Chpt. 52 APOV:

"Ana, can I see you for a moment?" Mary asks as I enter the publication department at the hospital.

"Of course, Mary," I walk into her office shutting the door behind me.

"We have a new writer that will be starting with us next week, Jack Hyde. He worked for a large magazine in New York before moving to Seattle a few months ago. He doesn't have any experience in the healthcare industry but I think he has potential. I'm going to ask that you review his work before they are sent to me for consideration; I know this is a big step for you but I know you have the ability. You are always very thorough in all your reviews often catching things that even some of my long term editors have missed," she explains.

"Of course, I would be happy to help anyway I can," I say with gratitude.

"It may require some flexibility in your hours based upon when materials will be due as I will need you to review them prior to the submission date," she warns.

"That's fine, my schedule is very flexible," I assure her.

"Oh, before I forget, the change in schedule for next week is fine," she says as I leave the office.

"Great, I will be in Monday through Wednesday for longer days and won't be in on Thursday and Friday," I reiterate my original request.

"That's fine, I will introduce you to Jack one day next week after he gets settled," she says. "Thank you for helping us Ana."

"It's not a problem," I leave her office heading to my desk to start my next project.

Christian still won't tell me where we are going this weekend but that we will be leaving Wednesday evening and will return Sunday afternoon. I have no idea what to pack which is driving me crazy; I know Christian is used to Gail packing everything for him but I don't know that I can ever get used to having someone pack my clothes for me. Honestly, having staff that cook, clean and drive me everywhere is something I don't know that I will ever get used to. Luke, I understand, I need him for security so it easily makes sense for me; even with Elena behind bars Christian doesn't want to take the chance of having me without security. The media sensation has died down, but of course it's always possible that some reporter will try to get too close to me for information on Christian. I can't understand why the media is so obsessed with him; I mean yes he has a lot of money but there are other people in the world with more money yet they are almost obsessed with Christian. He says it all started because he was so young when he made his first million with GEH and snowballed from there once they learned that he was rich and single. There have been a few articles written about me and who I was before I married Christian but thankfully other than one or two papers reporting that I lived in questionable neighborhoods not much has come out about my past. I'm reassured that there was never anything reported about what happened when I was a child. If I had been taken to the hospital for all those injuries I'm sure some reporter would get their hands on the pictures or hospital reports and they would be all over the front page within minutes.

Christian ends up working late nights most of the rest of the week and then spends the entire weekend at the office, saying he has a lot to prepare before we leave next week. I've tried explaining to him that our trip can wait if he needs to stay at the office, but he insists that we take this trip now saying he feels guilty that we aren't taking an actual honeymoon. As hard as I try to make him understand that it's not important to me, I know he still feels guilty. If it were up to him, I'm sure we would fly somewhere for a few weeks and screw any consequences that would happen with my job. I know Mary likes me, but I haven't been there long enough for me to feel comfortable to just go in and ask for a few weeks off. We've talked and I think Christian is finally agreeable to wait at least six months before planning a larger trip; I'd rather wait a year but we finally comprised at six months.

"Ana," Mary calls me over as I'm about to leave for the day on Wednesday. "I'd like you to meet Jack Hyde the newest addition to our publication department. Jack, this is Ana Grey the editing assistant I told you about earlier."

"It's nice to meet you," I shake his hand.

"The pleasure is all mine," he says while looking me up and down with a smile.

"Ana is away for the next two days but starting next week you two will be working closely on several items that we hope to have published by the end of the month. Ana is very detailed oriented and I'm sure you will find her feedback helpful for future assignments," Mary says.

"I'm sure she will be very helpful," Jack says.

"If you will excuse me I need to be going now," I reply.

"Have a wonderful trip Ana," Mary smiles.

"Thank you, have a nice weekend," I reply.

As Luke and I drive back to Escala, I can't help but cringe at the way Jack looked at me when Mary introduced us. For the first time I'm truly glad this is only a part time job, at least I won't have to work with him for more than a few hours each day. I don't know what it is about him, but he gives me the creeps. I'm probably just reading too much into the way he looked at me; maybe next time will be different and I won't feel so uncomfortable around him.

"Are you ready to go?" Christian greets me as I get out of the car.

