Chapter 20: Love in the time of celebration
AKA: Fourth of July

It was kind of accidental

My love for you

But looking back

It was no accidental at all

More coincidently

That you were everything

I had

Ever

Wanted

Sunday was our usual fanfare of sex, movies, games, food and more sex. My definition of heaven. It sucked leaving that night, as usual, but I had to work on Monday and my lady bits needed a break.

Monday night, after Kate and I had had dinner, the bell rang. I was surprised to see Christian standing on the other side of the door.

"Christian?" I asked alarmed. He looked upset. "Come on in," I added, moving out of the way.

Kate was kind enough to hide away in her bedroom after noticing his distressed.

"What's wrong?"

"I guess nothing's wrong anymore. I'm just shaken," he answered before hugging me close.

I held him. Unafraid to touch his back, I caressed him comfortably. Only when he let go of me did I guide him to the couch.

"Tell me what happened."

"The police arrested the man that sabotaged Charlie Tango," he explained.

I nodded. I knew they had managed to catch him on video, breaking into his chopper's hangar, and were looking for him.

"He was one Mr Jack Hyde."

I frowned. The name sounded familiar.

"He was your prospective employer from Seattle Independent Publishing," he continued, and I looked at him wide-eyed and horrified.

He looked nauseous as he told me about what they had found in his computer: information on all the members of the Grey family, as well as videotapes of him fucking his unwilling personal assistants. It was apparently meant as blackmail material.

"It could have been you," he added, desperation lacing his voice.

"But it wasn't, and even if he had tried anything, I would have landed him on his ass. My Dad taught me well."

"I think I'll have Taylor or Sawyer give you a revision on self-defence. And Mia too."

I barely managed not to roll my eyes.

"Whatever makes you feel better."

The truth was I wasn't feeling as good and confident as I exuded. Nobody wants to hear about how their maybe-boss could have sexually assaulted and blackmailed them. Plus, the man had been obsessed with the Greys, and had even tried to kill the love of my life!

It wasn't hard for me to coax Christian into staying the night, as neither of us fancied sleeping alone. We woke up tangled in my white sheets, cuddling in our underwear and unwilling to leave the bed.

Wednesday morning, I was eager to get up, for Christian and I had plans to have dinner together. My excitement hit the floor when I went to the bathroom to realise my bloody friend was in for its visit. I would be out of commission for five days.

No sex until Monday, pouted my inner goddess before going into hiding.

At least I only got my period every three or four months, thanks to the birth control implant.

I was rather grumpy through the day, mostly because it was my usual mood during my period. I had cramps, but so far I had been able to hold them back with painkillers.

I was practically pouting by the time the elevator's door opened at Christian's penthouse, and I'm embarassed to admit I jumped into Christian's arms the moment I saw him.

"Anastasia?" he asked alarmed. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I got my period and I need a hug," I muttered against his neck. He rubbed my back, and I guided his hands to my lumbago, where his warm hands helped to calm the pain.

He was attentive as we had dinner and allowed me to pick a movie to watch afterwards. He liked 'Ten Things I Hate About You' well enough, and we cuddled through the night.

July started on Friday, and my period cramps had worsened to the point I looked so pale and in pain by noon, my boss encouraged me to leave. Of course, my new CPO and mandatory BFF Luke Sawyer called Taylor, who called Christian, who called me as soon as I arrived home. He insisted on leaving work early and joining me, but I told him I'd get into something more comfortable and pack a few necessities—which, for the first time ever, he had nothing against—before having Sawyer drive me to Escala. Luke was a saint and waited patiently for me as I put on comfy shorts and a shirt, and shoved into a bag some cotton panties—unsexy but functional—and sanitary towels.

"Hey, Beautiful," greeted me Christian, who had been waiting for me in his foyer with a worried frown marring his pretty face.

"Hi," I said, hugging him. "I'm not sick and dying, you know," I joked with a poor smile. "I'm fine."

