Surprise! This is a bit mean 'cause I'm still not exactly back but I had some time today and was like what the heck I'm gonna do it. I'm still working on my original work and it should be in to my beta readers real soon, I just unfortunately have been a lot more of a procrastinator than I expect. Ugh. But getting better each day. This update is kind of proof of that. I'm pretty sure I'm late anyways, a bit unsure of when I posted last in regards to my promise of 4-5 weeks. But like I said I have not forgotten about you! You have all left the nicest comments and they are just amazing.

So here is my next chapter. I might be back on my update schedule or it might be next Sunday. This week will be telling. I'm hitting the end where I really got to up my game or I am screwed. Anyways, I really hope you enjoy it. I'll be honest. When I first wrote this chapter I wasn't really pleased with it but after taking some time away from it then going back I was like huh, that was a lot better than I remembered. I'm glad I included that.

If you want to follow me on social media my info is below! You can also find links on my Facebook page and website for my newsletter if you're interested in signing up to get info on my book which will be out in January! Thanks everyone for all the love and support. You guys are the best.

Now I'm going to sleep.

Chapter 14

"What should I wear to the gala?" Ana asked Christian.

He was seated in his home office finishing up paperwork when he'd called Ana over earlier than she'd planned on heading over herself. He still wasn't done by the time she arrived leaving her to wander around the apartment, ending up in his office, poking around at things he had laying around. It wasn't very much, besides some art and knick-knacks. She couldn't even find a single photo.

"I'll show you," Christian said. He finished typing something on his laptop and stood, looking at Ana for the first time since she had entered, beyond a simple once over.

Ana gave him a kiss, smug at the way that he pulled her in and made it longer than a simple peck. She loved all kisses with Christian, but the greetings one were always her favorite. Christian kissed like a drowning man who finally got his first breath of air.

"I had the pleasure of ordering this for you last week." Christian said, leading her in to his room where a large box laid on his bed. "I was planning on having you pick it out but you were busy last week and I needed to get it in or else I wouldn't have had been done in time."

"Been done?" Ana asked with wide eyes, making her way to the large box. She fingered it with apprehension, not opening it until Christian huffed and did it for her. Slowly, slowly, the most beautiful dress Ana had ever seen was revealed laid out on the bed in front of her. "I was planning on using one of the dresses that you had already bought me."

It was a silvery gray color with a loose front that she knew would hang around her frame just right as every single other piece of clothing Christian had ever bought for her had. She fingered the material lightly, feeling the buttery softness of the fabric. She didn't know what it was made out of but knew it was expensive.

"No girlfriend of mine would go to a gala in an off the line dress," Christian said.

Ana couldn't decide which part of what he had said was more ridiculous. "You're taking the boyfriend label very serious." She touched the fabric again. "I can't believe you did this. How much did this cost?"

"You don't want the answer to that question."

Ana side eyed him but relented knowing he was more than right. She already knew she was going to accept it and knowing the man it would be just as extravagant as every other item he tried or did procure for her. The man didn't know the meaning of simple.

He certainly taught her a new definition of wealthy.

"Can I try it on?" she asked breathlessly.

"Of course, it's yours." Christian replied with a pleased smirk.

Ana didn't waste any time, stripping to her bra and underwear and slipping the dress over her head. "Can you zip me up?" she turned to Christian. The zipper was on the side for this very purpose but she found herself wanting Christian to do the honors.

He stepped forward, fingers sliding slowly around her waist so that she was forced to move closer into him as his right arm went around instead of simply moving to her left side. His eyes didn't leave hers, Ana breathless by the time he finished. She more than willingly let Christian tilt her head back and pull her in for a kiss. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," Ana smiled, making her way over to the full length mirror that Christian had in his closet.

She gasped upon seeing herself. She never would have chosen gray for herself, but Christian knew a lot more about fashion than he let on, the color matching her skin tone perfectly. It started with a slightly ruffled front, flowing down and hugging her waist before rippling down at her feet. She looked like Christian Grey's girlfriend standing in this dress.

Ana's eyes widened. "I already want to take it off."

Christian chuckled. "Relax Ana. We've talked about it many times but the money means nothing to me. Beautiful women deserve beautiful things and I want to spend it on you. I make more money every second than most people will in a year. This dress was nothing."

