GP 29
AS POV
Here in your arms where the world is impossibly still
With a million dreams to fulfill
And a matter of moments until the dancing ends
Here in your arms when everything seems to be clear
Not a solitary thing would I fear
Except when this moment comes near the dancing's end
-Until, Sting
It's a Wednesday October morning, and Christian leaves for Taiwan today. We are headed to the airport to drop him off, and I feel strangely anxious about being away from him for almost two weeks. At the airport, Sawyer parks on the private ramp, next to the GEH jet. We get off of the car, and I see Taylor standing next to the airstairs. Apparently, he always travels with him. After all the luggage is retrieved from the car, it's time. Ros is saying goodbye to her family, and Christian walks up to me.
"Please follow Ryan and Sawyer's instructions in case anything were to happen." He says.
I nod. "Of course." I feel like a careless child, but I understand his uneasiness. This past couple of weeks even new contingency plans for "our" safety were plotted.
"Thank you. Take care baby."
"Have a safe trip. Call or skype me when you land." I say.
"I will." He smiles uneasily. "Will you miss me?" He says in husky whisper.
"I already do." I say, looking down at my perfectly polished black heels.
He lifts my chin up, and then cradles my face with both of his hands. I hold his wrists. He presses his lips against mine, and I slide my tongue between his slightly parted lips. It feels like time stands still and it's just the two of us in the ramp as well kiss deeply. Light raindrops falling on my forehead bring me back to reality.
"I love you, so much, Anastasia."
"I love you too. Goodbye Christian."
"Goodbye, see you next Sunday."
I watch Christian and Ros board the plane, and then take-off until the plane disappears into the cloudy sky.
"Where to miss?" Sawyer asks.
"GP, please."
XXX
It's been almost two days since Christian left for Taiwan, and I've been trying to stay occupied with work. Last night I left GP past midnight, after Christian called to let us know he had arrived to Taipei. He wasn't very pleased with me for still being at GP, and I think he might have lashed out on Taylor. He didn't mention anything to me, but I still apologized just in case I caused him any trouble with him.
To avoid any problems today, I left GP around 5, and then headed to Escala to work from home. I am working on my macbook, when a skype call pops up. I smile.
"Hello beautiful." Christian says.
"Good morning handsome." I say, since it's morning in Taiwan, and he clearly just woke up.
"How was your day? I see you are at home."
"Yeah, I didn't want to get Taylor in trouble again." I say. He raises an eyebrow, and I continue before he gets riled up. "Don't worry, he didn't say anything to me. I just know you…"
"You know me?" He says smirking.
"Ugh. You know what I meant."
"Yes, because I know you too."
I laugh at our silly conversation. "So, what are you and Ros doing today?"
"We're meeting with the board, hopefully we can close soon." He says, and I nod. "I wish you were here, especially right now, I'm missing you… Hard."
I raise my eyebrow. "Hard?"
"Very." He says.
I can feel the lust building up inside me, taking over my senses. I swallow. "Show me."
He smirks salaciously, and then moves his screen so I can see the protruding bulge in his boxers.
"Show me more." I whisper huskily.
"I'll show you if you show me." He moves the screen back to him.
I unbutton my shirt slowly, meanwhile Christian grins eagerly. "Your turn." I say, leaving my white bra on.
"What a tease..." He says, letting his erection take over the screen.
"God, I miss you." I say.
"Are you wet for me, Miss Steele?"
"Oh yeah, Mr. Grey."
"Take all of your clothes off."
I unfasten my bra, and throw it on the desk. Then, I stand up and slide off my skirt and panties.
"The things I would do to you if I was home..." He says.
"What would you do?"
"First, I would cup your georgeous breasts, and play with your nipples."
I do what he said, and his eyes widen. "That's it?" I ask.
"Oh, I've barely started baby." His eyes gleam with excitement. "Sit down, put your legs on the desk, spread them, and put the computer in between."
I smile. "How kinky... I love it."
"Yeah you do."
I follow his detailed instructions. "There?"
"Lower the screen. I want a good look at your pussy."
I giggle, and adjust the screen.
"Right there." He says.
"What would you do now?"
"I would slide one finger in, tease your clit a little bit, then a couple fingers in, and so on..."
I slide a finger in, and I realize I haven't been down here by myself in a while. "Like this."
"Oh yeah."
I play along until Ican't take it anymore. "Oh God."
"Rub your clit, baby." He says, and my back arches as I'm closer. "Come for me."
"Oh..." I cry out as my inside muscles tense around my fingers and under Christian's instructions.
I move the screen, and I realize that Christian is holding his erection, moving his hand back and forth quickly.
"I'm almost there too." He grunts.
