Hey Ya'll! Hope all my American readers had a wonderful July 4th. I relaxed and decompressed all weekend and managed to write as well. There's a lot going on in this chapter and the longest to date. I felt like I needed to make up for my absence. Thank you for sticking around and all the wonderful reviews…each and every one of them. I know my Ana is not for everyone because she is bold, crass and curses like a sailor but I will not change her. So, if you choose not to continue reading I'm okay with that. I'll be waiting to see what you all think. Please forgive any mistakes, it's taken a month to get this out of my head.

Enjoy!

Chapter 16

"If you'd like to follow me, we can go up to my office and figure out how to remedy this quickly."

"I believe we can. Lead the way, sir." He gives me that panty dropping smile of his and we head for another bank of mother fucking elevators. Shit!

He smacks my ass I enter the elevator. I can't hide my smirk or my snicker.

"Anastasia, you, my love are crazy. Where do you come up with this stuff…and here I thought Keegan was a jokester."

"I don't know it just hit me when she was a little too self-righteous. I thought, why not mess with her…a little. At least you played along. Must be a twin thing, huh." I can't stop laughing.

After a speedy elevator ride up twenty stories, we arrive at our destination. Christian motions for Harper and me to step out ahead of him with Taylor bringing up the rear. He takes my hand, and I grab Harper's hand. The view from here is magnificent. This man has a thing about heights that's for sure. We stop at, whom I guess is his assistant, Andrea's desk.

"Andrea, I would like to introduce you to my girlfriend and CIA agent, Anastasia Steele and her sister Harper."

Her mouth drops open, and I think she's at a loss for words. "Hello Andrea, it is nice to meet you." I extend my hand.

She smiles and shakes my hand. "You too, Miss Steele…and Miss Steele. You two are as identical as Christian and Keegan. That's crazy. Wait…did you just say CIA agent?"

We all start cracking up laughing. "Yes. Anastasia is quite the comedian. I'll explain later."

"Oh, before I forget, Christian, your conference call with Chicago is confirmed for three."

"Thank you, make sure Ros knows too. Ladies, shall I show you around?"

He takes on our tour of the executive floor where the suits are as Christian referred to them and also the floor with the lawyers and accountants. Finally, we reach the acquisitions floor, only two floors below his.

"Let's see if Tom is in shall we?" He knocks on an open door, and I see a man not quite as young as Christian stand. He's wearing a really nice gray suit with a purple tie. I fucking love the color purple. Not the movie, I mean the movie was good, but I love the actual color.

"Tom, I'd like you to meet Anastasia Steele. The woman I told you about." I reach for his outstretched hand.

"Ah yes, Anastasia. It is a pleasure to meet you. Christian filled me in our mutual 'friends'. I hope we can set up a time to talk in the next few days. It sounds like you would be a great asset to our department and GEH."

"I am definitely interested in meeting with you. I'm free anytime. You tell me when you're available, and I'll be here." He seems like someone I could work with. He's not leering at me, but then again, I suppose Christian informed him of our status.

"How about tomorrow at ten. You can come here, we can talk and then go to lunch. Does that work?"

"Yes, I think that would work just fine. I'll be here at ten."

"Alright, Tom we will let you get back to work. I will see you at three for our conference call with Chicago," Christian states as we leave Tom's office to head back to his floor.

"See nothing to worry about baby, I told you it would be fine."

Sure it is fine now because he is the boss, but what about when everyone finds out who I am. Might not be so fucking fine then. I don't want Christian to play referee because his employees don't like the fact his girlfriend works here.

"You say that now, Mr. Grey. Time will tell."

He opens the door to his very spacious office. Jesus fuck, why does one man need so much space. All I can focus on are the floor to ceiling windows and the view. I'd never get anything done.

"Please have a seat. How was your lunch?"

"Lunch was very enlightening," Harper proclaims.

I shoot daggers at her in the form of a glare. "Lunch was excellent. I like that bistro; we should try it sometime. Just you and me," I say focused on Christian.