"At least give me a chance to change into something more comfortable," I giggle at his eagerness.

"You can change when we get there, come on," Christian takes my hand and leads me to one of the other SUVs.

"What's the hurry?" I ask.

"I want to get there before it gets dark," he explains.

"Get where?" I smile.

"Nice try," he smirks. "You'll see."

"Wait, no Taylor?" I ask as we both get in the front seat of the SUV.

"He will be following us there to insure we arrive safely, but then he will get a hotel in a nearby area for the weekend. It's just you and me this weekend," he smiles.

"Are you sure?" I ask surprised.

"My father has confirmed that Elena was denied bail as the judge deemed her a flight risk," he laughs. "We have received no threats at GEH or at Escala lately, Taylor will be about 20 minutes away should Welsh detect a security threat."

"Wow, I don't remember the last time it was just you and me, outside of the apartment anyway," I sigh.

"I've been looking forward to some down time with you for a while now; to not have to worry about security or constantly be looking over our shoulder," he says as we pull out of the parking garage. "Hopefully with Elena gone we can take more trips like this and not have to worry as much about security. Of course security will always be something we need to deal with-"

"I get it Christian," I interrupt. "I don't mind having Taylor and Sawyer around and trust me I understand the reason why they are there especially given everything that has happened. It's nice to get away like this when we can but I know just because Elena is in prison doesn't mean that Luke and Sawyer will disappear."

"I wish is didn't have to be like this," he sighs.

"If this is the price I pay to be married to you, it's one that I'm all too happy to pay. I've become very comfortable with both Sawyer and Taylor; I don't mind them honestly," I assure him.

We drive for a couple hours, leaving the busy Seattle streets behind us and soon we are driving through very rural areas often not seeing another car for some time. Finally, Christian stops the car in what looks like the middle of nowhere on a wooded lot before he gets out of the car and opens a metal gate. He quickly waves goodbye to Taylor before pulling in and then closing the gate behind him. We drive another 10 or 15 minutes deep into the woods and I can't help but wonder where exactly we are going. Christian doesn't exactly seem like the type to go camping in a tent…

"It's just ahead," he points to a large clearing a few minutes later.

"Wow, Christian…." I say in shock as a beautiful log cabin on a lake appears in front of us.

"I've always loved it up here," he looks out as the sun reflects off the lake.

"Who owns this?" I ask.

"My grandparents, we used to come here a lot when we were little," he explains. "They haven't been able to come as often as they used to and mom and dad have been so busy that I don't think anyone has been here in the last year until I asked Taylor to check it out last week."

"This is beautiful, it's like a hidden getaway," I say still in shock.

"Let's go inside," he grabs a large bag from the trunk before taking my hand to lead me inside.

We climb the steps onto a large wooden deck that overlooks the lake perfectly; from there we enter a warm living room with floor to ceiling windows clearly taking advantage of the view. The cabin is much larger on the inside then it looks on the outside, there is a large master bedroom on the main floor plus a smaller guest room. Upstairs there is a large loft with two sets of bunk beds which clearly haven't been slept in for some time. The kitchen and dining room are very moderately sized but most of all I love how the kitchen opens to the living room so the person cooking is not excluded from what is going on in the other rooms.

"Taylor and Gail stocked the kitchen with food yesterday so we should have everything we need," he explains. "If we need something there is a small general store a few miles from here but an actual grocery store is probably at least 50 or so miles from here."

"I'm sure we can make do with what is here," I laugh. "Knowing Gail she packed us enough food for at least two weeks!"

"You're probably right," Christian jokes. "I didn't plan anything specific for this weekend, thinking we could just enjoy the peacefulness of this area. There is a paddle boat, canoe and small fishing boat down by the lake we could take out if you wanted. There's also a few trails nearby that we can hike; Elliot and I used to hike these trails so often that I swear I know each tree around here."

"I'd love to take a canoe out! I went once with my dad when I was little and we had so much fun. He always loved to do things outdoors, he just worked too much to enjoy it," I remember fondly.

"Then tomorrow we will spend the day outside," he says happily.

