I hope everyone had a wonderful movie release/Mother's Day weekend. We have reached lucky (or unlucky) chapter 13! I still can't believe the response to this story. Nearly 500 follows! It blows me away. So, THANK YOU!

There was a lot of speculation as to who was responsible for the the photo. You'll find out below, but I can assure you that Marsha is gone for good. I didn't even plan for that to happen originally. She was suppose to be a good person. LOL!

Songs for this chapter:

Eternal Flame ~ The Bangles

I Wanna Love Somebody ~ Keith Urban

One LIFE Stand ~ Ian Longo & Jay Wainwright ft. Craig Smart

Just The Way You Are ~ Bruno Mars

Thinking Out Loud ~ Ed Sheeran

Chapter 13

CPOV

As the car Taylor arranged to meet us at the airport pulls up to the curb, I send a quick text to Sawyer to let him know I've arrived, giving him and Alexis time to say their goodbyes to Ana. I want to be alone with my girl. I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees me, although I do feel bad that I missed her call earlier. We were just about to approach for landing and I wasn't able to answer it. I know she'll be wondering why after I told her I would always be available for her. But I also know my being here will override any worry she's feeling.

Nothing could wipe the ridiculous grin on my face right now as I stride through the lobby to the elevator. In just a few minutes I'll have Ana in my arms. While I wait for the elevator I begin my surprise and select the speed dial number I've set for Ana. Just as I press 'call' the doors open. I step inside and press the button for her floor as she answers.

"Hi!" she greets. I can hear relief and joy in her voice. Good!

"Hi baby," I return warmly. "Sorry I missed your call earlier."

"It's fine. I'm sure you were in some important meeting."

"Actually I was traveling." I admit.

"Traveling? To where?" There's sadness creeping into her tone. Probably thinking I had to go somewhere else instead of to see her. Silly girl.

"Well, there's this girl, a woman actually, who flipped my world upside down. She's exquisitely beautiful, ridiculously smart, incredibly strong, amazingly talented; I could go on and on. She opened my eyes to love and stole my heart, you see." The doors open with a ping and I know she heard it and is catching on from her gasp. I follow the directions Sawyer gave me to her room while I continue talking. "We had a life-changing weekend together and sadly, she had to go away on business. Being the love sap fool that I am, I couldn't stay away." I stop outside her door.

"Is this for real?" She says softly with wonder.

I chuckle as I knock on the door. "Why don't you open the door and find out." I end the call and before I have time to put my phone back in my pocket, the door flies open and my girl stands there for the space of five seconds, blue eyes wide and mouth agape. Then she smiles brilliantly with a "You're here!" that starts out breathy and ends as a squeal before she jumps on me, her legs clamping around my waist, arms over my shoulders and crossed behind my head as she pulls me in, her lips latching onto mine, kissing me without abandon, her tongue playing a game of explore, retreat, explore, retreat, over and over.

My arms automatically move to help support her, holding on to her thighs. I barely manage to get us inside the suite before she starts grinding on me. Oh sweet Jesus! It's then I realize there's bare flesh beneath my hands. Silky smooth skin. I need to get her naked, now. We can talk later.

"Bedroom?" I ask between kisses.

"Mmmm, through there." She points to a slightly opened doorway.

I head toward it, pushing the door open with my foot, and kicking it closed behind us. Thank God the bed isn't too far and I make it to the end without dropping Ana. The second I reach it her legs come down so she's kneeling on the mattress.

"God I missed you!" She breathes, her hands roaming my hair, back, shoulders, and chest. They slip under my suit jacket and slide up to my shoulders, pushing it off.

"I know, baby. I missed you too." With my arms free from the sleeves I bring her in for another kiss, my hands buried in her hair. I skim them along her neck to her shoulders and down her arms, smiling against her lips as she quivers at my touch. I reach the bottom of her dress and pull it up, her arms quickly following suit and lifting for me as I remove it, tossing it to the floor.

Holy. Fuck. Tiny. White. Lace. The only thing keeping her beautiful body from being completely naked is a pair of these incredibly tiny white lace panties. But I don't get much time to appreciate them before she's grabbing my face and devouring my mouth again. I moan as my hands glide up and down her back, feeling her delectable flesh beneath my fingertips. But I want more; I need to feel her against me. And so does she as her hands go to the buttons of my vest while I toe off my shoes.

