Chapter 36 – Sixty Minutes and a Smile
Ana's POV
Oh my god everything hurts. I stretch my legs and arms and open my eyes. I am in our old bedroom at Escala. We slept on the new bed for the first time last night and the mattress is not as comfy as our bed at home. I look at the alarm clock and I can't believe it is already 10:30. I better get up, Benson is getting delivered at noon to the new house. Why didn't Christian wake me?
Last night was unreal. We spent the night here at Escala so we could play hard. Which we did. We didn't leave the playroom until after three am. We did it every which way and then some. Toys, the cross and Christian's Number 48 from 101 Nights of Great Sex made for a very fulfilling night. Holy Moly!
His seduction was called the Sixty Minute Man and required a timer. Christian had to do various things to me for fifteen minute increments. Fifteen minutes of finger fucking, fifteen minutes of sucking on my very sensitive breast, fifteen minutes of licking and sucking on my clit and that whole area and fifteen minutes of slow sex. Just waiting for the timer to go off each time was torture. Fifteen minutes of each of those components may not seem like much, but it was overwhelming. I was not supposed to orgasm during these sessions until the timer went off, but I did each time and multiple times. Christian loved it to. Especially the last fifteen minutes. He was so ready to blow by then that when we hit the fourteen minute point he was screaming that he couldn't hang on any longer and when the timer finally rang he was out of his mind. I had never heard him like that, and I couldn't help it, after we both calmed down I started laughing and imitating him.
"Oh fuck Ana, oh fuck Ana, I can't hold on, I can't, I can't oh shit ten seconds, I can do this, oh fuck Ana, baby, baby, baby, holy fucking shit oh yes… yes… yes…. yes." At first he just stared at me when I did this impression of him, but then we both laughed hysterically. He said he was buying a timer for every room in the house. He is obsessed with this damn book and can't wait until we get home so he can pull his next seduction. I have mine planned for later tonight. I think I have it figured out.
I quickly get up and use the bathroom then put on one of Christian's t-shirts. We have a dresser full of clothes we almost never wear that we left here for occasions just like this.
Hair-gate was a minor issue. When we arrived to Escala, we were barely in the door when Christian started removing my hair pins. I tried to stop him, but he gave me the look. The look usually means I am better to go along with things. So as my hair started falling so did his face.
"Ana, why did you cut so much?" He kept removing the pins and when he was done and my hair was just at my shoulders he stuck his lower lip out and pouted. He didn't yell; he didn't throw a fit he just pouted. "Will you grow it back?" He sounded like a five year old. So I brush my hair really fast and shake my head so it looks full and realize I probably did cut too much as I am not that crazy about it either. But, I promised him I wouldn't cut it again for a long time and we were still able to easily braid it last night, so that was good.
I walk out of the bedroom to find Christian and head to his old office where I can hear him talking on the phone. I stop when I hear him raise his voice.
"You know Jose I am trying to be reasonable here. I have accepted that Ana wants to remain friends with you, and even included you and your dad to my parent's home for Thanksgiving. But it is clear to me that you have not accepted that Ana is MY wife, is carrying MY child and no longer available."
"Why are you telling me this?" Jose's voice comes over the speaker phone on Christian's desk.
"Because you clearly have feelings for her that surpass a friendship and I base this on the inappropriate actions, comments and obvious pining away for her that you do when you look at her. Man, go on a fucking date, get laid, be with someone, but quit moping over my wife because I am about a split second away from forbidding Ana from communicating with you."
"Again why are you telling me this and what has brought this on?" Jose says in a much more hostile voice than I am use to hearing from him.
"Listen Jose, don't fucking play with me here. Ana may be ridiculously naïve where you're concerned, but I'm not. Your offer to take photos of my pregnant wife half undressed was totally inappropriate. Your constant asking her if she is okay and looking at her with these pouty fucking eyes to let her know that your there for her when I fuck up, has gotten on my last god damn nerve. If you want to truly be just her friend why do you do that shit?"
"I care about her Grey. You know that. We were so close for the past four years until she met you and now I barely get to talk to her or ever see her. I know she is your wife. Do I accept it? Yes. But do I like it? No. So what? I haven't done anything inappropriate with her since she has been with you. I am a photographer dude. I don't see what the problem is with my taking photos for her to give you."
"Well, I do Jose. I don't trust you alone with her, and if you were fucking honest, you would be all over her if you had a chance."
"I wouldn't touch her Grey. She's pregnant with your kid I get it. So what do you want from me?"
"So if she wasn't pregnant?"
"Fuck Grey, yes I care about her, I still find her attractive, but news flash dude who doesn't. Ana is gorgeous. But I know she doesn't have feelings for me like that so I just want her friendship."
"Jose, can you stop with the pitiful eyes, telling her your there for her and offerings of photo's, taking her shopping and all the other shit you keep doing please. I don't want to fight with Ana over you because I know she would be upset if I forbid her from being your friend. But I am telling you I don't want her alone with you and if you want to see MY wife you can spend time with her when I am around."
"So, don't you think that is up to Ana and not you?"
"If Ana wasn't so naïve where you are concerned, I would say sure. But she thinks you're not a threat and I disagree with her on this."
"Threat! Dude I told you I would never hurt her are you fucking kidding me."
