Chapter 14

CPOV

I wake up and am at first confused until I realize where I am. I am in my New York apartment with Ana. She's fast asleep in my arms and looks so beautiful it almost seems fake. It's still early, barely 5 in the morning. I quietly slip out of bed and go change into my running clothes. On the way back from my run, I pass a little cafe and decide to bring Ana back some breakfast. It's just about 6 am when I get back to the apartment. We had a late night and a lot of scotch so I don't think she will be awake yet.

I get in and the apartment is still and quiet. I go into my bedroom, strip off my sweaty clothes and take a quick shower. I am out of the shower and dressed within a few minutes. I can't wait any longer so I take the coffee and scones I got for Ana and bring them up to her room. I pause to take in her beauty just a little bit before lean down and gently kiss her.

Her eyes quickly spring open shining bright blue. Ana smiles shyly at me. "Good morning, beautiful. I've brought you some coffee and breakfast." She sits up in the bed and takes the cup of coffee.

"Thank you. Do you always get up this early on a Saturday?" She asks as she takes a sip.

"Usually, yes. I normally don't sleep well. Except for last night. I slept remarkably well for some reason."

"It was probably the bottle of scotch we drank." She teases me. Something tells me the scotch isn't why I slept well.

"Speaking of which, how are you feeling?" I ask her although she looks well.

"Surprisingly, I feel fine."

That makes me happy. "Good because we have plans."

Her face brightens, "Plans? What kind of plans?" Her excitement increases mine. I like that I can plan things to do with her and I can spoil her. She deserves it.

"First, we are going to have some fun around the city. Then I am taking you shopping for a dress, and then I have reservations for dinner."

"Shopping for a dress, why?" She asks me with her blue eyes wide.

"Well, for one, I want to spoil you, and two, I don't think you packed a dress, did you?"

"No."

I give her my megawatt smile, "See? Now come on, or I'll spank you."

APOV

I'm excited to be spending the day with Christian. I change into my distressed jeans, burgundy lace mix camisole top, and black strappy sandals. I leave my hair down but bring a ponytail holder with me just in case.

I walk out to the great room to see Christian. He is wearing jeans that hang deliciously low on his hips and a black t-shirt. He turns around and smiles when he sees me. "Is this OK to wear? I don't have anything too dressy."

"You're perfect, Ana. Are you ready?" He asks me as he holds out his hand.

"Ready as I'll ever be." I smile at him and his returning smile just melts me. We get outside the building and there are a horse and carriage. The driver is standing by the carriage to help us get in. "Welcome, Mr. Grey and Miss Steele." I smile and thank him as he helps me up.

"Are you comfortable, Ana? Do you need anything?" Christian asks me, ever the gentleman.

"This is perfect, thank you, Christian." He leans down and gives me a chaste kiss on my lips. The carriage ride is so romantic. I have never done anything like this before. The carriage driver takes us through Central Park. It's hard to realize this beautiful park is in the middle of the bustling city. We pass by the carousel, the boat pond, Strawberry Fields, and Columbus Circle. It's a wonderful way to get to see the city.

When our carriage ride is over, he helps me down and leads me to a waiting car. "Where are we going?" I ask him.

"To get you something to wear to dinner tonight. Since dinner is my idea, I don't want you to pay for anything. I also don't want you to complain or not get something. OK?" He sounds so authoritative it makes me giggle.

"Yes, Sir." I joke with him. Before he looks away, I see a hint of a smile cross his lips.

The car arrives at Neiman Marcus and Christian gets out, walks around the car, and opens the door for me. Sometimes when he does things like this he seems so much older than he really is. But, I'm not complaining.

Christian won't even let me entertain the idea of paying for a dress or shoes. I'm not used to that. It takes a while but I finally pick a Tom Ford dress that's black with long sleeves and a scoop back. It hugs my curves but isn't too tight. I pick out a hot pair of peep toe black-to-red dégradé heels from Christian Louboutin. I won't let Christian see me until we are ready to go. I can tell he's frustrated but I want to surprise him.

I get ready back at Christian's apartment where I put on the dress and shoes. I put my hair up so he can see my whole back and I have black winged eyeliner and red lipstick. Satisfied with my look I walk to the living room where Christian is waiting for me. He looks devilishly handsome in a dark gray suit.

"Wow, Ana…" Christian smiles at me and his eyes get larger as he is taking me in.

"You like?" I ask turning around so he can see all of me - especially my back.

"Like? I don't think like is the appropriate word." He walks up to me, places his hands on my hips, and whispers into my ear, "You're lucky we have reservations or you wouldn't make it out of this apartment."

The thought of it, makes my heart starts beating faster and faster. Has he always had this effect on me? Maybe I am just starting to notice it now.

We end up at Daniel, a swanky restaurant on the Upper East Side. We dine in the Skybox, an exclusive dining area that gives us a bird's-eye view of the chef's kitchen. We order the tasting menu prepared specially for us by Daniel Boulud himself.

"More champagne?" Christian asks me.

"Please. You know you don't have to ply me with champagne, I'm already going home with you."

"Good, because seeing your naked back all night has made me want to get you completely naked in my bedroom." His voice is low and seductive.

"You should get the check now, then."

"All in due time, Anastasia."