She tears her lips from mine, panting. "Why are you wearing so many clothes?" She yanks my vest from my arms.

I shrug, giving her a devilish grin as I say, "I won't next time," while undoing my tie.

"Damn right you won't." She declares then proceeds to rip my shirt from me, sending buttons flying. Unfortunately, I'm wearing cuff links and I hold out my arms to show her my shirt is hanging in two pieces from my wrists.

Ana tilts her head and bites her lip while a naughty glint comes to her eyes. "If I wasn't so desperate to have your hands on me and be in your arms; that could have possibilities."

I quirk a brow in question while giving her my wrist to remove the link. Her fingers work nimbly. "Maybe we'll save these. I could tie you up sometime and have my wicked way with you."

With one half free and Ana removing my watch, I examine the other half, giving some thought to her suggestion. Yes, I could see that working. A unique restraining accoutrement. She takes my hand, working on the second link. "You know, I might just let you one day. Great thinking you naughty girl."

With her hooded blue eyes on me, she drops it to the floor and pulls off the remains of the tattered shirt, letting it follow. I go to wrap my arms around her but she grabs my belt, pulling me closer to the end of the bed. Then quick as lightning she stands while swinging her leg out and around, making me turn with her, then pushing me down so that I'm sitting with her straddling me. How the -? Was she a damn acrobat at some point? Her lips find mine

again as she pushes me to my back. She can't seem to get enough of my skin as her hands caress every inch of my torso. Then her lips move to my jaw, my ear, sucking the lobe into her mouth and biting it. The quick jolt of pain sends a shiver down my spine to my cock, causing it to strain against the confines of my pants. I move my hands to her hips to turn us over and she swats them away. What the hell?

"No! Not yet." She commands, lifting her head from my neck to look at me. Her hair curtains her face, a sexy tousled mess of waves, her eyes are dark, full of licentious intent, but her smile is so damn happy.

God, she's beautiful. I can't resist her. I'll do anything for her; give her anything she wants. I grab her hands and kiss them both. "Keep going."

She shuffles backward toward my knees, giving her room to get to my belt. Her agile fingers release it, then undo the button of my pants and pull down the zipper before she scoots all the way off the bed. She grabs my left calf to lift my leg, removing my sock, switching to the other, then grasping the waistband of my pants and boxer briefs. I lift my hips to assist her as she pulls them down together in one fell swoop, my cock springing free. Her eyes are riveted to my angry member, twitching and leaking pre-cum. Her tongue darts out to swipe across her lips causing my dick to jump and squirt a little. The innocent, shocked widening of those ocean blues is extraordinarily endearing.

"I love you Ana, so fucking much." Her stare shoots to mine; her cheeks fill with color, a sweet smile turning up those lips. "Come here."

I sit up to move toward the headboard, rearranging the pillows so that I have one upright instead of flat, and then scooting back to rest against it, my legs crossed Indian style. Ana crawls up the bed, curiosity etched across her face. "I want to try something." When she reaches me I direct her to stand facing me, a foot on each side of my legs. This puts her beautiful lace clad pussy directly in position for my viewing, smelling, touching, and tasting pleasure. She stares down at me as I ghost my hands up from her ankles to her calves, the back of her knees, the inside of her thighs, just skimming her center as I move them up to her firm behind.

Our eyes are locked while I knead her cheeks. The tips of my fingers brush between her thighs and she throws her head back, her breaths erratic, her hands darting to my head for balance. I bring her forward, burying my face in her mound, breathing her in as I slip two fingers under her panties from behind, spreading the moisture coating her lips, eliciting a moan from her throat. "You smell like heaven Ana. And you're dripping. Is all this sweet nectar for me?" My fingers delve between those lips to her core, sliding right in. Her knees nearly buckle.

"Ssshhhiiittt!" She gasps, whimpers, then groans as my fingers begin to slowly thrust into her. "Christian, I want you inside me," she whines.

"Well, you're in luck." I withdraw my fingers. "That's all I want right now too. This time, at least," I clarify, moving my thumbs to the delicate lacy center of her panties and pushing out, ripping them from her.

"Holy fuck!" Ana exclaims while I toss the shreds to the side.

