'Matthew, a word in my study.' Dad says as we pass through the hallway. I look at Hannah and tell her to wait upstairs in my room for me then follow dad inside closing the door behind me.

'What have you done to make your mother so angry with you, she won't tell me but I want to know?' dad demands. I stand there, do I really need to tell dad?

'I'm waiting; you were supposed to be sat next to her tonight as is usual at a social function so that she would be there for you but for some reason unbeknown to me she's rearranged the seating plan. At one point you were even on a different table to the rest of the family but I've managed to talk her round. What would people say if one of the Greys especially the youngest one that has always been so over protected was left to fend for himself? '

'I'm sorry dad.' Is all I manage to stammer.

'Was it really that bad what you did?' he says, more gently this time, I think he must realise after all our recent talks that he won't get anywhere with me if he gets angry.

'Yes.'

'Tell me; I might be able to at least smooth things over with mom.'

'But dad if I tell you, you might hate me like mom does. She won't even speak to me.'

'Your mom doesn't hate you, she's just angry at the moment and I've never seen her angry with you before so that's why I want to know.'

'OK, I stayed at Christian's with Hannah last night.'

'Is that all?'

'Christian wasn't there.'

'Oh, and your mom found out.'

'Sort of, this is more difficult telling you than it was mom earlier.'

'You told her!' dad says in astonishment.

'Yes, we came to her for help. It was the first time for both of us and we didn't use any protection, it just sort of happened.' I mumble, embarrassed again.

'I take it mom got Hannah the morning after pill.' Dad says.

'Yes, when we asked her she was fine but then she asked Hannah to wait in the kitchen with Mia. She really laid into me, she was so angry.'

'I'm not surprised, did you not think about the consequences, a baby in nine months to look after. Do you want that responsibility whilst you're still at school?' He says.

'No.' I say looking at him. 'Dad why haven't you exploded with anger? I expected you to.'

'Because that wouldn't have worked, you made a mistake and you need to learn from it. I don't think you'll be repeating it again without protection. At least you felt you could ask your mom for help, I'll speak to her, just give her time, she'll come round.'

'You won't tell Christian will you?'

'Does he know the pair of you stayed there last night?' dad asks.

'Yes, he even told me where the condoms were so there was no excuse. I'm sorry dad, I've been so stupid.'

'Learn from it, don't let it happen again. Oh and have a good time tonight but not too much alcohol for you or for Hannah, you're both still so young and your mom will be angry if the pair of you end up drunk. Go and get ready and I'll see you later.'

'Thanks dad.'

I go upstairs to get ready, Hannah is sat on my bed, she looks at me with concern.

'How was it with your dad, had your mom told him?' she asks.

'No she hadn't, but dad wanted to know what made her so angry. I had to tell him.'

'Oh Matt, I'm so sorry. Perhaps it would be better if I didn't go tonight.'

I walk over to her and envelope her in a hug. 'Don't worry, dad was fine. He basically just said don't do it again and to enjoy ourselves tonight, though we're not allowed to drink much. He's going to speak to mom to smooth things over.'

'Really, your dad was ok.'

'Yes really.' I say and kiss her. 'Come on let's get ready, otherwise Mia will only be up here harassing us.'

I let Hannah shower first as she needs to do her hair and make-up and then I follow her. I daren't risk being caught together in the shower at home considering my mom's mood at the moment. By the time I'm out and dry she is almost ready, I stand and stare at her in awe, she looks stunning.

'Wow Hannah, you look breathtaking. I'm so lucky to be taking you tonight.' I manage to say.

'Well you'd better get dressed or you won't be taking me anywhere.' she retorts.

I grin at her and quickly dress, black dinner suit, black bow tie. We put our masks on at the same time.

'I don't like this.' I tell her 'It makes me feel awkward.'

'You look handsome.'

'You look beautiful.' I say and kiss her, the kiss deepens and I feel the familiar stirring. There's a knock on the door, it's Mia as usual with her brilliant timing.

'Are you ready in there, we need to go, guests are starting to arrive.'

'You can come in Mia.' I say.

