Thank you for all the follows and favorites and for your very kind reviews. I love reading them. Warning, this chapter is long but I hope you enjoy it all the same. Please overlook any mistakes, I've literally been in front of my laptop all weekend writing. My eyeballs are about ready to pop out of my head so there might be some out of place or missing word. Sorry. I'm curious to find out what you think of this chapter. It's a turning point in more than one way.

Enjoy!

Chapter 12

I wake the next morning feeling like shit. I think I may have drunk a little too much wine last night, but I vaguely remember talking to Christian. Was he here? I shower and stare in my closet looking for something professional but with the fugly boot I know nothing I choose is going to disguise it. Shit, I hope Daniel isn't an office gossip. I'd hate to go to work only to find people pointing and staring. Hell, I wouldn't blame them because really how many times does something like this happen.

Once I'm satisfied with my outfit I venture to the kitchen. I need some ibuprofen because I can't take those pain pills at work. I'd be a drooling fool spread out across my desk if I take it now and I'd probably do something completely inappropriate and get fired.

I make myself some breakfast and sit down to eat when Kate comes out with Elliott trailing behind. For fuck sake. I don't need the reminder that my vagina is still sitting vacant when those two are fucking like their lives depend on it.

"Good morning sunshine," Kate says sarcastically.

"Morning. What's up with you guys." I'm trying to deflect any talk of my foot or last night.

"So Bitty, did you enjoy your bath last night?" He busts out laughing. Fuck you, Elliott.

"Don't remind me please, Elliot. Don't you have someplace to be this early," I say hoping he'll not push me further?

"Actually, I don't so I'm going to hang here with Kate until she goes to work. Keegan and I have a meeting with a new client mid-morning, though."

"Great," I mumble.

Kate clearly wants to say something, "What is it, Kavanagh?"

"Um, Ana, how much do you remember from last night?" Why, what the fuck did I do now, I think.

"I woke up, ate dinner, drank some wine, had a bath and spoke to Christian then bed. Why do you ask?"

"No reason. You were a bit loopy when Harper and I came home is all." Good grief, here I am worried I did something unspeakable. Loopy I can deal with.

"Okay, well I've got to get going. I'll see you later Kate. Bye Elliott."

"Ana, don't forget Sawyer is driving you to work this morning," Elliott says and I stop in my tracks.

"What the fuck are you talking about. Why is he driving me to work? I'm perfectly capable of driving god damn it."

"Christian told you last night that he's coming back today and will be picking you up from work and coming back here."

"Wait a minute. I thought he was back. Was he not here last night?"

"No Bitty. That was Keegan fucking around. Christian was on the phone. You don't remember getting out of the bath with us in the bathroom with you?"

"WHAT THE FUCK!" I scream.

"Elliott, knock it off. Ana, no one saw you naked, except Harper and me, despite your attempts to get Keegan in the bath with you because you can't wait to see him naked," She giggled.

"No more. I don't need to know anymore. See you later."

I open the door and there stands Sawyer, "What the hell are you doing here Sawyer?"

"Mr. Grey asked me to take you to work this morning so he can pick you up at five. Did he not tell you?"

"I actually can't remember much of what happened last night. It seems I might have done and said some questionable things which I don't recall."

"No surprise there. Those pain pills kicked your ass on the way home. Hell before we even got out of the hospital. Dr. Trevelyan got a kick out of you telling her that her son was fucking hot."

Dr. Trevelyan is Christian's mom. Kill me now.

Sawyer drops me off at work and I decide I'll take the elevator rather than risking my safety and those around me by taking the stairs. I see Daniel's office door is closed so I make my way into my office and log into my computer. There are a few emails for me to review and a lunch meeting request from Daniel for today.

I pull out the file I was working on yesterday and resume my analysis. I have no fucking clue if I'm doing it right or wrong but I suppose Daniel will tell me if I fuck up too bad. I find myself daydreaming as I gaze at the beautiful flower arrangement I received from Christian. I notice the card is missing. Hmm, maybe I put it in my purse. Call me a sentimental fuck but I want to keep that card.

I'm still working on this analysis when Daniel peeks his head in my office.

"Hi Ana, are you ready for lunch?"

I look up and notice the time, "Sure, let me save this file."

We take the elevator down to the street and get into Daniel's car. "I hope you like Chinese," Daniel inquires.