"Come down here baby, straddle me. It's time to ride." I hold my cock at the base while she gets on her knees, ready to help her get into position, but she stops, looking at it, then at me, and back to my dick. She bites her lip then takes her dainty forefinger, collects the dripping pre-cum, lifts it to her mouth, and sucks it off, her eyes back on mine. I smile proudly. This is the first time she's been so brazen. Even during our sex marathon on The Grace she was timid and shy, using her hair to hide her face and avoiding eye contact while giving me head.

Holding her eyes I take that hand, pulling her finger from her mouth, and guide it down to replace my hand, then I grab her hips and move her onto me. Sweet fucking Jesus! SO good! We groan together, the pleasure of finally joining so great. Her arms wrap around my shoulders holding me tight and close, while mine do the same around her back, our faces in each other's neck. We don't move; we just sit there, every single inch of our bodies touching. The feelings inside me are indescribable, out of the world, and I never want it to end. I have never felt so….connected, to another person, to another woman.

After a few moments she begins to pulse around me. I take it as my cue to start moving. While I wanted the closeness, this position doesn't allow for speed and much movement, and the bed probably wasn't a good option, but I do what I can, moving in slow, steady, short thrust of my hips, helping Ana match me. Once we've got a good rhythm I let my hands and lips roam, keeping them soft and gentle, trying to maintain the unbelievable connection that seems to come from our souls.

Our eyes meet, mouths seeking each other's at the same time. The love and devotion I see as her lips and tongue glide against mine blows me away. I hope mine reflect the same back to her as that's exactly what I feel. Her walls start fluttering and I know her orgasm is building, right along with mine. I need to increase the tempo just a bit.

When I start to lean forward Ana's eyebrows shoot up in question. I break the heavenly kiss. "Hold on to me baby," I breathe against her mouth. When I get far enough to move to my knees, I have to use an arm for support as I rest Ana on her back. We could easily finish like this, but I have something else in mind. "Now, wrap your legs around me," I tell her as I uncross my legs. Once she has, I push back up so that I'm sitting on my heels and she's basically sitting on my groin, but she can lift herself further up my shaft, allowing me to add a touch more force to my forward stroke and to grind against her clit.

We find our new rhythm, returning to our slow, sensual kissing. Ana closes her eyes as she becomes more vocal with pleasurable moans, drawn out sighs, and the occasional 'Oooo'. It turns me the fuck on and I'm rapidly approaching my release. She starts dropping herself down harder and faster, chasing her own release and I'm afraid I'll finish before her. My hands dig into her ass cheeks as I try to hold it off.

"Oooohhhh Fuck! I love you Christian!" She screams as her walls clamp around me like a vice grip and she rides her orgasm.

And that's it, I stop fighting as my orgasm is ripped from me and I swear I've been flung into space. "Ana!" I rasp. Stars. Are those fucking stars I'm seeing?

When I'm aware of my surroundings again, I find we've somehow ended up with Ana on her back and I've collapsed on her, my breathing is ragged like I've been denied air for some time and just got it back. What's that about? We weren't moving that fast. Then I realize Ana's breathing is strained, most likely due to the fact that I actually am cutting off her air supply. I roll us onto my back and have to chuckle. Ana's completely out of it, eyes closed, limbs like a rag doll. I just hold her in my arms, perfectly content to wait for her to come back.

Is it too soon to go ring shopping? I'm not going to ask her tomorrow or next week, but it'll definitely be soon. She's it for me; I don't need more time to be sure of that. I can't imagine my life without her and I don't want to. It'll take time to find the right ring. Something that fits Ana and who she is. Most likely I'll have it custom made. Only the best for my sweet girl.

She starts to stir against me, stretching her legs, her hand that's been draped over my chest and resting on my shoulder sweeps down my arm to my elbow. Her face nuzzles my chest and she breathes deeply. All of this with her eyes closed.

"Mmmm…," she purrs, her eyelids fluttering before opening. Her head tips back and those azure blues arrow right through me. She smiles sweetly. "How long was I out?"

I grin back. "Only about five minutes I'd say, from the time I came to. I'm not sure how long I was out before that. I've never experienced anything like that Ana." I shake my head, still astounded and confused. "The connection I felt with you when we weren't even moving was…" I'm trying to find the right word and can't.

