Chapter 3
Ana POV
When I get to the stop sign on the outskirts of Belleview, I reach for my phone and text Courtney.
I need a night out on the town. Meet at my place in 30.
I toss my phone onto the passenger seat and hope like hell Courtney doesn't have plans for tonight. I remember her saying she was going to stay home but things change at the blink of an eye with her.
After I pull into my garage, I check my phone for her response. I also see numerous missed calls, voice mails, and text messages from my dad. I ignore them and see a reply from Courtney.
How about 45 minutes? And what kind of outfit is needed?
Helllooooo? Ana? I guess you are driving. Party dress it is. See ya soon GF
I reply with a smiley face and turn my car off, then close the garage door. I delete the voice mails from dad and decide not to open his text messages yet. I am determined to have a good time tonight, and deal with the fallout tomorrow.
I am refreshing my hair and make-up when I hear the front door open. "Anaaaaaa, where are youuuuu?" Courtney yells in a sing song voice.
"I'm in my room getting freshened up," I call back to her. I hear her heels clicking on the floor as she approaches my room.
"I like what you've done with the place," she says, looking around my bedroom.
"Thanks, but there is still a lot that needs to be done." I look at her dress and smile. "You look hot in that dress."
"Well, I got your text and figured things must have gone south with folks." I roll my eyes.
"You have no idea. I will need a few drinks in me before we start that conversation. Have you eaten anything yet?" I finish my hair and turn to face her.
"Not yet. What do you have in mind?"
"How does this look?" I turn in a circle and hear her whistle.
"Like someone that wants to get into some trouble tonight!" She joins me and we face the mirror.
"I just want to let loose and have some fun. I was thinking we could try the new club in town. I've heard they have a live band on Saturday nights, or we can go dancing."
"We can do a little of both. I think I know what place you are talking about. They serve food there too. Let's get out of here. I will drive."
We park outside of the place, and it doesn't look crowded. We walk inside and I look around. I haven't been here before and it's actually very nice. Some of the bars I've been to look outdated, but this place looks new. "How long has this been open?" I ask.
"I think it's been here for a few years." She points at a table near the bar, and we walk arm in arm to it.
"I thought they were supposed to have a band tonight?" I ask after sitting down in a comfy chair. A waitress approaches our table and offers us a menu.
"Can I start you ladies off with something to drink from the bar?" The waitress is dressed in skintight black jeans and a white t-shirt with The Nest in bold black letters written across the chest.
"I'll take a whiskey, neat," I tell her while looking over the food options.
"Damn, Ana! Going for the hard stuff already?" Courtney asks, and I shrug. "I'll have what she's having for a start," Courtney tells the waitress. She nods her head and leaves our table.
"Care to tell me what happened with your dad?" Courtney asks as the waitress comes back and delivers our drinks. We order some nachos, and I stare at my drink while I gather my thoughts. Courtney puts her hand on my arm and my eyes tear up.
"Dad said some things that really hurt me. The worst part about it is he doesn't care that I love my job. He wants me under his thumb all the time. That is why he wants to set me up with one of his proteges. He says it's because he wants me to be with someone that is financially stable, but he wants me to be just like my mother - arm candy at all his work functions."
I try to catch the tear before it falls but it floats down my cheek. Many more join it while the memory of dad's harsh words play over in my mind.
"Were there any hot guys there?" Courtney asks, and I chuckle.
"Actually," I say, while remembering Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome. "There was this one guy that looked super-hot in a suit. He had dark, messy hair, and from what I could see, filled his suit out nicely." I take a healthy sip of my drink and make eye contact with Courtney.
"Is this guy the one night, all night sex marathon type or the husband with kids and white picketed fence type?" She grins and I mirror her expression.
"For right now, I'd say the all-night sex marathon type. He may be husband material if his mommy will loosen the chains a bit."
"Oh, so one of those types?" Courtney laughs.
"Possibly, but I am not sure yet. I didn't get the chance to speak to him. He does have a brother, though." Courtney nods her head and calls the waitress over, asking for two shots of tequila and another round of whiskey.
"For the rest of the night, we will not discuss your father. Tonight, is about having a good time and letting loose." We clink glasses and finish off our drinks as the waitress sets our appetizer on the table.