"Yes, I do." Beware awkward silence ahead. Thank fuck we only go a few blocks when we arrive in front of Din Tai Fung.

Daniel lets me out at the curb so I don't have to walk too far and then he parks the car. I'm looking around when I notice a familiar black SUV with a familiar looking hot blonde in the driver's seat. Okay, this is not a fucking coincidence. Is Sawyer following me? Reminder to self: Must have a serious conversation with Christian.

Daniel meets me and we turn to head into the restaurant when I feel a hand on my lower back and I immediately tense. That's odd, right? Maybe I'm overthinking it. We're shown to our table and our server takes our drink orders. I'm on a strict water only regimen. No alcohol. I am looking over the menu trying to make up my mind when I decide to break the silence.

"I am really sorry about yesterday. It is definitely not how I thought my first day would go."

"No worries, Ana. It was an accident, those things happen. I assume everything turned out okay since you came back today."

"Yes, just a small fracture. Should be healed in four weeks or so. I just hate this boot. It is most definitely not designer footwear," I joke.

"My wife broke her foot once and had to wear that boot too. She detested it just as much as you."

"Well, it is better than a cast," I admit. Those things get so rank after a while. You itch and can't reach it. Makes a person appreciate not being a fucking turtle. Can you imagine being a turtle and having an itch? How the fuck could you even scratch. It's not like you can take off your shell and rub up against a tree. I don't even know what a turtle would like without its shell. Gross. Not a good visual for lunch time.

We spend the next hour getting to know one another and I learn more about the company and its initiatives. Daniel tells me about his wife, Celeste, but makes no mention of where or how they met...interesting. Of course, I have an idea. He doesn't ask anything too personal about me but I decide, to be honest with him about Christian.

"Daniel, there is something I need to talk to you about." Jesus why am I sweating like a whore in church.

"Okay, what is it, Ana. You're not quitting already are you," He jokes.

"No nothing like that. You mentioned your wife so it's only fair that I tell you about the person in my life…full disclosure because you actually know him believe it or not. Also, because it could pose an issue."

"Okaayyy. Now you've peaked my interest."

"His name is Christian Grey. I believe you went to Harvard together?" I'm cringing waiting for his reaction.

"Well, I can't say I was expecting that but okay. In the spirit of full disclosure was this happening before you accepted the job offer at Bain?"

"No, I only recently met him. Actually, the night I graduated." Fuckity fuck Mcfuck! "I didn't even know who Christian was in all honesty. I quickly found out, though."

"I won't say that this is a non-issue because it could become one down the road. Unlike GEH, we don't ask mid-level management sign NDA's or non-compete clauses. Our bad I suppose."

"I will completely understand if you think it's best if we part ways. I certainly don't intend to divulge any information and neither does Christian. Nor would he go fishing for anything either."

"Let me talk to corporate and HR when we get back to the office. If I may ask, is it serious with Grey?" Hmm, I'm thinking that telling him I'm planning to lose my virginity to the man is not one of my better ideas.

"Since its fairly recent, I can't say for sure. However, I will tell you from my point of view it has serious possibilities." I can't help but smile.

"Alright, you can't help who you fall in love with. I'm evidence of that. Has Christian mentioned anything to you about my wife?"

"Yes, I do know they dated for some time while in college. He hasn't gone into detail about why they broke up but I'm putting two and two together right now and I've got some idea."

What I am pretty sure of is that Daniel fucked him over because he was fucking Celeste behind his back while they were still together. What a douche fucker. Why did this shit have to jump into my head now? I like Daniel and I don't want some preconceived notion to cloud my opinion. Get out get out get out!

After an indigestion induced lunch, I return to the analysis I was doing. I'm so engrossed in work that when my desk phone rings, I look up and see its five o'clock. Miss Congeniality at the reception lets me know I have a visitor. Yeah boy, I know who this is. It's a good thing I can't run, so I hobble to the elevator. I've got thirty seconds to check myself in the mirrored doors to make sure I look presentable. My stomach is in God damn knots. I arrive on the first floor and see him. His back is turned and he's looking out the front windows. His ass is so fine and particularly delectable in his suit pants. He's not wearing a jacket and his muscular arms are providing me with some panty soaking thoughts.