"I know. I felt it too. It's indescribable…intense." That cute 'v' forms between her brows again as she stares off in thought. I can't help but lean down and kiss it. Her eyes return to me with a small smile.

"What are you thinking sweet girl?" I ask while I move my hand to her hair, drawing my fingers through the messy waves.

"I just…I'm so happy you're here, but I can't help feel guilty that my freak out caused you to come sooner than you were really able to, that you canceled important meetings because of me. Saturday morning you said you wouldn't be able to join me for a few days. I don't want to be the cause of you losing business because you're here with me instead of GEH."

She dropped her face while she was talking, with my forefinger and thumb I lift her chin up, forcing her to look at me. "Hey, stop that. If I couldn't be here I wouldn't be. Everything that needed to be taken care of has been. My schedule for today was nearly clear before you texted me. There was only one meeting left and it was rescheduled since a few of the attendants couldn't make it. I'm here because I wanted to be here this soon. Listen, I'm mak-," I'm interrupted by my stomach growling loudly, startling Ana. She rolls onto her back laughing wildly, arms drawn in to her chest, knees up. She looks so carefree and beautiful my heart aches with it. I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face as I roll to my side, propping myself up on my elbow to watch her. She's glorious!

Eventually her laughter dies down and I try to hold back my smile as I lean over her, wiping the tears from her red face. "Is my hunger amusing to you Miss Steele?" I ask with mock seriousness.

"No…of course…not." She says through her giggles, trying to get her breath back. "You said, 'Listen'…and then your stomach….so loud! ... And I jumped….because of a growling…..so funny…..Phew!" She places her hand on my cheek with a tender look. "When did you last eat?"

I turn my lips into her palm to press a kiss there before sitting up. "Taylor and I had sandwiches on the plane not long after take-off, so about…" I glance at the bedside clock. It's nearly 9pm. "Six hours ago. I'll call room service." I start to rise from the bed with the intention of retrieving my boxer briefs when Ana grabs my hand. I glance back at her in question.

"Babe, the hotel only offers room service for breakfast. We'll have to go out to find you dinner." She answers.

I chuckle; shaking my head I get up and grab my boxers, slipping them on before turning to her. "Sweet girl, nobody says no to me and if they don't know who I am, they never turn down a generous tip." Her stunned face is a picture and I'm torn between being pleased that she still sees me as just 'Christian' and worried that it'll become too much for her as I remember the ridiculous news report. I know I need to tell her about it, but I push it to the side for now. After confirming that Ana has eaten and doesn't want anything, I call the SouthGate Bar & Restaurant that is part of the hotel. As expected, they agree to my request and confirm my meal will be delivered in about 45 minutes. Perfect! That gives me just enough time….

I turn to Ana who has been sitting in bed watching me with amazement, still conveniently naked, and hold out my hand. "Come, let's take a shower." The words roll off my tongue sinfully seductive, leaving no doubt what my true intentions are.

Her eyes darken with lust as they roam my body and she smirks when gets to my arousal. She meets my gaze again, "beat you there," she says, then shoots off the bed darting into the bathroom.

I grin as I follow, hot on her heels. She's going to pay for that.

APOV

After a most pleasurable shower and dressed in matching fluffy cotton robes with the Marriott emblem on the left breast, we sit at the dining table while Christian finishes his steak dinner and I fill him in on everything that's happened. To say he wasn't pleased with Marsha's opinion of our relationship is an understatement. He had a few choice words about her and it's a safe bet that she'll be finding it difficult to find a job in any type of PR field. He definitely wasn't happy about the added photo-shoots, even though he didn't say it, his clenched jaw and forced smile was evidence enough, although I'm not sure why. He only relaxed a bit when I explained what outfits they had me in. He was supportive, but not surprised, when I told him about my fear of the crowd and changes to the GMA interview. It's almost as if he knew some of this and I wonder how. As he drags the last piece of steak through the juices on his plate I have to ask.

"Why aren't you surprised by the crowd?"

Those gray eyes dart to mine while he chews thoroughly, then pushes his plate away and picks up his wine, taking a healthy drink before setting it down carefully. What is going on?

"First, when a massively successful faceless author is finally revealing their identity, it's a big deal. Secondly," he pauses, watching me carefully and fidgeting. I get the feeling he's afraid to tell me. "I saw it on the news already."

