Chapter three
I couldn't believe my luck. Of all the awful lonely men I could have married, I'd gotten this insanely handsome millionaire with a smile that could have melted the iceberg that hit the Titanic. I was pondering on this when I realized I had missed something Christian said. He put his hand on my shoulder and I jumped a little in surprise.
"Didn't mean to frighten you," he motioned to the buffet table. "What would you like? There's beef, lamb, salmon, chicken?"
"Ah...yes...everything is good," I mumbled trying not to gawk at him. He did look quite handsome in his light gray suit and dark burgundy tie.
Christian POV
I smiled at her, very pleased that she was now my wife. I found every one of her reactions adorable. Anastasia was a dream come true. I had viewed her video hundreds of times, and never tired of it. I loved her mannerisms and her very distinctive Spanish accent. I loved how she spoke of her mother and younger sister; no doubt, their welfare was first and foremost on her mind. I found it admirable she was willing to sacrifice herself like that and plunge herself into the realm of the unknown.
My opinion of her hadn't changed even after Elena had barged in with the news- of -the- day. And while learning about the pregnancy was a complete surprise and there had been no mention of a boyfriend or a past boyfriend, but I wasn't worried. Whoever he was, he was forever buried in her past from this day forward.
Ana POV
Christian graciously stayed by my side and helped me with my meal selection. He made sure that everything was to my satisfaction. He guided me to a small cozy table set up just for the two of them decorated with white linen and a single red rose.
The entire time, he made me feel he had eyes only for me. In the back of my mind, I was aware of other things around us like the photographer snapping a few more candid pictures, and of the staff watching us with curiosity. But for the most part, I was intensely focused on him.
"This is all so delicious," I mumbled gratefully wiping my lips with a cloth napkin. I noticed that Christian barely touched his own plate; he seemed to derive great pleasure from watching my reaction as I tried different dishes.
"Would you like some help unpacking?" He later asked me, so relaxed and welcoming as though settling new wives into his home was something he did every day.
We went upstairs. Christian guided me to a completely different room than the one Elena had taken me to. While I was looking forward to changing into something more comfortable, I shivered at the thought of Christian undressing me. Whoa! Where did that thought come from?
He furrowed his brow as he scanned the room. "Where are your things?"
I hesitated. "In the other room."
His voice sounded thunderous. "What other room?"
I looked helplessly down the hallway. I had no idea which room Elena had taken me into. Christian went into six different rooms until they found the one with her suitcase sitting on the bed.
He shook his head in disapproval. "Elena shouldn't have taken you here. Her instructions were for her to take you to OUR room."
I was speechless. I don't know why I expected us to have different rooms. OUR room?
Christian moved my suitcase into another room, one that was at least twice as big as the first one. "This is our room, Anastasia."
Our eyes locked, I absolutely loved the way he said my name, long version and all. I was vaguely aware of standing awkwardly in the middle of his bedroom.
"Sweetheart, I know we haven't had a chance to talk much, except that one time, but I hope that you will soon feel at home with me."
How could I ever forget? The agency had facilitated a private conversation on their computer between Christian and I. The conversation had flowed well but the picture quality had been a bit blurry. Besides, I hadn't been able to see his face all that well except for those eyes of his. He had been sitting at a desk, with his face partially buried in his hands. This had made me think that perhaps he had a facial disfigurement of some sort he hadn't wanted me to see, and that's why he'd needed a mail-order bride.
Christian POV
Our conversation on FaceTime had flowed really well. I only wished I'd recorded the session. I would have played it a million times just like I'd re-played her introductory video. I stepped away from the bed and moved closer to her. "You must find it really strange that I was in such a rush to get married," I gazed into her eyes and she lowered her lashes.
I then lifted her chin gently and our eyes locked once again.
"I have a confession to make," I paused, making sure I had her complete attention before continuing. "My father is terminally ill. Part of the reason I wanted you here was so that he could meet you before he dies. His dying wish is to see me happily married. I told him about you, that you and I have been corresponding for quite a while. I want him to meet you tomorrow morning, after a good night's rest."
Ana simply nodded, she was looking at me with spellbound expression on her face.
I was on a roll, so I might as well put all the cards on the table.
"I have another confession to make," I told her. "I have been completely obsessed with you ever since I saw your video."
Ana was so shocked she took a step back in retreat.
"Hey, I know it sounds weird, but I really have the best intentions here. I'm not a monster. Just because I'm in love with you doesn't mean I will try forcing myself on you. No way, that's not my style. My only hope is that in due time you'll grow to love me too."
Ana POV
My jaw dropped. Never in a million years, I would have expected this. "Oh...Mr. Grey...I don't know what to say..."
Christian furrowed his brow. "Please call me Christian," he murmured, his gaze dropping to my lips.
"Okay, Christian," I gave him a small smile, testing the sound of his name on my lips. For a moment, his eyes darkened, and something crackled between us, something akin to electricity.
"I'm really hoping you will give me a chance, Anastasia," he reiterated.
"Please call me Ana. Everybody calls me Ana."
"Okay," he cocked his head, studying me intently. "I much prefer Anastasia," he pursed his lips. "But alright, if you insist," he added with a boyish smile.
I decided I might as well take a page out of his book while we were at it. "And I have a confession to make," I told him. "I have a boyfriend. My heart belongs to him and I don't think that will ever change." I braced herself, waiting for his awful side to come forth, but no, he was a true storybook gentleman.
Christian POV
I looked away. I hated hearing that but once again, I appreciated her honesty. She had been honest from the start, I'd known that money had been her motivation for this marriage; never did she made it appear as though she was looking for a real relationship. The fact that she was upfront about needing money was refreshing; most of the women I knew were after me for the same reason, except that they went to great lengths to hide it.
"Fair enough," I managed a small smile. I was trying to look at the big picture here. There was no hurry. One way or another, even if it took me the rest of my life, I was going to get her to fall in love with me.