He must hear the clomping noise when he turns around. Good lord, that smile is something else. I finally reach him and he pulls me in close and I take in his scent making me realize how much I missed him. As if he were reading my mind he whispers in my ear, "God damn Ana, I missed you."

"I missed you too," I affirm. He gives me a quick peck on the lips.

"Can you leave now? I know I'm a little early but I couldn't wait any longer."

"Sure, why don't you come up with me and I'll show you my office. Daniel's here still but I will warn you that I told him about us at lunch. He's not said anything to me since we got back. He mentioned he was going to talk to someone at corporate and to HR."

"How was that conversation?"

"Well if you're a fan of awkward silence, it was bananas." I'll surely see his silent treatment and raise him a fuck off if this continues.

"Lead the way Miss Steele, if you can make it without hurting yourself."

"Funny ha ha Mr. Wisenheimer. We both know the elevator is not my friend. They should just move my desk down here to eliminate the possibility of accidents and freak outs."

The elevator quickly arrives on the second floor. I step forward and look both ways like I'm expecting the fucking boogie man to jump out. Christian grabs my hand and I lead him to my office. I feel like Tom Cruise in a fucking episode of Mission Impossible…

"Ms. Steele, your mission should you choose to accept it is to sneak your boyfriend in without your boss seeing him because you're a big pansy ass."

We aren't in my office for thirty god damn seconds and there's a knock on my door and it opens. Christian is sitting in the chair in front of my desk with one legged crossed over his knee. I look at the now open door; Daniel is standing there with an incredulous look on his face. Oh please, do come in why don't you.

"Ana, I wanted to talk to you …." He sees Christian and he's not sure what to do or say but he acknowledges his existence, "Christian, surprise seeing you here."

"Daniel, how are you? It's been a long time." Awkward!

They shake hands and Daniel sheepishly asks if he can talk to me in private. I follow him to his office but not after getting the hairy eyeball from Christian. Daniel gestures for me to sit and he leans up against his desk.

"Ana, I spoke with my boss and human resources about this…situation. After a very long discussion, we are all in agreement that it wouldn't be a good business decision for you to continue working here. I realize this is unexpected and I am truly sorry about that but my hands are tied."

Are you fucking kidding me? He's firing me because I may or may not be in a relationship with a competitor. As I sit here thinking of something to say, I realize its best to stay quiet because I have absolutely no words to explain the shit that is running through my mind.

"I am really sorry, Ana. I was very much looking forward to working with you. I have no doubt you that you find something soon. You're intelligent and have a lot to offer. That's why we hired you in the first place because we were impressed. This is not a familiar situation for me to be so I'm not quite sure what else to say."

I know the look on my face says I'm calm but I have kicked Daniel in the balls a dozen times. I stand to leave but stop, pull up my big girl panties and look him in the eye.

"I understand. I may not like it but I get it. Henry Ward Beecher said that one's best success comes after their greatest disappointments. While I'm disappointed by this decision, I know that my current situation is not my final destination…the best is yet to come. I am a firm believer that honesty is much better than sugarcoated bullshit and I took the chance by being honest with you about Christian. In fact, he was the one who insisted I be honest with you. I think that says more about him than it does this company."

I walk out of his office mentally giving him a big fuck you with a double middle finger flip off. Now I have to tell Christian and I have a feeling that his fuck you might be verbal. He's on the phone when I enter my office. He holds up one finger telling me he'll be a minute. I go to my desk and gather my things. I really only have my purse and the beautiful flowers that Christian sent. I'm trying to be patient waiting for him to get off the fucking phone, but all I really want to do is run as fast as I can. That's not fucking happening so I guess I can hobble quickly. I can't say I'm not hurt but I refuse to shed a tear over this.

Christian ends his call and looks at me with questioning eyes, "Ana…baby, what happened? You don't look too happy."

"Let's talk about this in the car. You're taking me to dinner still, right?"

"Yes, of course. Would you feel comfortable going to my place? I can have Gail fix us something and we can relax without the prying eyes of nosy fuckers."

"That is a very good idea. I'm not sure I would be much company, though." I walk out of my office with Christian following. Daniel is standing at his assistant's desk looking over some papers when he sees us coming. I keep walking without acknowledging them. Childish sure; do you think I give a shit… Absofuckinglutely not!

"Good seeing you again Christian," Daniel says. Christian doesn't say a word. Yep, he's pissed.