Nonetheless, he catered on me with his excellent bedside manner. Gail made us macaroni and cheese for lunch, and we spent the afternoon on the couch, watching TV.

I was feeling much better by Saturday evening, my period less heavy and my pain a mere memory. Yet, when Christian tried to cop a feel, I sent him packing.

"I don't mind a little blood," he had informed me, and I had scrunched my nose.

"Well, I do. Let me put it this way: I'm bleeding through my vagina, and it's a no-go zone until Monday."

His pouting was justified, as we would be spending all of Monday, the fourth of July, with his family, plus Kate's and, much to his chagrin, my dad. Even Christian wouldn't dare to touch the man's daughter with him in the house.

When Carrick and Grace had found out I was in two minds about joining them for a barbeque on Independence Day because I didn't want Dad to be alone, they had insisted to invite him over. Much to my surprise, he had agreed, although it had probably more to do with the fact that he wanted to get to know my boyfriend's family. Another first.

Thus, Sunday evening—with my period virtually over—we drove to the Grey's house. Christian's family was exuberant as always with their welcome. Mia thrust me a couple of t-shirts—all white, red and blue—and two pairs of denim shorts.

"You and Christian must wear this tomorrow. You're in charge of making sure he actually puts this on," she explained very insistently.

She made him sound like the petulant child he looked like, frowning beside me as he was. He made me and his parents smile in amusement.

Dad arrived less than half an hour after us, just a few minutes before dinner. He looked as overwhelmed as I did the first time I had met the Greys, with their hugs and enthusiasm. I was actually getting used to it, and I hoped it—they—would remain a part of my life forever.

Dinner was the kind of loud affair I was becoming accustomed to: a large conversation that englobed everyone broke down into smaller ones, with several people talking at the same time. While I told Dad everything about my new job, Grace listened intently to Mia's recount of her latest shopping trip, Ethan, Elliot and Carrick chattered about the next day's game, and Kate and Christian talked about the news from that morning's paper.

After dinner, we moved to the living room, and Carrick brought with him a small assortment of alcoholic beverages.

"What would you like, Ana?" he asked, after having served Grace and Kate.

"Oh, nothing for me, thanks. I'm never drinking with Elliot around again."

My generation laughed.

"What did you do?" asked Grace, frowning at her eldest son as if he were a misbehaving teen.

"Nothing!" he defended himself, too jumpy to look anything but guilty.

"He's just got a bad taste on drinking games," I explained.

"There's nothing wrong with 'Never Have I Ever'!" he protested.

"There is if it's being played among siblings!"

The older adults, catching on, chuckled with the rest of us.

"True!" complained Mia. "There are some things I did not need to know about you guys!"

"If I'm not mistaken, it was your idea to play Mia!" reminded her Elliot.

"Yes, but you didn't need to say half the things that you did!" she answered. "You don't know how to keep it innocent. No more drinking games."

"Aww!" whined Kate. "But we wanted to play 'Truth or Drink.'"

"I've never heard of it, but it sounds like a dreadful idea," I said.

"I agree," spoke Christian and Mia at the same time.

"What about a board game?" suggested Ethan. "Like Monopoly."

"We don't play Monopoly against Christian!" exclaimed Elliot and Mia at the same time.

I chuckled.

"Right. Poker?" tried Ethan.

"No!" I answered that time. "Christian's got a hell of a poker face."

"Maybe we can just play something without him," suggested Elliot.

Mia rolled her eyes. "What about Pictionary? None of us are stellar artists."

"What about Sexyonary?" counter-purposed Elliot, making Mia, Ethan, Christian and I moan in consternation.

"Where were you planning on getting the game, anyway?" I asked.

Elliot looked at Carrick, excitedly and questioningly.

He sighed. "Knock yourselves out. Ray, Grace, why don't we move this to the kitchen and let the youngsters play?"

"Actually, I'd like to go to bed myself, if you don't mind," said my dad. "It's been a long day."