"Did this dress cost you a second of your salary?"

Chuckling again Christian pulled her into him. "I have a tailor who will come over to make any needed alterations that will be done by the time the hair and make-up specialist are finished."

"Hair and make-up specialist?"

"Don't look so panicked Ana." Christian clucked her under the cheek and moved away, Ana following him out into his bedroom.

"Is this why you had me come over so early?"

"Of course."

"You could have told me." She thought about her makeup kit that she had brought with her, along with any hair accessories that she thought she would need. She'd planned on doing her own hair and makeup at her apartment before heading over but Christian apparently had different plans.

Neither one of them had discussed the gala over the past few weeks, both avoiding what would be coming afterwards. Ana knew her own reason, the fear of disappointing his family even when she had no reason to. She didn't know Christian's.

"Then you wouldn't have come."

And glowered but didn't refute, knowing he was correct. "What time do they get here?"

"The tailor will be here in about an hour and the rest an hour after him."

"Isn't that still a bit early?" It was only a little after one and the gala wasn't until eight this evening and Christian had reassured her that he always arrived late.

"I was advised to give this much time," Christian said. "Now come on. I had Gail prepare us a late lunch. We'll be eating dinner at the gala, so she'll make sure to provide us something light to eat before we head out."

"How long are we going to be there?" Ana asked, stepping out of the dress and laying it back on the bed. She slipped back into her jeans and green top, moving towards the door that Christian where standing.

He stopped her before she could go through with a hand on her waist. She looked up at him questioningly. He placed a soft kiss on her lips. "You are incredibly beautiful; you know that?"

Ana quirked her lips up in amusement. "You saying that 'cause I just got undressed in front of you? Or the million-dollar dress that I just put on."

"You look beautiful in everything you wear. But I like you best like this. Comfortable with where you are and who you are."

"I'm glad." Ana squeezed his hand, her heart squeezing in her chest. She loved and hated when Christian said things like this. Of course they made her feel good but she knew that he felt that way about anyone he was in this type of relationship with. She wasn't special. "Now let's go eat."

Christian didn't stop her as she moved by, following her down the steps and into the living room.

"When are you going to get dressed?" Ana asked once they had their plates in front of them. It was a salmon dish Gail had made one of the first times she cooked for Ana who had absolutely raved about it.

"I'll get dressed right before we leave."

Ana scoffed. "The life of being a man. Will you be working while I make sure I am beautiful enough for the high society of Seattle?"

"I have a few reports that I need to go over," Christian replied.

"Always working." Ana shook her head fondly, her tone light. Christian was a lot better at delegating than she would have guessed for a man in his position.

Every time she was over, their time was specifically for them unless an emergency arose or Ana stayed longer than they had originally intended. Something that had been occurring with more and more frequency which often left Ana in the library doing some reading while Christian worked in his office. Sometimes he would come in and join her when he knew he wouldn't be making any calls.

"Is there anything specific that I should know about tonight? Who's on the guest list?"

"You might recognize a few people though not many."

Ana nodded. "My stalking did mainly center around you."

Christian snorted. Ana's stalking had come up a time or two when Ana would confirm already knowing something because of how intensely she'd researched him. She had successfully kept her crush a secret, at least as far as she knew. The amount of dedication she had in her searches were telling enough and she wouldn't be surprised if he already knew or suspected.

The rest of the evening passed quickly. Ana feeling like a true princess as her hair and makeup were done to utter perfection. Her hair was pulled into a French twist with her bangs hanging down and brushed slightly to the side. She had never seen her hair look so full and healthy. Whenever she attempted a French twist it would turn out flat and never stay in.

Her makeup was lighter than she would have expected but like her hair, utterly flawless. A light smokey eye surrounded her blue iris's making the color stand out even more. The makeup artist had completely gushed over Ana's skin and its translucent like quality, insisting on keeping her foundation as light as possible to keep her natural skin shining through.

"I love it," Ana gaped at the mirror. "Now all I'm going to have to do for the rest of the night is not touch it at all. No big deal."

Laura laughed, pleased smile on both of their faces.

