A/N: Thanks for reading. Enjoy!
"You never did tell me how Elena supposedly recruited Leila into staking out the restaurant." Christian places his suitcase in the bedroom closet before rejoining me. Following our near breakup, we went back to my apartment where we had dinner with my mom before deciding to spend the night at Escala.
"Leila said that she and Elena have kept in touch here and there since Leila's arrival in New York." That coincides partly with Elena's statement that Leila had written her a letter to tell her about her marriage. "Thinking that Elena was a true friend who would give her sage advice on how to handle the situation, Leila called Elena as soon as she saw me at the restaurant. She wanted to say but thought it might be best to stay away. Elena not only told her to speak to me but to also wait for me to leave the restaurant and make our meeting look like a coincidence. Leila claims she was against the idea, but Elena told her that she would make it worth her while by sending her money to start her life over. Elena also informed Leila that she was basically the only friend who she had left." I open one of the dresser drawers and pull out a pair of silk pajamas that I keep her. "Are you ready for bed?"
"Not yet.", I murmur, rubbing the back of my neck.
"Is your neck bothering you?", he asks.
"Just a little. It gets tight at times. It'll be ok."
"Could it be from the stress I've caused you?" His question is asked with sorrow in his eyes.
"It's not entirely from stress. Sleeping on the pull out isn't exactly the best sleep I've ever had. Before we go to sleep, we need to talk some more." He takes my hand and leads me to the bed where we both sit down.
"I'll start by saying that I'm sorry for everything that I've put you through, from what happened in New York to what I said outside you apartment. Fuck.", he mutters. "I'm so sorry."
"I know you're sorry, but that's not what I what I want to hear. I want to know why you keep thinking so low of yourself?" He shifts so that we're face to face. "For a man who exudes a ton of confidence in the boardroom, you sometimes lack it when it comes to us. I admit that it's hypocritical for me to say when my confidence level isn't exactly up to par. Tonight though, you were going to walk away from us. You were going to give up on what you claim is one of the best things to ever happen to you."
"It is. You're the best thing to ever happen to me, but you keep getting hurt, whether by me or something in relation to me."
"Leila showing up wasn't your fault. You had no idea that Elena was going to recruit her to help with her dirty work."
"You're right. I didn't know that, but like I said earlier, none of this would have happened if I were a normal guy."
"Normal is so overrated.", I grin, trying to lighten the mood. "You can't change what happened in the past, but you can turn a new leaf and start a new journey for the future which you've been doing. You went from never being in a relationship to being in love."
"You have a lot in faith in me."
"Because you're worth it. We're worth it." He smiles and goes silent. "Now what are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that I'd like to kiss you. I've been back in Seattle for almost three hours and have yet to kiss you, but I don't want to press my luck."
"You can kiss me.", I say as I lean closer. He places his hands on the sides of my face and begins kissing me softly. It's a slow burning kiss that becomes more heated with each second. Oh how I've missed his kisses! He pulls aways and stares into my eyes, asking in silence for permission to continue. The yearning I've been suppressing comes roaring forward as I nod. He stands from the bed and brings me to my feet, peppering my neck with kisses. Moments later, I step back and pull my blouse over my head. As soon as it falls to the floor, Christian resumes his kisses, this time over the fabric of my white lace bra. I move my hands behind my back and unsnap the garment to help him. He then begins flicking my right nipple, only fueling the fire raging within me. My moan only brings a grin to his face as he moves to the left nipple.
"I've missed you so much.", he murmurs against my skin. My hands travel to the bulge in his pants which is straining against the fabric. I pop the button and pull the zipper down before sliding my hand underneath his boxers. I begin to slowly run my hands along his throbbing cock. "Fuck." He grits his teeth and steps back. "I need to be inside you." I lick my lips and unzip my jeans as he works on removing his clothes. After he's completely naked, he stares at me with longing in his eyes. My lace panties are all that's left between us and bliss. I hook my thumbs on the sides and slowly slide them down, keeping my eyes on him the entire time. "So fucking beautiful." Before I know what's happening, he picks me up and tosses me on the bed, breaking me into a fit of giggles. "What?"