I didn't know he was joining me. I stare in awe at his length, his hand movements... Even while he is pleasuring himself, he manages to look graceful. I can see the familiar expression in face, he's coming.
"Fuck." He breathes out. "That was fun." He says after he recovers.
"Yeah, but not as fun if you were actually here." I say.
"I have to agree." He chuckles.
We talk for a few more minutes, and then we say our goodbyes. He has a long day today, and I still have work to do before I go to bed. If only Christian was here to join me...
XXX
It's Friday night, and I am waiting for Kate at Escala for a "girls night" as she called it. Gail made seafood alfredo for us, and I bought an array of bite-sized pastries for dessert. They were too cute to pass. I hear the elevator ping, and foot steps through the foyer.
Kate walks in the room a with huge smile on her face. "Hey!" She says lively.
"Hello Little Miss Sunshine."
"Hope you don't mind, but I brought a mexican hunk with me."
Jose? I thought it was just the two of us. Before I can say anything, she pulls out a bottle from her bag.
"Don Julio!" She waves the bottle of tequila.
I laugh. "I thought you brought Jose."
"Of course not. It's girls night! The only Jose I would've brought is Jose Cuervo."
"I got it." I chuckle. "You want to drink."
"Good. What's for dinner? It smells great." She places her bag on the couch, and the bottle on the bar cart.
"Seafood alfredo." I say, and I start serving our plates. "You want to eat here or in the dining room?"
"Here is fine." She sits down at the breakfast bar.
"Okay." I say, and set up the bar.
After a delicious dinner, followed by the cute and tasty desserts, we head to the living room and open the bottle of tequila.
I need a few minutes to recover after the first shot.
"That is strong." I say, and keep sucking on the lemon wedge.
Kate laughs. "So, have you heard from UDub?"
"Not yet. I barely applied last week."
She shrugs. "There's not much to consider. You are a perfect fit for them."
"Here's to hoping."
"So..." She starts. Hmm, I wonder what she wants to ask me now. "Halloween next week… What do you want to do?"
Aha! "Um. I was thinking about skipping Halloween this year." I say.
"Why?"
"Well, after everything that happened with Hyde and Christian not being here…"
"Oh, come on! That's bullshit. You are just lazy."
"I'm serious!" I say. "I've been feeling a bit anxious in crowded places after… you know."
"Really?" She asks, her brow furrows and the concern is noticeable in her expression.
"Yeah." I sigh. "You never know who is lurking by."
She squeezes my leg. "But you do, you have great security and a boyfriend who is like part of the FBI."
I chuckle. "I guess."
"If you want to skip Halloween, I understand. But you will need to face your fear eventually."
"I know, that's what my therapist says. I just… I don't know."
"Another shot?" Kate offers.
"Sure, why not?"
A couple hours and five shots later, I have agreed to Halloween and to a group costume. We are doing a roaring 20's theme. Maybe this was Kate's plan all along, get me drunk enough to agree to this. It's late, and we're getting sleepy, so I asked Sawyer if he could drive Kate home. Ryan or Sawyer can take her car back tomorrow morning.
After she leaves, I check my phone. I have a good morning e-mail from Christian, he says he sends his regards to Katherine and hopes we're having a good time.
I head to my office to get my computer, and then head back to our room. I turn it on. While it starts up, I take off my clothes, and slip into one of Christians t-shirts. I sign into skype. I can see he's logged on as well.
"Hey. Can you talk?" I type into the message box. I place the computer on the bed, and lie down next to it. He calls me a few minutes later.
"Hey baby." He says.
"Hey." I smile.
"Is that one of my t-shirts?" He asks.
"Yeah." I chuckle. "I miss you."
"I miss you too." He says. "Did you have fun today?"
I nod. "We had a good time. Gail made pasta, and I bought these cute mini desserts."
"I'm glad you had fun."
"I'm also a little bit drunk."
He chuckles. "I thought you might be. You should get some sleep."
I nod. "Okay. Good night. Love you."
"Love you too, bye."
We hang up, and I close the computer. I turn around, and drift off to sleep.
XXX
The pounding in my head and the sunlight burning through my eyelids wake me up. I turn around, and slowly open my eyes. As my eyes adjust to the light, I see a glass of orange juice and two aspirins on the nightstand. Christian must have told Gail to bring me some this morning before she left. Even when he is thousands of miles away, he is still overly protective of me. I'm still getting used to having someone looking out for me. I have to admit it feels nice though, feeling like you are not alone anymore.
After I am fully awake, I head to the kitchen to make some pancakes. Gail usually takes the weekends off now. Christian suggested she should work this weekend since he's not here, but I don't mind cooking for myself. The apartment looks pristine too, so I doubt it needs to be cleaned.