Embarrassed by the talk that had taken place in front of him, I kissed my Dad goodnight.

While the older adults went upstairs, Elliot disappeared to get the board game.

"Something I didn't need to know about my parents," muttered Mia, staring at Grace's and Carrick's Sexyonary.

The next hour was brutal. We decided to play by couples, which led to quite a bit of oversharing from Elliot and Kate.

Mia and Ethan could hold their own, which got them a few glares from the Grey men. Mia happily reminded them it had been Elliot's idea and she wasn't ten anymore.

"She's our age, remember?" either Kate or I had to point out a few times.

Luckily for Mia—and much to Ethan's consternation—Kate and Elliot had a better time guessing than the other two. After I had a couple of glasses of limoncello on me, though, Christian and I kicked everyone's asses. I was all for playing that game again, so long as I was in the same team as 'my other half.'

And drunk, of course. It was the only way in which I could say 'nipple' out loud.

By midnight, we decided to call it a night, as the next day would be a tiring one. While Mia didn't dare invite Ethan to her room, Elliot and Christian had no such qualms. Of course, my boyfriend and I only cuddled, what with my dad sleeping in one of the guest rooms.

Monday morning, Christian was resilient when it came to getting dressed in the clothes Mia had provided. I personally thought she had done a pretty good choice. Christian's t-shirt was rather plain, mainly white, with the drawing of a blue, white and red eagle in the middle, and the phrase 'Made in the USA' underneath.

I truly loved my top, which was sleeveless and with a vintage design of the US flag. It was simple and patriotic, perfect for me and the holiday. Plus, it was comfortable, much like the denim shorts I couldn't believe Mia was gifting me. Being friends with rich people was weird.

Downstairs, Dad, Carrick and Grace—all dressed the part—were already having breakfast, while the rest was still asleep. It was, after all, only eight a.m. on a holiday. It was nerve-wracking to walk hand in hand with my boyfriend into the dining room in which my Dad was sitting, even if Christian and I had only cuddled the night before. Still, my dating history was short at best and I hadn't gone through this uncomfortable stage in my teen years.

"What are you doing up so early?" asked us Ray.

"You know I've always been an early bird, and Christian is ten times worse."

"He still doesn't sleep in on weekends?" asked me Grace.

"I do on Sundays!" complained Christian.

"Eight isn't sleeping in, handsome," I reminded him before turning to look at Grace, "and we usually are up early on Saturdays to go for a run."

"I still can't believe you go running," shook his head Ray.

"It's jogging, really. And I trip a lot, but Christian's got good at catching me. Ohh, let me show you a picture of him last weekend!"

I reached for my cell-phone, intending to show Grace the pic of her son in the 'I'm a leader, not a follower; unless It's a dark place. Then you're going first' hoodie, and Christian rolled his eyes.

"You just rolled your eyes, Mr Grey," I muttered as I scrolled, looking for the photo.

"I'm sorry," he whispered back, "that was terribly rude of me."

I looked at him, thinking, 'You deserve to be spanked, Mr Grey.'

I swear he looked back as if saying, 'I'd love to see you try.'

We beamed at each other with humour.

We probably looked like a couple of lovesick puppies.

Grace fawned over Christian's hilarious pic as if he were a cute child, and my man looked as if he was trying his hardest not to roll his eyes again. Soon enough, we were joined by Mia—looking gorgeous in a blue white-stared high-low skirt and red and white striped top—who found the hoodie hilarious too.

The next ones to show up were Grace's parents, Mr and Mrs Trevelyan. Between nine and nine-thirty, Ethan, Kate and Elliot walked downstairs, all dressed in Mia's gifts.

Before eleven, Ros, Gwen, and Mr and Mrs Kavanagh joined us. The last couple was looking forward to meeting Elliot's family, and the former had no family in Seattle.

By then, we had already moved to the backyard and congregated around a few tables with poker cards, dices and Risk. Christian, Ros and Kate were particularly brutal and talented in any game they played, but I managed to rope Dad into teaming up with me in Risk, and the ex-Army and I kicked everyone's butt.