"Here," Laura said, handing Ana the tube of lipstick she had used. "You'll need to reapply this after dinner but besides that you should be fine. I have perfected my lipstick method but even Aphrodite would have problems keeping it on after eating if she doesn't have skills."

"Are you calling me a rookie?"

"No," Laura replied quickly. "I only know that you don't wear makeup often and haven't mastered the skill to make sure that you don't smear it through the night no matter how unintentionally. You should see celebrities on the red carpet. The only reason that their makeup always looks so picture perfect is because they get touch ups done every half hour."

A chuckle was heard from behind them, drawing their attention to Christian who appeared in the doorway. He smiled at Laura, the woman appearing to be dazed. Ana knew the feeling and smiled sympathetically.

"Don't mind Ana, she's just giving you a hard time," Christian said having apparently been eaves dropping for longer than she had thought.

Ana mocked gasp. "I would never do that."

Christian smiled stepping closer to Ana, seeming to have already forgotten about Laura. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you." Ana vaguely heard the other woman packing up their stuff and saying goodbye. "Bye!" Ana called as she left, her hair stylist having finished earlier than Laura and already departed.

Christian assured Laura that Taylor would lead them out.

"She was sweet. How did you find them?"

"Ros recommended them to me actually. Told me that they're starting up right now but are have an excellent reputation."

"Well having Christian Grey as a client will certainly help them now. That was nice of you." She had expected to hear that they were from a salon, not two new entrepreneurs. For a man who was already at the top, he always made sure to help the people still rising, aware that he wouldn't be where he was without other people's help.

"I have something for you," Christian broke Ana out of her thoughts.

"Hmm?" Ana's eyes dropped to Christian's hand. She hadn't noticed until that moment that one of them had been behind his back the entire time. "What's that?" She eyed the black velvet case in his hand. It was too small to be a necklace but too big to be a bracelet.

"Open it." Christian held the black case in the palm of his hands.

Ana's fingered drew along the side before lifting the case. She'd never received jewelry as a present. Her jaw dropped when she saw what was inside. "Oh my god, Christian. It's gorgeous." Laying on the black fabric was a diamond studded hair clip with branches twining all around the side. "This is amazing."

"May I?" Christian asked, one hand hovering over the clip.

Ana gulped and nodded, turning so she could see Christian in the bathroom mirror. She watched as he lifted the clip from its case and moved towards her hair. "I was given strict instructions on how to put this in your hair to make sure that it wouldn't fall out and was in the right place but this is my first time. Forgive me for any errors."

Ana giggled, the sound much more high pitched than she'd intended. She watched in amazement as Christian slid the beautiful jewel into her hair and finally held up a hand mirror behind her so she could see it. Ana gaped at the accessory, nestled perfectly in her dark brown lockes, making the hairdo look even more incredible than it was five seconds ago.

Ana turned and pulled Christian in to a hug. "I love it."

Ana exhaled slowly when they pulled up in front of Christian's parents' house. Taylor was driving this time, allowing both Ana and Christian to sit in the back of the black Audi SUV. The house had been completely transformed since Ana had been there last. While the house was still beautiful and no one could deny it, the main attraction was now to the side where large tents were set up. If it wasn't for all the people and cars surrounding it that just dripped money, Ana would have assumed she was at the circus. A very high class, exclusive, circus.

"I don't know if this is a good idea." Ana turned to Christian, grabbing his hand to stop him from getting out of the car, nerves attacking Ana's stomach.

"What, how come?" Christian waved Taylor away who had opened Ana's door. The door closed softly and they could see Taylor lean against the car nonchalantly.

"I am so out of my depth here. It's one thing to meet your parents at their home, but a whole other thing when I'm meeting all of their friends. This was a bad idea. Tell them that I broke up with you in the car."

"Ana," Christian leaned in, hand going to the back of her neck and rubbing the skin he found there. "You know we can't do that. I've already promised my parents we'll be here. We had a plan, remember?"

"And I want to change the plan."

Christian tightened his grip ever so slightly, but no anger reached his voice, only a hint of frustration. "What's the problem all of a sudden?"

Ana hesitated and then decided to go for broke. She'd never lied to Christian before and she wasn't about to start now. "I feel intimidated. All these people are used to money and here I am in a dress that costs more than I have made since I started working in the professional world and that doesn't even touch the subject of your family. I am going to be so out of place in there."

