Chapter 18
This was perhaps the first time in a long time that Christian was looking forward to a business trip and it was mostly down to a certain brunette.
On the plane, he'd been nervous to approach her which was why it took him over three hours to do so. And when he did, he still had no idea what he was going to say and just made it up along the way. He assumed it went well though since Ana had forgiven him. That had been his biggest worry; that she wasn't going to forgive him for being an idiot.
The smile that she gave him when he covered her with a blanket was enough to make him feel like he was on top of the world. That sleepy grin was adorable. He never thought he'd describe someone as adorable but here he was. He didn't sleep on the plane like everyone else, but his eyes kept drifting to Anastasia. He just gazed at her in wonder and curiosity. Even after all these months she was constantly surprising him. He wondered who she really was and how she came to be this person. He just wanted to know everything about her.
On the elevator up to their rooms, he had wished her a goodnight and she replied with a mumbled 'night' as she stumbled off the elevator and to her room. Even ungraceful and drowsy, she still managed to make him chuckle.
This morning, when he'd laid eyes on her, she looked so excited and happy. She was almost buzzing with excitement and Christian found it contagious. Her hair was left down today. Christian had the biggest urge to touch it to see if it felt as soft as it looked. She didn't have it down often, so it was a special day. Her hair down made her look lovelier than usual and he wished she kept it like that more often.
The look in her eyes as she gazed at the New York skyscrapers captivated him. He was probably as captivated by her as she was by the city. He found himself wanting to be the one to show her the world and take her places just so he could see this expression of her face over and over again. She was happy and she was free.
Apparently, his feelings had only gotten stronger in the time he spent being indifferent towards her which was the complete opposite of his plan but now he found himself not caring about that anymore.
They spent the morning in numerous meetings and negotiations before they had a chance to go for lunch. Everyone seemed to want to do their own thing and he'd overheard Ana ask someone about any good coffee shops around here, so he knew that's where she was headed. He wasn't going to lie; he was very concerned about her safety with it being her first time here and only god knows what can happen in New York. His worrying led him to the decision to send Sawyer to tail her and keep an eye on her. If something were to happen to her because of him… he didn't even want to think about it.
Christian stayed in the offices they were at to talk shop and Taylor fetched them some sandwiches from a nearby deli. Ros was meeting an old friend and Ben decided to have lunch with some people they'd met today.
After about two hours, the doors opened to the conference room he was in and Ana walked in. She seemed very preoccupied, like something was on her mind. He wondered what was on her mind. She smiled at him in greeting when their eyes met.
"Good lunch?" He asked, not being able to resist talking to her. He got a whiff of her subtle scent as she walked past him.
She sat down on the chair next to him and placed her bag on the floor by her feet. "It was really good, thank you. I had a bagel sandwich at a nearby café that was recommended to me. When in New York…" Ana joked.
Christian chuckled. "You're right. I feel like I betrayed the city now since I had a sandwich."
Ana widened her eyes feigning disbelief. "The absolute horror. Andrea wouldn't be impressed with you Mr Grey. She's very passionate about her bagels." Ana said matter of fact.
"So I heard. Never tell anyone I said this, but Andrea scares me," he said cringing a little as he leant into Ana, "so please don't tell her that I didn't have as many bagels as I possibly could at every given opportunity while in New York."
Ana laughed. "You're not the only one who's terrified of her. Don't worry, your little secret is safe with me." Without thinking, Ana offered up her pinkie finger to him. He stared at it for a second and Ana started to mentally kick herself for being so immature but then he hooked his own pinkie with hers with a boyish grin on his face that made Ana's heart stutter. "I pinkie promise." Her face split into a wide grin. Both of their fingers were tingling but once again, neither of them thought anything of it.
Christian was blown away by this woman again. Everything she did was so pure and so Ana, it made his chest ache with some unknown emotion that he frankly was terrified of discovering.
"I'd hate to think what she would do if I didn't take back her a bagel." Ana mused with a slight shudder.
"You and me both Miss Steele." He said. Unconsciously he turned to gaze at her intriguingly.
