A/N: Yes, I am still among the living. It's been crazy around my home with the holidays, family, and trying to find a job. Sad to say, I have failed on the job hunt so far. I am either over-qualified or I don't have enough experience. So, as you can imagine, I have been feeling a bit on the blue side. But, since Christmas and being with my family has put hope in my heart and I have been able to do some writing. This chapter is light and shows the passion and the depth of feeling that is developing between my Ana and Christian. I hope you like it. Hugs and kisses to my readers and welcome to those who have just found this story!
Chapter 21
Ana woke with a start and feeling heavy. She then smiled when she realized that her husband draped over her as if he was a fine piece of silk. She sighed as she thought of the previous night. They spent most of the evening in their bedroom suite either in the bathtub or in bed or on the chaise lounge that faced the large windows looking out on nature. They had snuggled together under a warm blanket staring out into the night and watching the moonlight dance upon the pines. He made love to her in that moonlight so gently that it made it her cry. He kissed away her tears understanding how powerful this moment was for both of them.
"You are beautiful." His deep voice lowly said.
Ana blushed a bit but smiled. "I can't believe this is our last day here."
"It doesn't have to be." Christian said as he sat up on his side with one hand supporting his head and the other gently rubbing up and down her body. "We can stay as long as we need or want…or we can go anywhere you wish."
"We both have work, Christian."
"True, but we are the bosses. We can work remote or delegate authority." He wiggled his eyebrows making her giggle. "So, my darling wife, where would your heart desire to go?"
"I like it here." She said reaching up and kissing his chin. "I like it here just fine, next to you…kissing you…and touching you." She readjusted her body so that she was mirroring his pose. "I also like being underneath you."
"Vixen." He stated with laughing eyes. "Do you want to stay a little bit longer?" Ana smiled at him then dropped her eyes to stare at his naked chest. She sighed in gratitude that her husband was so finely chiseled. "Ana, do you want to stay a few more extra days?"
Ana licked her lips. "I want to be wherever you are." She moved closer to him. "I want to be underneath you…over you…with you and I want to hold you in my arms and feel you inside me."
Christian couldn't help but smile. She didn't say the words that he wanted to hear, but she was damn close. He chuckled low and sexy. "I think we can afford to stay away a few more days…I'll call Seattle and tell my staff to hold down our forts."
Ana kissed the base of his neck and hummed, "Mr. Grey, I think that is one spectacular idea."
xxXXxx
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey stayed in Aspen for another week before making their way back to Seattle. In that week, Ana realized that she was falling in love with her husband. She didn't have the courage to tell him, but she tried to show him with little smiles, soft glances, and gentle caressing of his wild copper curls. They would sit in front of the fire with Christian's head in her lap. Her fingers would find their way into his thick hair. She couldn't help but smile as he moaned in satisfaction as she massaged his head. The fire crackling was the background music for a beautiful session of lovemaking that left both Mr. and Mrs. Grey breathless and speechless.
The first week back in Seattle was busy with moving into Escala. Ana was hanging her clothes when Christian stepped into the closet. "You are so damn beautiful."
"You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Grey." She replied smiling as she slinked over to him. She reached up and kissed him softly. "I always thought I had too many clothes, but this closet is massive."
"Uh, yeah…I have a little surprise for you…a belated wedding gift you can say." Ana narrowed her eyes and wondered what he was up to. "I took the liberty of inviting Caroline Action, a personal buyer, to bring over the newest line of her collection. I thought you might like to pick a few pieces."
"Christian, that's sweet of you, but I'm not a clothes horse. I mean I have my professional wardrobe, but I am happy in jeans and hoodies."
"Yes, I know…and I love you in those jeans and hoodies, but I wanted to give you something personal and special." His big hands went around her waist and pulled her up onto his massive chest. Her little feet dangled a good six inches off the floor. "She designs more than just dresses…there are different pieces of lingerie…lace, silk, and satins. You should always be in silk or satin. Only the finest and softest material should ever touch this glorious skin."
