A/N

Sorry for the delay in posting an update. The holidays were busy for me, and it took longer than I thought to finish this chapter. I decided to break it into two parts; otherwise, it would have been over 18k words.

Chapter 23 – Naughty Girl Part 1

Ana POV

It's a week before Thanksgiving, and I am nervous about the National Team tryouts. I have read and re-read the invitation so many times I know it by heart. I have been spending most of my free time at the hospital, completing my required hours for nursing. I am finishing things up in the labor and delivery department. I love being around babies.

Christian and I haven't discussed how many children we want, only that we want some. We were enjoying a quiet evening on Sunday when the head of his New York office called and said he was needed there ASAP. So, he packed a bag and left Sea-Tac within an hour of her call. He has been knee-deep in negotiations since Monday morning. He is supposed to fly back today, but I have my doubts.

Tonight is the last night for students since most will be leaving tomorrow after their final class to start Thanksgiving break. I am glad because we play our rematch with Stanford tonight, and I hope it's a packed house.

Tonight's match is another thing that has me stressed out. If we win, our chances of contending for a national title are high. Stanford has been in the finals for the past five years, winning three of them. They have a stellar program, but I think we are better.

My phone vibrates with a google alert, and I check to see what it is. Christian and his beautiful co-worker made the headlines last night in New York. I click the link and see what the New York paps have to say: Christian Grey, CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings, is pictured below with not one, but two beautiful women. Notably missing from this trio is Grey's fiancé, Ana Steele. Have they parted ways again? It seems like Grey is having trouble staying faithful to the Princess of Seattle. Stay tuned for more on who the women are.

I toss my phone somewhere on the bed and bury my head under the covers. Will this shit ever end? Why can't the press leave us alone? I hear my phone ringing and choose not to answer it right now. It's either Kate or Christian, neither of which I want to talk to right now. The ringing stops and starts up again. I let it go to voicemail again.

The overwhelming urge to pee pulls me from the warmth of the covers. I have to be at the hospital this morning, so I decide to get up and get ready.

Only after I am dressed and finishing my first cup of coffee do I decide to check my phone for messages. The missed calls were from Kate, followed by a few text messages.

*Kate – Why aren't you answering. Are you okay? I saw what was online. I'm sure it's nothing. Call me, Ana!

*Kate – Elliott called Christian, and he didn't answer. Is everything alright between the two of you?

I dial Kate's number, and she answers before it even rings. "Ana?" she practically yells in my ear. "What the hell is going on?" I sit down at the breakfast bar and tell her what I know.

"The blond woman in the photo is Katrina. She is in charge of GEH in New York. I assume the other woman is her wife, but I haven't met her before, so I don't know for sure." I take a sip of coffee, waiting for the next question.

"So, you know about their relationship?" Kate asks, astonished.

"Who's the relationship? Katrina and her wife's?" I take a bite of toast and continue. "I walked in on Christian and Katrina, having a meeting the last time she was in Seattle. He explained who she was and that she is a lesbian. I haven't been formally introduced to her yet."

"Okay, that explains why they are in the picture together. Why does the press think Christian is cheating on you? Don't they know who she is?" I can hear rustling in the background.

"Kate, what are you doing?" I put my coffee cup in the dishwasher and grab my bag.

"I'm packing my stuff for the game. I have a class this morning; then, I will be heading to the trainer. I have some tightness in my shoulder that I need her to work out."

"Has Elliott been working you too hard?" I ask with a chuckle.

"No, he hasn't. I wish he would. I need a good, hard fuck. How about you?" She laughs.

"I concur Miss Kavanagh. See you this afternoon." I end the call and text Belinda I am ready to leave.

I spend the morning cuddling cute babies in the nursery. I love how new babies smell. They are so tiny, and when they squeeze my finger, I feel like their protector.

I help the charge nurse change and feed the remaining babies in the nursery before I leave to meet Grace for lunch. She is working in the ER today and wants to meet me. I'm sure it involves the pictures that are all over the internet of Christian and Katrina. I still haven't heard anything from him this morning. I am sure he is busy, so I will let him get in contact with me when he has a free moment.

