"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."
- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Chapter 28
September 2011
AS POV
The last month has been mentally exhausting. Hyde's trial proceedings initiated in august. After almost four grueling weeks, it's over now. He's charged on numerous accounts, including first-degree attempted murder. He's locked away for life with the possibility of parole after twenty five years. I hope that day never comes, and honestly, with Carrick's connections to the district attorney's office, I doubt it ever will. I am forever grateful to my parents and Christian's family for the support they have given us, especially Carrick. Today, I know I will be able to sleep without an eye open. Not worrying whether Hyde is lurking by because of him.
Ironically, the last thing I did last night was sleep. When I got home yesterday, Christian and I had quite the night. The stress and pressure he has had at work lately have a strange effect on him, and instead of being tired he is as horny as a teenager. I don't mind it at all. It actually worries me when he doesn't want to have sex. I shrug at the memory of the two weeks of no sex after the Hyde situation. I wonder if and when it wears off? The feeling of wanting to jump your significant other's bones all the time?
I'm waiting for Christian to get home, so we can have dinner with Ray. My birthday is tomorrow, and he is in Seattle for the birthday dinner that Kate along with Christian are organizing. Since the guestroom in Escala is now my playroom, even though I still haven't finished it, he's staying at a hotel. My mom and Bob were not able to make it to Seattle because of a work commitment Bob has. I understand they can't come, but I thought after her accident we would see each other more often.
I'm in my office when he comes in, taking his jacket off.
"Hey baby." He says.
"Hey." I smile, and he reaches to give me a kiss. "How was your meeting?"
"Exhausting." He exhales, places his jacket in the chair, and sits down. "Ros and I might need to go to Taiwan soon to close this deal. What do you think?"
"Given what you've told me about the company I think you should, and besides the Chinese prefer face-to-face negotiations."
He nods. "That's why I want you at GEH. We are always in sync."
"Christian, you know business isn't my thing." I say. For the past month Christian has been insisting I find an editor to replace me at GP, and work with him at GEH. I appreciate the offer, but I don't have any experience in business. He says the company would benefit from someone like me, but I think he wants me to be within reach 24/7. Either way I'm flattered, but I love my job. I do have a career endeavor in mind, but I'm not sure I should bring it up now.
"If you say so." He shrugs. "You know the offer still stands."
"Thank you." I say. "So, you still want to go to dinner with us?"
"Yeah. We can go whenever you're ready."
After I finish in the office, we pick up Ray at his hotel. We decided to go to Christian's club, the Mile High Club. Christian and Ray catch up on work and sports. He has been very busy this week, so he hasn't been able to join my parents and I on our outings. They bond on the kind of things Ray and I never do, the kind of things you usually share with a son. It makes me happy to see the two most important men in my life bonding.
XXX
We have been having more alone time at home after Hyde was locked up for good. Things are starting to settle, and Christian is more relaxed about security.
After dinner, we dropped off Ray in his hotel, and came back home. Now, we are having a glass of wine in the living room, since I redecorated we've been spending more time here.
"It's getting chilly." He says, and stands to close one of the glass doors.
"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." I say, quoting The Great Gatsby.
"Gatsby." He smiles. "Would you care for a dance, Miss Steele?" He asks holding his hand out.
"If you insist." I smile.
"Oh, I do."
I take his hand, and we stand. He wraps one arm around my waist, and we dance to Van Morrison's 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You'.
"Have I told you lately that I love you?" He sings softly in my ear. "Have I told you there's no one above you? Fill my heart with gladness, take away my sadness, is my troubles that's what you do."
With a huge grin on my face, I place my head on his chest as we sway to the smooth music. He smells so good. I take him in, inhaling deeply. I exhale.
"I'm the luckiest girl in the world." I mutter.
I feel and hear his chuckle from his chest. As the song ends, he cradles my face in his hands.
"I love you so much." He says, and then glances at his watch. "Happy birthday Anastasia." He says, and then kisses me deeply.