'Wow, you two scrub up well. Hannah your dress is gorgeous. You look really good together. Make sure the photographers take your pictures.'

We descend the stairs together; Mia's friends are waiting at the bottom. There's lots of hugging and kissing and exclamations about how I've grown up. Thank goodness I'm with Hannah as they really are embarrassing; trying to get my attention with a little flirting. We all go together through the kitchen to the backyard. Hannah is speechless, even I am amazed at how good it looks. Pale pink lanterns hang everywhere. There are only one or two guests at the moment. Mia ushers us towards the arbor that is strewn with ivy to pose for pictures. Mia and her friends go first, the five of them having one taken together, and then Hannah and I take our turn.

'Thank you Mr Grey.' One of the photographers says. How does he know my name?

We make our way over to the large white pergola that is over the black and white checkered dance floor. There are ice sculptures of swans at the entrances. Hannah is so excited; she can't stop talking about everything. Oh no, she's gone all girly on me. We stand at the edge of the dance floor, near Mia's group of friends. Plenty of guests are arriving now and are mingling near us.

I hear Mia shout 'Christian' and she goes over and throws her arms round him. She then drags Ana over to meet her friends. Christian follows more slowly and comes to say hello to me and Hannah. He kisses her on the cheek and then gives me a brotherly hug, only so that he can whisper in my ear 'What did you get up to last night?'

I blush and smirk back at him. 'Probably the same as you!'

He grins at me then makes his way over to rescue Ana from Mia. As Christian moves her away from the group, I say 'hello' to Ana and kiss her on the cheek before introducing Hannah to her. They shake hands, saying how nice it is to meet each other and then Christian moves her away to meet other people. That's the trouble with having a brother like mine, everyone wants to meet him and talk to him. Hannah and I find her parents and make polite conversation until the master of ceremonies asks us to take our seats as dinner is served.

By the time Hannah and I make our way through the throng to our table most people are already there. I see mom has just greeted Ana and Christian is kissing her on the cheek. My grandparents are there and Christian introduces them, and then Mia is introducing her date. Hannah and I approach the table, Mia introduces Sean to us and I do likewise with Hannah. Grandma is so embarrassing she says

'Is that little Hannah that used to get into so much trouble with you at school?'

Everyone except mom laughs as I reply 'Yes grandmother!'

Mom greets Hannah quite warmly, kissing her on the cheek but just says 'Matthew' to me across the table. Christian gives me a questioning look and mouths 'Matthew' he must be thinking something is wrong as he knows mom never calls me that unless I'm in trouble and I'm the only one that has not been hugged or kissed by her when normally I am the one that she never misses. It hurts.

I am now due to sit next to my grandmother, Hannah on my other side and she is next to Sean. Mia is now next to dad, whilst mom is next to her friends Lance and Jane and then it's Christian and Ana and back to grandpa. Christian is watching me, he frowns and I give a slight shrug. He will question me later; I know he will as I always sit next to mom at social functions.

I hear dad on the microphone welcoming everyone before he makes his way over to our table. He makes his way round saying hello to Ana, Sean and Hannah. The MC asks us to nominate a table head but no-one on our table stands a chance with Mia as she bounces around nominating herself. We have to sign a bill and put it in the envelope. I hand one to Hannah to sign. She whispers 'Sorry I didn't know.'

'Don't worry.' I whisper in her ear. 'Dad warned me I would need them so I was prepared.'

Ana obviously didn't realise either as I see Christian hand her a bill as well. Our waiter is offering wine or water to everyone but automatically pours water for me and Hannah, he must have been warned about us drinking alcohol. The sides of the tent where we entered are now being closed and the ones on the other side are open to reveal the sunset over Seattle.

The servers on cue serve us all at the same time with our starters. Christian and Ana are whispering away to each other. Mia and Grandma take control of the conversation. Sean and Hannah seem to be getting on quite well as she engages him in conversation as he is quite shy. I feel mom's eye's on me but as I look at her she quickly turns away and speaks to Lance. I think dad notices as I must look utterly lost. He smiles at me in sympathy. Everyone at the table is deep in conversation with each other as it ebbs and flows. Christian is now talking to Lance; Mia is talking with Hannah and grandpa with Ana. Mom and dad are also talking and whispering to each other. Dad looks at me with a concerned face; I think I'm the only one struggling to talk to anyone. I put my head down and continue to eat.