"Can you honestly tell me you wouldn't kiss her again if you had a chance?"
"Are you still on the night after finals when we were all drunk and I tried to kiss her, because a lot has happened since then? You married her and knocked her up as quick as you could, so I think you have pretty much marked her as yours. But I stand by that I will be there for her if she needs me."
"Well she doesn't Jose. She doesn't need you. I can take care of my wife and I don't need you to come in on your fucking white horse now or ever."
"So when I have lunch with her on Monday, I will ask her if she wants me to get out of her life. But if she says no, than I am not going anywhere Grey."
"Excuse me. When you have lunch with her? What does that mean?"
Shit, shit, shit! I didn't mention the lunch to Christian and I was actually thinking I was going to cancel on Jose after Fifty went nuclear about the photos. Oh shit I am in trouble. I slowly walk into his office from my hiding spot outside the door. Christian is leaning back in his chair, with his one hand on his head and the other pulling on his hair right below his belly button, not such a happy trail at the moment. I look at him and his eyes are dark and he glares at me when he sees me.
"I told Ana I was coming to Seattle on Monday and asked her to lunch. I suppose that is a problem for you Grey."
"No, not at all. Why would it be a problem, she won't be joining you so I don't give a fuck where you eat lunch on Monday. It just won't be with Ana."
"That is her decision Grey." Oh Jose, let it go. I know the only way I am going to avoid a huge confrontation with Christian is to step in. I walk over to the desk.
"Jose and Christian stop. Jose listen you are my friend and I care about you, but only as a friend. I have to put myself in Christian's shoes. If the situation was reversed I would go crazy. I want to remain your friend but you have to stop with trying to get me to spend time alone with you and worrying about how I am doing. I love Christian more than life itself and we are happy. I don't want to lose you in my life, but please don't put me in a position where I have to tell you that you can't be part of my life because I won't fight or hurt my husband over you anymore." I look at Christian and I think he is shocked. He stands up and walks behind me putting his head on my shoulder and his arms around me.
"Ana, I just worry about you? Grey is so obsessed with you." Christian starts to say something and I stop him.
"Jose, I am his wife. I would hope he is obsessed with me. I am obsessed with him. We are madly in love. This isn't a passing thing or a relationship that is going to end in a year or two. We have started a family together. We are in this for life. I am starting to realize that you are holding out that Christian and I will break up at some point. It's like that is what you want to happen." Jose doesn't say anything. "Jose, is that how you feel?"
"Ana….I don't think Grey is good for you, I won't lie but I would do anything for you and I don't want to see you get hurt. I want you happy. I just don't think he can keep you happy."
"And you think you can fuck head?" Christian jumps in. "For god's sake go get your own woman and leave mine alone. I have heard enough of this shit." Christian is leaning against the wall with his arms folded and his head back.
"Stop it. Jose, I. Love. Christian. I want you as my friend but you need to get this worked out in your head and until you do, we need to take a break from each other."
"Ana, don't do this. I told Grey I would never hurt you. You can trust me. I won't try anything with you."
"Jose, you have already hurt me. You have put me in this position and you need to take some time to accept that I am married, pregnant with Christian's baby, and most importantly, I love him and he is so, so good to me. Why don't you work through this and when you have moved on, perhaps even found someone to share your time with, then we can reconnect. But you have put me in a terrible position, and I don't choose you Jose. I'm sorry. We need to go Jose, we are running late. Have a good holiday and I will reach out to you down the road." I wipe a tear because I feel terrible doing this, but for now it needs to be this way. "Bye Jose." I press the speaker phone button and terminate the call.
"Ana, I didn't ask you to do that. I just wanted him to back off and he didn't seem to get it." Christian takes my hand.
"I know. I just think he needs to step back for awhile. You know I want to be his friend but I was listening to your conversation with him and I think its best that for now we just cool it with our friendship. I guess because I only think of him as a friend, I thought he felt the same way. But your right, it's like he wants us to fail, and that hurts me."
"You know I feel bad because Ray and Mr. Rodriquez are friends. I didn't want this to be an issue baby, but I've just had enough."
"I know. I will talk to my dad and just explain that I am taking a break from Jose.
"Ana, were you going to have lunch with him and not tell me. Because I have to tell you that has me pretty pissed."
I sigh. "Maybe, I don't know. I know how you get about him, so I didn't want you to go ballistic, but I was actually planning on telling him to back off. But you beat me to it. Please don't be mad at me. I know it was wrong to not tell you." I look at him and I feel so guilty and get how this must look to Christian. "I am so sorry if it appears I was doing something behind your back, because you know Reynolds would have told you so there is no such thing as you not finding out. I was even going to let you know before I left for lunch, but this has become such an issue I just didn't want to fight about it one more time. But I was wrong."
Christian doesn't say anything. He walks out to the kitchen and I follow him. He looks in the refrigerator which is pretty much empty. "We need to get going or we will be late. Ryan should be here in about fifteen minutes." He turns around after shutting the refrigerator and looks down at me.
"Are you mad at me?" I touch his face rubbing my hand against his chin and feel his whiskers. He grabs me and pushes me against the breakfast bar and kisses me hard.