I wonder whether Gail leaves to visit her family or if she's in the service area resting. I should ask her, or maybe I should ask Christian since it might makes her uncomfortable if I ask her a personal question. I've never had a housekeeper, let alone a bodyguard... Or two.
After breakfast, I take a hot bath. The water is just the way I like it, but the tub seems too big without Christian here. After a relaxing bath, I get ready, and then drive Kate's car to her apartment. I told Sawyer to pick me up here when I gave him a call. I have to admit, I love driving her car. I used to drive us everywhere in it when we were roommates.
After I park in her spot, I head up stairs. I knock on the door. It feels strange to knock on the apartment where I used to live.
She opens the door in her pijamas. "Hey." She says hoarsely.
"You look like hell." I say, walking inside.
"I feel like it too."
"I brought your car."
"Thanks." She says, and we sit down on the living room.
"Did you have breakfast yet? You want me to make you coffee?"
"No. Please." She says. "There's only instant coffee, I think."
I head to the kitchen to make her coffee. "Where's Ethan?" I ask her.
"I don't know. He might be sleeping, he might be out." She shrugs. "I'm barely awake. I'm not drinking for at least a month."
I laugh. "Well other than that hangover, at least you got something else out of the tequila shots last night."
"What?"
"You convinced me to go to some Halloween party... in a group costume."
She gasps in excitement. "That's right! Flappers!"
"Yep." I pop the p.
"We have to go shopping." She says, walking over to the kitchen bar.
I chuckle, and hand her a cup of coffee. "Great. Drink that, then go take a shower so we can head out."
It was fun to spend the day shopping with Kate. Mia joined us for lunch, and then the three of us continued shopping for our costumes. Mia is going to the same party as we are, but she is going with her friends. She hasn't decided which sexy profession she wants to dress-up as this Halloween. It's been a while since I've hung out with a group of friends, other than Kate, so I'm excited to get together with them.
Later that night, Christian called me, and we talked for about half an hour before I went to sleep and he started his day. One more week, and he'll be sleeping right next to me again.
XXX
It's been an interesting week so far, and I've only made it through half of it. I've had tons of meetings, end of the month reports to be handed-in, and paperwork that need to be revised. After the day I've had, I just want to hear Christian's voice. I was so busy yesterday, I wasn't able to speak with him.
"Hey beautiful." He answers my video call.
"Hi. You have no idea how happy I am to see you, even if it's through the computer."
His familiar smirk adorns my screen. "I miss you too. Only a few more days."
"I know." I smile widely. "I wish you were here for Halloween."
"What do you mean?" He asks confused.
"I didn't tell you?" I ask, and he shakes his head no. "With everything going on, it must have slipped my mind. We are going to a Halloween party this Saturday."
"Who's we?"
"Kate and some of our friends, Elliot is coming with us, and Mia is going to be at the same party." I say. Why do I feel like I am asking my dad for permission?
"When were you planning on telling me?"
"I told you, it must've slipped my mind."
"I don't think it's a good idea for you to go to a Halloween party alone. It's too risky... The big crowds and people hiding in costumes." He runs his hand through his hair.
"That's why I'm not going alone, Sawyer and Ryan can come with me."
He raises an eyebrow. "I'd rather you not go."
"Sorry, I'm going."
I can see the fury burning in his eyes. He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and pinches the bridge of his nose. When he opens them again, his expression is cold an distant.
"I have to go Anastasia, see you Sunday when I get back to Seattle." He says in full CEO mode. "Take care, please." His eyes soften momentarily.
Now I'm having second thoughts about the party, but I know I have to prove a point. He can't dictate what I do or where I go.
"Good bye Christian, see you Sunday. Safe travels." I say, and we end our call.
XXX
Saturday night is here, and I'm in costume. I'm wearing a black flapper dress with silver embellishments and fringe that Kate found at some vintage store, along with a funny long cigarette holder. My hair is styled in big curls, adorned with a headband. I found a cute black faux fur scarf, and a silver fringe purse.
I'm waiting for Kate to text me that they are on their way, so that we can head out. Sawyer and Ryan are both coming with me. I've barely spoken with Christian these last few days. We exanged a few emails, but that's it. I'm sure Sawyer and Ryan have spoken with him far more than I have. He probably gave them detailed instructions for tonight. I will probably have to deal with his attitude when he comes home tomorrow. I can't wait for him to come home. I miss him terribly, even if it's just to bickering over stupid stuff.
I receive Kate's text, and grab my purse. I make sure I have everything, and call Sawyer to let him know I'm ready to go. I head out to the living room, and they are both waiting for me there.
"Hi boys." I greet them.
"Miss Anastasia." Sawyer nods. After months of telling them to call me Anastasia, they settled for Miss Anastasia. I guess it's progress from Miss Steele, but we can still do better.
