I just wanted to say thank you for all the love I"ve received for the last chapter! New Beginnings has hit over 18,000 views! Super excited for the quick turn around of Chapter 8, and a huge shout out to FiftyloverARI for the support and the help! This chapter got done faster because of her help! I do not own anything but the storyline and a few Characters here and there! Please enjoy!
"You look so lost?" Christian blinked as reality set in and his focus was on Ana. "Everything okay?" She asked as Christian looked over her beautiful form. She wore a beautiful red knee-length dress with black flats, Christian could hardly speak. "Too much for our low-key first actual date?"
Christian just shook his head and moved to wrap his arms around her waist. A magnetic force constantly pulled them together without a second thought. "You, Ms. Steele, look breathtaking." Moving his hand, he softly cupped her face before leaning down and placing a deep passionate kiss on her lips. This was going to be the best first date.
This kiss was deep and passionate, both started soft and cautious. But it didn't last long as both had their lips deepening the feelings poured into the kiss. Ana felt like the kisses brought her to life and gave her the air she needed to breathe. Christian was the first to pull away as he rested his head down on hers. Stroking her face, Christian just stared into her eyes, trying to process the luck he seemed granted; Ana just fit so perfectly in his hand… and his life. A realization that took him by surprise. "You know, even when someone's eyes are closed, they can feel someone looking at them. Even if that person is distracting said closed-eyed girl." Ana giggled, looking up at him through her eyelashes. She could see a small blush creep across the young billionaire's cheek. She couldn't stop smiling as she stares at the man who honestly meant more than she ever expected him to. "As much as I love kissing you, which I do, I was thinking we could go see the outside. I've been trying not to sneak a look outside with you."
Christian planted one last soft kiss on her soft lips before taking her outside towards the garden. It was secretly his favorite spot to just sit and think. After moving on from his past he bought this land wanting to change his way and find a place that he could someday share with someone. Not that he was ready yet to admit that yet. His thoughts were lost as they made it down the path towards the gazebo by the lake he decorated with lights; Christian thought this would be the perfect view for them to enjoy the dinner Gail had made for them.
When they finally made it to the Gazebo, Ana couldn't help but take in the complete picture laid out in front of her. He had not only decorated the pathway with beautiful purple lights, but he lined the gazebo with a lot of lights and flowers. Ana moved away from Christian to inhale the flower's scent. Her mind went instantly to the flowers he had sent her after the event. "Christian…" Tears were falling out of her eyes. She couldn't believe that he'd actually gone to this extent to do something nice for her. "I honestly have no words for how amazing this is Christian."
Smiling, Christian closed the gap between them, engulfing her in his arms again. Kissing her forehead, it felt like home. "Why don't we enjoy the food that Gail cooked. I attempted to, but she kicked me out because I cannot cook." That was an area he probably could never become an expert on. Laughing at himself, Christian led Ana to the table placed in the middle. "This was the part of the house that sold me. It was close enough to how my parents' house, but scaled-down and an actual lake out there. The second best view." Ana blushed as she looked up to see Christian staring at her; when he looked at her, the world melted away and it was just the two of them. "I hope you like Chicken Alfredo, Gail said Mac and Cheese wasn't a first date dinner material."
Ana's soft giggle erupted from her as she shook her head. "Maybe if you're nice, I'll teach you how to make it sometime soon. My dad Ray loves my Mac and Cheese dish." Ana smiled softly before cutting her chicken up. The second the pasta and chicken hit her mouth, a moan escaped her lips. "Okay, I'm pretty sure Gail has my cooking beat. Why would you want to try my food after this?" Ana laughed as she continued to munch on the amazing food on her plate.
"So not just an amazing planner you are a chef; what can't you do?" Christian mused as Ana blushed at the attention he was giving her.
"I could ask you the same Mr. Piano playing-CEO-People's hottest bachelor out there-what can't I do-Grey." Kate would be proud of her comeback. "I had to learn how to cook after my mom left Ray and me; if I didn't cook, we'd probably end up hooked on junk food. So my neighbor taught me how to cook and do my laundry and other stuff a normal 8-year-old should know." Ana explained as she looked out into the lake, it reminded her of Ray. He always made time for fishing during this time of year; it always made her smile when he came home and told her all the stories of his day. "So then I just fell in love with it. When I lived with Kate, she couldn't cook to save anyone's life, so hopefully, Elliot can cook if they end up together."
The laugh that came out of Christian's mouth made it hard to believe that they would survive on actual food. "No, they'll probably starve or end up getting someone to cook for them."