"Nothing. I need you in me.", I murmur. He crawls on to the bed and covers my body with his. My legs are wound tightly around his waist while our bodies move in sync with each thrust.
"You feel so good." The pleasure radiating through my body puts me close to my release. "Give in baby." I buck my hips and crash my lips on to his before shattering around him. Sweat is on Christian's forehead as his body stills with his release.
"Open wide.", Christian grins while popping a grape into my mouth during our breakfast in bed. I raise my brow and smirk at his words. "Dirty mind Miss Steele." After our lovemaking last night, we talked some more before falling asleep in each others arms. Christian was giddy with excitement when I suggested that we have breakfast in bed. I mainly brought up the idea so we could spend some quality time together in an effort to make up for the disasters that the previous days were. "Is your neck better?"
"It is. I think a good nights rest is what I needed. Of course the rest of my body is sore in some spots, but I'm not complaining.", I giggle. "What do you have planned for today?"
"Not a damn thing except spending time with you. We can do whatever you want."
"I really don't know. I had planned to spend the day cleaning until it was time to come here and wait for your return. That's out the question now since you're here, but I'm glad you're here."
"I'm glad that I'm here too. I missed you the entire time I was gone." He balances the breakfast tray on his lap while moving closer to kiss me. "I know the day is just starting, but I'd like for you to stay again tonight if you'd like."
"I think that can be arranged. I need to go to the apartment later to say hi to my mom, but I'm all yours for the most part."
"She seems pretty excited to be starting work tomorrow."
"She's anxious. Thank you again for hiring her. It's just what she needs to start moving on with her life. She's going to try and go one weekend to get her things from the house in Georgia even though she told Bob that he can have their mutual assets. I feel bad for her."
"She'll be ok. She has plenty of support around her."
"True. I don't want to ruin the moment by asking but...", I grimace after eating my last grape. "What about Elena? What are we going to do?"
"You don't want to ruin the moment, yet you bring up the woman who has done nothing but cause us misery?", he teases. "Elena's made comments in the past about how taxes are beneath her. She shouldn't pay them."
"Sounds like something she'd say."
"Although she's never come out and said that she hasn't paid her taxes, I'm almost certain that she owes back taxes. My dad has already contacted a friend to check into it for him. We're waiting to see what's been found." Even though I want Elena out of our lives, I worry about how she's going to retaliate. My slapping her yesterday certainly didn't help things.
"You do know that'll piss her off even more, right?"
"Baby, I'm going to make sure she learns her lesson, ok? Your days of being hurt in anyway but anyone are over." I know that he's referring to himself as well.
"Hey guys.", Kate says as Christian and I arrive back at the apartment. She and Elliot are cuddled underneath a blue velour blanket while watching tv.
"Hi. Where's my mom?", I ask.
"I'm right here.", she answers. "I was trying to pick an outfit for my first day of work tomorrow."
"Mom, whatever you wear will be fine."
"I just want the day to be perfect. What are the two of you to today?"
"Nothing. We're just winging." I look at Kate whose face is face. I also notice that Elliot's hands are still under the blanket, making me wonder if he's the reason for her reddened face. "How about you guys? Kate, Elliot?"
"Um, we're just watching some tv and relaxing.", Elliot shrugs with a grin. "Christian, Mia texted me earlier and said that she wants you to drop by the house to see her. Mom and Dad are in Portland for a birthday being held for a high school friend of Dad's. Since it's going to be late, they're probably going to stay the night there."
"Is that why Mia wants me to drop by? She's stayed at the house plenty of times without Mom and Dad. There has to be more going on."
"I figured there was more going on, but when I asked her, she told me to stop being so nosy. She didn't pull the "I'm telling Mom and Dad" card so I'm wondering if whatever she's up to is something that she shouldn't be doing."
"Do you want to go to with me to see Mia?", Christian asks me.