"What are your plans for the rest of day?" He inquires.

"Ana and I are going to get our hair cut and maybe get a massage after," Harper speaks up. Thank you, sister dear, but I'm pretty sure that my mouth works just fine.

"That sounds like what two sisters should do. I, on the other hand, will be stuck on a conference call for several hours."

I am not going to see him tonight since he has dinner plans with Keegan. Why does knowing I'm not going to be with him really bum me out. We sit and talk for a while longer than Andrea buzzes him to let him know the conference call is in ten minutes. He can sense my sadness when he pulls me close and kisses the top of my head.

"I will miss you tonight baby. Can I call you after I'm finished with Keegan? It shouldn't be too late."

I pout which makes him laugh, "Yes, I will be home all night. Anything I need to prepare for my meeting with Tom tomorrow?"

"Just be yourself. The job is yours if you want it."

He takes my hand and walks me to the elevator where Harper is waiting. He leans down and plants one of those kisses on me that make you weak in the knees. You know what I'm talkin' about.

"I'll talk to you later. I hope you and Harper enjoy the rest of your day baby. Don't cut off too much of your hair, I love how long it is."

We step into the elevator, and I watch him walk away. Damn, he has a fine ass.

Later That Night

Harper and I had a great time getting our hair cut and massages. I didn't realize how stressed I've been, but now I'm lik LO. Now there's a fun little substance. Jiggly and tastes good with alcohol. Not long before graduation, Kate and I decided we wanted to make Jell-O shots but had no Jell-O, so we ran down to Wal-Mart. Yes, I know, but it was the only place open at one in the morning. We quickly find the aisle where the Jell-O is, and I turn the corner only to come face to…well not face but face to ass crack. You know the whole People of Wal-Mart, well let me say that shit is real. There was the big guy sitting on the floor, wearing a Santa hat - why, I don't know because it was April –he was going through the boxes and had the worst case of plumber's ass. That wasn't the worst of it. The worst was the fact that he was wearing a bright pink Victoria's Secret thong. I don't even want to think about the how or why. Kate and I stood there just looking at him and then we started cracking up laughing and couldn't stop. We got the hell out of there…and forgot to get a box of Jell-O. If I go the rest of my life and never see a guy in a thong, I can die happy.

Great…now I have that ewe moment stuck in my head again. Get out of my head I say. My phone vibrates bringing me back to reality. Oh yippee, it's my sexy ass CEO boyfriend.

"Hello, my sexy. Whatcha up to?"

"Hi, baby. I'm just sitting in my study, staring out the window, thinking about doing some work. Keegan just left."

I look at my clock and see it's almost eleven. "How was your dinner? Did you do anything fun after?"

"I'm telling you that brother of mine is going to be the death of me. I love him, but sometimes he's such an idiot." He sighs, and I wonder what that's all about.

"I hope you at least enjoyed spending time with him," I question.

"I did like hanging out with just him. He's got an issue…with an ex and needed some help. He also wants to move out of Elliott's and get his own place so he wanted advice on the real estate market."

"Oh wow, well does Elliott know he wants to move out?"

"He does. Keegan feels that since Kate has basically moved in, he's cramping their style. He needs his own place, and I'm glad that he's decided now is the time. He's financially stable and can afford practically anything he wants and anywhere."

"Good for him. I'd love to be on my own but then I wonder if I'd be lonely without people around and the noise. I guess I need to talk to Kate and see what her dealio is."

We talk for thirty more minutes before I start yawning. We make dinner plans for tomorrow night, say our goodbyes and I close my eyes and dream of Christian.

The Next Day

I met with Tom, we went to lunch and am now gainfully employed again. Yeah for me. I'm going to surprise Christian; Sawyer said he's free, so I take the elevator up to his floor. Andrea says hi and tells me to go on in.

