A/N: The chapters keep getting longer. I didn't want to break this one in two. Once you have read it you'll understant why. Really happy with all your reviews. And thanks to the Guest reviewer that told me it is not thump but thumb. Very useful and a little embarrassing on my part. but hey, I'm learning. For the record, I definitely meant thumb! Keep the reviews coming and Enjoy! xxx
Chapter 38: Meeting Ray.
After the couple on the third floor decided to go to sleep yesterday evening, Christian and I were able to sleep for 2 hours before one of their child decided we had enough sleep. He or she cried for 1,5 hours nonstop. When it finally stopped, Christian and me were totally awake and we talked and kissed and maybe I gave him a killer blowjob until we were feeling tired again. Which was when it was 5:30 am.
And now it is 7:45 and I am so ready for pancakes to get some energy out of them. We are checking the last things in the room before returning the key. Christian tried to fix the bed, but he could tell this wasn't the first time it had broken. So, we are just going to pay a little extra.
"Alright, got everything baby?" He asks me while grabbing my bag from me and swinging it over his shoulder.
"Yes, let's go. I'm hungry." I smile.
When we walk down the stairs and into the hall, we see Mr. and Mrs. Hills standing behind the reception desk. When they see us coming, they both smile like they we just gave then a thousand dollars.
"Good morning, lovebirds. Did you two had a good night sleep?" Mrs. Hills asks us while folding her hands together. She almost looks like a character out of a Disney movie.
"We did, thank you. We just had a little accident with the bed. It broke when I jumped on it to see how the mattress bounced back, we will pay for the new bed of course." Christian tells them before giving them the key.
"Oh, nonsense. Harry over here is great with tools. I'm sure he can fix it just fine. No need to pay extra. This is our job." She tells us while her hand goes over Mr. Hills his back.
He looks a little older then Mrs. Hills. And also a little less excited then her. If you ask me, I'd say he hates to fix up the broken beds every time a couple decides to have sex in their B&B. I chuckle at the thought.
"Okay. Well, thanks for having us. We had a great time." Christian speaks again while holding out his hand.
"Oh dear, hold on. You can't leave without breakfast. I made it myself, with fresh eggs from our chicken and all. And you paid for that. Come on, you two must be starving if you had the energy to break the bed." Mrs. Hills giggles.
My face turns bright red and Christian can only laugh. This is so embarrassing.
"Actually, we were planning on having pancakes at Macy's. It is part of my tradition when I'm here." I tell her. I really want my pancakes.
The moment I tell her this, however, her face falls. She looks like she is about to cry. Shit.
"I understand." Is all she mutters before turning around and walking back to the reception again.
I can feel Christians eyes on me and when I look at him, I see he is going to eat here.
"Really? Because she is pulling out her sad face. Damn it, Grey. For a CEO you are awfully sappy." I roll my eyes and walk to the reception again. Goodbye delicious pancakes.
"Actually, my boyfriend and I have changed our minds. We would like to have breakfast." I smile to Mrs. Hills, who instantly is so happy, I suspect she knew her pout would have effect on Christian.
"Lovely! Follow me please."
When we enter the dining room, the other family is already having breakfast. The table next to theirs is ready for us. Christian and I take a seat while Mr. Hills gets us tea. After that she tells us we can have everything from the buffet.
When we walk over, I have to say it looks good. She really put work into it and I'm very happy we did stay here. It looks like she was out of bed early to get this all done. When we both have a plate full, we get back to our table.
We are eating relaxed, talking about yesterday. Then one of the kids, a little girl, I think she is around 5 years old, suddenly stands next to Christian. He looks at her and she looks at him, a small smile on her face.
"You look like prince charming from the movies." She tells him, still a mouth full of croissant.
Christian looks at me and wiggles his eyebrow, making me snort and roll my eyes. Dork. Then he looks back at the girl again.
"I do? Well, thank you. You look pretty too." He tells her, making her giggle.
"Do I look like a princess?" She ask him a little shy.
"You do. Your dress is very beautiful." He answers. She is wearing a pink summer dress with white flowers. She does look cute. Her brown hair is in a ponytail and she has big brown eyes.
"Thank you. Can I be your princess now?"
Hello, what is it that older woman and younger girls have with my man. They all completely ignore me. It's not that I'm jealous of this little girl, I mean, come on. But the effect of Christian Grey, it shocks me.