Once we get out of the building, I take in a big deep breath to try and calm my ass down. My adrenaline is running rampant and I just know the dam is going to break as soon as we get in the car. Taylor opens the back door as we approach.

"Hi, Taylor. Nice to see you."

"You too, Ana," He says and closes the door behind us.

I feel Christian's eyes on me because I know he wants to ask me what happened, but I shake my head, pleading for him to not ask me anything yet. He takes my hand in his and we sit in silence as Taylor quickly gets us to Escala. Between breaking my foot and getting fired, I've had an impressive two days don't you think. Mr. Murphy can take his law and shove it far up his ass.

Taylor parks the car and gets out leaving us alone. It's tense and quiet as all hell. I am not going to wallow in the pity, but I'm fucking pissed off. I either cry or become a psychopath when I'm mad there really is no in between for me. Crying is probably the better of the two in this situation. Yes, Ana you need to keep your psycho under wraps.

"Anastasia, let's go up. We can have a drink and talk before dinner. Are you ready?" A drink. Yes, I would like a drink then maybe, just maybe I can forget about this entire day. Fuck that I need to forget about the last two days.

"Sure, I'm ready." We get in the elevator and I stare at the door willing myself not to panic. That's all I need. After he punches in the code, Christian pulls me close. He's still holding the vase of flowers…ever the gentleman. The ding of the elevator pulls me from my pity party and the doors open into the foyer. Something smells delicious even though I'm a wreck I need food.

"Hello, Mr. Grey. Welcome, Ms. Steele. Dinner will be ready in about thirty minutes." This must be Gail. I surely hope it is because Taylor just planted a big one on her lips and I think he might have pinched her ass too. That makes me laugh out loud.

"What is so funny?" Christian asks as the look of concern on his face seems to fade a tad. "Come, I'll introduce you to Gail."

"Gail, I'd like you to meet Anastasia. Ana, this is Gail Taylor."

No wonder why Taylor was playing grab ass with her, she's pretty hot. Dark blonde hair and big green eyes. She's taller than me …but then again most of the population over the age of ten is taller than me. She looks to be in her mid to late thirties.

"Hello, Gail. It's very nice to meet you." I move to shake her hand when she surprises me with a hug. Oh, a hugger, okay then. I hug her back…don't want to appear as if she has some communicable disease.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you. The boys haven't stopped talking about you. If you need anything, please let me know."

Christian grabs a bottle of wine and two glasses and we head to what I guess is the family room. Its beautifully decorated and has a fireplace that runs floor to ceiling on one wall. I can't help but be a little intimated by his wealth now that I have invaded his private space. We sit on a sofa…a sofa that I'm pretty sure where I would be happy laying on my back underneath him. How can I even be thinking of sex at a time like this? Probably because I'm sitting here staring into the eyes of the most beautiful man and I can't stop dreaming about, or thinking about. A man that makes me wet with just a look. Focus Ana...and not on his dick.

He moves close to me and kisses me, "Alright Anastasia, I want to know what happened. I have a good idea but I want to hear the details." His tone is firm but concerned.

"I was shit canned because we are seeing each other, I'm your girlfriend, I know you. Blah blah blah. Whatever the reason, the company felt that I would be a risk. Daniel questioned whether or not we were together before I started but I assured him we were not. As disappointed as I am, I understand their decision. I don't like it but what the fuck can I do about? There was no time invested on either side. I stood up to him and basically told him they haven't seen the last of me because I will move on and do something great. I also told him that you were the one who encouraged me, to be honest but I felt it said more about your character than the company. So fuck em. Every dog has its day so fuck them all."

I'm close to tears after my admission and if he says anything remotely sweet it's going to get ugly. The first time I saw the movie Steel Magnolias, I bawled like a baby. You know the ugly crying where your face gets all contorted, your eyes are so red and puffy you look like you went ten rounds with Mike Tyson and your nose is running faster than Charlie Sheen can say winning after three lines of coke. Yeah, I don't want to be that girl. What the fuck am I supposed to tell my parents?

"Anastasia, you did the right thing regardless. Daniel is…well let's just say that Daniel and I will never be friends and I have very strong opinions of him. However, they are the ones who are losing out. I know that we've only just begun this relationship but I want to offer something to you. You can say no and I will understand but really think about it before you say no. Come work for GEH."

