For the next eight weeks, true to his word, Christian didn't deviate from his promises. He managed to tamp down speculation about Ana in the media by bribing a few choice gossip rags and enlisting the help of the Kavanaugh family since they controlled half the newspapers in the city. He told his parents in no uncertain terms that even though he was seeing Anastasia, he was not prepared to bring her around the family just yet because they were taking things slow. He coordinated with Ana on her protection, and she was now directly in touch with Sawyer regarding his schedule, which helped her feel more in charge of her own security. She continued to sleep in her room, but Christian slept with her every night, having essentially switched bedrooms. And while Christian had taken Ana on numerous private outings — on his boat, to a few discrete restaurants and two quiet bed-and-breakfast getaways — he hadn't taken her to a single business dinner or gala. They spent most nights at home, catching up on work and on each other.
Meanwhile, true to her word, Ana began seeing Flynn on a regular basis. He weaned her off of her outdated prescriptions and began a new regimen, gradually introducing new medicines depending on her tolerance level, while engaging in extensive talk therapy.
She appreciated Flynn's conservative, incremental approach to medicine. The side effects were minimal and he didn't rely on meds as a cure-all. They leveled out her moods, helping her feel stable but not sedated — and more prepared emotionally to discuss her issues. She had never had a psychiatrist who emphasized talking over pills. During her many sessions, she was slowly opening up about her past and learning to modify certain behaviors and thoughts. It was an arduous process — reminding herself that she was worthy of Christian's love went against every fiber in her being — but she was beginning to at least recognize her negative thought patterns.
Ana was accepted into the university's graduate program and was set to receive her bachelor's degree in the spring with full honors. After a long discussion, she agreed to let Christian pay off all of her student loans so that she didn't have any debt hanging over her. She also let him buy her a car — not the souped-up Audi he was gunning for, but a safe, reliable Subaru that was a fraction of the cost. She cut back on her hours at Clayton's to focus on school and a possible internship at a law firm, but was still able to work enough to pay her own rent. Even though she spent most nights at Christian's penthouse, she resolved to always maintain her own apartment as both a symbol of her independence and as a backup plan.
Ana was still uncomfortable making new friends on campus, however, especially now that she was automatically associated with the elusive Christian Grey. She wasn't sure who was genuinely interested in getting to know her, so she shied away from the attention all together. But she was re-introduced to Elliott, Kate and Mia and began to enjoy their company. She suspected that Christian had a little pep talk to warn them that she wasn't a naturally outgoing person, which suited her just fine because they seemed to take things slow with her.
Behind closed doors, Ana was becoming increasingly brave initiating physical intimacy with Christian, and when they were out together, they always held hands, but otherwise he refrained from groping her in public. After four weeks of hemming and hawing, Ana officially began referring to Christian as her boyfriend.
She agreed to have dinner with his parents next Sunday and was looking forward to getting to know the people who raised such a remarkable, resilient man.
At the moment, Sawyer was taking her to have lunch with that very man at Grey House. They were having their first joint session as a couple with Flynn later in the day. Prior to that, Christian asked Ana to join him at work so he could show her around his office. They were also following Flynn's suggestion to devise a new contract that reflected and redefined the parameters of their budding relationship.
Ana knew Christian was just humoring her with the contract. It basically reiterated their sexual limits, even though neither had been back in the playroom or had a strong urge to return. It also spelled out the terms of any average girlfriend-boyfriend relationship: "Anastasia and Christian will decide together which evenings they choose to spend together," "Christian will discuss any gifts with Anastasia prior to giving them," "Anastasia and Christian will notify each other of their schedules," "Christian will consult with Anastasia on where they go for events/dates," "Anastasia and Christian will spend the night at each other's residences whenever their schedules permit," etc.
The contract essentially washed away all limits and lines between them, but for some reason Ana still felt at ease having everything written in black and white. So Christian happily appeased her.
With revised contract in hand, Ana strode into the gleaming, light-filled lobby of GEH. As she approached the front desk, however, her step faltered once she realized that she forgot the all-access pass Christian had given her weeks ago.
Of course I'd leave the damn pass at home. I was so preoccupied with the contract that I forget the very thing that was actually going to get me inside the building. Bonehead!
Ana shook her head. Remember what Flynn taught you — stop beating yourself up. Everyone forgets things every once in a while, so give yourself a break. It's not a big deal.
"May I help you Miss?" an amiable young blonde at the front desk interrupted Ana's inner monologue, eyeing her curiously.
Ana's expression went blank before she blinked a few times. "Oh sorry," she stammered. "Uhhh, I'm here to see Christian Grey."