"You are mine Ana. I won't let anyone else have you or threaten our love for each other. Am I mad? No. I am disappointed that you weren't completely honest with me. But how can I be mad? You said what I needed to hear you say to Jose and you did more than I expected. Although I won't lie; I am glad you have cut off ties with him for awhile. You picked me over him, and I needed you to do that."
"Christian, it was never up for discussion. I didn't know I had to choose. But since Jose made it clear he couldn't accept our relationship, it was an easy decision. I hope we can be friends again someday. I don't want to fight with you or hurt you over him. I love you." Christian kisses me again softly at first and then he grabs my ass and pulls me close pushing his erection against me. We hear the elevator and Christian picks me up and carries me to our bedroom.
"You're not decent Mrs. Grey." Christian carries me bridal style. "We need to take a quick shower and get going. I love you; let's not think about this anymore. We need to get home and be there to greet our new addition to the family."
We arrive home a few minutes late and after almost two hours of learning all about Benson, he is officially a member of the Grey family. I love him. He follows me everywhere much to Christian's disappointment. He is so flipping cute and sweet. After we have a late lunch, we bundle up and take Benson for a long walk through the meadow and around the property. Grace called and asked if we wanted to come over for dinner but we really just want to stay in, so we decline taking a rain check for brunch on Sunday.
I made us a really great dinner if I do say so myself. I made Cornish hens, rice pilaf, my foo foo salad as I call it, and oven roasted Brussels sprouts sautéed in garlic. Christian ate his whole Cornish hen and half of mine. He never used to eat off my plate but lately he has been eating like a horse. We are sitting at the table in our kitchen. We bought this huge farm table which is a lot like Elliot's and it adds a lot to the kitchen. This is the first time we have used it. We usually sit at the breakfast bar. I love cooking in this kitchen. It is a dream.
"So Mr. Grey, when are you due?"
"What does that mean?"
"You have been eating like your pregnant lately. I have never seen anything like it. You are constantly eating. It is like you have a tape worm."
"Really? Yea, I guess I have been eating a lot. But Claude added the P-90X training to my workouts and I am supposed to eat close to 5000 calories. Plus it makes me hungry." Christian tells me about these workouts and they sound brutal.
"Do you enjoy working out that hard? All that jumping around and it sounds painful."
"Yes, actually it hurts like a bitch while I am doing it, but I love it and you will too. It should really add some bulk and muscle and help me where I want to be cut a bit more."
"That sounds vain."
"Maybe, but I feel good after and want to look good for you baby."
"Christian you could have a wart on your nose and still look good." He tells me he has actually gained about five pounds and is 187 now, but it is part of the program.
"I wonder what I will weigh when I see Dr. Green." He tells me we can go to our gym and I can weigh myself out there, but I don't want to know. "I think I will die if I weigh 130."
"Ana, don't start that again. You have not gained ten pounds and you look great, Teddy is growing. And from the looks of things, a lot." He winks at me. "Kidding baby, you set that up. You look awesome."
"Ha ha."
We are in our bedroom, Christian is already in bed and I walk out of our closet wearing a thin, sheer white robe with nothing underneath.
"It's time for a lesson Christian." I hold the seduction card in my hand. Number 53: On Top of Sugar Mountain. He tries to take it from me. "Oh no Mr. Grey. You are mine. You need to lay back and let me show you five different positions. Are you okay with that?"
Christian turns on his side and looks at me. "Is that a serious question? I like what you are wearing Mrs. Grey." He reaches for my hand.
"No, no, you don't get to call the shots here, this is my seduction." He is grinning and I can tell he is excited because he has already got an erection and I am not even on the bed with him. Just seeing the seduction page has him excited.
On Top of Sugar Mountain required me to take Christian through five different positions with me on top. Who knew there was five different ways to have sex while I was sitting on top? By the time we got to number five, he was out of his mind again. I almost giggled, but it was amazing. The fifth position was with me facing his feet, kneeling over his hips and leaning forward. He had a great view of my bouncing bottom, and he was so excited watching himself slipping in and out of me. It was in this position that I finally let him cum.
It was exhausting doing all five positions but he was absolutely a happy, happy man. I had several orgasms in position two and four so I am not complaining. At one point, Benson who was lying on the floor next to us looked up and I think he was worried about me, but I was able to calm him down. I had to beg Christian to let him sleep in our room, so I needed for him to be calm or he was headed back to the laundry room. I brought his bed in earlier and he finally laid in it but I think he was worried that Christian was hurting me during the throws of passion. We had a good laugh later.
"Benson, if you are going to hang out in here with us, these are noises you better get used to." Christian told him when he got up to go to the bathroom. "Otherwise, see how you like the sound of the wash machine and the dryer. No more interruptions from you."
On Sunday morning we came up with our Christmas gift list. Good grief. I laughed because Christian is determined that Elliot's remodeled boat house for Grace and Carrick is not going to be better than our gift. He is so competitive with his brother. So, we spend half the morning trying to come up with the perfect gift for a couple that already has everything.
"Christian, it's not about how much you spend. It should be something that they will enjoy or want, even if it cost very little."
"Are you sending your mom and Bob anything?"