"Hello, everyone and welcome to The Nest. We were supposed to have a live band play for us tonight but due to an unfortunate event, they will not be here tonight. We have managed to secure a DJ for the evening, but he will not be arriving for a little while. To pass the time, we will be doing some karaoke." There is a combination of groans and cheers in the room as the guy continues to talk.
"There is a sign-up sheet next to the stage so if any of you are brave enough to share your talent with the rest of us, come on up. Enjoy the evening and thank you for coming out." A few people make their way to the stage, and I ponder my options.
"You aren't considering this are you?" Courtney asks incredulously.
"I have never sung in public but how hard can it be? I stand in front of a room full of kids daily. Besides, tonight is about cutting loose, right?" I shrug and get up from my seat and walk to the stage. I wait a few moments while the guy in front of me adds his name to the list.
I look over the list of songs and find the one I want. After filling in my name and song choice, I walk back to the table.
"Well, what are you going to sing?" Courtney asks, eyeing me over her drink.
"It's a surprise." I reach for the tequila shot, downing it after I lick the salt from my hand. I forgo the lime because for once the drink goes down smoothly.
"I'm ready to order some real food. Do you know what you want?" I ask, looking for the waitress. She sees me and nods when I hold up the menu, letting her know we are ready to order
"I sure hope some good-looking guys show up here tonight. So far, it's slim pickings." Courtney doesn't party much but when she goes out, she likes to maximize her enjoyment.
"If not, we can always go somewhere else."
The lights throughout the restaurant are turned down, except for the lights at the stage. The karaoke is underway, and Courtney and I have shared a few laughs at how drunk people think they can sing well.
"Some of these people are horrible!" Courtney says in a tipsy loud whisper.
"You know what they say about alcohol lowering inhibitions and giving the invincible feeling. Maybe that's why so many drunk people get into fights and try to sing. I'll bet half of them won't remember anything tomorrow morning."
"If we keep knocking back these mixed drinks, we will be right there with them." I giggle at her comment, and I hear my name being called to take the stage.
"Taking the stage now is the lovely Ana." I take the mic from the guy's outstretched arm and place it back into its stand. I don't think I have the coordination to walk around the stage, sing and hold the mic at the same time.
I look out at the restaurant patrons, and I feel like I made a mistake. I may be a schoolteacher, but I have never sung in public before. I was hoping a few drinks would loosen me up, but it's making me sick. For a split second a think about leaving the stage but I don't want Courtney to be embarrassed.
The music starts and I bring the mic to my mouth and decide to go for it. If I totally blow it, I will drink for the rest of the night to help forget. It's only one song, right?
Let's go girls
I'm going out tonight, I'm feelin' alright
Gonna let it all hang out
Wanna make some noise, really raise my voice
Yeah, I wanna scream and shout
No inhibitions, make no conditions
Get a little outta line
I ain't gonna act politically correct
I only wanna have a good time
The best thing about bein' a woman
Is the prerogative to have a little fun and
Oh, oh, oh go totally crazy forget I'm a lady
Men's shirts, short skirts
Oh, oh, oh, really go wild-yeah doin' it in style
Oh, oh, oh, get in the action, feel the attraction
Color my hair, do what I dare
Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free yeah
Feel the way I feel
Man, I feel like a woman
The more I sing, the freer I feel. I won't let the circumstances of the dinner party bring me down tonight. I will deal with the repercussions tomorrow.
The ladies in the audience sing along with me as I finish the song, and l leave the stage with a smile on my face.
"Wow, Ana. I never knew you had it in you." I smirk at Courtney as I sit back down at our table.
"Well, don't worry because you won't have to see me do it again. I almost threw up before the song even started." I take a few drinks of water feeling a little more relaxed.
"Do you want to stick around or find a place to go and dance off the alcohol?" Courtney pulls out her phone and looks for a different club.
"I think the show will only go on a little while longer. It appears like the DJ is setting up now." I jerk my chin in the direction of the stage and Courtney nods in agreement.
"Okay. Have you spotted any perspective companions for tonight?" I get ready to shake my head no but see two guys I recognize over her shoulder.
"Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome is here, along with his brother." I try not to stare but lord that man is hot.
"How do you know?" Courtney's eyes widen.
"Because they are walking to our table." I watch as Christian walks toward us with enough confidence for every guy in this place. No wonder he has women fighting for his attention. He is fucking gorgeous.