"Do you have an appointment?" she asked brightly.
"Errr, I don't know. I mean, he told me to come by, though I'm a little early."
The woman threw her a dubious look but maintained a polite smile. Anastasia wasn't the first woman who walked into GEH on a daily basis claiming to have an appointment with Mr. Grey.
"What is your name Miss? I can look up his schedule in our system."
"Anastasia Steele."
The woman scoured the list but no "Anastasia Steele" appeared on the rundown.
"Could it be under a different name?"
Baby? No stop being silly Ana — he's not exactly going to put that into GEH's computers.
"Ahhh, no I don't think so." She chewed her lip pensively before deciding that she had no other choice but to out herself. "I'm his girlfriend," she whispered, impressed that the receptionist didn't recognize her. Nice to see that not every young woman reads those gossip rags.
"I see," the woman said evenly, careful not to outright dismiss the stranger in front of her. "Well, I can call his personal assistant to verify your identity."
Ana's face brightened as she read the woman's name badge to thank her properly. "That would be great. Thank you Veronica. I really appreciate that."
Giving her the benefit of the doubt, Veronica buzzed the 20th floor but after several tries, no one picked up. It was almost lunchtime so half the floor was out while the other half was busy with an all-hands-on-deck executive meeting.
"I'm sorry Miss Steele. Miss Parker isn't picking up. There is a large meeting currently taking place. I could take down your information and pass it to them when they become available."
Beads of sweat broke out on Ana's upper lip.
Shit, I forgot Christian said he had some big meeting today. I shouldn't have come early and disturbed him. Maybe I should just go back to the car and hang out with Sawyer until he's free? Or I could just call him real fast and maybe Taylor can let me up? Well, the first thing I should do is stop staring at this poor girl who must think I'm either constipated or crazy.
"No that's OK. I'll just call Christian on his cell. Thank you for your help," Ana said, walking away. Veronica looked at her as if she were delusional, but gave her a compassionate smile nonetheless.
Fabulous. She feels sorry for me because she thinks I'm one of Christian's nutty female stalkers. I can't blame her. I am acting a little cuckoo for cocoa puffs here.
Ana began scanning the room on the off chance that she might spot Taylor. She peered through the front doors but couldn't find Sawyer either. I guess he went to park the car. I could go look for him but Christian would throw a hissy-fit if he found out I went outside "unguarded." Ana rolled her eyes as she tepidly pulled out her phone.
A burly security guard glanced over at Veronica to see if she needed assistance with the discombobulated young lady milling around the lobby. Veronica tentatively shook her head, trying to give Ana the benefit of the doubt before she was "assisted" outside.
Ana held the phone to her ear. Please pick up. Please pick up. That guy on steroids in the corner looks like he's about to escort me to the Christian Grey fan club looney bin.
A crisp voice on the other line greeted her. "Christian Grey's phone. This is Andrea Parker speaking."
Ana had heard rave reviews about Christian's efficient personal assistant, but had yet to talk to her in person.
"Oh hello," she said, a bit flustered when Christian didn't pick up. "Ummm, is Christian there?"
"No ma'am. He's in a meeting and has left his phone with me to recharge. Is there something I can assist you with?"
"Errr, no thanks. I don't want to bother him. When he gets out, could you please just let him know Ana called?"
"Miss Steele?" Andrea's question held a spark of recognition. "Please hang on for just one moment."
The next thing Ana heard was some rustling, a few terse orders and Christian's frantic voice.
"Hi baby. Are you on your way? Is something wrong? Sorry I was in a meeting."
"No nothing's wrong. I actually got here early but I forgot that pass you left for me. I'm sorry. I'm downstairs..."
"Wait, they won't let you up?" he interrupted angrily.
"It's OK. I can hang out if you're busy or maybe Taylor can come down when he gets a chance. No rush. I just wanted to let you know I'll be in the lobby whenever you're..."
Before Ana could finish her sentence, Christian had cut her off again. She heard a muted rant as he palmed the receiver and yelled at someone nearby. All she could make out was "What's the point of the damn VIP list if no one checks it?" before Christian came back on the line.
"Baby, I'm sorry about that. I'm coming down now to rectify the situation."
Before Ana had a chance to respond, he hung up.
What situation? I don't suppose Mr. Patience would just send Taylor down instead of going Defcon 5?
Bemused, Ana shook her head and walked back to the reception area, giving Victoria a sympathetic smile.
You have no idea the shit-storm that's about to blow through here, but don't worry, I'll stop him before he does any real damage.