I walk into the cafeteria, and Grace is in line, grabbing her lunch. "Ana, dear. How are you today?" She hugs my neck tightly, and I grab a tray to put my lunch on.

"I am great. I have been on the L&D floor this morning, giving all the babies extra love. How has your day been the ER?" I grab a chicken salad sandwich and a bowl of fresh fruit, placing it on my tray.

"It has been crazy. We have seen a lot of flu cases, and I'm sure we will see many more before the day is over. I saw the picture this morning of Christian and those two women. I tried calling him demanding answers, and I couldn't reach him. Have you talked to him today?" Grace hands her money over to the cashier and waits for me to do the same.

"No, I haven't heard anything from him. I know one of the women is the head of GEH in New York. I can only assume the other one is her wife. I haven't met her yet." I walk with Grace to a table and sit down, waiting for her to ask more questions.

"So you know that he is going out with other women behind your back? How do you put up with that?" Grace scrunches her eyebrows together with a look of disgust.

"Grace, he is not cheating on me with them. The press is trying to make him look bad, and it's not working. I trust him completely. I'm sure the PR staff is working on a statement as we speak." I take a bite of my sandwich. I just now realize how hungry I am.

"I'm sorry for insinuating anything, Ana. I just want everything to work out. So much as already happened between the two of you. I'm ready for some happy news." She smiles and starts to eat her lunch.

"I promise you, Grace. Everything will work out. We both have so much going on in our lives right now. Hopefully, after the first of the year, things will settle down considerably. I want to talk to you about something else. How would you feel about donating your time to a free clinic or non-profit foundation?" She asks me to explain as she finishes her lunch.

I talk with her about how I would like to start some type of free clinic for the Seattle area. I am sure mom would be willing to volunteer as well. It would be open during the week, and all services will be free. Dental, pre-natal, and general MD type things will be provided to those without insurance or have the financial need. Grace's eyes light up the more I talk.

"Ana, it sounds amazing. I will talk to the other doctors in the ER, as well as some of the nurses. I am sure there is a great need for this in Seattle. What made you want to start this?" I shrug my shoulders.

"I don't know. I will be receiving a trust fund once I graduate, and I want to give back to the community. I thought about giving to the same charities Christian does, but I want to keep some of the giving to the Seattle area." I take a bite of fruit.

"I think it's a fabulous idea. Let me talk with some of the other doctors and get a feel for what they think. We can talk about it Thanksgiving. How does that sound?" Grace's eyes are shining, and she has a massive smile on her face.

"That is great. Mom will be joining us at your place. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course, I don't mind. Carla is welcome any time we have a get-together. Oh, did you know Mia will be back in town, too?" I shake my head, no. "She is bringing her boyfriend with her. They met a few months ago and have been dating ever since. She won't tell me what his name is. I am excited to see who it is."

"Wow. I didn't know Mia is seeing someone. Does Christian know she is coming back?" I finish off my sandwich and pile the trash on my tray.

"I am not sure what he knows. Mia usually contacts him to pick her up from the airport. I will ask him the next time I talk to him." Grace glances at her watch, and I realize lunchtime is over.

I toss out my trash and stack the tray. Grace does the same, then gives me a tight hug. "Thank you, Ana." I look at her, bemused.

"For what?" I smile.

"For being patient with Christian while he sorts through everything." I shake my head.

"He is the one being patient, Grace. I have so much emotional baggage, and he is helping me get my head on straight. We are communicating with each other better and trusting each other more. We jumped into the deep end from the beginning of our relationship. Now, we are taking things slow and getting to know each other the way we should have to begin with." She kisses my cheek, and I see a tear slide down hers.

"I am so happy to hear that!" We walk out of the cafeteria arm in arm.

I leave the hospital around two and see a text message waiting for me from Christian.

*C – call me when you get a chance ILY

I dial his number, and he picks up after two rings. "Baby? How has your day been?" His voice is smooth, and I wish I could feel his warm embrace right now.

"It has been a great day. I held a bunch of babies in the nursery of the hospital and had lunch with your mother. How are you doing?" Belinda is walking beside me as we enter the parking garage.