"Hello, ladies. We couldn't help but notice you were sitting alone. Do you mind if we buy you a few drinks and join you?" Christian asks and I look at Courtney.
"Sure, that would be great," she answers and looks at Elliott has he sits down next to her. He is wearing a wedding band and I am sure I will never hear the end of it from Courtney.
"So, what brings you guys out tonight?" I ask, hoping they aren't meeting anyone else.
"Our earlier plans didn't work out, so we decided to check this place out, and right now I'm glad we did." Christian smiles and I feel the tingle down below get stronger. A pinch on my leg has me looking at Courtney. Her eyes are blazing mad, and I feel bad because she is left to conversate with Elliott.
"So, Elliott. Are you waiting for your wife to meet you?" I ask then take a sip of my drink as his eyes widen with surprise.
"Um, not exactly," he stammers.
"What do you mean?" I'm pretty sure I heard his mother mention the word divorce more than once at the dinner party. We will see if he comes clean about it.
"You mean the one that-," Christian starts to speak but Elliott interrupts him.
"No need to ruin the night for these lovely ladies by mentioning her. Let's have a few drinks, shall we?" Elliott flags down our waitress and buys us a round.
"Have we met before?" Christian asks me and I debate on telling him the truth.
"I don't know, you seem familiar. What is your name?"
He reaches his hand across the table, and I place my hand in it. "Christian Grey, and this is my brother Elliott." I smile at them both and feel a shiver run down my spine when our hands touch.
"I'm Ana and this is Courtney." Christian never takes his eyes off mine while I make introductions.
"Nice to meet you both," Courtney says, and it brings me out of my stare session.
We make small talk for a few minutes while the DJ completes the stage set up. I am ready to hit the dance floor to burn off the alcohol and nervous energy that Christian has created inside me.
Once the music starts, I grab Courtney's hand and lead her to the floor. I am sure Christian, and Elliott will join us soon enough, but I need to see if Courtney is pissed at me.
"I hope you aren't mad at me," I whisper yell into her ear.
"Why would I be mad. I was hoping to get some dick tonight, but I don't think Elliott is on the market right now. Don't get me wrong, though. If he was single, I would be laying on the bed with my legs spread begging him to take me." I laugh at her comment, and we start to move to the music.
"Seriously, Ana. I am not mad at you. I think Elliott is a nice guy and maybe somewhere down the road we can explore a few things. But not right now. He's still battling feelings and who knows if they will get back together." I nod my head in agreement.
"You are right. But that doesn't mean I won't entertain the idea of wrapping my legs around Christian for the night." I giggle and move to the music.
The music gets louder, and the dance floor gets packed with people. Courtney and I move in time with the beat, and I feel a warm body press into me from behind. Judging by the look on Courtney's face, the brothers have made their way to the dance floor.
"Can we join you?" Christian says in my ear and his warm breath travels along my cheek, sending a seductive message to my sex. I nod my head and I feel his hands firmly grip my hips. He pulls my back to his front, and we move in time with the music.
I close my eyes and lean my head back on Christian's chest. I just met the man tonight, but we share an insane connection. Is it my imagination? I wonder if one night will be enough for me to get my fill.
I wake up wrapped in silky soft sheets and a mattress so comfortable it's like sleeping on a cloud. I hold my breath when I realize I am not in my own bed. What the hell did I do last night?
I keep my eyes closed in case my bedmate is awake. I try to assess my body and its current state. I am wearing a t-shirt and boxer shorts, and I am not sure what happened to my bra and panties. They were torn from my body just before Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome fucked me against his bedroom door.
I gasp as the memories from last night come flooding back. Christian Grey. The drinking. The dancing. The sex. My drunk mind can't remember with how many times we had sex last night but the ache between my thighs tells me it was a lot.
I slowly open my eyes and stare at the sex god lying next to me. He is on his back with one arm above his head. The bed sheet is low on his hips, revealing his toned upper body and a small amount of hair around his belly button that leads to his impressive manhood.
With some reluctance, I slowly slide out of bed and search for my clothes. I want to get out of here before he wakes up. I haven't had many one-night stands, but I'd rather not experience the morning after exchange.Awkward.
I find my clothes in pile near my shoes and I realize the dress I wore last night is ripped at well. I see Christian's dress shirt on the floor and decide it will have to do. I put it on over the t-shirt and grab my phone to order a cab. Thankfully, it's a few minutes away.