"Thank you." I say breathless. I feel an urge to throw him on the couch, and just rip his clothes off. I suddenly feel like it's a hundred degrees in here. Our lips collide once again, hard and passionately. He parts my lips, and reels his tongue around mine. I grab his shirt and rip it open, buttons flying everywhere. I run my hands on his chiseled abs. His eyes are intense, and compel me to come closer. I grab the nape of his neck, and he presses me to him. We kiss with burning passion.
My hand moves down to unfasten his pants. I circle my hands on his ass and down his thighs, taking his pants with me. He steps out of them.
"Sit on the couch."
"Yes, Miss Steele." He says playfully, and my insides implode.
I quickly discard my clothes, and kneel on the floor between his legs. I grab his erection with my hands, and play with it. Up and down, up and down, and so on. I bring it to my mouth, swirling my tongue. Christian grabs a fistful of my hair in response. I take him as deep as I can, and back up again.
"Fuck." He mutters.
I try to delay it as much as I can, but I am too eager. I sit astride him.
"Remember that time in my playroom, on the bench, I handcuffed you to my waist?"
"How could I forget?." He smirks.
"Good. Hold me tight." I say.
I direct his penis, and slide down on him. He grabs my hips with both of hands. We exchange silent nods, and we're ready to go.
I arch my back down the couch, and place my hands on the floor. He tightens his grip on my hips, and moves my pelvis up and down against him.
Holy shit!
His breathing becomes labored, and I am almost seeing stars.
I feel him taking over inside me, pushing deeper and deeper. I circle my hips against him.
"Oh God, Anastasia." He groans.
"I'm close." I cry out.
"Come on, baby."
He pounds twice, and I'm undone. I cry out incoherently. He reaches down, sliding his hands down my back, and bringing me up. I settle on his chest, our breaths steadying.
"You are so fucking hot." He says.
I think I'm blushing. "So are you."
"And beautiful, and perfect." He says.
I giggle.
He smooths my hair. "I love it when you laugh. You seem so… carefree."
"Ditto."
"You know, I think we should commemorate your 24th birthday by having sex on every surface of this place." He smirks.
"Now you're talking."
XXX
"Good morning beautiful." Christian whispers, kissing my forehead softly.
"Hi." I say my voice hoarse.
"How's my birthday girl doing?"
"Sleepy."
He chuckles. "Well, time to get up. I have special plans today."
"Five more minutes." I say. "Promise."
"Okay." He says, smoothing my hair.
After "sleeping" for five more minutes, I get up and put on sweatpants and a t-shirt. I walk out of the bedroom, and the kitchen bar is covered with all kinds of breakfast foods.
"I hope you're hungry." Christian smiles. "I've been cooking all morning."
"I am." I laugh. "You made all this?"
"No, but I did set it up." He smiles triumphantly.
"It's a breaktaking setup." I smile and give him a kiss. "Thank you."
"One more thing." He says, opens a drawer and hands me small rectangular box. "I hope you like it."
I grab the box, and rip the black and white wrapping. Christian smiles in anticipation as I open the box.
"Christian it's beautiful." I take the gold pendant necklace out, and run my fingers through the diamonds forming a letter "C". I wrap my arms around him, and give him a kiss. "Thank you."
"I'm glad you like it." He says, a shy smile on his face. I'd never thought I would say this, but he looks so cute!
"I love it." I say. "I want to wear it now. Help me put it on."
He chuckles. "Of course."
I move my hair to the side so he can secure the necklace. "How does it look?"
"Very nice."
I smile. "Let's have some breakfast."
I look at the variety of pastries, the pancakes, the bacon, the eggs, it all looks so good. I might have to try a little bit of everything.
XXX
We walk down the waterfront hand in hand, and I realize that last time we were at the marina it was his birthday. Maybe we can always come here for our birthdays. The thought of Christian and I making our own traditions warms my heart.
We walk past several boats floating in the still water. It's so serene and peaceful.
"Are you hungry?" He asks.
"God, no." I say.