"Honestly, it's probably good that Elliot can totally build them a house because Kate will probably try to cook and burn the house down. "Ana took another bite, remembering the one time she tried to surprise her with a home cook meal for her birthday. "She had tried to make pasta, ended up forgetting it on the stove fire company came and she ended up with a date and I ended up cleaning for my birthday. This is also why we do not celebrate at home anymore; we go out to downtown Seattle or travel. This year Kate's parents got us tickets to New York."
"Of all places, what made you choose New York? I mean, most people want to go to Bora Bora or Hawaii or Europe, so why New York?" Curiosity was peaking into Christian's mind. He was a bit upset that she already had plans with Kate rather than him, knowing he was planning on spoiling her.
"Not that I don't want to visit those places, especially London, but New York has always been a dream. I used to curl up next to Ray and watch Annie as a kid; I dreamed of visiting Times Square, to have Breakfast at Tiffany's, to sing NYC from Annie during a carriage ride." Taking a sip of her wine, Ana's cheeks quickly turned red knowing her genuine answer. "But to be honest, a big reason is that the Kavanagh family treated me with tickets to see Hamilton with the original cast for a charity event. I am thrilled to see them live." Ana watched as Christian watched with wonder and curiosity. This side of him made her smile even wider.
Christian made thought to find out about her trip from Kate. There was no way he would not celebrate Ana for her birthday. "Well, now, that they got you something special, I'm going to find something else to get you." Ana rolled her eyes as she looked at him. "Ana, it's normal for a boyfriend to want to spoil his girlfriend…"
"Girlfriend?" Ana teased as she took his hand in hers. "I feel like I'm missing something… I'm thinking back to the last month and I don't really remember an official question." Ana smirked, looking at him from under her eyelashes. She couldn't keep her giggles under control.
"Well, maybe I was wrong to assume you wanted to be more than just kissing buddies." Christian snickered as he took a sip of his wine. "Come here?" Standing up, he reached for her hand. He was looking forward to this more and more now. Guiding her to the steps leading to the large lake, Christian took in her beauty the light from the gazebo was shining beautifully against her skin. Christian watched as Ana took in the water and he couldn't help but smile at her lovely gaze. At that moment, Christian felt a shift in himself; he suddenly could see a future here with this woman. In a matter of months here, he was at his home with a woman who took his breath away, who just fit perfectly in every aspect of his life. "Ana… What did I do to deserve you?" Facing Ana, Christian stroked her cheek softly, their eyes locking, and instantly it was the perfect moment between them. "I would love nothing more than you to be in my life till you get bored with me. Hopefully not soon, because I'm quite captivated by you."
Ana stroked his cheek before wrapping her own arms around his neck. She felt this sudden rush of lust run through her, something about how romantic this hard-shelled man being. "I mean you've cornered me so how can I say no to this simple request." A snicker escaped her lips as she found his. Holding him close, she wanted his body as close as it could get. She moaned into his lips as he deepened with his tongue; it was exciting to feel him wanting her as much as she desired him. Christian couldn't contain his own feelings as her fingers tangled into his hair; normally he hated it when people touched his hair, but when Ana did it, he wanted nothing more than to throw her on the bed and show her the effect of her simple gesture. "Christian…"
Moving his lips down to her neck, he couldn't help himself as he smirked at the desperation in her voice. "I'm assuming this means you'll be mine."
Ana just moaned at his request. There was nothing on this Earth that would make her change her mind about being Christian's girlfriend. Especially if that meant that they were going to do the deed finally. She was getting pretty restless with all their passionate kisses turning her on all the time. Every time she gave him a chance to continue, something always seemed to come up. "mmm if you continue kissing me right there you can have anything your heart desires."
Christian pulled away to kiss her lips softly before kissing her nose. "As much as I want to continue, my neighbors don't get to share you and what is hiding underneath that beautiful red dress." Christian's words stripped her of all sense and replaced it with hunger. Stroking Ana's hair, Christian continued to zone in and out of the moment. It brought this man to his knees every time they were around one another. "Why don't we go inside and maybe watch a movie, I'm sure that we can find something on."
Ana smiled at their joint hands while they walked back to the pathway towards the house. She couldn't help but imagine herself here with Christian, just living a normal happy life; maybe it was too soon to be thinking this way, they'd only know each other almost about a month, but it didn't really matter. It just felt right. Christian wasn't exactly how everyone else saw him; he was this kind person, who was protective and caring towards the people he felt closest to. Though she wasn't exactly ready to admit it to anyone at this moment, he was everything she wanted in a partner; the only fear she had was the small insecurity Jose left after their relationship.