"You're making something out of nothing Ana. No one here cares about any of that stuff."

Ana gave him a look.

Christian back peddled with a heavy sigh. "People care, but it doesn't matter," he said instead. "You're going to be on my arm and that's all anyone is going to be talking about."

"So they're going to be wondering who I am. That really reassures me Christian." A thought dawned on her. Something she should have been thinking about from the very moment that Christian invited her to the gala. "This is another boat trip."

Christian frowned. "I'm not following."

Ana smacked Christian's leg. Christian grabbed the hand but didn't react in any other way. "This is another boat trip. You have never been seen with another woman and I'm going to be the very first one ever! Christian, forget your parents, now we're going to have to deal with the rest of the world. This was a really bad idea. We should have broken up last week." Ana nibbled at her lip as all the consequences flashed through her mind.

"Ana, there won't be any photographers at this event. There are only ones allowed outside as people enter, but none are allowed inside besides the ones that we have vetted for the event specifically. There will be no paparazzi and I will make sure that none of the photos of us are published as soon as the night is over. You and I can go through the house here and enter in the back. No one is going to know." Christian moved closer to her. "I wouldn't do that to you."

Ana blinked. "That might actually work." She nodded to herself a smile forming on her face, relief coursing through her body. "You sure that we can sneak in the back?"

"I grew up here. Of course I can sneak us in the back. I could get us through the entire house without anyone noticing."

Ana laughed. It came out a bit louder than normal due to her relief, but was still authentic. "Did little Christian like to sneak out of the house at night?"

"Little Christian liked to pretend he was a secret agent," Christian replied, chagrined.

Ana almost died at the cuteness of that image.

"Will it make you feel better if Kate was here?"

"Kate's here?" Ana frowned. They'd talked about the gala just a couple of days ago when they had gone out for dinner after they both got off of work.

It was the first time they'd been able to meet since the dinner. The both of them had lamented about how awkward it had been with both the Grey women practically worshipping at Ana's feet. Ana had sheepishly apologized for it, since it was also Kate's first time meeting the family but she had brushed it off with a laugh. Kate knew Elliot Grey had more than a small reputation when it came to the women of Seattle and was not naïve about it. She told Ana how she wasn't the first women he brought home, and wouldn't be the last. But she would enjoy the time while she had it.

"Elliot invited her."

"Is it getting pretty serious?"

Christian shrugged. "He's brought women to dinner before and to the gala, but never the same one. If I remember correctly, Kate is the longest woman he's ever dated. They're coming on what, three months now? Four?"

"I think so." Ana bit her lip and stared out the window.

Christian caught her chin, and tugged her lip out from her teeth. "You know what that does to me. We'll never get inside if you keep it up."

Ana's lips twisted into a naughty smirk. "Maybe that's what I want."

Christian laughed, Ana relishing the sound. He'd become much more open about his expressions the longer that they knew each other but Ana knew to never take them for granted and loved every time she got a genuine reaction out of him. "You're going to be fine tonight, Ana. My family loves you, you'll have Kate there and even my brother. He won't let Mia cart you off and if she tries I'll make sure to keep her in check."

"You won't leave my side all night?" She knew it was a bit unfair to ask of him, he most likely did a lot of networking at these type of events but she figured it wasn't too much to ask since he said they wouldn't be staying long anyways.

"I won't leave your side all night," Christian promised.

Ana breathed deeply and pushed away all the butterflies. More like ignored because she knew that she was going to have them all night long and there was nothing she could do about it. She didn't care about the people inside, she only worried they were the jealous and vindictive type because of movies that she saw. Mean Girls told her that high school was going to be full of cliques and that there would be one popular girl who was the bitch of the school. Ana's high school had been nothing like that. Hopefully, this would be the same.

"Let's do it," Ana said.

Christian knocked at the door, letting Taylor know that they were ready and slid out of his side as Taylor opened Ana's. She used a small compact mirror she'd been instructed to carry around to fix her lipstick. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car and took Christian's hand.

"Ready?" He squeezed her hand and tilted her face up to his, gray eyes searching blue.

Ana nodded. "Ready."

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