"But I already have my princess." Christian tells her while pointing to me. "That is Princess Ana and she is my princess. I also think I'm a little bit too old to be your prince."
She looks at me and then back at Christian. Their interaction makes me smile. He is good with children. I can instantly tell. This little girl is completely boggled with him.
"She is pretty too. Are you going to marry her?" She asks after looking at me again.
I chuckle and sip my tea while watching him with a raised eyebrow. I'm curious what he is going to say to that one. He just smiles at me, totally comfortable with the question.
"I will, one day. We just have to get to know each other a little bit better." He tells her, but he looks at me with determination in his eyes.
I blush. He has mentioned it quite a few times now. I think he really does want to marry me. And it is sweet, but I'm definitely not ready to get married to him. I think he knows that, because he grabs my hand over the table and squeezes it. Telling me he knows and that he will be patient.
"You have to ask her first. You get a big ring and you wear your best suit and you get a lot of flowers and candles and a horse and Princess Ana has to wear a pretty dress and then you get down on your knee and then just like in the princess movie you ask her if she wants to marry you. And then she says yes and then you kiss her on the lips and that is a true loves kiss and then you can marry." The girl rambles, without even breathing in between words. She should be a rapper, I swear.
"That's how it works?" Christian asks her and the girl nods her head furiously. Eyes wide, like she really wants to show him she is not lying.
"Than I will do just that. You really think she would say yes if I do all of that?" He asks her.
"Yes. I know. In the movies the princess never says no." She states.
I smile. She is so cute. And Christian is a fan of her also, I can see it in his eyes. It makes me wonder if he wants kids. I know I want them. I love kids. They are so honest. I think it must be amazing to be someone's mother. I hope I can be just like my mom. She was the best.
"Phoebe, can you come here and finish your drink, baby? We should get going soon." The man on the other table asks her.
She waves at me and Christian and then immediately walks to her Dad, who puts her on his lap and tells her something that makes her giggle. The couple is around 35 years old and Phoebe is the middle sister. They have an older son and a baby, I think it is also a boy. The Mom is giving him his bottle while talking lovingly to him. They look like the perfect family.
"Your good with kids." I comment.
"I like kids. They say what they think. I think that is a great quality to possess." He winks at me and starts to eat again.
I just smile and watch him. My handsome man.
After 5 minutes, the family is ready to go. Phoebe comes over to our table one more time. She holds out her hand to Christian, which he takes.
"And after you married her she gets a baby. First a boy and then a girl. Just like my Mommy and Daddy. But my Mommy and Daddy got another boy after that. But I don't think you should do that because he cries a lot. And then I wake up." She frowns and is about to continue with her story when her Dad grabs her.
"Come on, little chatter. Let those nice people enjoy their breakfast in peace now." He tells her before turning to us.
"Thanks for playing along. She has a huge imagination, princess phase." He tells us like that should explain everything.
"That's fine, she is adorable." I tell him, smiling at both of them.
"Say goodbye, Pheebs."
"Bye, prince and princess Ana." She waves and then her dad walks away with her on his hip.
"You know what this means, right?" Christian asks me when we are alone in the dining area.
I look at him in question. I have no idea what this means.
"It means that we will name our daughter Phoebe." He stands, kisses my lips and then walks to the buffet again, a smile on his face.
And I sit there, stunned. Not because he said that. But because the thought of Christian and me having a daughter makes me smile like a lovesick puppy. It gives me butterflies in my belly and goosebumps all over my body. I'd like that.
Some time later we drive onto the driveway of my old house. I can tell Christian is nervous. He hasn't really said anything the last ten minutes of the drive. I lean over to give him a kiss before pushing the horn two times, to let my Dad know we're here.
I get out of the car and at the same time Dad opens the door. A huge smile on his face, and from behind him Simba sprints towards me. I instantly go to my knees to greet my best friend.
"Hi Sim. Hi boy, did you miss me? I missed you!" I scratch him behind his ears and let him snuggle against me. When I take a good look at him I see that he has turned a little more grey. It's so cute.
After Simba is done with the attention, he goes over to Christian, who just got out of the car. I smile when I see Christian get on his knees as well to greet him. In the meantime, I'm saying hi to Dad.
"Hi old man." I hug him. I missed him.
"Hi Peanut. I missed you. You look good." He says while moving back to have a good look at me. "You look happy."
"That's because I am Daddy." I smile and look behind me for the reason of my happiness.