A year ago
Ana walked into the apartment she shared with her boyfriend Jose expecting the living room to be empty since it was about 1 am that she was coming home. Yet when she got in Jose was staring blankly at the door. His eyes glossed over and focused as he stared at her, a look he hadn't shown in a while, but it was something she knew was going to end in an argument. "Who is he?"
"Jose, you know my meetings run late. I'm in the middle of landing a very important client. It takes a lot to do what I do." Running her fingers through her hair, it exhausted her every time he seemed to have a different accusation whenever she came home from work late. "This irrational thought process you have is really weighing on me."
Jose just rolled his eyes. He didn't believe her for one second. "Why is it you are always late, but it's only ever just you home late? I'm pretty sure their partners aren't worried about their girlfriends whoring themselves around the town like I Am. Then again, look at you…maybe you're right, who would want you the way you look?"
Ana knew this wasn't a healthy relationship, but the idea of the two of them together made Ray happy. Her dad was her entire world, and she didn't really want to disappoint him and admit that things were as toxic as they were. It was hard enough staring at this man and pretending things were fine. She was thankful that Ray didn't live in Seattle to see how fucked up of a situation she was living in. "Why do you have to be an ass, Jose? I come home to you, and I'm faithful to you. Why must you always do this when I work late?" Ana rubbed her face, trying to keep herself calm. This wasn't honestly worth the last bit of sanity she had left for the day. Between Leila almost blowing things and Jose's jealously showing up, Ana wanted to go to bed and forget about today… "I should've stayed with Kate." She looked up to see the rage in his eyes. Instantly she realized she'd said it out loud and she would not be getting any sleep soon.
"Are you okay?" Ana snapped back into reality as she found Christian looking at her with concern filled eyes. "You seemed to check out after I asked what movie you wanted to watch. Where did you go?"
Ana wanted to talk about Jose but didn't want to ruin their day already. "Why don't you and I watch a movie and tomorrow, we can talk about it. If I remember right, I'm staying with you till Monday so we have time to chat about it." Ana pushed the conversation to the back of her head before stroking his face to ease the worry he had. "I hope you plan on keeping this stubble. I quite like it." Kissing his cheek, she hoped he'd dropped his desire to check in with her thoughts again. "Wanna show me where you hid my clothes so I can change into comfy clothing again?" The lust still there, but her urge to jump him lightened and replaced with the thoughts about her past. She was unsure about how
Sighing, Christian couldn't help but lean into her touch and relax at her soft scratching. "I won't forget this conversation, Ms. Steele, no matter how much you try to distract me." He instructed before they moved upstairs to his room. He wanted her to feel like she had a place here and could easily walk around without hesitation. His goal was to keep her in his life and home forever. Even if to the outside world it was a quick romance; he wasn't one to waste his time 'looking for the right one'. When they got to the bedroom, Ana found the drawer that seemed to have half his and her sleepwear laying neatly next to one another. Not caring that he was in the room, Ana stripped off of her clothes and she casually slipped into one of his shirts and some pajama pants. "You know you should be in silks and lavish nightgowns, but yet you choose to wear my shirt and ice cream pajama pants. Already making yourself comfy at home?" Ana didn't know what to say, but a piece of her felt scared about how he would react to what was going on in her head. Christian must have sensed something was off because he just simply smiled and took her hand in his, lightly squeezing it. "Breath, I just meant my home is your home…"
Ana relaxed against his touch before letting out a deep sigh. "I'm sorry…It's just this is crazy, right? Like we've known for a minute and now look… I just this isn't exactly how I thought my year would start. Yet, it's everything I wished. I mean, I know I sound crazy. But it is almost like I've known you and honestly Christian this is the first relationship where it feels real and welcoming. It…"
"Oh Ana," Christian couldn't explain it. There was something in her eyes that just broke his heart. The doubt plagued the sweet innocence. "I don't care about the outside world, Ana, you and I…That's all that matters to me. We can go at our pace. I hate playing by other people's rules. Ask Mia, honestly, I was horrible at following our parent's rules, I beat to my drum no one else's." Stroking her cheek, Christian smiled, embracing the beauty in front of him. "Now, let us move to the couch downstairs, I have a large movie collection we're bound to find something in there." Kissing her nose, Christian could feel her relax against him. He had to get her out of the room or else he'd strip her out of the clothes she'd just put on.