"You take my breath away, Christian." Ana whispered as her arms locked behind his neck. "What am I going to do with you?"
Christian smiled at her. "Love me someday, Ana. Tell me there is a chance that you will love me…that you will forget how I got you and that you will give us a chance."
"I came back didn't I…of my own free will?" She kissed him again. "I'm not going anywhere Christian."
"There will people who try to take you away from me." He confessed with worry in those intense grey eyes. "They will do anything and everything to separate us…even tell you the truth."
"Have you told me everything?" He nodded slowly. "Then, we have nothing to worry about." She said to console the fear that was evident on his face. He held her even tighter as if he never wanted to let her go. "Christian, we will deal with the troublemakers, liars, and whatever else is thrown at us together as a couple."
"I must have done something right in my life to deserve you. I just don't know what in the hell it was." He confessed as he kissed the top of her head. He took in the delicate fragrance that was Ana, his Ana. "You are my peace and joy."
She turned her head up and smiled at him. It felt good to be needed and wanted. "We are happy, Christian. We just have to protect what is ours. You are mine now and I am yours. Neither of us likes to share."
"You got that damn right. I will mangle anyone who tries to hurt you or take you away from me." He confessed as his lips crashed down on hers. He had to possess her once again. "We have some time…if you want…well you know." His eyebrows wiggled up and down as he motioned for the bed.
Ana laughed huskily which made Christian's pants tight. "I thought you would never ask."
xxXXxx
Seattle was abuzz that Christian Grey and his wife were back in town. Every news and gossip outlet where speculating where they might be seen first. Bookmakers were taking bets for when the rumored baby would be born. Ana shut off her laptop and shook her head. It had been a long day of moving, organizing, making love to her husband, selecting clothes with Christian and Caroline Action then they went out to dinner at The Mile High Club. Tomorrow would be the first day back at work as Mrs. Ana Grey. She wondered how she would be treated by her staff. Would they act the same with her or would they become reserve because she was married to the owner? She brushed out her hair as she stared into the mirror of her vanity. She looked like a woman who was well loved and satisfied. She had to smile when her thoughts went to her husband and the amazing magic he performed on her body. He had the ability to start a fire in her that she never knew existed. No matter what anyone said about Christian Grey, that man knew his way the female anatomy. She blushed as she remembered where his fingers and lips had been just a few hours ago. She never dreamed that sex was so fun and fulfilling. She was happy.
"I would love to know what that smile is for." A deep voice said bringing Ana from her thoughts. She looked at his reflection in the mirror and sighed heavily. He stood behind her wearing only black lounging pants that hung deliciously off his hips.
"It would shock you, Mr. Grey." She said softly. She watched him as he approached her. His big hands rested upon her shoulders.
"Thank you, Ana." Christian said in a softer than usual voice.
"For what?"
He leaned down, kissed her neck just below her ear and whispered. "For letting me love you and for marrying me even though I am a jackass."
She giggled. "Yes, but you are my jackass now."
xxXXxx
Ana's POV
Ok, so that wasn't so bad…walking through the lobby to the elevators. Everyone seems to be handling my new status as wife well. I got a few "good morning, Mrs. Greys" and the usual nods from colleagues. I did notice though that I rode up to my floor alone. No one would get on the elevator with me, even when it stopped at other floors. I got a smile but no one would join me. I got the same words everytime, "I'll get the next one."
I pass by my assistant's desk to find her on the phone. She smiles up at me. "Mrs. Grey, you look wonderful. Marriage must agree with you." She stood up with her I-Pad in her hand.
"Thank you, Hannah. Let's go into my office and you bring me up to date on what's going on."
Thirty minutes later, I am back in the flow of my company. I have been on the phone to New York, to Canada, and yes, to my husband. We have agreed to meet for lunch. I return to the computer and attack the mountain of emails that need to be addressed.