"You don't eat enough, Anastasia." He says. "If you are planning to exercise more often, you need to have a better diet.
"I had a huge breakfast today."
"Yeah, today. Sometimes you don't have breakfast at all."
I sigh. "I promise I will improve my diet… After today."
"I'll allow it, since it's your birthday."
I nudge him with my elbow. "Hey! I wasn't asking for permission."
He chuckles, and gives me a kiss on my hair. "Anastasia, meet The Grace." He says, gesturing toward a boat with his hand.
I look at the impressive boat. "You named it after you mom?"
"Yes." He grins, and we stride up the gangplank. "Welcome aboard."
He introduces me to a man who I assume is the captain, Liam McConnell. Then, gives me a tour of the boat, along with a detailed explanation of the boats features and the history of its' construction. He says he was very involved in the process, and I can see the excitement gleaming in his eyes. Even though I have no clue what he's talking about, I'm mesmerized by the passion with which he speaks. He is so passionate about the things he's involved with. Like when he speaks proudly of his work and philanthropy, it's a delight to listen.
"It's… Amazing. Very impressive." I say.
"Really?"
"Yes." I smile. "You are so passionate about it. It makes sense you would name her Grace."
He smiles. "She loves sailing too."
I caress his cheek. How can he doubt his ability to love and be loved? "You beguile me, Christian."
He closes his eyes, and leans his head on to my hand. "I need you, now." He says. When he opens his eyes, they're filled with love, lust, and devotion. He grabs my hand swiftly, and leads me to the main cabin…
After spending a beautiful day sailing, among other things, we head back to Escala to get ready for dinner. I'm glad I wore a jacket, because it gets chilly out there! It's just Christian and I in his R8, he's in charge of driving and I'm in charge of the music. He is so graceful, it's a joy to even see him drive.
"So… I have to tell you something." I say.
His brow forrows. "Is something wrong?"
"No, no." I wave off the negative thoughts. "It's just an idea."
"Go ahead."
"I've been thinking… I want to go back to school and get my master's degree."
He smiles slightly, clearly relieved. "I think that's a great idea. What do you want to specialize in?"
"Creative writing." I say with a grin from ear to ear.
"So, you really want to stay publishing, huh?"
"I do." I say. "You know I love my job."
"I know, I know." He says.
"I was thinking about applying to the University of Washington."
"They have a great program, and its about ten or fifteen minutes away from home." He agrees.
"I didn't know you were scouting for UDub." I joke.
He laughs. "I just think its a great idea as your boyfriend as well as your indirect employer."
"Really?"
"Of course. GEH actually has scholarship opportunities, if you will, for its employees." He says. "They provide us with their transcripts, scores, and a presentation, and then we decide whether or not to invest in their education."
"Funding education as a future investment, impressive." I say. "I'll definitely look into it, 'cause I don't think I can take any more student loans."
"Anastasia, I'm advising you to look into it. I'm telling you GEH will fund your master's degree. We'll take care of your student debt as well." He says sternly and determined.
"I know what you're doing, Christian." I know he would offer to pay for it even if such program didn't exist at GEH. I sigh. "I'm grateful, but I can't help feeling like I just take and take from you."
"It's the least I can do, baby. Even if GEH didn't pay for it, I would then." He says. Yep, I knew it. "And you don't take anything from me. We share."
"At least let me do the presentation." I say.
He chuckles, and then sighs. He knows I would never agree without actually working for it. "I'm sure you'll impress us all."
"Thank you, Christian." I say. "For sharing."
He grins widely.
CG POV
Meanwhile Anastasia is getting dressed for dinner, I answer a few emails in my office. I have to go to Taiwan next month, and she has made it clear she can't come with me. I'm not comfortable leaving her here. Even though Hyde is in prison, I can't help feeling overprotective of her. I would be gone for a week, and we haven't spent that much time apart since we met.
"Hey." She whispers, leaning in the doorway. "I'm ready."
I look at her from head to toe, and toe to head all over again. She looks breathtaking. She is wearing a pale-ish pink curve-hugging dress with some draping of sorts, and an interesting pair of strappy heels.
