I am so so sorry about the delay in updating. I have been so busy at work for the past few months I really haven't had a moment. Luckily I'm on holiday again so should have more time to devote to this. In truth it's been so long I had to reread it myself!

Thank you once again for all the comments and words of encouragement.

Ana's POV

I knew I'd never make it out without drawing his attention. As if the pounding of my heart and the colour in my cheeks wasn't enough to announce my appearance, something akin to a lighthouse on a rocky shore, I feel some kind of magnetic pull drawing us together.

At first I botch my responses but then I try to bluff my way out, blasé seems like the way to go. The only way. I try for a calm exterior but inside I'm in turmoil. Something about this perfect storm of events seems a little bit too fortunate to be fate. I'll need to quiz Ryan and Sam when I get home but for now I focus on getting myself out of this.

Finally after the initial small talk Christian begins to introduce me to the blond Amazonian queen.

'Miss Steele, allow me to introduce you to my business associate, Miss Cara Winning. Miss Winning, Anastasia is a work colleague.' Christian says.

After a brief exchange between us Christian continues, 'Miss Steele, since you were so vital to the success of the Aster deal, perhaps you would be so good as to join us. I'm sure you would have something to add.'

Even in my confusion I note the small smirk and know one again that Christian is messing with me but I'm too turned around, confused and embarrassed to do anything but beat a hasty retreat so I respond, 'Thank you for the kind offer Mr Grey but I must be going'. And before he can respond I smile briefly and get myself out of there.

As I step into the evening I'm aware the weather has turned; it's cooler now and the wind has picked up. I pause for a moment at the entrance to the restaurant, considering how best to get home. Despite the chill in the air I decide to walk and turn uptown distracted by my mixed emotions regarding Christian Grey and my mounting suspicion and dawning anger with Ryan.

Truthfully I'm in another world so I don't hear him as he approaches me from behind. Only when he reaches out and gentle catches my hand, do I become aware that Christian has followed me from the restaurant.

Christian's POV

I think I realised the error of my ways somewhere between entering the restaurant and Anastasia leaving. I was so keen to see her again that I foolishly allowed myself to follow this plan. It clearly isn't me but recently I've been experiencing a lot of emotions that aren't me. Time to get a grip and approach the situation a lot more thoughtfully.

I quickly decide to go after Anastasia, dispensing with my fraudulent companion, paying the bill and making for the door. I think perhaps I'll miss her if she was lucky enough to find a waiting taxi but as I leave the restaurant and survey the street I see her walking away. I immediate begin to close the space between us, when I'm close enough I consider saying her name but then I'm too tempted so I reach down and touch her hand. She stills, not alarmed, perhaps already guessing that it's me.

I watch her slowly as she turns and lifts her eyes to me. In that moment I flashback to every time we've been together; our drinks in New York, the old movie we saw and being her date for the wedding among the already memorable events. I marvel at how I began dating this woman without realising and know that I don't want to let her go. Although I acknowledge that the decision may already be out of my hands.

'Anastasia, where are you going?' I begin. 'Taylor is waiting in the car and we can drop you home. Or perhaps you'd prefer dinner since you haven't eaten'.

She looks down at my hand still holding hers and then back at me. 'Christian, I'd just like to get home' she says, sounding weary and maybe a little hurt.

'Then allow me' I say as I lead her to the car. I remember the night she refused to let Taylor take her home, the night I showed her my playroom and I wonder if her easy acceptance is a good or a bad sign.

Ana's POV

We begin the car journey in a comfortable silence. I'm confused but a little heartened to realise we are so easy in each others company. Perhaps I could get to know him a little more. We seem to share a sense of humour so perhaps we could become friends. The idea of us being friends' hits me with a sting that's prompted by the disappointment I've been feeling since that night at his apartment. It's hard not to feel rejected; I thought he wanted to have a relationship with me, one that involved developing a sexual relationship, only to discover that he had something else in mind. But then I see the sense in the plan; we have shared experiences that we've both enjoyed and obviously have a bit in common. And so the idea takes root and I try to forget the other emotions that I've allowed to fester.