Christian and I easily settle in to our new accommodations for the next few days and for the first time in a long time I actually see Christian acting his age. Normally Christian is so consumed with work that he often forgets to leave his CEO persona at work and relax every once in a while so this is a rarity. If I had access to a place like this I couldn't imagine not coming up here at every possible chance. We spent the rest of the night in front of the fire place enjoying the warmth from the fire that Christian proudly built himself. It's not very cool, but the fire seemed like the perfect touch to our night so when Christian suggested it I couldn't say no. We made love in front of the fireplace, truly enjoying the fact that for once we are completely alone and do not need to worry about Taylor, Gail or Sawyer accidently walking in on us. I could not have asked for a more relaxing evening, especially after falling asleep in Christian's arms in front of the warm fire.

The sun wakes me early the next morning as it shines brightly through the many windows in the cabin. I quickly grab Christian's dress shirt, throwing it on before making my way to the bathroom and ultimately the kitchen to start breakfast. A quick glance through the cabinets and the fridge confirms what I thought last night, Gail truly packed us enough food to be here for a couple weeks rather than a few days. I decide to make some eggs, bacon and potatoes, within minutes quickly finding everything I need.

"Now this is a beautiful sight," Christian whispers grasping my hips to hold me against him as he kisses my neck.

"I wanted to make breakfast," I explain simply.

"I don't know what's hotter, you cooking in my shirt or knowing that you are wearing my shirt and there's nothing underneath," his fingers skim my thighs just below the hem line of the shirt.

"And how do you know I'm not wearing anything underneath this shirt?" I tease.

"For one, your nipples are giving you away," he reaches up and gently teases my erect nipples. "And two, when you were bending over to take the potatoes out of the oven I had a perfect view of your ass."

"Oh," I blush deeply. "And how long were you watching me exactly?"

"Long enough to know that breakfast is going to get cold before we eat it," he quickly turns off the stove and places the lid on the frying pan.

"And why's that?" I tease.

"Because you….here…..looking like this," he nibbles at my neck between each word while gently moving his erection against my ass. "is so sexy."

He takes my hand and leads me into the master bedroom which I only briefly saw last night when Christian gave me a tour of the cabin. Before we even make it to the bed, Christian has taken off the shirt I was wearing and throws it to the floor as his mouth captures mine.

"God, I've missed you so much," he moans. "I feel like I haven't seen you in weeks…."

"Christian it's okay, I know you're busy at work….Hmmmmm…" I moan as he tugs on my nipple with his teeth.

"I plan on making it up to you all weekend long," he says before sucking hard on my nipple.

"I….Ohhhhhhh….Christian…." I grasp his hair tightly, holding him against my breast as the need quickly rises.

"All weekend….I have a lot of making up to do…." He whispers as he slowly runs his finger through my folds.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh," I moan loudly as he thrusts his finger into me, slowly moving it back and forth.

"You….are….so….beautiful," he kisses me between each word as his finger continues its assault on my sex.

"Christian," I gasp as he suddenly withdraws his finger leaving me feeling empty.

He guides me to the bed, urging me to lay in the center of the large soft bed before he sits next to me running his fingers up and down my thighs teasing me further. I part my legs, hoping that he will take the hint but he continues his stroll completely avoiding my sex. Leaning my head back and closing my eyes, the need quickly rises and I find myself on the edge. His fingers barely graze my sex and I immediately thrust my hips upwards desperate for more contact. I'm so overwhelmed with the sensations, I barely process Christian moving around at the same point his thumb presses firmly against my clit increasing the need even further. I'm moaning loudly, breathing heavily, when Christian suddenly pulls me on top of him and straddles my knees around his head.

"OH GOD!" I scream as his mouth finds my clit, sucking hard while his finger plunges in and out of my throbbing sex.

In a bold move, I grasp his erection and immediately take it deep into my mouth earning me a moan from Christian which sends vibrates against my clit. I'm struggling to hold him in my mouth while moaning in desire has he sucks and nibbles on my sex. He continues his wonderful assault on me, sending me further and further over the edge.

"CHRISTIAN!" I scream out as the orgasm hits me hard and I find myself thrusting against him as the orgasm never seems to end.