I slowly open his office door and peek around it to see where he is. I see him sitting on his throne, ruling his world from the twentieth floor. His back is to me so I know he can't see me. I quietly walk toward his desk thinking I'm all sneaky like when he whips his chair around and jumps up and yells 'Boo." He scares the piss out of me, I scream and nearly keel over from a heartache. Taylor and Sawyer come running in.

"God dammit Christian. You scared me to death." He walks to me and grabs ahold of me all the while he's laughing.

"Anastasia, you are the worst at sneaking." He kisses me like he hasn't seen me in years.

"Well shit. You had to ruin it for me, didn't you," I jest.

"Baby, I felt you before I saw you. Then I actually did see you in the reflection of the window. You crack me up. We're okay Taylor sorry for the scare," He says, and they both take their leave.

He holds me tight. Damn he's a great hugger and he smells so fucking good. I could just sniff him all day long.

"I wanted to surprise you and tell you my good news."

"I'm sorry I spoiled your surprise do you want to go out and come back to try again?"

"No funny man, it's too late now." I nudge him in the stomach.

"What's your good news?"

"Like you don't know…I'm the newest member of the M&A division at GEH. I had a great meeting with Tom, and we went to lunch to iron out the details. I'm going to start on Monday. Hopefully not breaking any bones."

"Congratulations baby. I'm happy you decided to come on board. I know you'll do great things. I have some news to share also. Let's sit over here."

We settle into his oversized couch that is situated along the inside wall. There are bold, bright paintings framing the comfy tan sofa. He's got a very serious look on his face. Holy shit, now I'm worried.

"You know that I've been spending time in Chicago and had several teleconferences over the past few days." I nod. "Let me preface by telling you that this was all in play before we met."

Okaaayy…now I'm freaking the fuck out.

"As you know Bain & Company is headquartered in Chicago. My team has been working for the past six months on an acquisition that is basically doubling the size of GEH. As of this morning, Bain & Company is no more because GEH has acquired all of its holdings."

"Shut the front door! Holy cheddar cheese and crackers, Christian this is big. Lik big. Like Big Bird Big. Wow, I guess it's fate that we met, huh? I would have ended up working for you in the end anyway. Congratulations babe, I can't imagine how excited you are. Can I ask what made you decide to go after Bain?"

"Long story short is that they have holdings that we need to further our mission at GEH. It was cheaper to go after them rather than start from the ground up. They have a vast shipping company on the east coast that we've needed to ship food to third world countries. That was the main reason. However, they have many international holdings that will take us into some new markets."

"So what happens to Daniel? Are you keeping the staff from the office here? Did he know about this?" I really don't give two shits about him, but I ask out of pure curiosity…aka Curious George.

"No, he's not high enough on the ladder so he wasn't part of the negotiations. There were gag orders in place on both sides to prevent the information from leaking. It's not every day that one M&A acquires a competitor so that makes for big news. As far as what happens to him…well he works for me now. That is as of tomorrow when we go to the office to inform the staff. Whether or not he stays is his decision."

"Christian, can I ask you something about Daniel?" He nods. "Is his wife the same Celeste that was your girlfriend in college?"

"Yes." Well, that was matter of fact. Sometimes it's like pulling teeth to get him to open up. Throw me a bone will you.

"If he decides to stay is it going to be a problem for you. I have a very vivid imagination. You don't have to answer but did she cheat on you with Daniel?"

He's grabbing at his collar like he's suffocating. Obviously, this is a sore subject. Way to go, Ana, you and your nosy ass questions. Such a fucking buttinski…not to be confused with a Big Lebowski. Have you seen that movie? Oh, my bowling balls. I love the Dude and that damn robe. Hunter and I have watched that movie a million times, and I can recite every single line…." I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing". Hilarious!

"Yes, she did cheat on me with Daniel. It happened our last semester at Harvard. We'd been together for almost two years and then one day she just told me she didn't love me and wanted to break it off. I have not seen or talked to her since that day nor do I want to," He says very matter of fact.