Ana saw him staring at her face from the corner of her eyes and glanced at him curiously to find that he was almost studying her. "What?" She asked, running a hand through her hair self-consciously,
That broke Christian out of his little stupor. "Nothing." He uttered with a small laugh. "I just can't remember the last time I did a pinkie swear with someone."
Ana smiled at him impishly. "I still do them all the time. If you promise me something without a pinkie swear, chances are I'm not going to believe you. It really seals the deal, you know? You should start. It will transform your life." Both of them had now swivelled their chairs around and were facing each other head on; forgetting the presence of others in the room.
Christian raised his brows at her. Ana just nodded her head rapidly. "I think I'll be doing pinkie promises when I'm old and senile." Of that, she sounded sure of it.
"I might have to started finalising contracts with a pinkie promise." Christian remarked. They both laughed as Ana's eyes swam with mirth.
Ros pulled a chair out on the other side of Christian and plopped down as their laughter died down. "What are you two conspiring about here?" She asked curiously.
Ana and Christian looked at each other with amused eyes. "Nothing." They both said, chuckling again when they realised that they had said the same thing.
Ros gave them a funny look. "You two are literally two peas in a pod today. Dressed the same, having secretive conversations and giggling like kids. I really do think you're conspiring against something but hey I'm not butthurt over not being invited to your little club." Ros held up her hands. Her lips were twitching so they knew she wasn't being serious.
They were then interrupted as someone called Christian's attention which snapped them back to the present and they got back to work.
It was the end of the day and they were all exhausted. Ana had half a mind to go and drink a cup of coffee to re-energise herself but for some reason she couldn't bring herself to do it and decided that she actually wanted to sleep tonight.
It was just past 5 o clock and Ana thought they were going to head back to the hotel and do their own things. She was planning on taking a walk, checking out some bookstores and getting some dinner.
They had all agreed to meet in the lobby and take one car back to the hotel seeing as it was the evening rush hour and it would just make it a lot easier for all if they took one car.
Ana was scrolling through her phone as she waited with accounting guy Ben. Ros was next to arrive, looking exhausted but happy and they chatted away as they waited for Christian and Taylor; while Sawyer was on the phone with someone nearby.
Ana saw the two men walking towards them from the corner of her eye. If she didn't know Christian personally and just saw him walking down the hallway or something like that, she had to admit, she'd be very intimidated and would probably avert her eyes before he got close. His gait screamed power and authority.
"The Ferry Terminal isn't too far from here; what do you say we take a trip to go and see Lady Liberty?" He suggested once he got to the group looking at each of them.
Ana looked at him in surprise. This was unexpected. Christian looked at Ana first for an answer. "Yeah sure, sounds like fun." She said with a small smile. She was actually very excited.
Ben couldn't go because he was meeting someone for dinner soon.
"Sure. I'm always up for a little bonding time. I have no plans until later anyway." Ros shrugged.
It was settled. It wasn't Ben's first time in the city so he opted to take the subway back to the hotel so that the rest of them could take the car to the ferry terminal.
They boarded the car and managed to get onto the ferry with no hassle and got good seats on the upper deck outside. Ana had a feeling Christian had something to do with the ease of their board, but she wasn't complaining. She was practically buzzing with excitement as they got on.
Christian being the gentlemen that he was, helped Ros and Ana hop onto the ferry, offering them his hand. Ana had clasped his hand tightly; being her she probably would have slipped or tripped otherwise, and she couldn't be sure, but it felt like he held her hand for a beat longer than necessary and they took a few steps holding hands before he let go. It was an odd experience and Ana mentally chastised herself for overthinking it.
They chatted about work related things for a bit while enjoying the views and the fresh air. When the statue became visible, Ana hopped out of her seat and found a spot by the railing, utterly fascinated with the view. She got out her phone to snap a few pictures for her memories and to send to her dad.
It was a beautiful evening in New York and the way the light hit the water made it look like it was sparkling. She was enjoying the wind flowing through her hair; it made her feel light and free, but it also made her shiver slightly.
She observed the people around her as well and marvelled in all the gasps of enthusiasm and delighted laughter and talk that was going on around her in different languages. People taking selfies, videos, couples cuddling as they enjoyed the views, someone speaking on their phone who sounded like they were frustrated with the person on the other end but their eyes still held that pure unadulterated look of appreciation as they gazed out onto the water and children holding their parents' hands but pressed up against the railing trying to see as much as they can. This was it. This was what it was all about. She smiled to herself in delight. The perfect moment.