With my clothes and shoes in one hand, I reach for the door handle with the other and look back over my shoulder at the man I am leaving behind. I sigh, and quietly leave his room.
I start to walk down the stairs and hear a man's voice in the kitchen. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, I continue down the stairs through the living room to the front door. I open the door to make my escape when the sight of blonde-haired woman with a kid greets me. Shit!
"Who are you?" The woman tersely asks, and I remain silent.
"Miss Steele?" I stare at the boy and realize he attends the school I teach at. Fuck!
"Kate? What are you doing here?" Elliott's voice barks from behind me and I slip past the woman out the door. As I get into the cab, I can hear their heated discussion on why I was there and how I was dressed.
As the cab drives away, I check my phone for any messages. I see one from Courtney.
You better call me when you get home!
I text her back letting her know I am on the way home and will call her soon. I lean my head back against the seat and close my eyes. Time to face the music.
Christian POV
I am jolted awake by the sound of slamming doors and raised voices. I reach to my side reaching for Ana but feel cold bed sheets instead. My eyes spring open and I look around, hoping to find the sex goddess somewhere in my room. When I don't see her belongings on the floor, I sigh and get out of bed.
I can't understand why I would want Ana to stay longer. Every other one night stand I have practically thrown out the next morning. I shake off my thoughts and reach for lounge pants and a t-shirt. I don't see my dress shirt from last night. Hmm…Maybe she had to wear it home. I do remember ripping her clothes off after we got back here. I chuckle to myself and open the door to my room.
I hear Kate's screeching voice and I hope she's gone by the time I make it downstairs. Much to my disgust, she's still standing in my living room giving Elliott an ear full.
"What the hell was that woman doing here, Elliott?" She looks at me and I shrug.
"That doesn't concern you, Kate. This isn't your house." I smile at my brother's tone and silently cheer him on. I don't think too much of his soon to be ex-wife.
"As long as my son comes here, it is my business. She was half-dressed!" Kate says dramatically.
I roll my eyes and walk into the kitchen in search of coffee. Gail is standing at the stove muttering under her breath.
"Are you okay Gail?" I fill my cup and sit down at the kitchen table.
"Everything is fine, Mr. Grey. I really shouldn't comment on things that don't concern me." She has me intrigued, so I ask her to elaborate.
"How can your brother let that woman talk to him that way? I've never like her that much but tried to tolerate her because of your brother. Ever since your friend left, she has been yelling at Elliot how inappropriate it is while her son is here." She takes a deep breath and softens her tone.
"I have worked for you for a few years now and I'm used to having woman in and out of here like a revolving door. Are you going to change your ways since there will be a young, impressionable boy staying here?" Gail stands before me with her arms crossed over her chest, he eyes focused on me like laser beams.
"No." And it's the truth. I have no plans on changing my life just to suit my brother and nephew. "This is my house, and I will do as I please." I hear the front door slam and Elliott walks into the kitchen.
"Thanks for the help out there." Elliott slumps in the chair and I cock my head to the side.
"What difference would it have made if I would have said something?"
"Kate thinks I spent the night with that woman, and now she's saying I committed adultery. She is going to her lawyer and seek damages." I scoff.
"Elliott, grow some balls and stand up to Kate. So, what if she goes to her attorney. Don't you have evidence she's been having an affair? Use it for leverage to get what you want." His expression changes from looking like he lost his dog to Dr. Evil.
"You know, you are right. But we are getting off track. I understand you live the bachelor life, but please keep Elijah in mind and what he may or may not see when you have a sleep over."
"Fine," I grumble and see a flash of brown hair moving around on my back deck. I groan as the side door opens and Leila walks into the kitchen.
"Good morning, Christian," she says in a perky voice. I can't deal with her this morning, so I stand up from the table.
"We can discuss this later, Elliott." I top off my coffee and turn to leave the room
"Where are you going? Your shenanigans from last night catching up with you? I feel sorry that your heart has become so small, that you've lost the capacity to connect with another human being on any level than the inebriated exchange of bodily fluids." Elliott mumbles, staring at his coffee cup.
I stare at my brother and try to process the words that just came out of his mouth. "Leave it to you to take a beautiful thing like drunken sex and make it sound dirty." I leave the room and hear footsteps follow.