"Yes. I know it is really very impersonal, but I am sending them a gift card for a restaurant in Savannah and a gift card to William Sonoma. My mom has terrible pots and pans and I hope she uses it towards that. I know I should put more thought into it, but you know I don't really feel like it." I get up from the kitchen table where we have been working on our list. "Christian I have an idea for my dad but I am afraid it might too much money."
"I doubt that baby. Anything you want to get him, we can get him. "Christian picks me up and puts me on the kitchen counter so we are eye to eye. I feel so presumptuous asking this. But I know my dad would love it. "You know the fishing boat you got your dad, something like that, only I am sure my dad wouldn't mind something much smaller or less expensive."
"That's a great idea. I will take care of it, and baby, it's not a problem. Seriously, I am happy to do that. You know I think Ray is the greatest guy and I wish he would let me do more for him."
I hug Christian and give him a kiss on the cheek to thank him. Benson looks up at us.
"I got a news flash for you Benson. This isn't your woman, so quit looking at me like you're going to rip my head off if I kiss her." Christian makes me giggle the way he talks to Benson.
"Christian he is just making sure I am okay." I think my husband is actually jealous that Benson has followed me from room to room since he arrived yesterday. I get down and go to the bedroom to take a shower. Christian decides he is going to the indoor track in our gym for a run for forty minutes then he will come back for his shower. I think it's cute that he takes Benson with him. Am I really alone in the house? Sawyer left to see his family for four days, his grandfather isn't doing well, so he flew home. Taylor and Gail are at their house, and Reynolds isn't here either. I put on Christmas music and almost float to our bedroom. I can't remember the last time I was this alone. Even though Christian is just in the gym, I feel rather free.
We drove to Carrick and Grace's house with Benson in Christian's new pickup truck which he has never even been in. Christian decided we should have one since we might need it around the house for various reasons. "This thing is huge. I don't know if I could even drive it."
"That's good, because I don't really want you to."
"Why not?"
"Because I kind of like it and I don't want you to bend it." Benson is in the back seat in between the front seat counsel and I am petting his sweet face as we drive. He is perfect. Christian said Benson ran with him for the entire forty minutes. He loved having him with him and I secretly hope that Benson bonds with Christian like Amigo and Elliot have bonded.
When we get to Grace and Carrick's Christian barely says hello. "Mom how soon before we eat I am starving." He is out of control lately. He had this big protein shake at the house, two bananas and a big thing of yogurt.
Carrick comes out of his office and he gives me a kiss, pats my bump and tells Christian he needs a few minutes with him in his office. We haven't been to the house in several weeks and Grace has it decorated to the nines for Christmas. I am delighted when I see that a stocking with my name has been added to the fireplace mantle along with Kate and Brady. Christian's stocking is getting old. I guess we should make some stockings for our house too. I definitely want one for the baby. We will be spending Christmas Eve here and then Christmas day we are hosting dinner for my dad and Aunt Maggie, Carrick, Grace, Grams, Gramps, Taylor, Gail and Sophie. Elliot and Kate are coming over for dessert as they have to have dinner with the Kavanagh's. Mia and Brady are flying out Christmas about six in the morning for Indiana on the GEH jet per Christian's bribe. But now that it is actually in play, he is pouting claiming Mia is never around anymore bla bla bla.
I am helping Grace in the kitchen when Elliot, Kate and Amigo arrive. I introduce them to Benson and the three dogs all sniff each other and then lay down in front of the fireplace. Dogs are the best!
Elliot walks out to find his dad and Christian and I grab Kate.
"Kate I am thinking of getting cooking classes for Christian, you should get some for Elliot and they can take them together."
Grace laughs. "Oh my, can I watch? Those two are pretty helpless in the kitchen. Well Elliot can cook a little, but I don't think Christian can even boil water can he Ana?"
I laugh and agree with that. Kate looks at me funny. "Ana, I need cooking classes too. I need to learn to cook before we get married. Elliot is always complaining that I can't cook. I am not like you in that department." Hmmm, maybe I should get her classes too. The three of them could take the classes.
"I think Christian and Elliot are going Christmas shopping for us on Wednesday. I can't believe Christmas is in a week. Do you think Brady might get Mia an engagement ring?" Kate gets up and pours herself a cup of coffee.
"What?" Grace yells out. She looks stunned by this. "He better not! Especially without talking to Carrick first. Mia is his baby girl and if Brady thinks he is proposing to her without running it by her daddy, well, I have to tell you that won't go over. Why do you say that Kate?" Grace looks like she might faint.
"I don't know, it just seems like they are madly in love and I wouldn't be surprised would you Ana?"
"No, I wouldn't but poor Brady. He probably would have to talk to Carrick, then Elliot and then Christian. Although he is perfect for Mia."
"Well, we adore him, but they are in no position to be getting engaged yet. They aren't financially secure and Mia for Pete's sakes has never lived on her own. I am okay with them moving in together, but not engaged. Lord, I hope they wait a bit longer."
"Grace, don't get upset, it was just a stupid thought that came out of my mouth. Speaking of weddings, do you know that we called Reverend Walsh, and he said he is retiring so he won't marry us?"
Grace nods. "Yes, he mentioned it at church this morning. So we will be getting a new pastor. Although, he did say to Carrick, that he would consider it as he thinks the world of our family, but he didn't promise."