Pocketing her phone, she gazed out into the water as they approached the island. Ana was torn between taking photos and just appreciating everything as it is before her eyes. In the end she hoped she compromised enough.
They were on the way back now and a thought suddenly occurred to Ana.
"Hey, can we all take a picture?" At their dubious looks she put on her 'puppy dog' eyes. "Come on… please! It's for my memories, they won't be going anywhere. Indulge me. You did say I was like your kid on this trip so don't let me down!"
Christian smirked at Ros's bashful look. "You dug yourself that one Bailey. Come on." Ros started to complain about how she doesn't look presentable. "You look absolutely fine and like she said they're not going anywhere."
Ros finally agreed and got up. Ana wanted Taylor and Sawyer in the picture too and after another round of convincing, they agreed.
She asked a man standing nearby to take the photo and she secretly whispered for him to take as many as he could. She wanted candids. She believed that candids told you a lot more than a posing picture ever could. They all stood in front of the railing, with the statue behind them. Ana was in the middle, with Ros and Christian on either side of her and Taylor and Sawyer flanking them.
Christian put his arm around her waist, and he was pressed against her side. Heat bloomed from her side and she was minutely aware of his fingers on her waist through her clothes. Ana's heart started racing but she ignored it and wrapped an arm around him and Ros.
Taking a quick glance either side at Taylor and Sawyer, Ana shouted "smile everyone!"
Ana knew the guy was taking loads of photos, so she changed her expression a little a few times.
"Has the phone malfunctioned? What is taking so long?" Ros grumbled at one point. The rest of them snickered and Ana had to supress her laughter. "Okay, okay I think that's enough." Ros untangled herself from them and walked off.
Ana thanked them for indulging her and thanked the man for taking the pictures.
She stood against the railing again while the others went to sit down, about to check some of the pictures to see if they turned out good.
She was looking at the picture where Ros had grumbled and everyone else was smirking or laughing. Ana grinned at the picture. It was cute.
"What are you grinning at?" Christian asked as he came and stood by her.
"Look at this." Ana showed him the picture and he grabbed her hand gently to tilt it slightly to get a better look. The contact made her skin tingle.
Christian chuckled. "You better not show her that. She'll confiscate your phone."
"Don't you worry. This picture's not going anywhere, I'm going to print it off and frame it in my apartment, it might come handy in the future." Ana said mischievously "I wish I was able to get some pictures of myself with the statue that weren't selfies, for my dad. He'd love them. but I'm scared of looking conceited if I ask a stranger to take one of just me."
It was silent for about five seconds. "I could take it for you. I'm not a stranger." Christian offered.
Ana squinted at him, thinking. "Okay. Thanks Christian."
She stood and smiled again while he snapped a few pictures. He had a small smile on his face as he took them, and Ana wondered what he was smiling at.
"These are great, if I do say so myself." He said, looking mighty proud of himself.
"Uh-huh. We'll see about that." Ana said dubiously with an easy grin.
He handed her phone back to her and she pocketed it, deciding to look at them later. Her time on the ferry was limited and she wanted to enjoy every minute.
Both of them stood side by side in comfortable silence, gazing out into the water, neither of them feeling the need to fill the silence with words.
They were broken out of their silence when they heard Ros start speaking quite loudly nearby to them and they looked over to see what was happening. Ros had stood up and walked off, yammering into her phone at someone. Ana looked around to see Taylor and Sawyer not too far away, talking.
She released a breath as she looked back at the water. "This is incredible."
Christian hummed in agreement and leaned forward to rest his forearms on the railing. Ana followed suit and leaned her hips into the railing and crossing her arms to try and keep herself warm from the breeze.
"Would you believe me if I said this is the first time that I've taken the ferry out here?" Christian said.
Ana's eyes flew to his face with a look of surprise on her face. "Wait, really? Haven't you been to New York like a million times now?"
Christian glanced at her through the corner of his eye in amusement. "Not quite a million but getting there."
"Why haven't you taken the ferry?" Ana asked curiously, tucking some hair behind her hair. Her voice soft over the ferry engines and the waves.
