14

APOV

Last night was a lot of fun with Kate but we stayed up way too late so I am beat. I made a lemon pound cake for the shop this morning. Christian is taking me out tonight and even though I try not to be, I am excited to see him.

Shit. Here comes Aaron again. What the hell is going on? I don't hear from him in months and when I finally start to move on he pops up again.

"Hey, Ana." He gives me the smile that used to give me butterflies in my stomach.

"Hello, Aaron, what can I get for you?"

"How about a date?"

"I meant coffee."

"Come on, Ana. How long have we known each other? Don't you want to catch up?"

"No, Aaron, I don't. I've moved on and I think you should too."

"You know what we had was great, Ana. You know it. I was your first." That pisses me off - really pisses me off. What a fucking asshole!

"Aaron, if you aren't going to purchase anything then I will have to ask you to leave."

"Come on, Ana. Don't be like that."

"Please, just go."

"Have it your way, babe. You know where to find me." Thankfully he turns around and leaves. Suddenly I am overwhelmed with so many emotions, anger, sadness, disgust, annoyance… Tears fill my eyes and I start to cry. I run to the back to try and calm myself down. Thank goodness no one is here. I go into the bathroom to wipe my eyes and splash some cold water on my face.

I come back after a couple of minutes and I have a text from Christian.

*Stuck in a meeting. Won't be able to get coffee this a.m. Are we still on for tonight?*

*I hope you can stay awake in your meetings. Maybe you need coffee delivery? ;-) Tonight sounds like fun.*

*Miss Steele, are you flirting with me?*

*Maybe…*

*What am I going to do with you?*

Just this interaction makes me smile. I think I am starting to like him and that scares me, a lot.

The rest of the day drags.

CPOV

I've been waiting all day to see Ana. I had boring financial meetings this morning so I couldn't see her at the coffee shop. In the en suite bathroom of my office, I check to make sure I look OK before I head out to pick Ana up.

I pull up to Ana's apartment in the R8. She walks out wearing skinny jeans, a flowy silk blouse, and ballet flats. I don't know how she makes something so ordinary look so good. I get out and open the passenger side door for her. "My lady, your chariot awaits!" I tease with a flourished bow.

"You're so kind, Sir." I can't help it - I have to touch her so I give her a kiss on the cheek before she gets in.

"Are you hungry, Anastasia?"

"Sure, I guess." I look at her through narrowed eyes. She is already thin, she needs to eat. But I remind myself that she is not a submissive so I can't tell her what to do.

"Have you ever eaten at Spinasse?

"No, I'm not sure I even heard of it. I don't eat out often."

"It's very good. The chef specializes in northern Italian food."

I pull up to Spinasse and find a spot on the street. Holding Ana's hand we make our way into the restaurant. The hostess blushes when she sees me, it's annoying, it's just a pretty face. I reserved a private room for us so we can talk freely without other people or too much noise.

The waiter fills our water glasses and asks if we would like to order drinks. "Ana, do you know what you want to drink?"

"You're the expert, I'll let you order." I smile at her.

"We'll have a bottle of the 2007 Cannonau Argiolas Turriga."

"Very fine choice, Sir." The waiter turns to get our wine.

Ana looks at the menu and judging by her expression this is an extremely difficult decision for her. Something about it is adorable. "Ana, if you can't make up your mind they have the Menu Degustazione which is a little bit of everything. That way you don't have to choose. But, promise me you will take home the leftovers to eat them. I dislike wasting food."

"Sure, I think Kate and I can handle that, and if we have trouble Kate's boyfriend eats like a horse."

"Has Kate been with her boyfriend for a long time?"

"I think it's been about eight months now. I think he's going to propose to her soon."

"Would you stay in the apartment if she were to move in with her boyfriend." She could always stay at my place. I have plenty of room.

"No, I wouldn't be able to afford the rent there. I'd probably have to find a cheaper place, or if the apartment above the shop is available that may work too. I didn't think about that, though." She looks sad when she says that to me.

"How did you and Kate meet?"

"We were paired as roommates our freshman year. Since we both were English majors, we also had some of the same classes. I've always admired Kate. She doesn't let anything get her down, she goes after what she wants and she usually gets it."

"Do you think you let things get you down?" I like hearing about Ana and what makes her tick so to speak.

"Sometimes. I am a lot more introverted than Kate. In school when she was going to parties I stayed home and read. I much prefer to be in the background than the spotlight."

"Ana, you are an amazingly bright and beautiful woman. You deserve to be in the spotlight just as much as anyone else." She looks down. I've noticed it's a common behavior for her when she gets a compliment and I don't think she realizes or believes what I just said is true.

The waiter comes and brings our food. There is a lot of it and I start to feel guilty because I know it will probably go to waste.

"So, Christian, is it my turn?"

"Your turn?" I'm perplexed.

"To ask questions. You aren't going to get off that easy."

I am afraid of the questions she is going to ask me. Apprehensively I say, "Yes."

"What made you want to start your own business?"

"My grandfather was a big part of my life. I looked up to him a lot when I was little; he always told me I should work hard for what I want. I decided college wasn't for me so I started a business doing things I am interested in."

"He must be proud of you." If she only knew what a horrible person I am.

"I don't think so." My mood plummets immediately.

"What is your favorite TV show?" I know she's asking this question to lighten things up.

"I don't watch much TV but I do like Game of Thrones. What about you?"

"I'm not sure. I read a lot, obviously, so when I watch TV it's usually something silly and mindless." I want to watch TV with her just to hear her laugh.

We continue to talk through the meal. Ana must be at work early in the morning so I drop her off at her apartment. As I am walking her to the door she looks up at me timidly, "Will I see you tomorrow?"

I smile at her because it feels good to know she wants to see me too. "Ana, I would see you as much as you'd let me." I lean down and give her a soft kiss. "Goodnight, Anastasia. I hope you dream of me."

She gives me a seductive smile, "Goodnight, Christian."