A week later (May 19)
Ana was finally finishing her week at the office, she was happily looking forward to the big wedding event. "Steele!" Rolling her eyes, Ana put her paperwork down and looked up to see Kate coming towards her office. Locking the door, Kate faced Ana with an intense stare. "Uh, El told me you were staying with Christian this past week and I'm wondering why he knows and not me…Your best friend."
Taking off her glasses, Ana just let out a gentle sigh. "I didn't see it as a big deal, especially since you don't tell me all the times you've spent at Elliot's so. Besides, we just wanted to be the two of us and that is it. I mean, we just got to know one another and Kate, he is everything I've ever wanted. I mean, I know we've only known each other for a small amount of time, but he's just amazing and kind and so much more." Ana had used the few days she'd spent with him to get to know the Christian who wasn't just a billionaire, but a true humanitarian who truly wanted to see the world as a better place. Even more so, Christian Grey was someone she could see a future with…he was honest, his family was important to him and the fact he pushed her to see herself in a brighter light.
"El told me this is the first time his family has ever met someone Christian was dating. I mean, technically you met Grace way before meeting Christian…" Kate made herself at home in the office before pulling out lunch for the two of them. Ana was quite thankful because she'd been here for hours without snacking and she forgot lunch. "I know you love me."
"I do, I was afraid I'd have to wait for tonight for dinner with Christian to eat. First kid rights if you had over that sandwich." Kate just rolled her eyes before handing over the sandwich, "How are things with you and Elliot?" Ana asked before she started nibbling on her sandwich.
"We're great. He's my perfect match and I will literally fight anyone that tries to take him away from me." They knew Kate for her territorial ways. Kate saw once the last guy she dated with another girl (his cousin), and Kate nearly took her head off and Mike's. Ana prayed that Elliot would never know crazy Kate and her tracking ways. Neither Ethan nor Ana wanted to spring Kate from jail…Again. "Speaking of the guys, Ethan and Meghan want to have a couples' night for Meghan's birthday. Plus Meghan wants to meet Christian and get a feel for him, you and I both know she is probably the best at reading people. So we have to. And before you come up with a random excuse, I've cleared it with Brittany; you have nothing to do the 29th but be at Ethan's."
Ana bit back every excuse she was trying to think of, there was no getting out of it. Kate knew how important it was for Ana to bring a partner over to meet Meghan and Ethan; Jose was the only guy, and it turned out like shit. "I just really want this to work out. Jose and Ethan never got along. What if he doesn't get along with Ethan, Kate? I really like him."
Kate knew what it meant to have her brother and sister-in-law's approval, but since Ana couldn't exactly get Ray to come down and read any guy she wanted to date, she relied a lot on Ethan. "Jose deserved the hate, but Ethan already likes Christian. Especially after what happened weeks ago, Ethan really took a shine to Christian."
Ana bit her lip before shifting in her seat. Her heart broke remembering all the times that wished things between Ethan and Jose would work. Ray loved Jose like a son. Obviously, he wanted the two of them together, but Ethan saw through Jose and his ability to sucker Ana's dad. It took everything to keep Ethan from ripping Jose to shreds after Ana found Jose in bed with Leila. "I will be there on the 29th," Ana admitted before it launched them into a discussion about the wedding she was attending for work the following day.
After Kate left, Ana began finishing up her paperwork for the wedding event tomorrow. She would be away from everything for the next 72 hours because of being on call for the wedding. Looking down at all the work made Ana laugh at the fact that if she ever got married, it would be so hard to let anyone except her plan it. The thought never left her mind as she finished up all her notes and filing away all the extra work she'd done. She couldn't help the fact that her mind seemed to enjoy the thoughts and maybe even hoped she'd have it someday with the man who made her want more. "Penny for your thought?" Ana locked eyes with her assistant Brittany and the assistant in training Ari. "Ari, this is going to be your boss, Anastasia Steele. Literally one of the easiest people you could work for as long as she has her tea and the snacks on what will be your desk. She will say she doesn't want it, but will sneak into it."
Ana got up from her desk, moving around to lean against it. "Ah, that's why it seems like it's never empty. Good call Britt." Ana turned to her new assistant, she extended her hand before shaking Ari's hand. "Ari, welcome to the team. I hope you're as excited as I am to get to work." Ana was proud of Brittany for taking over most of the projects Emma was overseeing for the time being. Emma's pregnancy was high risk, so she and Killian had her take a step back in the company. Ana was sad, but she refused to let Emma risk her first child for a job that would always be there when she returned.