Christian is already standing behind me, waiting to be introduced.
"Daddy, this is Christian Grey. Christian, my Dad, Raymond Steele." I tell them and watch them shake hands. I can see that my dad is giving Christian his firm handshake, the one where knuckles are being squeezed. Christian doesn't flinch though, he just smiles and nods his head.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Steele. Ana told me a lot about you." He says.
"Same, Christian. So, Ana told me you were dying to meet me?" He raises his eyebrow.
Christian doesn't flinch. He just nods his head and smiles.
"I did. I like to know everything there is to know about Ana. What better way is there to ask the person who raised her?"
"Well, let's see what I can tell you about Annie that you didn't already know. Come in, I'll make you some coffee." Ray says while walking into the house, Simba following him on his heels.
Christian and me also get in. Right before we get back to Ray, I pull him to the side of the hall. Grabbing his collar, I kiss him. Hard. When I pull back I see he looks surprised.
"Just a 'you can do it' kiss." I smirk and then walk to the kitchen were Dad is making coffee.
I hear Christian chuckle before he follows me.
"Huh Dad, do you have a new coffee table?" I ask when we walk into the living room with the coffee.
"Yeah, had to get a new one. Simba and me were playing with a ball one day, and the old guy crashed against the table, breaking it. He still has it in him." He grins proudly at Simba, who made himself comfortable on his pillow in the corner of the room.
"Good for you, boy." I laugh at my favorite dog in the whole world.
"So, please sit." Dad says while sitting in his chair. Me and Christian take place on the couch.
"Let's get right to the point. I've searched you on Google. When Annie told me you owned your own company, I figured that if it something, it must have a website. Well, I found out it is something." He chuckles, looking amused. Then he continues. "I wanted to ask about if you have a decent job, scare you a bit with telling you that I expect a man that works for a living to provide for my little girl. But I guess we can skip that."
Christian chuckles and is about to answer before I beat him to it.
"Uhm, hello, excuse me Dad. I don't need anyone to provide for me. I have a good job myself. I make my own money." I raise my eyebrow at him.
My Dad is very old fashion. He believes that the man provides for the woman. That when you get married, the woman starts working a little less and when babies are born, the woman completely quits her job to take care of them. That's how Mom did it with me. When Ray came into view, he took care of us. Made sure my Mom didn't have to work so she could stay with me. And I have to say I'm really happy she did, because I have spend every time possible with her. But times have changed. I want to contribute into my life with Christian.
"I know that, peanut. But does your man over there know that? I saw he bought SIP a few weeks ago." Ray raises his eyebrows in question, sipping his coffee with a huge 'your turn' stare at Christian.
"Mr. Steele, the overtake of SIP was set in motion before I knew Ana worked there. My COO Ross Bailey is in control of that, I don't come near Grey Publishing. Ana knows this. We talked about this. As for me providing for Ana." He stops for a moment to look at me, a small smile on his face. "I would love to provide for her. Take care of her. And I will, but I know how much she loves to work. And as CEO of her company, I do get to see her stats over e-mail. She works hard and is one of the main reasons GP is such a success. I think I will be cutting my own wounds if I told her I want to provide for her completely. So I simply won't."
I smile because I know he means this. And I smile because Ray looks impressed.
"Good to know that. Tell me about your family?" Ray asks.
Christian's whole face lights up when he tells my Dad about them. It's so cute. I'm really happy he has such a close bond with his family, just like me and Ray. I would love to have family dinners where we can invite everybody over, for thanksgiving or Christmas. Ray would like that too. He is a peoples person, he love company.
"Mr. Steele, Ana told me you like nature and fishing? Where do you find it is best to throw out the rod?" Christian asks after he is done telling about his family.
Daddy looks pleasantly surprised at his question. He loves fishing and being outdoors. Sometimes I join him for a day next to the water. We take snacks and Simba, and we just sit there. Eating and talking, enjoying being outside. It is great. A lot of my dearest memories involve those days.
"I have a few great spots, not too far from here. We should go sometime. Annie loves fishing too. And you can call me Ray now. You passed my test." He smirks and I giggle.
My Dad is the biggest dork I know. He always says what he thinks. Just like me. I'm really like my Dad in so many ways. I look like Mom, obviously. But I took over so much from Ray through the years. It makes me smile.
"I'd like that, Ray. You should come to Seattle sometime. I have a boat. We can take her out." Christian invites him.