Christian's tongue quickly replaces his fingers, bringing all the evidence of my orgasm to his mouth; the fingers that were deep inside me now rub my clit prolonging the orgasm further. I take Christian back into my mouth, sucking him hard mimicking the movements with my mouth of his on my sex. Whenever his tongue thrusts inside of me, I pull him deeper into my throat; it's a struggle in this position but I manage to swallow around him which allows him to slide in deeper. He moans louder, I can feel his movements are less coordinated as his need clearly rises. Hearing his moans against me and knowing that I can bring this man such ecstasy turns me on even further as I quickly feel my own needs taking over. His mouth latches onto my clit, nipping it gently with his teeth before sucking on it hard. The difference in sensations this causes brings me right to the edge once again, I'm struggling sucking on him and moaning from desire.

"HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!" I scream around him as another strong orgasm rips through my body which triggers Christian who thrusts his hips up, pushing himself deeper into my throat as he finds his own release seconds later. Panting and breathing heavy, we both slowly release the other as we struggle to come down from what I consider an earth shattering orgasm.

"Wow…." Christian quickly turns around, pulling me against him.

"That was…." I sigh.

"Yeah," he agrees.

"How about we take a shower and see about heating up that breakfast I was making?" I suggest a few minutes later.

"Sounds perfect," he says.

"What do you want to do today?" I ask over breakfast.

"I thought we could take a short hike, there's several trails around here that have beautiful views," he suggests.

"Sounds nice," I sigh. "I can't remember the last time I went for a hike."

"Elliot and I used to go quite often," he says. "At least a few times a year, we haven't gone in awhile though…."

"You should make time we get back," I suggest.

"I should," he says more to himself then to me.

"Since I didn't pack my own clothes, I'm hoping that I have jeans and sneakers packed?" I joke.

"Of course, Gail should have packed you several sets of clothes all appropriate for hiking, fishing and boating. If not, I can have Taylor find you something…I'm sure there's clothing store somewhere near here-" Christian explains.

"Stop!" I laugh. "I'm sure what Gail packed is fine, we do not need to spend any money on clothes."

We quickly change our clothes and pack a small backpack full of water bottles and snacks before setting out on our way. Christian chooses a shorter trail to begin with as we're not sure how my leg will handle all the walking and uneven surfaces. For the most part I've had no long lasting issues with my leg from the accident but on occasion if I'm standing too long or walking up and down the stairs too often during the day it bothers me. The trail is absolutely gorgeous just as Christian said it would be; we hike for awhile until we come to a clearing which overlooks a small valley. We sit there for some time, having a small snack and just talking. Up here Christian seems so carefree, you would have no idea this man has the weight of thousands of employees on his shoulders every day. I vow to get Christian away like this more often, even if it's only for an overnight trip.

"Are you ready to head back?" He asks as we finish our snack.

"Not yet, let's stay for a little longer," I suggest.

"Anything for you," he kisses me deeply before sitting back on the grass next to me.

I don't know how long we sit there, just overlooking the perfectly blue sky and the lush overgrown valley. Seeing this sight, it's hard to believe how close we are to the busy life of Seattle that everything is only a matter of a few hours away. We both sit in silence, holding onto one another, just enjoying the peacefulness.

"Did you bring your phone?" I ask.

"Yes, why?" he looks at me confused.

"Can I see it?" I put my hand out not really giving him an option.

He enters the unlock code and hands it to me, still looking at me confused but I smile realizing he trusts me enough to give it to me without knowing why I want it. I hit a couple buttons on his phone, bringing up the camera and hold it out before taking a quick picture of the two of us surrounded by nothing but nature.

"I didn't bring my phone," I shrug.

"I think this is one of my favorite pictures of us," he sighs.

"Mine too," I agree.

"Are you ready to head back to the cabin?" he asks as the sun begins to set.

"What do you think of having a camp fire?" I suggest as we are walking back to the cabin.

"There used to be a fire ring down by the lake, that Elliot and I made with my dad; I'm sure we could find it again," he smiles at the memory. "Mom and Grandma had a rule that if we caught any fish we had to clean and gut them outside; Elliot and I were in charge of making the fire when Dad and Grandpa cleaned the fish."

"Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun here," I smile.

"We should have him and Kate join us here one weekend soon," he suggests.

"That would be nice," I agree.

Once we are back at the cabin, we easily find the fire pit that Christian described and within minutes have it all cleared out and a soft fire glowing. We eat dinner next to the fire, looking out at the lake and watching the stars in the sky.