"Every time I've come here, it just been business and work. It was my only focus. I didn't have time or ever make time to sightsee." He spoke almost pensively.
"But this was your idea and it was an absolutely amazing one so what changed this time?" Ana asked softly, peering at the side of his face.
He thought for a minute before replying. "I think… it was seeing your enthusiasm and excitement. It made me – and Ros for that matter – release that we're a bit jaded and we need to… live a little. We are able to do things like this in this great city so I thought I should take advantage at least once. I knew you'd be excited for it too, so I suggested it. You have yourself to thank for this Anastasia." He peered at her.
It bought a smile to Ana's face. "Well I'm really glad I was able to help you come to this epiphany. I feel very accomplished and that's made my day." She smiled at him, a big genuine smile with pinked up cheeks that he couldn't help but return. "New York has so much to offer. You don't have to do big, flashy, expensive things to make life interesting. Be excited for the smaller, more ordinary things. I've had that mindset for a long time and it changes everything."
"I'm beginning to realise that." He said in a low voice, more to himself. He then levelled her with a look like he was analysing her. "You always say the most unexpected things."
Ana blushed a little as she shrugged. "I just say what I think."
"I like your way of thinking then."
They stood in silence again and the evening was settling in now, so Ana wrapped her jacket around her tightly as the breeze picked up. They were nearly back to Manhattan.
"You know what I keep thinking of?" Ana said.
"What?" He asked, curious to get any insight into her mind.
"Grey's Anatomy." Ana snickered at Christian's exasperated little eye roll. "Derek Shepherd. Ferry boats and scrub caps."
"Not you as well. Mia's obsessed with that show."
Unthinkingly, Ana hit his shoulder lightly in mock indignation. "Hey! It's one of the best, if not the best, shows that exists. What's not to love?"
Christian had to supress his grin at her expression. Her gesture didn't go unnoticed either. "There must be greater shows that exist. Mia cried for… I'm pretty sure it was three days when someone died on it."
Ana laughed. "Who died? Everyone dies on that show. I've lost count of how many times I've cried over it. I'm not as bad as Mia but I do my fair share." Ana said unabashedly.
Christian shook his head in amusement. "I can't imagine being so invested in a fictional television show where it provokes such an emotional response."
"That is another thing that makes life exciting for me. You just need to give shows a chance and you'll find something you love and can't tear your eyes away from. The discussions over them are also pretty great. Makes for good conversations when you don't know what to talk about with people you've just met."
"Hm. I don't think it'll be good if I'm talking to a potential client and I start talking about The Simpsons or something. That and the whole pinkie promise thing, I don't think it'll go down well." Christian smirked as he straightened up as the boat docked. Ana chuckled at the thought.
"Will separate you out from any competitors though." She said with an impish grin.
Christian looked at her smiling cheekily. "I don't need a competitive edge. I'm that good." He said confidently. Ana just raised an eyebrow at him. "Don't say anything to that." He quickly said and Ana laughed. "Come on, let's get off. Don't think I haven't noticed you shivering away the majority of the journey."
He placed his hand gently on her lower back to guide her off the ferry; the others already gone.
The sun was starting to set as they got in the car and headed back to the hotel.
"Ana, where did you go for lunch today? The place I met my friend was not good at all." Ros asked her.
"I went to a nearby café and just had a bagel sandwich. It was nothing spectacular but the bagel itself was so good." Ana gushed. Christian was typing away on his phone, seemingly not paying attention to them.
"I might have to give it a go tomorrow then. Was it really busy? Hard to get a seat?" Ros inquired.
"No actually. I was surprised too. I got a seat by the window and I people watched while I ate. Maybe it was luck." Ana said, before remembering something. "You'll never guess who I ran into in that coffee shop though."
Christian looked up from his phone and he and Ros both flashed her a bewildered look. They thought she didn't know anyone in the city.
"Scott Anderson." Ana said. Christian nearly groaned out loud but masked it with a cough. Of all the millions of people in this city, of all the thousands of coffee shops and she had to run into him. He briefly wondered if he was stalking her.
"Coincidence or what? The one person you know here and you run into him? What are the odds." Ros mused.