I walk around the corner to see if Elliot and Christian are still in their dad's office, vaguely wondering what they are discussing. I quickly make my way back to the kitchen. I don't care if Grace hears the conversation, but I don't want Christian to know I told them about Jose.
"So don't say anything, but the shit hit the fan yesterday with Jose. Christian called him and told him to back off."
"About time." Kate blurts out which surprised me.
"Really? Why do you say that Kate? I thought you would think Christian was being a control freak."
"No, Jose needs to move on and I am telling you at Thanksgiving, Elliot was ready to get in his face and go at it with him."
"Whatever for?" Grace had no idea and I can tell she is upset. "Jose is the sweetest young man, why would Elliot and Christian take exception to anything he would do."
"Because he is totally and madly in love with Ana." Kate jeez, don't overstate the situation. "What did he do to finally make the mogul go nuts?"
"Well you know how he is always saying if anything ever happens between me and Christian, he will be there? I think he has said it one too many times and you know at Thanksgiving he was kind of all over me but he called me this week and wanted to take semi- nude photos of me pregnant under the guise that it was for Christian. Dumb me; I actually thought it would be nice." I blush when I see Grace turning red and embarrassed. "But then I told Christian and he was so mad he called him and was trying to reason with him but Jose was just being kind of a jerk. So I ended up telling Jose until he gets control of his feelings, I can't be his friend."
"No! What did he say?" Kate is on the edge of her seat.
"He was upset but I just said that is the way it is. Christian told him to go get his own girlfriend and to leave me alone. He wasn't nuclear with him, but he wasn't happy with Jose I will tell you that. He told him to go get laid." I giggle. "Sorry Grace."
"Well, I am stunned. I didn't think he was still carrying a torch for you Ana. No wonder Christian was upset." Grace shakes her head as she cuts up fruit and puts it in a bowl.
Elliot and Christian come out of their dad's office a few minutes later and they are laughing hysterically. Elliot has his hands on his stomach and is bent over. "Oh fuck me stop don't say another word." He keeps laughing.
"Elliot, watch your language." Grace is not happy. But whatever happened, neither Elliot or Christian can talk about it because they are laughing too hard. "What in the world is so funny? Where is your father?" Christian wipes his eyes and points to Carrick's office.
"Oh my god, you need to tell him Christian, I won't be able to get through it." Elliot starts laughing so hard again he is choking. Of course we can't help but laugh with them even though we have no idea what they are laughing about.
A few seconds later Carrick comes out of his office and he is grinning but looks perplexed. "Well maybe I should ask the girls then."
"God no! No dad- don't. I will tell you in a minute. Oh my god, this may be the funniest thing ever." Elliot can't stop laughing.
"Seriously dad, don't say anything. Oh, shit Elliot, don't tell him in here. Oh god, I am going to piss my pants." Christian walks over to the kitchen sink and grabs some paper towel and wipes his eyes.
"Well, I would appreciate one of my sons explaining this to me. I didn't know it was going to cause you both to go into hysteric's."
"What is so funny?" Kate looks irritated, and I sort of feel the same way. We want in on the joke.
Elliot walks over and moves Kate's hair from her ears and whispers. She screams and starts laughing hysterically. "Oh my god, oh my god, no way." This starts Christian and Elliot laughing all over again. I look at Grace and shrug. I walk over to Christian.
"Tell me what is so funny." Christian shakes his head no and says he will tell me later. Elliot takes his dad's arm and tells Christian to stay in the kitchen so he doesn't look at him when he tells his dad. A few minutes later Elliot comes out of his dad's office and he is laughing all over again.
"Did you tell him?" Christian asks Elliot who confirms he told his dad. Carrick comes out a few minutes later shaking his head.
"For gods' sake you two, I look forward to one or both of you acting your age soon."
"Dad come on that was funny as hell. You should be glad you asked us or just think how you would have felt in if it happened again. We weren't laughing at you, just with you. Well sort of at you, but aren't you glad you have sons that can educate you on shit like this." Christian tells his dad and he starts laughing. "I'm sorry to laugh at you. So it is good you got rid of the problem."
"Well Ana and I would like to know what was so funny." Grace says as she takes the crepes out of the warmer. She hands me a bowl with warmed blueberries and I put it on the table.
"If dad wants to tell you, that is on him. But not while we are here. Please." Christian walks to the kitchen table and sits down. We all join him and while we tried to talk about the week ahead and Christmas, every time Elliot and Christian looked at each other they started laughing. Carrick laughed too and would shake his head.
When it was time to go Elliot and Carrick went outside with us and inspected Christian's new truck. Elliot of course loved it. They opened the hood and looked inside and stood there talking for fifteen minutes. Benson and I were already in the truck waiting. I was tempted to go back inside if they were going to keep talking. When Christian finally got in the truck I reached over and turned off the sound system.
"Spill the beans Christian. What was so funny?"
"My dad said his new assistant came into his office Friday when it was just the two of them left and he said if he was a lot younger he would have thought she was flirting with him, but at his age he hardly thought she was flirting. But then she said to him…" Christian starts laughing again. "Oh fuck you probably should have been there or this may not come off as so funny but…"
"Christian just tell me." Jeez he has been laughing about this for two hours.
