract means the lawn mowing business will need to expand, giving an opportunity to employ further family and help make their lives so much better with a stable income.

Mexican food appears from the kitchen and is laid out buffet style for one and all. Family and close friends join us, filling the small house, adults and kids, all mingling with a happiness and joy at being in each others company, introductions fly, animated chat, lot's of laughter and reminiscent tales from recent and past times dot the colourful and very loud ruckus that is a Rodriguez celebration. Food, music and laughter, the essence of this family's life. Once the house empties of all the extra people, and good nights have been said, I excuse myself, my eyes suddenly struggling to stay open. After a quick shower I find myself in the land of Christian Grey dreams before my head has found the pillow.

Awaking quite late the next morning I spend a relaxing morning organising the last of my belongings, and helping Mrs Rodriguez straighten the house and tidy after the mass invasion of party people last night. Our chat light and intermittent, leaving plenty of time for my mind to wander, to begin to process its thoughts. 'Fuck the paperwork', the flinch, the ever-changing moods. The achievements of this man against my own, his unsurpassed beauty against my own gangly awkward self. The clear controlling CEO mask, and the thought that masks are usually used to hide things. The only common thread among the myriad of emotions is a want, a want to fantasize about the possibility of a 'what if', a scenario of more. No man ever has ignited my insides the way Christian Grey can with a single glance. The conflicting side though, the biggest and loudest screaming factor still haunts, he is your boss Ana. Where does he draw the lines, where does contracted employee Ana fit in, what could this man possibly want with me? Self doubt, combined with a strangely optimistic hope has my mind racing even faster.

Jose finishes work early, he arrives home late afternoon, just as the house tidying is finishing up. I tease that he has impeccable timing. Jose asks if I would care to join him for an evening picnic, after last night with so many people, Jose would like to spend our last night together before work and other commitments steer us from seeing each other as regularly. I agree, a friend, some laughs and a picnic sound perfect, hopefully a perfect antidote to ease my still frantic mind.

After driving around we find ourselves a quiet spot to spread the picnic rug down by the waterfront. The breeze whilst cool, is more refreshing than cold. Mrs Rodriguez certainly knows how to pack a picnic, by the time we have finished devouring the morsels, tasty leftovers from last nights feast, we are both too full to move. Once the food is gone and we have packed up the basket contents, we laze back on the rug and our conversation starts to flow. We talk about everything, from what this new lawn mowing contract will mean to the family, right through to what flavour we think the kids are ordering from the ice cream cart a short distance away. Jose offers to go grab an ice cream each, an offer I can not resist. Plain vanilla ice cream is my order, and with that noted Jose sets off, leaving me to revel in the atmosphere of friends and family soaking up the last of the day and night before heading home.

That intense feeling like, I am being watched, surfaces, get a grip Ana, stop that impressive imagination.

Jose wanders back towards me, plain vanilla ice cream cone for me and a spearmint flavoured cone for himself. The mint smell quite overwhelming. We eat our ice creams in silence, each of us caught up in our own world's. As I finish my cone I lean back on my elbow's. Closing my eyes so I can hear the sounds of Seattle humming away, the crowd starting to thin, so the chatter less animated as the families are heading home, kids quieting after a long day. The mood turns more intimate as the last city lights come on and the crowd morphs into couples walking hand in hand, with the odd rowdy bunch quite obviously heading out for a night.

I open my eyes, my personal space feels like it is being invaded. I feel open. My eyes meet Jose's, a look clouds his dark black eyes, his facial features shaded due to the waterfront lamps that are alight behind him. His mood looks sombre and questioning. I raise my head further and sit myself upright. As I go to speak, to ask what is troubling his mind I am floored by his words, words from my friend, urgent sounding words, a need to know seeping from his pores, "Ana, I need to know", Jose's voice is strangely calm, at odds with the dark mood I can make out on his face. "I need to know, that man today, that man who kissed you, what is he to you"?

I have a sense of dread shiver up my spine. This a question I expect from a concerned friend, but the tone Jose has used has me reaching for my cardigan to further shrug off the chill that is rapidly descending around me. "Jose, that man, that was Christian Grey, I don't know what to tell you, I don't know how I feel about him, he is my boss, we went out for coffee".

I am abruptly cut off, Jose's tone now snarling, a stark contrast from the man I know as my friend, "A boss Ana. I know who Christian Grey is. A boss doesn't openly kiss every new staff member. I don't like him". Jose has always been honest, but his tone, his harsh words, his spiteful look. I am struggling to comprehend this side of Jose. Then it hits me, is Jose jealous? Me, Ana Steele, I normally struggle to attract a single man, intentionally avoiding and hiding myself. No way could two men be interested. Jose is my friend, that foreboding feeling intensifies as the next words pour out of Jose's mouth, "Tonight Ana I wanted to bring you out here, picnic, think romantic, I have always liked you Ana, but seeing you with another man today", he trails off for a moment. "I am not accusing or blaming you Ana, please do not think that, you didn't know my intentions, you are not mine, however I shall regret not showing my hand earlier, a regret I'll always live with. The look on your face this afternoon was one of love, you may not realise it Ana but he had the same look. I will always be your friend, always on your side, just know I, I am, I am very sorry Ana, I should never have...". He can no longer continue.

My immediate reaction is to hug Jose, a friendly hug. He has just shared his heart, I don't have it in me to tell him, a few years ago, I felt the same when I watched him kiss the older girl in our Sydney apartment block courtyard from afar. The only thing is he never saw me hiding, and I never had a chance to show myself. Jose is a friend, I think of him as a brother now. It is then I reply, "Jose, despite what happened today, regardless, I couldn't with you, not for any other reason than I think of you as a brother". My words don't seem enough, but they are the truth, and as much as I can offer.

Once I remove my arms, Jose smiles, again a smile reaching his eyes. Like sharing his thoughts has released them. We are friends again. Just like that our conversation resumes like the feelings have never been mentioned. Yet that foreboding feeling, that I am being watched lingers. It is an overwhelming sense, one that sends shivers directly up and down my spine. The tiny hairs on the back of my neck, standing at the shiver. My eyes scan the area. With the dwindling light, many shadows loom larger than life. However, taking stock after scanning with no result, I do not feel threatened. The sense more making me aware, a very conflicting emotion. Another to add to the ever-growing list. Rolling my eyes, more so at myself than the situation I find myself in, I let out a deep sigh. "Jose, are you ready to head home. I am really tired, a couple of big days, and boy, your family last night. Geez, I know you told me you had a big family", I struggle for words, the stark reality a big family to me is anything that has some normality to it, "your family is massive, how many, dare I ask"? Jose chuckles, raising an eyebrow, definitely back to my friend, "who knows, they lost count". Said matter of factually, and something I can easily believe. Jose continues, "It will be so good now Papa has secured this long-term contract, be so good to work alongside more of my family, sharing the spoils and giving to more. 'Manny Lawns and Gardens', a force to be reckoned with, hey mate", I giggle at Jose's attempt of Aussie slang, mate coming out as one short sharp syllable instead of the Aussie way of drawing the 'a' out. Memories of our time in Sydney flood my mind, a welcome distraction from one Mr Grey and now Jose's confession. With that we gather our picnic basket and rug, and head back towards the car, arms linked, and chatting about the many days we spent down wandering around The Rocks area of Sydney, so rich with history we both absorbed.

Please let me know your thoughts!
Chapter 13 to follow.