"What did he want?" Christian tried to ask causally but he was pretty sure it came out gruff.
"Nothing much. He was surprised that we were here and didn't tell him." Christian grumbled under his breath as he heard that but Ana ignored it. "He asked if it was my first time here, I said yes, and he offered to show me around."
Christian clenched his jaw. His dislike for the man growing more and more. He wanted to tell Taylor to keep tabs on Anderson.
Ros's eyebrows hit her hairline. "Really?" She asked in scepticism. Ana nodded mutely. She had no idea why she was telling them this; they didn't need to know but once she started, she couldn't stop. "What did you say to him?"
"I made up excuses. No offence to him or anything but I would rather explore on my own or with someone I actually know. He gave me his business card just in case."
Christian subtly rolled his eyes at the audacity of Anderson. He had some nerve.
"But you aren't going to call?" Ros asked.
Ana shook her head vehemently. "No." Christian got an odd sense of pride from that. Sucks for Anderson.
"I don't need to tell you that that it wouldn't be a wise decision to get involved with a client, do I?" Christian said without looking at her. Ana's eyes flashed to him.
"No, I know that. I wasn't planning on it. I mean it's flattering but it's never going to happen." Ana reassured them.
Christian was about to say 'good', but he refrained, deciding that it might come across in a bad way.
"Anderson doesn't have a great reputation outside of the business world. It wouldn't be a good idea even if he wasn't a client." Ros remarked.
Ana just hummed in agreement, not knowing what else to say to that. She glanced over at Christian who was glaring at his phone and she wondered if he was mad at whatever was on his phone or mad at her and Anderson. She knew he wasn't exactly fond of the man.
"Are you interested in him Ana?" Ros asked her quietly.
Ana hoped to god Christian wasn't listening to this conversation. "I mean he's an attractive guy but no. We are worlds apart." Ana said almost in a whisper.
"You know what they say. There's plenty of fish in the sea and all that. There's someone out there for you." Ros said matter of fact. She looked down at her phone and Ana took that as a cue that their conversation was over which she was very glad for. This wasn't a conversation she wanted to have with her bosses.
They arrived back at the hotel and the sun had all but set. Ana had been planning to go out for a little while, but it seemed like she might pass that up for tonight and stay in. The tiredness was creeping in.
Ana and Christian got on the elevator as Ros took a detour to speak to the receptionist.
"What are your plans for the rest of the night?" Christian asked her, leaning against the back of the lift.
"I was planning to go for a walk but since it's getting dark, I think I'm going to stay in and hang out in my room or maybe check out the bar or something. I've had about five hours of sleep in total in the last 24 hours so I might catch up on sleep." Ana mused.
Christian nodded. "Sounds like a good idea. I think I'm going to do the same."
They arrived at Ana's floor and she started to walk off. "Ana." She turned around to look at him. "If you do end up going out, will you please let me, Taylor or Sawyer know? It's your first time here and I'm just concerned for your safety."
"Yeah of course." That was thoughtful of him.
"Thank you. I probably won't see you for the rest of the night so have a good night and I'll see you tomorrow." Christian said, one side of his mouth quirking up.
"You too Christian. Good night." She waved at him as she walked off.
"Oh, and Ana? Send me that photo of all of us with Ros's annoyed face." He winked at her when she looked at him with a grin.
"I will!" She shouted back as the elevator doors closed.
Once in her room Ana stripped out of her clothes and decided to hop in the shower. Looking at the clock, it was nearly 8pm and she decided it was definitely too late to go out by herself, so she settled for ordering room service and finding something to watch on the television.
She padded through her room after putting on some comfy clothes, switched on the tv - mostly for some background noise and took a moment to marvel at the view from her room again.
It looked so much more magical at night with all the city lights on. Opening the two doors, she revelled in the cool evening air and looked down at the people on the sidewalk. Everything looked so small from up here. She was so lucky that she was able to do this as part of her job.
Stifling a yawn, she called room service to order dinner and while she waited, she decided to call her dad. They didn't speak as much as she would have liked to, but every time something exciting was happening in her life, he was always one of the first ones to know. She really wanted to show Ray her room, but he was still a bit iffy with technology and anything other than a phone call confused him.