"She said to my dad that she wanted to teabag him and he didn't know what that was and he got up and got her some tea aw shit some fucking teabags." Christian loses it and is laughing so hard again he can barely drive. "Oh my god, when he told us that we lost it. He said he didn't know what it meant and when he brought her the tea bags she just rolled her eyes and left in a fit."
"Wait, I don't think this is funny. Some woman was coming on to your dad and you think that is okay? At least you didn't talk about it in front of your mom."
"He fired her, she is gone. But he wanted to know what tea bagging was and shit how do you tell your dad that? We tried but we just couldn't stop laughing. When my dad said he got up and brought her tea bags fucking Elliot asked my dad if it was Earl Grey or English breakfast and that did it for me."
Now I start laughing. That was funny. "Oh your poor dad. He must have been embarrassed."
"He thought it was funny after he found out what it really was. Oh fuck, it was hilarious. I don't know if I have ever laughed so hard in my life. I almost wish I was there when Elliot actually told him what it was. Elliot said when he explained it to my dad, he said, 'Oh so that's what you call it'. Oh shit, that was funny." Christian wipes his eyes again as we are driving. When I think about how serious he always used to be and how often he laughs now I feel so happy. Of course, he only laughs until he cries when he is around Elliot. But, it is still great to see him this happy.
When we arrived home Gail and Taylor game over to meet Benson and we reviewed the weekly groceries and menu. As soon as they walked in Gail immediately commented on my hair.
"Wow, you really got a lot chopped off!" I grimaced and Christian sighs.
Christian's POV
Monday Morning.
Ana and I had an eight am appointment with Dr. Green this morning. This time we got right in without a room full of people looking at us. Ana only gained three pounds so she weighed in at 123.5. Dr. Green said she is doing great and her stomach measured right where it should. She told Ana her blood results were all good which I already knew because I called ahead, so the baby is healthy. We found out that we can go to this place in a few months and get 3D videos of the baby if we want.
Dr. Green harped on me a bit when I told her I didn't want to take birthing classes. She actually said if I didn't take classes she might not let me in the delivery room. I guess she underestimates who she is talking too. But, I caved in and we are going to fucking classes starting the first week of February. Taylor will be pissed.
"Good morning Andrea. Give me a minute to catch up and then come in so we can review what has been happening while I was out."
I hate coming back after being out for a week. I find a stack of mail on my desk and an office full of fruit baskets, popcorn tins, and other Christmas gifts from vendors and business associates.
When Andrea comes in I tell her to take all the gifts and put them in the employee lounge on the executive level and to send thank you notes.
"Nice watch." I smile at her as she is wearing the new Rolex she got at the party the other night.
"I know! Thank you Mr. Grey. Everyone thought it was the best party and they couldn't stop talking about you and Mrs. Grey."
I chuckle. "What about me and Mrs. Grey?"
"You know how happy you are and frankly the hot kiss you gave her." She blushes. I don't like to talk about my personal life so I move the conversation.
"Okay what do you have for me that needs addressing immediately?" Andrea shows me a few documents that are pending my signature and then heads back to her office so I can return some calls. I go through my messages and see I have three calls from Rusty McTiernan. What the fuck.
"Andrea, can you come in here for a minute please."
"Yes Mr. Grey."
"What did McTiernan say exactly?" She looks at me and has a strange look on her face.
"Well the first time he called I asked what the call was regarding and he said it was a personal matter and to tell you he called and he left his phone number. I asked if it was urgent and he said it could wait. Then the second time he called I told him you were still out of town and he asked if he could have your cell, and I told him I couldn't do that but I would let you know he called if he wanted me to do so, Again he said that wasn't necessary. The third time he called, Friday morning he asked when you would be back in the office and I told him I was not able to give him your personal schedule without knowing the nature of the call. When I offered to put your call through to Taylor, he hung up. It was rather strange sir. Should I have passed his message on, I hope I didn't mistake an important call as a solicitor. I thought he was just a vendor or someone that had kept getting past the switchboard."
"Yes, can you check with Deborah and ask her how McTiernan's calls got pushed up here. Get back with me on this."I am furious. I call my dad and leave him a message on his voice mail.
I then call in Taylor and ask him to run a check on Aubrey and see if he can figure out how she met Chaz. "Taylor, go all out on this and get back to me by tomorrow. I am calling Chaz in once you give me a report and getting rid of him. I will need you here when I do that. Shut down his Am Ex in the morning. As soon as we call him in, make sure Welch shuts down his email and his building access needs to be cancelled."
I step out to see Ros. I am in the middle of a heavy conversation with her when Andrea buzzes me in Ros' office. "Ros is Mr. Grey with you?"
"Yes he is."
"Can you tell him Mrs. Grey is on the phone she and said it was very important."
"Excuse me Ros, I will be right back." I realize I left my cell on my desk.
I walk down the hall and take the call in my office. My hearts is racing. Ana doesn't usually go to this much effort to reach me unless it is important."
"Baby what's wrong?"
"Christian, Hannah told me I had a call from my father-in-law, which I thought was strange because your dad hardly ever calls me. I picked it up and it was Rusty McTiernan."
"What! Did you talk to him? What did he say?" I will put a restraining order on that fucker if I have to. I have been more than clear that I don't want to have a relationship with him. She replays her conversation.