Ana heard the elevator doors chime and saw Christian barreling toward her like a tsunami. His presence sent shockwaves through the lobby — throngs of employees deferentially moving aside for him, like Moses parting the Red Sea.
Before he could unleash his wrath, Ana boldly walked up to him and gave him a hug, catching him and everyone else in the room off guard.
"What happened baby? Did you wait long?" he asked, squeezing her back.
"No not at all. I told you I just forgot that pass."
Christian kept his arm looped around Ana's waist as he turned toward the frightened receptionist.
"Why didn't you let her up? She's on the all-access list. It's separate from the main GEH appointment log. It doesn't matter if she has a pass or not. All you need is her ID and she can come directly up," he barked at the ashen-faced girl.
"Christian, it's fine," Ana said softly. "Veronica was just doing her job. In fact, she was exceptionally polite to me. And she should be commended for not just letting anyone up to your office."
"You're not just anyone," he said, throwing Veronica a sinister glare.
Ana put her hand over his heart, willing him to look at him. Her touch had the intended effect as Christian visibly relaxed.
"Fine," he pouted. "But next time check the right list. Don't make the same mistake again."
"I won't Sir," she said, her voice trembling. "I apologize."
Christian huffed, a tad too dramatically.
Ana gave the girl a merciful smile. "Thank you for your help Veronica."
Christian ignored the stunned stares as he took Ana's hand and escorted her to the elevators. Just before she stepped in, Ana noticed Sawyer observing the exchange from afar.
Oh sure, now you come by! Where were you five minutes ago?
As the doors closed, Ana glanced up at her irate boyfriend, who was busy swiping his card key to access the top floor.
"Are you done throwing a CEO hissy-fit?" she giggled.
A ghost of a smile tugged the corners of his lips.
"Hissy-fit eh?"
"Tyrannical temper tantrum if you prefer."
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. "You're in my kingdom now baby. What I say goes," he said, leaning down to bite her earlobe. "I have to be the boss somewhere."
A knowing grin played on her lips. "Are you trying to imply that you're not the boss at home?"
An inexplicable thrill coursed through his veins every time Ana referred to his place as "home."
"I'm not implying anything Miss Steele other than the fact that you berated me in front of my employee."
"Me?" she pointed her finger at her chest in mock outrage. "I would never berate a big-time CEO like you. I just wanted you to cut the poor girl some slack." She looked up at him with innocent eyes that held a hint of mischief.
"First off, no one who works in my company is poor. Secondly, you put me in my place all the time Miss Bossy Pants," he said, dropping a kiss on her head. "And she was inept."
"And you're silly," she teased.
A wolfish grin spread out across his face.
"Maybe I am, but I just wanted your first visit to the office to go smoothly. I don't tolerate incompetence on any level Anastasia."
Ana reached up to plant a chaste kiss on his cheek before putting her hands on her hips, playfully scrunching her face. "I don't tolerate incompetence on any level," she said, mimicking his stern tone.
Christian pounced, grabbing her by the waist and pinning her against the wall.
"Are you making fun of me Miss Steele?"
She purposely sunk her teeth into her bottom lip. "Yes."
He growled before attacking those plump lips, shoving his tongue deep inside as he pulled her body flush against his.
His hands roughly kneaded her breasts before roaming down to cup her ass, his carnal intent clear. Ana moaned into his mouth, so lost in their frenzied kiss that she barely noticed the massive erection stabbing her belly. Just as their make-out session grew out of control, however, the elevator slowed down and Christian felt tiny hands claw his shoulders.
"Fine. I'll behave," he sighed, pulling away, but not before giving her behind a quick whack. "That's for scolding me and teasing me," he winked, motioning down to the obscene bulge jutting out of his pants.
"Incorrigible Mr. Grey," she yelped, smoothing down her ruffled blouse. "You tease yourself. I suggest you take care of your not-so-subtle 'problem' before you give your colleagues a heart attack."
Christian chuckled and grabbed Ana's hand. Before they stepped out of the elevator though, he turned toward her, his expression suddenly serious.
"Ana, some of my colleagues are here. If you'd rather not meet them, I can take you straight into my office. It's completely up to you."
Ana gave his hand an appreciative squeeze. Ever since the gala "incident," Christian had been exceedingly careful in introducing her to new people so as not to overwhelm her.
"I'm happy to say a quick hello. Short and sweet though."
"Quick hello is fine by me. Save all the sweetness for me," he purred, the implication of his words anything but sweet.
"What are you two lovebirds whispering about in there?" an earthy voice yelled out from the hallway.
Christian rolled his eyes. "And here we go," he muttered before ushering Ana inside his personal lobby.