I take hold of his hands and squeeze tight. There's obvious pain in his voice. Pisses me off that someone could do that to him. Did she not realize what an incredible man she had in him? Well, fuck her. Her loss is my gain that's for god damn sure, and I graduated with a fucking 4.0 GPA, so obviously I'm smarter because I'd never jeopardize our relationship.

"I'm sorry we don't have to talk about this anymore. I don't want to spoil your good news talking about stupid shit and that bitch whore of a woman who shall not be named anymore."

He laughs, and I take that as my cue that he's okay, so I lean forward to give him a kiss. Not just a peck but a full on tongue, moaning, hair pulling kiss. He tugs me on his lap, and we stay like this for what feels like an hour…swapping spit, getting hot and bothered. I feel his ginormous hard on, and I can't help but want to touch it, but we cannot be having sex in his office. I'm so not going to be that girl.

The sound of Andrea coming through the speaker on his desk phone quickly brings us back to reality. He has a meeting to get to, and I need to get back home. He calls Sawyer to let him know I'm ready to leave, and we say our see ya laters and kiss goodbye. I'll see him in a few hours for dinner, and I need to take a nap.

I arrive back at my apartment to the sounds of giggling coming from the living room. Kate and Harper are sitting on the sofa, both with their legs bent underneath them drinking wine. We crack open another bottle and catch up. Kate tells us that she and Elliott might potentially move in together. Kate has never been this serious about a guy before so for her to move this quickly means she is cray cray about Elliott. Harper tells me that she met Keegan for lunch today, and he told her that he really likes her, but he's got an issue with an ex he wants to resolve before thinking about a relationship. I'll have to dig a little to find out more about that. I told them my job news and how great things are with Christian. We're having dinner at his place tonight but no sleepover. Damn!

Friday

I find myself daydreaming of sleepover and naked boyfriends while I'm mopping the kitchen floor. Can you become a sex addict after only done it a few times because I seriously cannot get his dick off my mind. Always on my mind…who the fuck sings that song? Johnny Cash…no not him…Kenny Rogers. Really, Ana Kenny Rogers. He's the gambler. Elvis? Ding ding…Elvis! Shit that would have driven me crazy. There is literally no chance for me to have an orgasm by cleaning the kitchen so I say fuck it and head for the shower. We are going to dinner with Kate and Elliott and then to some new club. Fuck if I'll be dancing but I'm happy to have some cocktails.

Kate and I are getting ready when Harper comes barreling in my room asking me if I stole her Michael Kors sweater. Uh yeah. Who else would've stolen it? You think a burglar broke in and was like "cute top!" So dramatic that one. At exactly seven I hear the doorbell then I hear Kate…she literally runs to the door in five-inch Manolos. I hear Elliott and Christian...and let us not forget the man-child Keegan. He must be doing something with Harper. Hopefully, it's getting her drunk because she is the biggest bitch today.

I round the corner, and I feel it. I stand back so he can't see me as I admire him. God, damn he is gorgeous. I try to stifle a giggle but no luck I'm caught.

"Good evening my beautiful Ana," He whispers in my ear as he peppers my neck with kisses. This man just oozes sex. Fuck, I need to change my damn panties.

"Hi. You look very handsome tonight. What time is our reservation?"

"Seven thirty, we should be going." He looks around for Elliott, "Elliott, put your dick back in your pants and let's go."

"Bro, chill. You know what they say…a dick a day keeps the vibrator away. Just making sure my girl is satisfied." Busted! Kate's face is bright red, and Kate Kavanagh never gets embarrassed, but she clearly is at this moment.

Everyone, may I have your attention…I am HORNY. Thank you, that is all! I am going to jump Christian's bones as soon as we get to his apartment. But first food. We take separate cars to the restaurant, of course, Taylor and his band of Ninjas is in tow. As we pull up outside, I notice a small gathering of paparazzi. Good fucking lord, don't these a-hole leeches have anything better to do on a Friday night. Okay, that was a stupid question. Don't answer that.