"I said, 'Hi Carrick,' and he said this isn't Carrick this is Rusty McTiernan. He said he was calling because he would like to have a conversation with you but that you are avoiding him. He was hoping I could convince you to call him. He sent you a packet several months ago, asking you to respond and you never did. He said he doesn't want to bother you, but there is something he wants to share with you. He said it was good to meet me by phone."
"What did you say?"
"I said, Mr. McTiernan, I don't appreciate that you got through my PA by pretending to be my father-in-law. But with that said, I don't believe Christian wants a relationship with you. He isn't angry with you; he just doesn't have a place for you in his life. He then said he understood but asked me to pass along the message."
"I will have my dad call him, or maybe Bryce. Are you okay?"
"Yes, I am fine, are you okay?"
"Just pissed. Let me try my dad again and I will call you later. What is Reynolds doing?"
"Just hanging around, looking bored."
"I know you are trying to make a case for no security at work, don't bother. Laters baby."
I call my dad again and this time he picks up.
"I was just going to call you back. Everything okay?" My dad knows I never call him in the middle of the day unless it is important.
"Dad, that fucker McTiernan called three times last week for me and then today called Ana pretending to be her father-in-law so of course she took the call thinking it was you. I don't want him calling my wife and I don't want him calling me. Can you address this please?"
"That son of a bitch. Yes I will take care of it son. I have been quite clear. I will call him, but let me call Bryce and have him write him a cease and desist letter. It needs to come from your personal attorney not me. But let me call him first. Don't let this play on your mind son. Everything in your life is going well; don't let this be a distraction."
"I know dad, it's just a painful reminder of my past. I don't want to talk to him. Ever. Tell him to go the fuck away please."
"Okay, just calm down and I will take care of it. I don't appreciate him calling Ana and saying it was me on the phone. Now he has me pissed."
I talk to my dad for a few more minutes and then make my way back to see Ros. I have gotten absolutely nothing done today. And all I can think about is getting home and seeing Ana. I need to focus.
At 5:30 Taylor comes into my office. "Sir, I just intercepted Miss Tollingsworth in the building."
"What is Aubrey doing here and where is she now?"
"She said she was coming in to see Chaz. I have security holding her downstairs and Chaz calling me to find out why I won't let her up to his office."
"Go down and see her. Tell Chaz some bullshit about needing her license for a standard security check. Find out what the fuck is going on and remind her that her NDA covers any conversation that she has with you as well." He looks at me like he isn't an idiot. I know I don't need to remind him. There are no more secrets in my life from my family but I don't need her around as a reminder either.
Elliot is actually going to Flynn for a few sessions. He told me in New York that he is having a hard time with the guilt of not protecting me and his anger is still in place with my dad for putting this all on him. For the family he is trying to let it go, but he is struggling thinking about the shit Elena did to me. I tried to talk to him about not blaming himself but he can't seem to get past it. I feel terrible that this has him up at nights so tomorrow afternoon Flynn asked me to join him with Elliot. This will be really strange. Elliot has never needed counseling and the fact that he is this messed up over my fucked up shit bothers more than I can even say. So, I am determined that there are no more issues to impact my family. I will do whatever it takes to minimize any more pain. Aubrey needs to get the fuck away from me or anywhere near me.
Taylor's POV
I hate this shit. Life with the boss has started taking on a somewhat normal routine. He is actually happy. Not sort of happy, but fucking happy. He is closer with his family than I have ever seen him, and he and the little Mrs. are doing great. So along comes Aubrey to fuck it up. I don't like that pompous little dick Chaz either. In fact I refuse to call him Chaz. His name is Charles so I either call him Chuck or Charlie and that really pisses him off.
"Miss Tollingsworth please follow me." I take her to the private small conference room on the main floor that sits off of Welch's office. I poke my head in and let Welch know I am using his conference room and I have Miss Tollingsworth with me.
"I was just leaving for the day unless you want me to stick around. I don't like that little bitch T."
"Up to you." He follows me in the conference room. Welch knows everything that I know for the most part. He hasn't had the pleasure of seeing what I have seen over the years, but he knows all about the boss and his past kinky ass lifestyle. He is as happy as I am that the boss has found someone normal and is living the dream.
"Miss Tollingsworth, what the fuck are you doing here?" I decide not to pull any punches.
She looks right at me very arrogant I might add. "I am here to see Chaz, whom I am dating. Is that a problem?"
"Yes as a matter of fact it is. Your signed NDA clearly states that you are not to come near any GEH properties or any properties owned by Mr. Grey. Violation number one because here you are. Violation number two; you are not to have a relationship with any Grey family member or Grey House Representative after the contract is terminated. Charlie is considered a representative of GEH."
"Charlie? Who is Charlie?" She looks at me again like an arrogant twat and I am only too happy to play this game. I sit on the corner of the conference table and look right back at her. I lean in to her space. She can't win at the intimidation game. I got that one down pat.
"Charlie is the arrogant little fuck Chaz that you are boning. Remember him. Pretentious fuck who wears the Brooks Brother suits, about 5'9 with lifts in his shoes, beady blue eyes and blond hair, old acne scars on his face. You know him right?"