"I was hoping to be on a plane back to Seattle by now. But they have grounded all flights due to weather. I don't know when we will be able to take off." My heart sinks because he won't make it back to see our game against Stanford. "I'm sorry, baby." I can hear the disappointment in his voice.

"It's okay, Christian. You can't help what the weather does. But I am disappointed that I have to wait for another day to see you. It has been a long week without you here. Did you get everything straightened out with the new acquisition?" Before I can get into the car, I hear shouting and feet pounding the pavement.

"Miss Steele, you need to get into the car quickly. The press is here, and they are approaching us." Belinda's voice sounds urgent, so I tell Christian I will call him back.

"NO!" he shouts. "Keep me on the line. Listen to Prescott and get in the car. We can finish talking once you are safe."

"Okay," I reply in a whisper. We speed walk to the car. As soon as I am safely in the back of the SUV, the press has the car surrounded. Cameras are flashing, and reporters are shouting questions about Christian and me having problems. The only problem I can see is every single one of them getting run over.

Belinda jumps into the driver's seat and starts the car. She guns the engine and almost runs over two reporters that are standing near the vehicle. She continues to push through them until we speed out onto the main street.

"Christian? Are you there?" I ask as I look out the back glass at what we left behind.

"Yes, baby. I am still here. What the hell happened?" I can hear the anger in his voice.

"We were walking to the car, and tons of reporters were running towards us. We got out safely. When are they going to leave us alone? This shit is getting ridiculous." I lean my head back on the seat and close my eyes.

"I don't know. We issued a statement explaining who the women were in the photo. I issued a personal statement that you and I are still very much in a relationship. I'm surprised you haven't seen it yet." I shrug my shoulders but realize he can't see me.

"I haven't looked at my phone since this morning. I recognized the blond in the picture, and I assumed the other woman was her wife."

"Yes, you are correct. Is the game on live stream tonight?"

"I think it is on national television. But I am sure the school is streaming it as well. Whenever you can fly back, be careful. I need you here with me, Christian." I look up ahead and see we are nearing UW.

He sighs, "I will let you know when we have clearance to fly. It will most likely be sometime tomorrow. I miss you so much, Ana. I can't wait to see you." I feel myself getting choked up, unable to answer him back.

"Ana? Are you still there?" I take a few deep breaths.

"Yes, I'm here," I whisper.

"Oh, baby, please don't get upset. You have a big game tonight. Text me when you get home, alright?"

"I will. I love you."

"And I love you, Ana. So much. See you tomorrow," Christian says softly. I end the call before I start bawling.

I am sitting alone in the locker room, thinking about our chances of winning tonight. We played Stanford close a few weeks ago, and it came down to the final play of the game to determine the winner. I don't want that to happen tonight. I want to win decisively. The rest of the team starts filing in, including Kate.

"What's up, Steele? You having a moment or something?" Kate laughs then sits down beside me.

"I am thinking about how I don't want this game to be close like it was the last time we played them. I think we are a better team. We just need to minimize our mistakes and capitalize on theirs. Sounds easy enough, right?" I wink and reach for my shoes.

"Have you talked to Christian?" I nod my head.

"Yeah, I have. His flight is grounded in New York until tomorrow. There is bad weather there right now, and no flights are coming or going. Sucks, right?" She pats me on the back.

"That does suck. Is everything straightened out with the press? Daddy says Christian issued a personal statement about you two still being together and asked for privacy. His PR department stated who the two women were. Lesbians, uh?" Kate starts to get dressed.

"They are very nice from what I hear. I haven't met either of them yet. Christian says Katrina is a ball buster." Before I can continue, Coach comes and starts her pregame speech.

By the time we make it out on the floor for warm-ups, we are all pumped up. Coach said the game is a sellout and is on ESPN. Fantastic. "I'm glad my makeup is on point," Kate whispers in my ear.

"God, you are so vain!" I say as I push her shoulder.

"Oh, come on. You know I have to look good for the cameras!" I roll my eyes.

"Whatever. All of it will be gone before the first game ends." She shrugs her shoulders.

"You are probably right. But, at least I will look good at the start." Kate winks, and we grab a ball to start warm-ups.