"Whaaat?"

He sighs as he tosses his linen napkin on the table before pushing his chair back and standing, then he holds his hand out to me. "Come with me. Let's get more comfortable first."

I take his hand and let him lead me to the couch and pull me onto his lap. His arms wrap around me, holding me to him. It's obvious he's trying to protect me from whatever he has to tell me.

"Ana, I need you to promise me you won't freak out. You've had so much happen already today. I'm so sorry, but I promise in return that it's being taken care of." He speaks carefully.

"I'll try Christian, but the longer you take to tell me the closer I get to said freak out." I'm breathing in his scent and listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat to help myself remain calm.

"Okay baby. Do you remember how I told you that Ros and Copeland would be giving a press conference today about GEH buying SIP?" I nod and he continues, "Today might not have been the best day for that announcement. The media hounds have brought you in to it, questioning how the purchase affects you with the big reveal tomorrow. They showed an aerial view of the crowd. And despite Copeland explaining why he was selling and why he chose GEH, they're speculating our involvement with each other and if you're the reason why I bought SIP." He holds his breath when he finishes, waiting for my reaction I assume.

"How? Why would they even think we're together?"

"Because they have a cell phone picture of me helping you into my car at the hotel Friday night. As soon as I saw the report I had Taylor working on finding the source of the photo. He received confirmation when we landed that it came from a disgruntled former employee of the Fairmont. He was, not surprisingly, fired for invading guests' privacy and being unable to get a job anywhere else due to his poor employment record and unfavorable references, he became desperate. We haven't been able to find out why he was at the hotel that night, but he recognized me and knew that selling a picture of me with a woman not in my family would be lucrative. I'm so so sorry baby." His arms tighten around me like he's afraid I'll disappear or something and his heartbeat is picking up speed. "I assured you they'd have no reason to question the purchase and why we're together and yet it's the first thing they do. We've taken care of the source, the photo has been pulled, and a statement has been released that reiterates how the deal came about, removing you from any of it. We stuck with no comment on the possibility of our relationship, as I wanted to talk to you about it first. While I'd love for the world to know you're mine, we can keep it a secret if you want Ana, I don't want to bring more stress to your life."

"Christian, calm down." I wiggle my arms free from his hold to cup his face and look straight into his worried eyes. I smile at him reassuringly. "We're not going to hide our relationship. I never wanted that. I wouldn't want to be at an event with you and not be able to touch you, or hold you, or have you not be able to touch and hold me. And I definitely don't want to not be able to go out in public together, having to stay inside the hotel all the time. It would feel like we're doing something wrong or dirty and we're not." I shift so that I'm straddling him, our noses nearly touching, my hands running through his hair above his ears. "What we have is magical and rare. It's true love. It makes me so unbelievably happy and I want to shout it from the rooftops." I'm grinning like a fool now and he's matching me with his mega-watt smile. "Besides, I kind of already told the magazines. Not your name, I wouldn't do that without asking you first, but they saw the necklace and I told them I have someone very special, and very important in my life, who I love so much it should be a crime, and a few other little details. They were both quite excited with the news and happy for me, if not a little envious." I decide not to tell him that the lady from People asked for the exclusive on our wedding when the time comes and I joked that I'd keep it in mind. I don't want to scare him off with talk like that so soon. "So, if it's okay with you, when the subject of my love life comes up tomorrow…and due to the picture it most likely will, I'd like to confirm it."

His eyes that had been sparkling with delight widen in surprise. "You want to announce that we're dating on national television?" I nod with my stupid grin. "Can I come with you?"

I giggle at his childish exuberance. "You want to hijack my interview?" I ask teasingly.

He shrugs a shoulder. "Could be fun. Either way I'd like to be there."

"Of course I want you there. Knowing you're there will make it easier for me to get through it without freaking out."

"Perfect. Now, I haven't had my fill of you yet." I squeal when he stands with me over his shoulder and starts for the bedroom.

"Christian, I need to get some sleep!" I'm only partially serious. I want him just as much, so I fondle his ass that happens to be in perfect touching range.

"I think you have some energy to expend before you can sleep baby." He hits the light switch for the living room, plunging it into darkness, before entering the bedroom and tossing me unceremoniously on the bed and shutting the door.

Pins are up! Next chapter...the Good Morning America interview.