Christian immediately takes my hand.

"Sorry baby. I never know where they're going to be. How they find out we were coming is beyond me," He apologizes.

"It's okay Christian, I realize this is part of the package."

Taylor opens the door, and we step out and quickly make our way inside the restaurant. Kate and Elliott are waiting with shit-eating grins on their faces. Yes, this is my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything. The restaurant is buzzing with activity. I hear the hushed voices as they see its Christian Grey's arrival causing the bright flashes interrupting their dinner. Primo is pretty popular with young professionals and the uber wealthy. Dark hardwood covers the dining room floor, and large Italian marble tiles lay along the perimeter. The smell of oregano and garlic fills the air. I have to remember no garlic for me in my food.

"You guys alright," Elliott asks.

"Yepper, couldn't be better," I profess.

The maître de shows us to our table which is in the back of the restaurant overlooking the bay. My ass in the chair, not five fucking minutes when I hear my name.

"Ana? Hey, I thought that was you. How are you?"

Daniel O'Brien. Oh, fork me in the eye now. Christian's back is to him but I see him tense up, and his jaw tighten.

"Hi, Daniel. I'm all right, thank you for asking. Just having dinner with my boyfriend."

"Hi Christian," I hear a meek female voice. This must be the whore who shall not be named. Christian's eyes are laser focused on me when he leans in a kisses me before standing.

"Daniel…Celeste." Burr…anyone else feel the temperature drop. That was a frosty reception. Can't blame him, though.

Christian is trying to be civil, but I can see by his tight jaw that he's not any more thrilled by this interruption than me. It was only a matter of time he or we would run into them. Christian told me earlier about his meeting at Bain and that Daniel has decided to stay on board at GEH. Yippee, yahooey. I'm going to be seeing more of this cow and knowing slept with my man sticks in my craw. I admit the bitch is pretty. She's tall and thin with long dirt water blonde hair and green eyes. She has the balls to look me up and down and then even bigger balls when she reaches out her hand.

"Hi, I'm Celeste O'Brien. Daniel told me all about you, Ana isn't it?"

Motherfucker, I started off in a great mood today. Then, people started coming along and pissing me off.

"It's actually Anastasia. Ana is what my friends and family call me." There's nothing but sarcasm in my delivery.

"But of course. Daniel was really upset after what happened. I suppose that doesn't matter now since you will be working for him again."

Exsqueeze me! Did I just hear her correctly? I throw a glance at Christian. Not the come fuck me glance, more like the WTF glance. I guess he forgot to tell me this little ditty.

"Actually, Anastasia will be overseeing a new project and Daniel will be reporting to her."

Huh...For the love of the Bee Gees, what did he just say? I can't possibly be Daniel's boss. Has he lost his fucking marbles?

Celeste has a shitty smirk on her face, "Well, I suppose there are advantages to being the CEO's girlfriend."

Oh no, she didn't! Christian grabs my hand and pulls me closer. By this time, Kate and Elliott are feeling the tension and stand up. If she starts in with me anymore, she's going to feel the full wrath of Kathryn Kavanagh. That woman is loyal to a fault and is extremely protective when it comes to people hurting those she loves and cares for.

I would so like to tell her to go fuck herself, but I'm pretty sure she'd be disappointed. Jealous much?

Christian starts to say something then stops. But not me. Nope, I'm not holding my fucking tongue with this c u next Tuesday.

"Passive aggressive jealousy isn't pretty on anyone especially in front of your husband. Now, if you'll excuse us we need to get back to our friends."

We all return to our seats and I down the entire glass of wine that is in front of me.

Elliott takes a sip of his wine and tips his glass in our direction, "Wow! Seems Celeste is still carrying a torch for you, huh Chris?"

"Not funny Elliott. I'm sorry Ana. I didn't mean to throw that out there before talking to you first. I just wanted to shut her up, but it only made it worse." He kisses my knuckles.