"Christian…shit. Would that even be appropriate? It's almost as bad as me working for the competition, don't you think. I'm not sure people would take me serious especially given my lack of experience and our …" I wave my hands looking for the proper word which never comes. We really need to discuss us. Fuck Bain and fuck Daniel O'Brien.

"I am the boss, Ana. It's my company and I think you would be a great addition. GEH has a policy that people can date or be married to a coworker just not a direct boss. In reality, I'm everyone's boss, but you wouldn't report to me. Think about it, okay?"

He's serious with this shit. It's a disaster waiting to happen but I can't help but think of what I'd learn working there. The bonus being I get to see him every day…oh, the suits. The fucking suits.

Gail comes in to let us know dinner is ready so we saunter into a casual dining area. Whatever she's cooked smells heavenly. Christian pulls out my chair and I give him a knowing smile. When I'm seated, he kisses the top of my head and sits to my right at the head of the table. Gail places a bowl of spinach mushroom ravioli with a simple tomato sauce and a basket of whole wheat rolls. I could eat

"How's your foot feeling today? You weren't feeling much pain last night were you?" He laughs and I know my face is turning fifty shades of red.

"Yes, about that. I didn't think those pain killers would have that big of an effect on me. The bath and wine only exacerbated it. Your brother is an ass by the way," I laugh.

"Which one?"

"Keegan. He must have Christian envy because he's very good at being you. I could have died when Kate and Harper told me he was trying to help me out of the bath. Who does that?" I'm being sarcastic and he knows it.

"You would think by the way that my brothers act they'd be the twins. I don't where it comes from but my personality has always been a tad bit more serious than those two ass clowns."

We talk throughout dinner and finish off the bottle of wine. I managed to not drink away my anger and sadness but I'm tired. I don't want to be away from him because I miss him too much.

"Would you like to see the rest of my place. I just realized that I didn't show you around."

"That would be great. Let's see how Christian Grey lives."

He grabs my hand and leads me upstairs. There are three bedrooms each with an ensuite. One room looks like his brothers must crash when they are here. I giggle at the thought of the three of them having sleepovers. The last door he opens is a beautiful library filled with books and one of those really cool ladders that are on a track and moves around the book shelves. It's a peaceful in here and the view is unbelievable. I could definitely get lost in a book in this room. We head back downstairs where he shows me where Gail, Taylor and Sawyer live. He shows me his home office and its fucking enormous.

"What's the square footage of this place," I ask.

"What started out to be 5,100 square feet quickly grew to 10,000 square feet once Keegan and I were finished with the design. It's a little big for just me but I do like the space."

"Ya think? It's basically just you living here but I get it."

He opens the door opposite his office and it's his music room. There's a black grand piano that sits in front of the window that looks out at Elliott Bay and comfortable furniture.

"Will you play for me sometime."

"Of course. I try to play every day but that doesn't always happen. It's one of the ways I relax."

We step back into the hallway and the last door I imagine is his bedroom door. He opens the large ornate wooden doors and the first thing I see a gigantic bed. Hmm...that has possibilities. One whole wall is nothing but windows. He stands back and tells me to look around. I find his closet and good fucking lord it's the size of five closets. His clothes are organized by type and color…OCD much. Drawers line an entire side and his shoes sit on a long wooden shelf the length of the drawers. And I thought Harper had a lot of shoes. I wander out and find his bathroom. Balls, this bathroom, rivals something you'd see at a swanky hotel. The shower is huge. There's a sink and a bench seat in there it's so big. It has multiple shower heads that look like they'd clean every crevice on your body. I stand in the middle of it imagining him naked.

"What are you daydreaming about Anastasia. You have a devious grin on your face."

"Oh umm...Well…honestly, I was picturing you standing in here all wet and soapy." Sure just throw it out there you horn dog.

"I see. How about the tub? Do you imagine you and me in there?" Ah, I'm not the only one thinking naughty things.

"Actually, I can. It's a huge tub. I think you could fit a dozen people in it. Not that I'd want to be in there with that many people. It would be kind of weird, huh? It's just that I've never seen one so big before...a tub I mean. A big tub." Put a sock in it Steele!

He puts his arms around me and pulls me close, "Anastasia, since you don't have to go to work tomorrow and I'm the boss and can go in whenever I want, would you stay the night with me?"