"Anastasia, you look breathtaking." I say.
"Thank you." She smiles, slightly blushing. "You look very handsome yourself."
I stand, and button my jacket. "I got nothing on you, baby." I make my way to her, and kiss her cheek. "Let's go."
Taylor drives us to the restaurant where Anastasia thinks we are having a small dinner with my family, Katherine, Ethan, and Ray. She is unaware that her mother and Bob, along with Jose, and a few of her close acquaintances are here. The place is closed just for the dinner party, and I think she will be pleasantly surprised. I let Katherine know we are close by, so they can surprise her.
We walk hand in hand inside, and everyone yells. "Happy birthday!"
Her hand goes to her mouth, and she looks at me, and back at her guests.
"Mom!" She says, when Carla approaches her.
"Happy birthday sweetie." She says.
"I thought… Thank you." They hug each other.
"Thank your boyfriend, he planned this whole thing and sent his plane for us." Carla says.
"Christian." She smiles, and gives me a swift kiss on the lips. "Thank you."
"Anything for you, baby."
She's greeting and exchanging hugs with her friends and my family, while jose is snapping pictures all over. He takes pictures of her and her parents, with mine and my siblings, and with her friends. At last, we take a few pictures together. I wrap my arm around her waist, holding her close to me, while she rests her hand in the lapel of my jacket. I catch a glimpse of my mom staring in awe.
"Everything looks so pretty." She says. Katherine and Mia decorated the place with the gold and white theme I chose.
"Katherine and Mia decorated, but I chose the colors." I say.
She laughs. "I love it."
"I love you." I smirk.
She grins widely. "And I love you."
Everyone seems to be having a good time, laughing and chatting all through dinner. After the exquisite meal, we sing happy birthday and cut the white roses cake.
My mother walks next to me, and holds my arm affectionately. "You seem so happy, son."
"I am, mom." I give her a small smile, and look at Anastasia talking with Ethan.
"She's a lovely girl, take care of her." She says, her eyes gleaming.
"I will." I give my mom a kiss on the cheek.
"It's getting late, I'll go get your father."
"Of course." I say.
After dinner, we drop off Carla and Bob at their hotel. Sawyer took Ray to his hotel, so Anastasia and her mother could spend a little more time together. They are leaving tomorrow afternoon, so she plans on having lunch with them. Back home, we are in the bedroom getting ready to go to bed.
"I had a great time today." She says. She is sitting on the bed, taking off her heels. "It has by far, been my best birthday yet, thanks to you."
"I'm glad you had a good time." I smile, pleased with myself. "I plan to make the next one the best." I give her a siall kiss on the lips. "And the next one." I give her another kiss. "And the next." And another. "And so on."
She laughs, and I take my jacket off. She hands me her shoes, and heads to the closet to put them in its' place and discard the rest of my clothes.
"You need to finish up that playroom, baby." I remind her. We agreed that until her playroom was up and ready to go, we wouldn't have more scenes. But it's taking her so damn long.
"I know, I know!" She says, sliding her dress off her delectable body. "Just two more weeks, tops. I'm desperate, too."
She is wearing lacy nude underwear, and my cock twitches at the sight. Suddenly, everything else becomes blurry, and it's just her and me.
"You're so beautiful." I say, holding her waist, pulling her close to my chest.
The lace of her bra brushes against my chest. I crave the proximity of her body. Feeling her silky skin against mine, the coolness of her touch, and the electricity around us, it makes me heady.
I kiss her neck, sucking and nibbling gently. She moans softly.
"Playroom or not, you still drive me fucking crazy." I whisper, take her earlobe between my teeth, and slightly tugg.
AN: As always, I hope you all enjoy the chapter. If you would like to look at outfits, inspirations, etc. visit the GP pinterest page! The link is in my profile, or you can google -Grey Paradise on Pinterest. Special thanks to samya10 for her help with editing, and thank you to everyone else for taking their time to read the story:)