Carrick took over the Barbeque, and Grace took his 'Kiss the Cook' apron very seriously anytime she could. I thought they looked very cute and could only hope to still act like that so many years into my own marriage. After all, my parents hadn't been the best model of a happy matrimony.

Lunch was delicious, and the afternoon was spent drinking, chatting and playing. Kate got her wish to play 'Truth or Drink' with Elliot, Ros and Gwen, while the rest of us found something less traumatising to do.

I truly enjoyed spending time with Christian surrounded by family and friends. Now more secure of our relationship, I could see he was more laid back than during our first dinner here. He was truly coming out of his shell and accepting he was lovable and pleasant to be around. Seeing him laughing with Ros and Mia, I asked myself how I could have ever thought I wouldn't fall for this man. I had a hard time remembering the Ana from two months ago, in her last night fucking Christian in Vancouver's club, fighting about not wanting to spend time with him out of the playroom.

Three months ago, I hadn't even met him, and now he was my world! Part of me wondered if we were moving too fast, but the romantic in me, surrounded by mushy books, thought that when you know, you know.

"Beautiful?" interrupted my musings Christian. "You look miles away."

I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"I was just thinking about how three months ago we didn't know each other, and now look at us… We've grown a lot."

Christian snorted. "Two months ago, we fought whenever we tried to talk."

I smiled with fondness, remembering that time I had been laying on my stomach in the club's bed, blindfolded and supporting my weight on my forearms as I screamed at him about his damn TPA contract.

"It was like trying to get blood out of a stone, trying to make you understand," I whispered.

"It was like trying to get blood out of a stone, trying to make you listen to me," he counter-argued.

I beamed, and he gifted me a crooked smile.

"I guess we were meant to be."

He kissed my nose and held me tight.

And to think two months ago I used to believe I'd never fall in love, and yet it turned out I had already found the man I had ever wanted.

"Aren't they cute?" I head Grace whisper after a few minutes.

"We can hear you, Mother," muttered Christian and I giggled.

We broke apart to catch Grace pointing at us with a camera, unrepentant.

We had salmon for dinner, and then Ethan—our firework technician, according to his t-shirt—did give us a good firework show, although it was topped by a few neighbours. All in all, the sky was turned into a beautiful canvas, full of lights and colours. I stood with Christian standing flush behind me with his arms around me and enjoyed the spectacle.

Once we were back inside, Mr and Mrs Trevelyan, and Mr and Mrs Kavanagh made their leave. The rest of us would be spending the night.

Mia turned on a game console and got the Karaoke ready. Drunken ballades, pop tunes and rock songs were either destroyed or glorified. I convinced them they would rather not hear me sing and managed to stay out of it, but Christian was roped into singing many times. After a fantastic redemption of Your Love Is King, I wanted nothing more than to drag him to bed and have my way with him. Forget the parents!

"I'm knackered," I said, standing up and stretching. Kate gave me a knowing look, but I ignored her. "It's been a long day, and I need to be up early tomorrow."

"Indeed," muttered Christian, probably tired of all the festivities and socialization. "Goodnight, everyone. We'll see you in the morning."

Once we were out of sight, I practically dragged my boyfriend up the stairs.

"Baby?" he asked after I shoved his door closed.

"I need you," I muttered, reaching for the bottom of his t-shirt.

He held my wrists.

"Your dad's downstairs."

"So are your parents," I pointed out, "and that has never stopped us before."

After freeing my hands, I removed my clothes, knowing he wouldn't be able to resist me if I was naked.

"It's been a long week, handsome. I need you. Don't make me fly solo."

"You know that's something I don't mind watching," he said, eyes dark. He stalked me towards the bed, and I lay on top of it readily.

"I'd rather you touch me."

"Come on, baby. I want to see you pleasure yourself. Show me what you do when we talk on the phone at night."