"Should you be talking so derogatory about him Mr. Taylor? I could tell him what you said and he could file a defamation suit against you."
"Oh make my fucking day. I don't give a shit if he knows how I feel and just a reminder lady, your NDA covers our conversations so while I am at it, the guy has small hands and small feet which probably means he has a small dick, which means you aren't really interested in him since you like the big kahuna. So what are you really doing with him Miss Tollingsworth?" I pause. "And before you lie, I have done my homework all day and I know what the fuck is going on. So, why don't you cleanse your soul and talk to me baby!"
"Don't call me baby? You don't know anything because there is nothing to tell. Chaz is a guy I have dated on occasion. Period."
"Really. See I thought he was a guy that you were using so you could get close to Mr. and Mrs. Grey and report back to your sorry ass group of Sub Club members. My friend Welch here has your phone records Aubrey, we know that you are in constant communication with the other past Subs and I think, no I know you are using him so you can report back to them. But I am curious, what do a bunch of slutty woman who were all dumped by the same guy, sit around and talk about. Scratch that. I don't want to know. But let's just say I have a plan for you. Okay."
She still is being arrogant but looks a bit like she has been caught with her hands in the cookie jar.
"You're going to leave the building. You're going to call Charlie and tell him that you have a terrible headache and you are going home. Then tomorrow you're going to send him a Dear Chuck letter and blind copy me. Then you are going to go away for an emergency trip for a few days so he can't reach you. Then you are going to go back and report to the other little brown haired girls that didn't get the rock on their finger that if you all try to pull this stunt again, you will all be in violation of your NDA and those nice little Audi's you each drive around in will be part of my new large fleet. How does that sound Miss Tollingsworth. That is just for starters."
She looks up at me. "You can't take my car." I laugh and look at Welsh.
"Did she really just say that? Have you ever seen the name on your title work? Go look at it. The car is registered to Jason M. Taylor. Once your contract expired, it was up to you to insure it. I am notified when your premiums are due and I even know about the speeding ticket you received in August. Baby, oh sorry, Miss Tollingsworth, I can do whatever I want." She looks nervous. "So….are we on the same page?" I take a toothpick out of my pocket. I have part of my lunch stuck in this damn molar.
She stands up. "Fuck you and fuck Grey. You tell him we sit around and laugh at how pitiful his little Ana is and we have a bet going on how long it will be before one of us gets called again. And he needs what we can offer him. We all have our money on Jillian. He kept her around the longest next to Leila but we all know Leila has gone goofy. It was just a fun little game to freak him out and see what she is really like. We aren't worried."
I can put up with a lot but I won't put up with anyone slamming Ana. She has become important to me. "You fucking cunt. Listen to me and listen really good. First of all, she has more class and more going for her then all of you combined in one of your sorry little fingers. She means a lot to all of us, so you just made this personal. I see any of you bitches near her and I will make it my business not Grey's to make you pay for it. Second…not one of you filthy whores will be allowed anywhere near him and he can't even remember most of your names. He loves, no is insanely in love with his wife and you are all fucking delusional. Go back to your ground holes and stay the fuck away. Who is the ring leader Miss Tollingsworth? I want to know who is behind this?"
She doesn't say anything.
"The records show they were all in touch with Miss Lincoln until a week before she died." Welsh interjects.
I didn't know this but I don't want to show my ignorance. "So who is now the new master cunt bitch with Lincoln gone? Is it you Aubrey? I can see you filling that role nicely."
"Are we done here Taylor? I will drop Chaz no problem. The gig is up, you caught me. He has a little dick anyway. But you can't stop us from meeting or talking. We have had our contract reviewed and Mr. Grey never considered we would need each other. So, we will meet and there is nothing he can do about it." She gets up and turns and looks at me. "Anything else puppet man?"
I laugh at her. "Yea, but one well paid puppet man. Yes, just a reminder that everything we discussed is still under your NDA and I will be looking forward to seeing your Dear chuck letter. One last question, does Charlie know anything about your alternative lifestyle."
She winks. "He does now. But don't worry, just what I taught him, He doesn't know I use to fuck Grey if that is what you're worried about. He is as square as those Brooks Brother suits that he wears."
After she leaves I make my way back up to the executive level and walk into Grey's office. He is drinking a glass of bourbon at his desk and reading through some paperwork. He looks up and holds his glass up offering me a glass. I almost never indulge but that little bitch has me rattled, so I nod taking him up on his offer.
"What did she say?" He seems nervous. I fill him in and when I am done telling him everything we discuss how we want to follow up with this issue and how to address this sub club. We decide that with time they will hopefully meet new DOMs and lose interest in him. He then thanks me and laughs. "He is a pretentious fucker isn't he? Dear Chuck. That is actually funny. Good job Jason. Thank you for handling this .Let's go home."
Fuck me. He just laughed, he thanked me, he offered me a drink and he told me good job. Tell me Ana hasn't made him a better man.
"Where can we stop on the way home and to pick up some timers?" I look at him at try not to smile. "What is so funny?"
"Well Sir, I am pretty sure I know why you need those timers. We have the same book and well let's just say that Sixty Minute Man was right up there with one of the best moments of my life!" He nods with a huge grin and pats me on the back as we head to the elevator.