"Oh my God Daddy. He doesn't own a boat, he owns a ship. It's like a house on water. It amazing. When Christian took me out on it, I thought about how much you would like it out there. We should really do that. We can bring Simba as well. I'll take him for a swim." I'm so excited.
It will be the perfect opportunity for Christian and my Dad to get to know each other better. When they are both relaxed. I think they would get along great.
"We'll see, peanut. Tell me how it's going with you? Everything good on work and with the girls?" Dad asks me.
"Work is good. Busy but good. I've just started a making a plan to get a hold of some international authors. It's so different from what we've been doing, but I think with good publicity, we can get it going." I tell him excitedly.
Then I remember the José situation. I really need to tell him about that. It's best if I do that now, even though I really do not look forward to it. I just know he is going to go crazy.
"Daddy, listen. I need to tell you something. And you are going to be pissed off about it. But I really need you to stay calm. You can get angry and you can scream, but please, do it here. While I'm here." I tell him, watching his reaction carefully.
I instantly see that he knows something is wrong. His whole attitude is changing. He sits up, fists on his knees, knuckles white. His eyes are a little wider en his foot is starting to drum.
"What is it?" He asks, looking from me to Christian.
When I look at Christian he nods encouraging, but I still stay quiet. I hate to tell him this. I'm so scarred he will go look for him. And I don't want that. I can't lose my Dad. Just like I can't lose Christian. Also because I know it will only make José stronger.
"Spill it, Anastasia Rose Steele." Dad commands.
Fuck, full name. Bingo. He is mad. I need to start talking now.
"After Christian and I went public, things got a little hectic. There were photographers outside my office and the paparazzi wanted to take every possible picture of us. A few days ago I got an envelope, when I was at work. There where pictures inside. One picture was of me and Christian at the Marina. I'm sure you saw them when you Googled Christian." I start and look at Dad.
He shakes his head no. "I Googled him after you called me. When did you to go public?"
"The pictures where released last Monday. Ana and I let out a statement on Wednesday, asking for privacy and confirming our relationship." Christian tells him.
Dad nods again and then looks at me expectantly.
"The other picture inside, was one of me." I look at him and I'm almost afraid to tell him more. But his look actually forbid me to stop talking. "It was taken in my bedroom, 2,5 years ago."
Ray stands and starts pacing, his breathing heavy, hands in his hair. He knows exactly what happened 2,5 years ago. He knows who send those pictures. When he turns around to look at me again, his cheeks are red and all I can see is anger.
"What the fuck does he want, Ana?" He growls.
"I don't know, Daddy. He wrote a note, asking why I was with Christian and not with him." I sob. I just can't stop the tears.
"I have people looking for him as we speak, but he's done a good job in making sure nobody can trace him. We suspect that he will come back for Ana, since he made such an afford to not be found. We don't know if he is angry, sad or jealous. We just know he has been gone since six weeks. And when I thought about it the other day, I remembered what happened almost seven weeks ago. The take-over of SIP was finalized and went public a few days after." Christian tells my Dad.
I know about everything Welch and Taylor discovered, but I didn't know the take-over was then. It just never crossed my mind.
"So, you think he started everything back then? Christian, we weren't even together then. We only met that one night when you took..." I start but then I remember Ray is with us, who is now looking at me with a raised eyebrow. Fuck.
"When, when we met that night in Mile High." I finish my sentence, hoping my Dad won't think anything about it. By the looks of his face, no such luck.
"I know. So either he knew we met back then or..."
"He also wants something from you." I finish his sentence. Christian nods and my Dad just looks angry again.
"My CPO Taylor is looking out for Ana until I've found her a CPO. I will have interviews for that planned tomorrow. So at least she will be protected. But I have no idea what lengths he will go to or what he wants." Christian turns to Ray again.
"I'll tell you the lengths he'd go to. He almost took her away against her will last time they met. He wanted to stab her with a knife. He fucking spied on her, sneaked in her house. Thank God I thought my girl how to defend herself, else I don't know what had happened." My Dad yells, not really to anyone in particular.
"Ana, peanut, I don't want you to be alone while he isn't found. You can either arrange something in Seattle or you can stay here. But you are not going home alone." My Dad states.
"I couldn't agree more. She is staying with me. We already talked about it and Ana agreed." Christian speaks before me.
Ray nods his head and then sits in his chair again.