Eventually Christian breaks the silence by asking about Ryan and Sam's honeymoon. I begin to share the details and before I know it we've fallen into easy conversation, laughing at the adventures the boys had while they were away.

The journey passes quickly and before I know it we are nearing my apartment. I guess I forget myself for a moment, maybe it's the champagne or just the ease I feel with him but I blurt out, 'and the boys bought you a gift'. Only then do I realise I'll have to present Christian with those condoms. Talk about mixed messages.

Christian's POV

Anastasia seems deep in thought as Taylor takes us back to her apartment. At first I don't try to engage her, just enjoying being in her company but then I need to know how we stand so I begin a conversation starting on neutral ground. Before long we are nearing her apartment and although I've enjoyed chatting I'm no further forward in establishing how she feels about me.

Just before the car pulls up she tells me Ryan and Sam have a gift for me and I hope this provides an opportunity to spend more time with her. When Taylor pulls in I quickly get out and go round to open her door. We chat as we walk up the few steps to her door, she seems nervous and I hope it's because she wants me to kiss her.

When she gets her keys out she says, 'wait here' and disappears inside. I'm a little shocked that she's left me on the door step; this was not exactly how I wanted things to go but still. When she returns she looks embarrassed and she hands me over the gift from Ryan and Sam, mumbling about boys being boys. When I see the gift I give her a half smile and comment that I'll put them to good use. Anastasia blushes again and I step towards her, fully intent on kissing her.

Ana's POV

I leave Christian on the door step saying I'll be right back and half sprint, half skip up to my apartment. When I open the door Ryan and Sam are both waiting. I give them what I hope is an intimidating glance and retrieve their gift for Christian from the side table. As I make my way back outside I say, 'And I'll deal with you both in a minute' in my most menacing voice. Unfortunately they both find my indignation very humorous and as I make my way to Christian I hear them laughing.

When I get back outside I feel flushed and unceremoniously present Christian with his gift. He looks highly amused and I know I blush more when he comments about using them. Then he steps towards me and I think he may be about to kiss me. I know if I let him touch me I'll be lost so I lift my hand as a signal that I want to interrupt his advance.

'Christian thanks for bringing me home. I'm sorry I just can't. I'm ...eh ... I'm glad you like your gift. Good night' I say with all the conviction I can.

Christian doesn't look particularly phased or perhaps he just hides it well. He seems to think for a moment and then he says, 'Could we have coffee this week?'

'Yes, I'd like that' I respond. Friends.

I turn around and make my way back into the building and Christian just watches me go. When the door closes I just lean against it letting tonight's events wash over me, and hope that the wave carries away the rest of my disappointment. Then after a few minutes I decide it's time to give Mr Ryan Wright a talking to.

When I open the door the boys are in our little kitchen pouring drinks. Without a word they get a fresh glass and pour me one too.

'Ryan, I can't believe I am asking this but ... was tonight just a set up?' I say.

'Awww sweetie, I'm sorry. I really am. It was a horrible thing to do. I blame the jetlag.' He says looking sheepish.

'Does Will Lovel even exist?' I demand.

'Yes I work with him. But he's married with two kids. Great guy honestly.' Ryan states.

'Ryan, you're not helping!' I say as I swot him on the arm. 'I looked like a fool, as if I don't feel rejected enough'.

'I am sorry, please let me make it up to you my love' Ryan croons.

In all honesty I still feel ticked off but I want to talk over all this Christian Grey stuff with them so I let it slide. Over a glass of wine I tell them everything that happened and how I feel about it all now. They don't exactly understand why I've decided not to pursue a relationship with Christian but they didn't see inside that room, and thanks to the NDA I can't explain in further. Thankfully they both trust me so they support my decision.

However, when I mention having coffee this week with Christian both Ryan and Sam raise an eyebrow. They obviously don't believe that Christian and I can be friends but I suppose time will tell.

OK folks ... that's it for today. Sorry this isn't longer but I wanted to get the update on. Already working on the next chapter. Hope to post again soon xxx