"Ready to go, miss?" Ryan says.
"Yes." I say, and we head to the elevator.
It's a short drive to the club, and I'm glad to see Kate and Elliott are outside. Sawyer drops Ryan and I at the entrance, while he parks my car.
"Oh my God! You look amazing!" Kate says.
"Very nice, Anastasia." Elliott says.
"Why thank you, my loves." I place my cigarrete holder on my mouth, and Kate and Elliot laugh. "You look great too."
"Ryan." Elliott shakes hands with Ryan.
"Mr. Grey." He says, and then nods to Kate. "Miss Kavanaugh."
"Hi Ryan." She says with a smile.
We wait a couple minutes more for Sawyer, and then head inside. The club is decorated impressively tasteful for Halloween. It has a bit of a spooky ball mood.
We head to our table, and I'm glad to see some familiar faces. Jose and his date are here, as well as Nataliya a Russian girl that works with Kate at the newspaper and her boyfriend Charlie. Emma and Matt graduated from WSU with us, and moved to Seattle after graduation like we did. There's only one person I'm not particularly happy to see.
I lean on Kate's ear. "Who invited her?"
"She sort of invited herself." She shrugs.
Leila Williams, she was our neighbor when we moved to Seattle. She moved about six months later, but still pretended to be our friend. She is incredibly manipulative, and always wraps Kate around her little finger.
"Hi Annie!" She gives me a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey Leila."
"So... I heard you have a hot new boyfriend. Where is he?"
"He couldn't make it tonight." I say.
"Well, we have to go to lunch to catch up. I'm dying to meet him."
Of course you are you pariah. "We'll see."
I serve myself a drink, and talk with Jose and his date instead. She seems really nice, and I think I saw her at his exhibition months ago. I'm going to have to ask him privately about that.
Mia stops by our table to say hi, and she's wearing a very revealing Firefighter costume. Thank God Christian is not here, because he would have a heart attack.
After Mia disappears between the crowd, Nataliya, Kate, and I head to the dance floor. Take it off by Ke$ha is booming, and we dance between doctors, police officers, and witches. I feel a hand touch my shoulder, and a familiar electric current pulsing through it. I turn around quickly.
"Christian." I breath in. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt, and black tie. His gray eyes burning behind the black mask he is wearing. He looks so mysterious... So delicious.
"Hello Anastasia."
I throw myself into his arms, and he lifts me up, wrapping his arms around my waist. His mouth clashes with me, and the familiar feeling that time is standing still overwhelms me.
"Christian, I'm sorry." I say, and he shakes his head.
"Don't, baby. I'm sorry. We'll talk about this later, ok?" He says,
"Let's go home. You must be tired."
"Oh no." He smirks. "You insisted on coming here, now we're staying for at least an hour."
I roll my eyes, and he puts me down. "Fine."
He chuckles. "Keep on dancing, I'll go say hi."
I introduce him to Nataliya, and then he goes off to greet Elliott. After dancing, we head back to the table, and I introduce him to everyone. Leila was beyond thrilled to meet him, almost throwing herself on him right there.
About an hour later, we finally head home. The minute we walk inside our bedroom, he throws himself on the bed.
"There's no place like home." He says.
I laugh, and then lie down next to him.
"Christian, I really am sorry. We are together now, and we should discuss what we want to do or where we are going. I guess we're not used to it, but we have to make an effort." I say, picking invisible lint from his jacket.
He smooths my curly hair. "You look so beautiful."
"Christian..."
He chuckles. "I agree, baby. As much as I'd like to tell you what to do, I realized that we both have to compromise our dominant tendencies. That's why I wanted to come home to you, to tell you that I'm willing to comprise if you are. And to surprise you, too."
I laugh. "I'm willing. Thank you for coming home to me."
My mouth finds it's way to his, and we kiss each other with the need and passion of two weeks. We are naked and wrapped up in each other a matter of seconds, doing what we know best.
XXX
When I wake up in the morning, I feel complete again. Christian's leg and arm are pinning me down to the bed, the heat coming off from his body keeping my naked one warm. I take in his smell. I run my hand through his arm, up and down.
"That feels nice." He says, waking up.
"Good morning, baby." I say,
"Good morning, beautiful." He gives me a soft peck on the lips, and pulls me impossible closer to him. "I missed you so much, especially sleeping next to you."
I turn around, so we are facing each other.
"I missed you too." I smooth his wayward hair.
"I love you, you annoying beautiful woman."
I laugh. "I love you too."
AN: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope you are all having joyous holidays. This is part one of my (belated) Christmas present for you all. Enjoy! Special thanks to samya10 for editing. Remember to check the Pinterest board, the link is on my profile!