We are in the locker room, having our final meeting before the game starts. I decide to say something to everybody before Coach does. I stand up and look around at my teammates. "I don't have to tell you all how important this game is for us. Stanford is the defending national champion. We played them close last time, but I know we can beat them. Our team is peaking at the right time. If we can minimize our mistakes and take advantage of theirs, I think we have a great chance of winning. Plus, we have the home crowd on our side. We can play without saying a word between us. We all know our responsibilities and how to execute them. I don't want a repeat of what happened last time. Who's with me?"

I walk to the middle of the room and put my arm out in front of me. Everyone joins in a circle, and our hands pile on top of each other. I look around at the ladies that have been a part of my life for the past four years. "Let's do this!" We all chant 'win' and prepare to enter the court.

Our pregame music is blaring in the arena, and I can feel the electricity in the whole place. This scene right now is what I have waited for my entire career. I wish Christian could be here to see this. I hope he can watch the game.

We take the court to finish our warm-up, and the student section goes crazy. We spend the remainder of the time playing three on three amid the noise. We leave the court, and Stanford takes their turn. Everyone starts booing, and I chuckle to myself.

The starting player introduction is complete, and we take the court to get the game underway. This game, without a doubt, will be the best game of my life.

CPOV

This whole week has pissed me off. I left the comfort of Ana's arms on Sunday to fly to New York to meet with a company that tried to back out of a merger. Everything was laid out and ready to sign with Katrina, and they wanted to back out, stating they had received a better offer. I met with the owner, and he wouldn't reveal the specifics. I kindly told him if he backed out of the merger, he would owe GEH for the time and money already invested in his company. He balked and refused to sign. Katrina handed him a piece of paper with the up to date time, and dollar amounts currently invested, and his eyes bugged out his head. He signed the merger without another word.

Katrina, Ros, and I agree that future mergers and acquisitions will include a letter of intent. It will have a signature of both parties outlining what will be owed to GEH if the company tries to back out of a deal, and how much time and money GEH plans to invest in improving the company's bottom line. The majority of companies GEH takes on are already failing financially to the point of bankruptcy. When the owner sees the dollar amount GEH plans to pay to purchase the company, they want to get as much in their pocket as possible.

Another issue is the invasion of my privacy by the press. I attended a GEH event with Katrina and her wife on Wednesday night, and the media assumed I was cheating on Ana. PR issued a statement, but that didn't help matters. I'll be glad when Ana finishes with school and volleyball is over. I want her to be able to travel with me when I have to go out of town.

I know Ana is frustrated with the whole press thing. They are intrusive and only publish what they want, and it doesn't matter if it isn't the truth.

I was hoping to fly home today, but mother nature has other intentions. Rain and cold temperatures have shut down all flights in and out of New York until tomorrow morning. So, instead of watching Ana play the biggest game of her career in person, I am watching it on television. I also have the live stream link from the school open on my laptop.

I could hear the disappointment in Ana's voice when I told her I couldn't fly home tonight. I will make it up to her once I get back. Phone sex only goes so far, especially since I know what it feels like to sink into her wet heat. I feel myself harden as I think about fucking her against the wall at the penthouse. That will be the first thing I do when I step off the elevator tomorrow.

The commercial break is over, and both teams have taken the court to start the game. The announcers are singing the praises of Stanford, predicting they will win the national championship again. Big mistake overlooking UW.

I watch Ana control the court, and UW jumps out to a 5-0 lead. The crowd is loud on the television. I can imagine the actual noise level in the arena is deafening. I wonder if Elliott is at the game. I grab my phone and send him a quick text.

UW extends the lead to 8-0, and the Stanford coach calls a time out. UW leaves the court high fiving and raising their arms to encourage the crowd. I am sick that I can't be there right now. My phone buzzes with a text message from Elliott.

*E – BRO! This place is a madhouse. Where are you?

*C – I'm stuck in NYC because of bad weather. I hope to fly out in the morning.

*E – Dude, that sucks. Are you able to watch the game on TV?

*C – Yeah, ESPN is carrying the game, and I have the live stream link open from the school's website.

*E – Cool. Chat later. The timeout is over.