Brittany beamed at her boss, at her kindness. She was beyond excited to step up and show everyone in the business how dedicated she was. "Also, make sure you keep Redvines in the drawer. When she's got a difficult client or a stressful event, she needs them like a girl needs chocolate on her period. If you forget, I will have some in Emma's desk ready." Brittany and Ana spent a few minutes going over important little things and both decided Ari and Brittany should attend the wedding this coming weekend so Ari could have time to experience the fast pace and stress they could be under. "A big thing is making sure that every event is processed correctly, and any mail that comes through gets to Ana promptly. During my month here, I accidentally lost an important paper, the client and the former co-owner of Eclipse Events, Leila nearly loss their shit on me and tried to fine me and so much more, but Ana stepped in. She made sure I learned from my mistake but did it in the best way possible; I became more organized and got pulled from Leila's service then got to become Ana's."
Ari looked at Ana with admiration, to know she started this company on her own and grew it after all the drama she had heard about. It was amazing. "Well, Ms. Steele, I promise to be amazingly organized and help in any way I can. I've always dreamed of being an event planner, and this place is an amazing opportunity."
Ana's smile grew at the kindness coming off the woman in front of her. "Well Ari, it's Ana. I hate being called Ms. Steele; ask all the clients. Please don't worry about making mistakes, we all do it and what would life be if we didn't." Ana beamed before grabbing a basket for Ari. "This will have some yummy snacks that I've baked, a few Starbucks gift cards, and some new writing material. We at Eclipse Events want you to get the full experience as an assistant. Take notes and ask questions. Your job here isn't to just get coffee or tea or lunches. It's building on your knowledge and being able to grow in this company, you can start as an assistant to a planner, then grows into a junior event planner and then a senior event planner; lastly, you the ability to learn from me, and I usually take a few people to all my events so you can build your own client list. Britt has been with the company for a while, and that's why she's moved up to help us while Emma is away. But for now, get comfortable with everything, Brittany will show you everything and give you the address with our meeting spot for tomorrow along with everything you'll need."
"I'm beyond excited about this journey tomorrow and of course this opportunity. Thank you again." Ari beamed once more before she and Brittany walked towards the door.
Brittany was almost to the door before realizing she had a yellow envelope in her hand. "Shoot forgot to give it to you. Someone dropped it off downstairs when we were coming back from lunch. Figured, you'd want it before you closed down for the day. Oh, and Christian called and asked if he could meet you tonight at the restaurant his meeting is running a little late; told us to have you text him. Also…"
Britt looked over to Ari, urging her to continue. "We synced up yours and his schedules, and…" Ari tried to remember the other message, but was coming up blank.
"Always carry a notepad, trust it will make it easier to relay any messages." Britt smiled warmly before turning to Ana. She was practicing everything Ana had taught her about working as a teacher rather than a boss. "His assistant also requested weekly lunches with Mr. Grey." Britt tried to hold back her knowing smirk before turning to Ari. "One big thing is anything that goes on in this office has to stay here. We pride ourselves on making every client feel like a VIP. Sometimes we can be approached by celebs to do their weddings or events, and we don't want it leaked to any media. As an assistant, you also keep a private clause for the person we assign you to."
Ana watched with pride as Britt walked out with Ari continuing the discussion on rules. Without hesitating, Ana grabbed her phone. ~I hear you've requested weekly lunches?- Ana~.
~Yes, and I would love to have them here, fewer eyes.- Christian.~.
Laughing, Ana quickly replied ~We can discuss it tonight. I'll meet you at the restaurant, Grey. I need to finish up here, go home and change and then I'll be heading to you.- Ana~ Ana put her phone away before opening the envelope. All that was in there were pictures of Christian and her together walking around. Some were of just Christian and a few different people… Ana squinted before noticing a few that had a familiar face. Christian was standing in front of his penthouse building embracing the one woman that seemed to constantly be plaguing her life as of late. "Seriously, Leila…" Christian and Leila were a thing? Ana couldn't stop staring, as the picture felt like ice frozen to her hand. Why hadn't Christian told her about knowing Leila? It wasn't like he didn't know what she looked like. Running her fingers through her hair, she felt the desire to pull it out; grabbing her work and anything she was going to need, Ana, wanted to go home and avoid all that had to do with Christian, Leila, or this BS that she was sure sent to her by her ex or someone trying to piss her off.
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