At noon, I realize that I need to shut down. Christian will here soon. I step out of my office to find Sawyer sitting on the edge of Hannah's desk flirting. I don't say anything, but he jumps off the desk. "Hannah, I need you to call Lucian Hanover and remind him that he is three weeks late on his manuscript. I also need you to call Andrea, Christian's assistant and synch our business and social calendars."
"I will get right on that, Mrs. Grey." She gives me a slight smile as her face turns a sweet pink. I just shake my head. I turn to Sawyer who is looking everywhere but at me. "Ok, Stud…I am going down to meet Christian."
"Uhh…Mrs. Grey…I do…" He is turning red. I take pity on him and put my hand up to stop him.
"Please, Luke…just don't let Christian catch you flirting. I'm just getting used to having you around." We head off to the elevators. I'm not going to stop him from flirting with Hannah. They are adults, however I don't want any problems if they hook up and then they frizzle. I don't have time to retrain another assistant nor do I want to get used to another CPO. I have enough in my life to adjust too without a complicated romance between employees. We ride down to the main lobby. Sawyer walks in front of me forcing others to take a wide berth. I nod at few cohorts as I make my way to the entrance. I look up to see Christian coming through the doors. As always, he looks perfect with his copper curls tossed about his head and his suit fitted to his spectacular body. I can't help but admire him. I also notice other women checking him out and for the first time in my life, I feel the curse of the green monster. How dare those skanks look at my man? I have to fight my feet from running to him and throwing myself into his arms. I calmly approach him, but my heart is pounding wildly. I do find my husband to be one sexy beast and I can't wait to get him back into bed. I'm finding that I am a sexual creature and Christian brings out the harlot in me. I look at him as we stand in front of each other and the next thing I know he has me in his arms and kissing me passionately even though we are in the middle of 3P. I can barely think as his hands trail over my bottom and then rest in the small of my back. "Miss me, sweetie?" I hear myself say.
"Every damn minute I have been away from you." He murmured into my neck. He kisses me once again. "I think we should take the rest of the day off."
"I would say yes, however I have a meeting at three…but after that…Mr. Grey, I am all yours."
"Mmmm…now that's something to look forward to." His arm is about my waist as we walk towards the door together. "Mile High for lunch?"
"Sounds like a plan." I look up at him with a smile. I do feel relaxed with him, which is so different from what I felt a few weeks ago. It's amazing what a little sex can do for you! Taylor meets us at the door and escorts us to the Audi. Christian opens the door and lets me slide in first. After he joins me, Taylor shuts the door and the next thing I know, I am pulled on to his lap and his mouth is attacking mine. I forget that we are in the back of a vehicle on a busy street. I kiss him back as my arms reach around his neck. "Now, that's a hello kiss."
"I am glad that you approve." I have to take a breath before I pass out. He is smiling at me with that special smile that I know is reserved just for me. "So, my beautiful wife…what would you like to do after your meeting?"
I lean forward and kiss the end of his handsome nose. "I want to go home and make love to my husband until he is too tired to stand…so have you seen him?" I have to laugh at his shocked face then he begins to laugh.
"Oh, Ana…only you can tease me like that and make me like it." He leans forward and kisses my nose. "But, beware my sweet wife…I am the only husband you will ever have."
"You are the only husband I would want, Christian." I look down at his massive chest. "I told you once that I am falling for you. I've tried to fight it, but what I feel is deep and real. I think I'm in love with you."
"You think?" He asks lifting my face so we are staring into each other's eyes.
"I've never been in love before…I told you that. I've kept myself closed off to other people. I trust very few people…and…and we didn't start out like most couples." His laughter is deep.
"Yes, we are odd but we seem to work. I do love you, Ana and I will spend the rest of my life trying to win yours."
I sigh happily. For some reason I do trust him even though we had a rocky and disturbing beginning, but I know it's up to us to make this work. I did marry him. I did return to him of my own free will. This is my proverbial bed and I will gladly sleep in it with him. "I want you, Christian…only you."