"Good. And let that CPO have an attitude." He growls and slams the last of his coffee back like it is Vodka.
"I will. I don't let anything happen to her. She is safe with me. Don't worry, Ray. I'll take care of her." Christian tells him, never looking away or blinking, like he wants Ray to know how bad he means it.
"You better." Dad tells him.
We sit in silence for a couple of minutes. Just drinking our coffee and listening to the radio that's on.
"How about I show you two the car I fixed up? We can take her for a drive if you want? Simba needs to go out anyway." Dad says and stands.
Thank God, I really hoped we could just do something a little less heavy.
I jump from the couch. "Yes! I drive!" I tell both of them and run to the garage, Simba on my heels like he heard he can come along.
We drove for about 3 hours. First me and then Christian. We strolled around with Simba and had lunch at Macy's. Christian and Dad talked about a lot. They have a few things in common and Dad was really interested in GEH. I had a great time and thankfully could forget about José.
Now, Christian and me are saying goodbye to Dad. We decided to eat at Christian's place and then have an early night. Tomorrow is a working day after all.
I hug my Dad, he holds me so tight I almost can't breathe. "Be careful peanut. And call me when something's up. Don't care about the time." He whispers before kissing my cheek two times and letting me go.
"I will. I love you." I tell him before hugging Simba who is sitting next to Dad.
"Ray, thanks for everything." Christian offers Dad a hand which he takes and shakes.
"My pleasure, keep me informed."
Christian nods and then places his hand on my back to lead me to the car. When we are standing in front of it, he passes me the keys.
"I have seen you drive now and I was wrong. You can handle absolutely anything baby." He says before kissing my lips.
I smile and jump up and down before running to the door and taking place behind the wheel. I wave enthusiastically to Ray, who is smirking and waving back. Christian takes places next to me, also smiling.
"Please do be careful, I am really fond of her." He says.
"I will. I can't believe you let me drive her. This is going to be awesome." I tell him before starting the car and riding back. I wave one last time at Ray before driving away.
I instantly feel the power. Jesus, I knew that it was a fast car, but I really need to be careful with the gas. The acceleration is insane.
"If you get any tickets, you pay for them yourself." Christian laughs and I join him.
"Yes, Dad."
"I prefer Sir, baby." He says, still laughing.
I click my tongue. "I bet you do. Unfortunately Mr. Grey is as far as I get regarding pet names for you."
"A pet name? Mr. Grey is not a pet name. That's my real name. Be a little more creative baby." He smirks.
"Sir isn't a pet name either." I challenge him.
"Right, but it's sexy as hell when you call me that."
"I'm going to call you bear." I tell him and instantly laugh when I see his face.
"Bear? That's not really a cool name." He tells me, his hand moving to my thigh.
"Monkey? Rabbit?" I ask.
"How about Big D?" He asks, wiggling his eyebrows.
I laugh at that. Is he insane? I can almost see the looks of people when I call him that. That would be something.
"No way, maybe just babe. I don't know. I think we just have to see what I will call you spontaneous sometime."
"Let's do that." He agrees.
I feel my phone buzz in my jeans pocket. I reach for it and give it to Christian.
"Can you have a look for me? Maybe it's Kate of Kim. I haven't heard from both of them and I'm curious if they talked already." I tell him.
I see him unlock my phone. I look back to the road, thinking he will start reading me my text. But it stays quiet. When I look at him, I see his eyes are wide and angry. What the hell?
"Pull over, Ana." He growls and because of his gaze and demanding tone, I immediately do.
When we stand still, I look at him in question. He doesn't say anything, he just gives me my phone and gets out of the car. I'm sitting there, wondering if I did something wrong. I see him calling someone on his phone, talking animatedly. He looks frustrated. When I unlock my phone, everything he does makes sense. I'm instantly shaking. Fucking hell.
*Did you had fun showing him our hometown, Darling Ana? I think you had. I could tell. You let him kiss you behind the school, you let him fuck you in Eric's barn. You even let him meet Ray. Tell me, why didn't I have all those pleasures? This is just getting painful now. But you know, things are going to change. And you will wish you had stayed with me Darling Ana. By the time I'm done, you will beg me to take you back, just so everything will stop.*
Attached to the text are three photo's. One of me and Christian kissing at my old school, one of Dad, Christian and me in front of my Dad's house and one of Christian and me having sex in the barn, taken through the window.
Okay, I'm not scarred anymore. I'm petrified