I see the camera focus on the team huddle of UW, and I watch Ana and her teammates focus on what their coach is saying. They are nodding at her, and they join hands before taking the court to resume play.

The student section starts heckling some of the Stanford players, causing the referee to intervene. He calls both team captains to his stand and tells them something. Both players nod their heads and take their places back on the court. The referee then addresses the student section, and they start booing. I laugh to myself at how the students are acting. They could care less about what that prick says because they are supporting their team.

The whistle blows, and a play resumes. Both teams go back and forth scoring points, making outstanding defensive plays. UW wins the first game in commanding fashion, 25-15. Once the teams change sides, Ana runs past the student section giving them all high fives. She is smiling and encouraging them to keep it loud.

In the second game, UW comes out a little flat, and Stanford opens up a five-point lead. UW rallies and ties the game at eight. From there, the score remains close until they tie at 23. I watch the live stream on my laptop during a TV timeout, and Ana has her hands on her hips, watching something the coach is drawing on her clipboard. They nod, and they return to the court after the whistle blows.

UW has the serve out of the timeout. Once again, both teams played back and forth with neither side making any errors. UW finally wins the point when Stanford blocks a spike out of bounds. The crowd celebrates as Ana goes back to serve. They quiet down as she tosses the ball out in front of her and makes hard contact, sending it over the net. Stanford shanks the pass, and UW wins the point, finishing out the game.

The announcers are in shock since the team they have picked to win it all is down two games to none. They review the statistics through the first two games, and both sides are close in every category. Their discussion leads up to the Olympic team hopefuls, and Ana's name is at the top of the list. Her career stats at UW flash on the screen, and it occurs to me just how talented she is. I haven't paid much attention to the numbers because I watch her play. She has outstanding teammates and defers the team's success to them.

The third game starts, and the teams battle back and forth, just like the first two games. I think UW can feel how this game is theirs if they want it because they are taking more aggressive shots without the worry of messing up. UW is up 20-15 when Stanford calls a timeout.

I take this opportunity to check the weather and see the temperature is still below freezing, with light rain falling. The airlines were worried about ice buildup on the wings of the planes and runways, so they canceled all flights. I can't fault them for looking out for the safety of passengers and airline employees, no matter how bad I want to get back to Seattle.

The game comes back on just as I take my seat on the couch. I sit on the edge of the cushion with my arms resting on my legs in anticipation. Stanford has the service, and the girl hits it into the net. Kate is serving for UW. It seems Stanford has given up because the next four points for UW happen quickly. The game is over in a flash. The students go crazy and run out onto the court. Security is unable to hold them back, so they do their best to protect the players from any type of injury.

I see Kate and Ana hugging each other in celebration. I send her a quick text of congratulations and to call me when she gets back to the penthouse. I turn the television off and close my laptop. I walk over to the window that overlooks Central Park. The Christmas lights have the park lit up, and it is beautiful. I wish Ana were here with me to see it. I start to form a plan to bring her here for Christmas.

I am roused from sleep by my cell phone buzzing on the end table. I grab it, answering without checking the caller ID. "Grey."

"Oh my God, did you see that game? It was so freaking awesome! Stanford didn't know what hit them!" Ana yells. I hold the phone away from my ear as she continues to talk about the game. "Christian?"

"I'm here, baby. I was just listening to you talk. I was able to watch the game. You guys played great. I'm sorry I wasn't there in person to watch you. I promise to make it up to you." I lean back against the couch and rest my head.

"I can't wait until you get home. I miss you so much. I don't like being away from you this long." Ditto, baby.

"The airport said the weather should be fine by in the morning for us to fly out. I should be back in Seattle after lunch. What do you have planned for tomorrow?" I rub my temple, fighting off a headache.

"I will be at the hospital finishing up my required hours. Tomorrow is my last day in labor and delivery," she says. I can picture her holding a baby in her arms, protecting it. I can't wait until she is carrying my child. I bet she will be beautiful.

"Christian? Are you okay? You are quiet." I take a deep breath.

"Yes, I am okay. I was just picturing you holding a baby in your arms and how you beautiful you will look carrying my child." I hear her gasp.