Her dinner arrived as she said goodbye to her dad, and she settled herself in front of the tv ready to watch some Grey's Anatomy. A small huff of laughter left her when she thought about her and Christian's conversation on the ferry boat about Grey's.
The thought did occur to her that she was wasting her time here. There was so much to see and do, and she had holed herself up in her room. But she reasoned with herself that she was going to go out tomorrow night and she had most of the day on Saturday and it would be a big help if she wasn't dead on her feet during it so she could make the most out of it. So today she was going to rest up and recharge. This hotel was an experience in itself anyway.
With Meredith Grey and co on the screen, the bustling sounds of the city through the open doors and her dinner in front of her, she finally relaxed.
Upstairs, in the penthouse suite, Christian was having a similar night to Ana. He had showered and changed, ordered dinner and now he was sat at the large table in his room with his laptop open and papers scattered, attempting to get some extra work in.
Except his mind just wasn't focusing.
He was looking at the words and numbers, but nothing was registering; his mind was a thousand miles away.
He had realised something about himself today. He's attracted to Ana and has been for a few weeks now, but there's never been a pull to her. He was interested in getting to know her, but he didn't actively seek her out or anything.
But on the boat today, he felt it. The pull.
He constantly found himself wanting to be in her presence today. His eyes sought her out without him even realising it. Even while he'd been talking to others, he kept an eye on her, just observing her.
On the boat, she had just been standing there by the railing, doing absolutely nothing and he still gravitated towards her. Just being in her presence made him feel so much more at ease and all the tension just dissipated out of his shoulders.
He chuckled quietly to himself when he remembered her making him do a pinkie promise. It was possibly the purest thing he's ever seen. And he shouldn't have expected anything less from her.
He owed it all to Elliot. If not for him, then he still would have been giving Ana the cold shoulder and he wouldn't be having a good time at all.
His phone pinged with a text and looking away from the spot on the wall he'd been staring at, he checked his phone.
It was from Ana which of course piqued his curiosity and there was no way he wasn't going to open it. He smiled when he saw that it was the pictures they'd taken today.
Christian wasn't normally one to take pictures - unless it was for Mia, but he couldn't say no to Ana's begging and before he knew it, he'd been trying to convince Ros.
Ana had sent him the ones he'd asked for of Ros and Christian was definitely going to use that one as payback one time against her. He just needed for the situation to arise. Ana had also sent a few of the nicer pictures of the five of them.
When he'd wrapped an arm around Ana's waist for the picture, he was aware of every single movement she made, and his side was warm where he was leaning into her. The pictures turned out well and they were all smiling at the camera. He couldn't remember ever taking a picture like this with his colleagues. Just another way that Ana was changing things in his life.
He decided to text her back. They look pretty good. Colour me surprised.
Surprised Mr Grey? Were you expecting them to come out hideously? She texted back.
No, not hideous Miss Steele. More surprised that a photo exists where Taylor is smiling. Wondering how you managed that, but I think if anyone's is going to get Taylor to actually be in a picture and smile, it is you. It is no easy feat so hats off to you.
Thank you. I have my ways ;) Good looking bunch, aren't we?
Christian smiled at the little winky face she sent. It was so Ana. I agree with you but don't tell the rest of them I said that.
Your secret is safe with me. *zips lips* She texted.
He chuckled and decided to leave it at that. He didn't want to disturb her night more than he already had.
Going back to the photo, he realised that Ana was nearly leaning her head into his shoulder and was grinning widely as was he. He wondered if she did that on purpose or if it was an unconscious action. Either way it made him feel giddy inside. He had the thought to crop the photo to just the two of them but mentally kicked himself for thinking something creepy like that.
For a split second he wondered if maybe she felt something for him. But again, he chastised himself for thinking that. Why would she, especially considering the way he had treated her recently? He was lucky enough that she was speaking to him like normal.
Sighing loudly, he locked his phone and shut his computer, deciding to stop for the night.
He was about to call his mom and see if she wanted anything from New York when Elliot texted him, asking him how it was going here with Ana.
Before he could reply, his phone rang, and Elliot's face filled the screen. Always so impatient. Christian rolled his eyes but answered as he stepped outside on the balcony. He was in for a long conversation.