"Would you like some company, Christian?" Leila asks in a sweet voice.
"Not from you. Now, do me a favor and leave my house." Her face falls and I point to the door that leads to the deck.
"Wow, your guest from last night must not have pleased you enough if you are this cranky first thing in the morning." Leila says in low voice.
"How do you…never mind," I say and walk back upstairs. The memory of one of the best nights of my life has turned to shit thanks to my psycho neighbor and dumb ass brother.
I lay in my bed hoping to get a nap but a slide show of last night plays through my mind.
Ana's body pressed up against mine as we dance together.
The feel of her soft skin beneath my touch.
Her sighs and moans as I bury myself inside of her.
My dick hardens with anticipation. If she would have stayed longer this morning, I would be driving into her right now from behind as she screams for more. Damn. I give up on trying to take a nap and decide on a shower. Might as well rub one out while I'm in there.
After a warm, stress relieving shower, I go back downstairs, hoping Leila has left. I had sex with her once and now she thinks we're in love.
"Hi, Uncle Christian," Elijah greets me as I come into the kitchen.
"Hey kid, how's it going?" I pat his shoulder as I walk by him.
"Alright, I guess. Why don't you have any children?" His question catches me off guard and I try to avoid answering it. I grab some chicken salad from the refrigerator and start to make a sandwich.
"Why must you be so crass with Leila?" Elliot asks. I guess he snuck in the kitchen behind me.
"Once you learn how truly crazy, she is, you will act the same way toward her. She is the way she is now because I was nice to her."
"You need to find you a nice woman to settle down with." I choke on his words.
"Where the hell did that come from? I have no plans of settling down. I like my life just the way it is." Elliot smirks at me and I don't like the direction of our conversation. First Elijah asked why I don't have kids. Now Elliot wants me to get married.
"The way you were talking to Ana last night in the car on the way home, I thought you two would fly to Vegas today."
"That was just the alcohol talking." I hope. "How did things turn out between you and her friend?"
"Courtney is nice. I tried not to bore her with my problems. She was kind enough to drive us home. She was concerned about Ana, but I told her she had nothing to worry about."
"I don't remember much of the conversation from the ride home. What do they do for a living?"
"They are teachers at my school. They both teach the third grade," Elijah says with a mouthful of cereal.
"Don't talk with food in your mouth," Elliot chastises Elijah and I roll my eyes.
"Are you and Ana going to see each other again?" I shrug at Elliot's question.
"I don't know. That's not my usual M.O." I secretly wish I can see the goddess again. Her moves on the dancefloor and in my bed have me craving her touch.
"I think she would be a great fit for you. You should give her a call and maybe go to dinner or something." I curl my lip in disgust.
"I don't do the dating thing, Elliot. If mom calls, I am not here." I get up from the table and start to walk out to the back deck.
"Look, Christian. I don't want to get into your personal life, but you have a lot to offer in a relationship. You are nice, successful, and good looking. Just don't sell yourself short." I roll my eyes at his comment and leave the kitchen.
I take a seat on one of the loungers and take advantage of the unusual sunny Seattle weather. As I am soaking up the sunshine, my thoughts drift to Ana. I thoroughly enjoyed myself last night. The dancing and conversation were great, and the sex was out of this world. I wonder if she would be up to getting together again. I reach for my phone and search for her phone number. I don't see her name on my contact list, realizing I never got her number. Fuck.
I remember part of the conversation last night between Ana and Courtney – Ana's dad is being a total ass and said some hurtful things to her. His reaction to her leaving the dinner party early and upset confirms that, I guess. Maybe I will need to visit my nephew's school and talk to the enchanting Miss Steele.
My brother's comment about relationships come back to me. I have never been in a serious relationship and have no idea what that consists of. I only know how to do one and done. I shake off the thought and lean my head back on the lounger. Enough of the relationship thoughts – that is not me.
A/N
I apologize for the delay in posting an update. The cliff notes version of the delay is we have moved, we are doing renovations to our house, and I am working fully remote. I have been trying to set aside time to write but the other stuff is taking up a lot of my time. I promise this story will not be abandoned (that really annoys me about other stories LOL). I want the quality of the story to be good and not rushed.
The song Ana sings is Man, I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain
Until next time, Cheers!
Sherry