I blushed and bit my lip, thinking. Deciding to comply this once, I closed my eyes. Seeing him watch me was unnerving.

Still tense, I kneaded my left breast with one hand. The other one travelled further south as I felt Christian kneel between my spread legs. I played with my clit and entrance in turn, relaxing rapidly. As I let go, the intimidating feeling of Christian's eyes on my body became arousing.

"I need… more," I breathed out as I guided my fingers back to my clit.

My now empty entrance was suddenly filled with two of Christian's longer thicker fingers, making me gasp.

"Like this, baby?"

"Yes!" I hissed.

I opened my eyes and with my left hand, which had been in my breast, I reached out to grab Christian's head and guided his mouth to my nipple. As I held him there, caressing his hair, his free hand reached out to play with my abandoned breast. And so, we both worked together to bring me to a spectacular orgasm.

As I came down from my high, Christian shredded his clothes and entered me with desperation. It wasn't long before we were both coming together, moaning each other's name. I hoped we managed to keep it low.

No untoward comments were made the next morning, and I opted to believe it was because everyone was none the wiser, and not for my dad's sake. Not even Elliot and Ros said anything lewd—which I had found out was both their styles—although it had probably more to do with the large intake of alcohol and the lack of sleep from the night before. They looked like hell.

After having had breakfast, Ros—who was going to drive with Taylor and Christian to the office—stood up and said to my boyfriend, "Alright, I'm done. Let's go, hot stuff."

Christian glared at his number two. "I can still fire you, Ros."

"Sure thing. Come on."

Christian shook his head in exasperation before kissing me goodbye and bidding everyone else farewell.

"Doesn't it bother you?" asked Dad after Gwen, Ros and Christian had left. I looked at him questioningly. "Her flirting with him," he explained.

"Ros isn't interested in Christian or men in general, Dad. The way I see it, there's a very short list of women that dare to pester Christian, and I'm in it. That, I don't mind sharing. Quite the opposite, actually. It's fun seeing Christian be teased a bit. Otherwise, he forgets he's more than a CEO. I miss the days when I made his eye twitch because I fought him at every turn."

That Friday night, Kate and I were picked by Sawyer, who drove us to one of Christian's up and running restaurants: The Mile High Club. My boyfriend, Elliot, Mia and Ethan were already waiting in the foyer of Columbia Tower when we arrived. Hellos, hugs and kisses were exchanged before we climbed into the elevator.

The Mile High Club was placed on the seventy-sixth floor of the building, higher even than Christian's apartment. The modern restaurant had an amazing view of Seattle, comparable only to the sight from a chopper. It was awe-inspiring.

We were quickly led to a round table large enough for eight, and Christian ordered us some wine. The attention was outstanding, and not only because we were with the owner. The food, too, was otherworldly.

Whenever he could, Christian placed his hand on my thigh, a little bit too high for our current company and location. At least he never tried to slide his hand under the short A-line skirt of my black dress—the same one I had worn a couple of months before, on the night I had got drunk in Portland—. Elliot and Kate knew how to behave in public and were forced to converse about innocent subjects. We talked about recent news, Mia's prospective jobs and an interview Kate had conducted during the week. All in all, we had a great time and agreed we needed to make triple dates a habit.

Somehow, we got roped into going to a club after that.

Christian and I danced until my feet hurt, enjoying being carefree and young. We had nothing to worry about, and none of our jobs were being particularly stressful at the moment. Our relationship was new but flourishing, we got along better every day, and we were more comfortable in our own skins than ever.

That night, we were young and happy, enjoying the warm summer with family and friends.

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters.

This chapter was named after 'Love in the Time of Cholera,' a novel by Gabriel García Márquez (that I never read).

I'm not from USA, so if I made any mistake regarding the 4th of July, do let me know!

Remember to check out my Pinterest!

Recommendation of the week: another Pride and Prejudice variation by Abigail Rainolds: From Lambton to Longbourn.