'Matt are you OK, you're very quiet.' Hannah whispers.

'Don't worry, I'll be ok once dinner is over and we can move from this table.' I whisper back in her ear.

The MC appears during dessert with Gretchen, as usual she doesn't take her eyes off Christian, who never notices but again Ana notices. Mia hands the MC our envelope and then he asks mom to pull out the winning bill, its Sean's. Everyone applauds politely as Gretchen awards him a silk wrapped gift basket.

Ana stands to leave the table, all the men stand as well and I follow their lead. Mia announces that she will take Ana to the powder room and Hannah decides to go as do the other women at our table. Christian takes the opportunity to question me.

'What have you done?' he asks. I look at him and say nothing. He continues 'Mom called you Matthew, she didn't hug you, you are not sat next to her, she hasn't spoken to you throughout the meal, do I need to continue?'

'She's angry with me.' I mutter

'Jeez Matt, I think I worked that one out. But why? She's never angry with you.'

'I can't tell you, you will shout and make a scene and be angrier than mom.' I say. Thankfully the women make their return at this point so Christian can't say anymore, though he does mouth 'later' at me before turning his attention to Ana. Shit that's all I need tonight, I'll have to avoid Christian for the rest of the evening.

We've now come to the auction part of the evening, I sit there holding hands with Hannah, actually I'm feeling quite relaxed now as we'll be able to move somewhere away from the family soon.

'Are you ok now?' Hannah whispers, nibbling my ear at the same time.

'That makes me feel better.' I whisper back and she grins at me. 'We will go outside for some air as soon as this is finished; I want to be alone with you.'

'Hmm, alone time with you. I couldn't think of anything better.'She says and grins at me.

We don't really take much notice of the auction. We're in our own little world until Ana bids a ridiculous amount for Christian's house in Aspen. Everyone at the table looks at her shocked, before applauding politely. I think Christian looks angry as he whispers something to her, but it soon turns to a smile and they look at each other lovingly. The final lot is mom and dad's house in Montana, again someone makes an outrageous bid and everyone applauds.

It is now time for the first dance auction.

'Are you supposed to be doing this?' I ask Hannah.

'I was but backed out when your mom and Mia said that it probably wasn't best with it being my first ball, so Ana agreed to do it instead. I know it's her first ball as well but she is older and more mature so she will cope better with whoever wins her.' Hannah says in way of explanation.

'That won't be a problem, Christian will win her. He won't let anyone else dance with her' I reply.

Most people have now made their way over to the stage area so I take Hannah's hand and we make our move to disappear for a while. I don't think anyone notices. We go to the other side of the boathouse so we're out of view from everyone. Immediately I kiss Hannah and she returns it with the same passion. I place my hand on her bare back; the skin is warm and smooth. Her hand goes immediately to my growing erection and I groan. I want her here, now. I pull away.

'This dress is too long, I can't touch you.'

'Do you think anyone will see us here?' She asks. I shake my head. 'Ok, sit on the fence.' I do as I'm told, slightly puzzled. She undoes my fly and then her hand is inside pulling me free. 'I owe you one Matt Grey for the other night before I had to sit through dinner with your parents' and with that she puts me in her mouth. Her tongue teases me and her hand moves up and down stroking gently then more firmly. Her head dips moving in a steady rhythm, tongue swirling at the tip and then she draws me to the back of her mouth. I groan, there is no feeling like it. 'Hannah, I'm gonna come' at which point she bites down and I explode in her mouth. She swallows and then her mouth is on me, I can taste myself but prefer hers. We draw for breath, and I take the opportunity to put myself away and zip myself up.

'Well I wasn't expecting that.' I say.

'Are you feeling better?'

'Much thank you, more relaxed.'