"Yeah. I'd like to see Mia. I'm going to go and get my laptop to take with me to your place." I turn to my mom who has sat down in the arm-chair next to the sofa. "Are you going to be ok if I stay at Christian's again tonight?"
"Of course.", she scoffs with grin. "I'm planning on turning in early tonight so I'll be well rested in the morning."
"Carla, why don't Ana and I come by here in the morning to pick you up?", Christian suggests. "We can take Ana to work and then head to GEH."
"That would be good. Thank you."
I leave everyone in the living room while I head to my bedroom to grab my laptop and charger. After putting them in my bag, I see Kate standing in the doorway with a goofy grin on her face.
"Dare I ask why you're smiling like you've just won the lottery.", I say while she closes the door.
"No reason in particular. I'm just happy is all. Elliot and I are doing really well."
"I may have noticed that in the living room while the two of you were doing things underneath the blanket."
"I tried to push him away when he started, but he kept doing it which ended up with me turning to mush. The guy can do the most incredible things to my body with just his fingers."
"Uh, I don't need to know all the details. What matters is you're happy."
"Your mood has lightened considerably now that Christian's back. I knew all would be right with the world.", she says.
"We're doing good.", I reply.
"Christian, my dear sweet brother.", Mia grins as she opens the door of the Grey home. I've been around her enough to know that she's up to something. What it is remains unknown. "You've always been there for me when I needed you. Remember the trip to London you single-handedly paid for?" Christian leads me into the living room where we take a seat on the sofa while Mia sits down on the chaise lounge.
"I recall it fondly. You were eager to see the sights of London so who was I to say no. The look on your face was well worth it."
"It's nice to know that you have such a pleasant memory of that because I'm about to give you a chance to put another smile on my face."
"Mia, you're already smiling.", he says. "Now that you've got my curiosity, tell me what you're up to."
"It's not bad if that's what you're thinking. You and Ana are in love. Elliot and Kate are in love as well. Do you see something wrong with this picture?", she asks. Christian and I look at each other in confusion before she sighs. "I'm the only Grey sibling who's not in love. I want to find someone."
"You'll find the right guy. Be patient."
"Patience isn't my thing. I go out on dates with guys who end up being nothing but losers who either talk about themselves all night or don't talk at all. I went out two weeks ago with a friend's brother. The only time he spoke was when he gave the waitress his order. That was it. I might as well have been on my own."
"Mia, I'm sorry that happened to you, but Christian's right. Your perfect guy is out there."
"Maybe I could get some help in finding him. Christian, you do business with some big up and comers in business, right?"
"Yes.", he answers before shaking his head. "But if you think I'm going to use my work connections to find a guy for you, you're wrong. I run a billion dollar corporation, not a dating service."
"What about a friend? I'm sure you have some nice single friends.", she says as Christian's face falls. He's admitted that he didn't have many friends until he met me and started hanging out with Kate, Ethan, and Max.
"Why don't you ask Elliot to help you?"
"Elliot's friends are goofballs. I need a mature and responsible guy."
"Mia, I don't know of anyone. I'm sorry." She mumbles under her breath and directs her attention on me.
"What about you Ana? I'm sure there are some nice guys at your work." I suddenly feel like I'm in a difficult position. I want Mia to be happy, but fixing her up with someone from the magazine could backfire.
"I...um...", I stammer. "I'll see what I can do." Her eyes widen as she claps her hands. "But don't get your hopes up. I might not be able to help."
"Oh I'm sure you will. How about I go and get us something to drink?"
"Water would be nice.", Christian replies.
"Water for me too.", I add.
"Water coming right up.", she says on her way to the kitchen. I take the chance to look at Christian since I'm not sure how he feels about me helping her.
"What's your opinion on me helping her?"
"I guess it's ok as long as I get the guy's name so I can check out his complete background."
"Really? I'm almost certain none of the guys at the magazine are criminals. Besides, I can't believe you haven't already checked out my coworkers to see if they're legit."
"I may have had Welch look into a few backgrounds of people in your department but not the entire magazine", he smirks.
"Not all of them? Damn you're slipping."