"Those babies were so precious. I would smell their hair and skin. I am almost to the penthouse. Some of the girls wanted to go out and celebrate, but I am too tired. I told them maybe another time." Thank the lord she didn't agree to go. I would stress with worry about her safety.

"I'm glad you aren't going out. You know how I worry about you when I am not there." I get up off the couch and walk back to my bedroom.

"I know. I want to celebrate when you are back in town. I want to share the excitement of it all with you." I hear the elevator ping and Prescot telling her to have a good night.

"Are you going straight to bed?" I ask her then look at the clock. It's 1:00 in the morning in New York.

"I am going to soak in the tub for a while. My muscles are a little stiff. Are you in the bed already?" she chuckles.

"I am headed there now. I was asleep when you called."

"Mmm…I wish I were with you right now. I'd love to help you undress."

"You are naughty, Ana. Do you know what happens to girls that act that way?" Let's see what she says about getting her ass spanked.

"No, Sir." My dick gets hard instantly at her tone and calling me sir.

"Yes, you do, and I look forward to spanking your ass until it turns pink. Get ready, baby. It will happen tomorrow when I get home." I strip down to my underwear, palming my dick in an attempt to relieve the ache that has developed.

"I think you should be the one that needs to get ready. I will see you tomorrow, Mr. Grey. I love you."

"Are you sassing me, Miss Steele?" I lay back on the bed and palm my dick again.

"No, Sir. I just know how bad I want you. I want to feel your hard dick drive into my wet pussy over and over again. Are you hard for me, Christian?" She whispers my name, and I take my dick out and fist it, sliding up and down the shaft.

"Yes, baby. I'm painfully hard. What I wouldn't give to have your warm, wet mouth wrap around my dick right now and suck the life out me." I hear her panting on the other end of the phone. "Are you touching yourself, Ana?" I continue to move my fist from base to tip as I picture her pink pussy waiting for me to pound into it.

"Yes. I'm thinking about you eating my pussy, and it is making me so wet. Ah, Ah. I'm almost there."

"God, baby. I bet you are a vision right now. Your skin is flush with arousal. Let me hear you. Come with me, Ana." I squeeze my dick harder as I quicken the pace up and down, tugging fiercely. I feel my balls start to tingle, and as I hear Ana moan my name, I shoot come in long spurts on my stomach.

"Phone sex does not compare to the real thing." Ana laughs, then hums in relaxation.

"I know. I hope this is the last time we will be apart from you this long. I don't like the feeling of you not in my arms. I miss you." I grab a tissue from the bedside table and clean my stomach off.

"Me, too. I will see you tomorrow. I love you, Christian." I hear water running, and regret fills me again for not being with her.

"I love you more, Ana. I'll text you when we get ready to leave the airport. The flight is about six hours long." I toss the tissue in the trash and crawl underneath the bedsheet.

"Okay. Bye, Christian."

"Bye, baby." The call ends, and I set my alarm to get up early to leave for the airport. I fall asleep dreaming of Ana pregnant and walking along the water at the new house.

Ana POV

I wake up Friday morning, still reeling from our win against Stanford. I scan the headlines on my phone, and none of the news outlets picked us to win. Surprise! I jump out of bed and take a quick shower. I will be at the hospital until lunch. I have plans for Christian and need to get the penthouse ready.

I have been researching certain things about BDSM, and I am more curious than anything. I like the idea of him spanking me. I wonder how Christian will feel about having his arms tied to a chair? We will find out tonight. I have a few stops to make before going to the hospital, so I grab a cup of coffee to go and text Belinda that I am ready to leave.

The morning goes by quickly, and I am happy to be leaving the hospital. Christian text me first thing the GEH plane was taking off at 7:00 am and scheduled to land at Sea-Tac at 1:15 pm. I text Taylor to let him know my plans for when they arrive at the penthouse. He said he would make sure the elevator is locked after they come home. He and Gail have plans of their own for the night. Good thing…I'd hate for them to hear us.

I am giddy with excitement. I make sure everything is perfect before I change into my outfit. I sit down at the breakfast bar and wait patiently for Christian to arrive home.