'Do you think we should go back before we're missed?'

'No, we'll be ok for a while yet, after the auction they do the first dance so no one will notice.' I say, kissing her once more. Someone coughs and I look round, it's Taylor.

'Matthew, Mr Grey was wondering where you were as you gave security the slip. It's probably best if you return to the tent, they have just finished the first dance.' I seem to lose track of time when I'm locked in a passionate embrace with Hannah.

'Thank you Taylor for coming to find us, we'll return now so that he doesn't worry.' I say.

I take Hannah's hand and we slowly walk back towards the tent where he other guests are. As we enter Christian is stood at the side of the dance floor as Ana dances with John Flynn. We stand next to him.

'Taylor found you then, where did you go?'

'For some privacy.' I say smirking at him.

'You gave security the slip, I told you earlier to keep them close all day.' He then leans in close and hisses in my ear so only I can hear. 'Do you have a condom?' I look at him with a shocked expression. 'I take it that's a no. Here, have this one and make sure you always have one on you, you never know when you might need it.' He tucks the foil packet in the pocket of my suit, then walks onto the dance floor to Ana. I grab Hannah's hand and follow him so that Hannah and I can dance. We're used to this as we always partnered each other at school when we had dance lessons so are attuned with each other's bodies and the music, though it feels so much better now we are together properly.

'Matt, did Christian just give you what I thought he did?'

'Yes' I grin at her. 'Maybe we need to find some more alone time.'

She smiles shyly and then says 'What's with the security, are we being watched?'

I freeze slightly but I don't think she notices. 'Christian just wanted extra tonight so they could keep an eye on us. With all the people here my family can't watch me all the time. You know how over protective they are. I kiss her and luckily she seems to accept my explanation.

Dad taps me on the shoulder. 'May I dance with Hannah?' he asks. I nod and give him her hand. 'I think your mother may want a dance with you.' He says with a smile. I look to the edge of the dance floor. She is watching me, I walk towards her nervously. I approach her cautiously not knowing what to say or what to expect. She surprises me by enveloping me in a hug for all to see, before whispering in my ear.

'Darling boy, I'm sorry I was so angry. Please forgive me. I've ruined your night.'

'Hey mom, I'm sorry too, I was so stupid. It's probably been difficult for both of us this evening. We should have spoken this afternoon. Shall we dance?' I ask. She takes my hand and I lead her onto the dance floor. We dance a couple of numbers and then I find myself back with Hannah, dad is now with Ana and mom with Christian. Before long mom and dad are dancing together and Christian and Ana are moving elegantly round the dance floor as if they've been together years.

At midnight the six of us stroll together to the shore to watch the fireworks. Hannah stands in front of me, and gasps as the music starts and the first rockets are launched. I pull her to me tightly, enjoying the comfort I feel as she stands in my arms. The fireworks draw to a close and we all have wide grins on our faces at the spectacular event we have just witnessed. I kiss Hannah.

'You OK?' I ask.

'Yes, tired though.' She replies.

'Let's head back. Are you still staying here tonight?' I ask hopefully.

'If that's ok.'

'Hmm, of course it is. Let's disappear to my room now.' I smirk at her then kiss her again. I take her hand and make to move but Christian places a hand on my shoulder.

'Wait a few minutes until the crowd disperses.' He says. I hear the music begin once more. Taylor is near and he nods at Christian so we can now make our way back to the house. Hannah and I walk ahead with Taylor as Christian and Ana walk behind. I tell him we're going to go inside now and to bed so we won't need security.

'OK, I'll inform them to stand down. Have a good evening, Matthew, Hannah.' He says as he bids us farewell.

Mia tries to get us on the dance floor once more but all of us are too tired.

I kiss Ana's cheek as I say goodbye to her, then I shake Christian's hand. He pulls me towards him and says 'I see mom is happier with you now but I still want to know what made her so angry. I'll look forward to our meeting at work on Monday.' I gulp, how am I going to get out of this one.

We meander through the guests and then before going into the house we say goodnight to mom and dad then leave to allow Christian and Ana to say there goodbyes.