"No don't you apologize for that crazy jealous bitch. Yes, I would have like to have been on firmer ground with your announcement…we will talk about that later. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. If she continues this behavior, it will cause Daniel problems at work. Not that I care because I have no qualms about getting rid of him. Let's just forget about work and the O'Brien's and enjoy our evening."

So that was that. We had a delicious dinner, drank some fabulous wine and had great conversation. For as much as he's a goof, Elliott is brilliant. He's very passionate about this company. As he should be. I'm feeling a little frisky thanks to the effects of the wine and Christian's constant rubbing on my thigh. There will be sex tonight! Christian pays the bill, and we make our way to this new club called Trinity which is not far from the restaurant. I find out on the way there that the brothers Grey are the owners. What does this man not have his hands in. More money than sense.

As we pull up to the valet and see the bright lights from the cameras going off are blinding. Taylor opens the door for us with a questioning look tossed in Christian's direction. I'm sure there's not a security issue, but he's still on high alert. Wrapping my arm through Christians, I quickly look down to make sure none of my bits are showing. That's all I need is my mother and father seeing a picture of me with my girls out or worse. Kate, on the other hand,…we expect her tits and ass to be hanging out. That's just Kate. She's not slutty just the opposite, but she does like her dresses short. We're escorted quickly to the VIP section which is blocked off by a line of red velvet ropes. I see Harper, Mia, Keegan and some other guy I don't know sitting around a few tables with plenty of empty drinks. It seems like they didn't want to wait to start the party.

"Hey, guys. You finally made it," Keegan says with a big smile. "How was dinner?"

"Bro, don't even go there. The food was excellent, but the drama ...not so much," Elliott shouts and points in our direction.

"All I'll say is Celeste," Christian says.

He pulls me over to the couch and pours us some Cristal. Yum yum yummy! I look around taking in the sights and sounds of this place. It's very trendy, and clearly, this is where the beautiful people come because there are no unattractive people to be found. The bar is illuminated by blue lighting that runs from end to end and also behind where the alcohol is very neatly organized on thick glass shelving. They are very modern white stools in front of the bar where there is quite a gathering. There're white loungers and oversized chairs strategically placed so the view of the bar and dance floor are unobstructed.

Kate and Elliott hit the dance floor while the rest of us stay back and try to talk. I learn the other guy is a friend of Keegan's from high school. His name is Jeff something or other. I didn't catch his last name. I can't even remember most of the people I went to high school with and certainly don't keep in touch with them. Most of them were assholes, and if they weren't an asshole, they were bitches or douchebags. Not many went to college so neener neener neener…who's the dorky bookworm now fools!

We're having a great time, drinking and laughing at Elliott and Keegan's antics. They sure do give Christian a hard time, but it's that brotherly sort of ribbing. He rolls with it and dishes it out just as much. I'm sitting on his lap and he's rubbing my leg which is making me very needy. I play with his hair, and I can feel how much he's enjoying it. Keegan and Harper are dancing together. Or should I say dirty dancing. How she can dance in that dress and those shoes is beyond me.

Christian excuses himself for a minute. As the night goes on, the alcohol continues to flow freely, and the bass from the music vibrates the floor. Everyone seems to be having a great time. Kate and Elliott are all over each, but no one gives them a second look. A deep male voice suddenly comes through the speakers telling us that he's going to play something a little slower. Christian has returned with a huge smile and pulls me to the dance floor. Thank fuck I don't have to wear that boot, but I'm in flats so we still look like the odd couple.

He holds me close, my body molding into his; we are so made for each other. With slow movements we sway to the sounds of the flamenco guitar and Bryan Adams singing Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman. I can't help but think these are Christian's unspoken words to me. He doesn't take his eyes off me while singing every word perfectly. I can't see or hear anything else. I can't even tell if there are other couples dancing along nor do I care. My heart was pounding in my chest as I'm overcome with emotion. Either I've had way too much to drink, or I am PMSing because I can barely hold back the tears. I have an epiphany and realize that I am in love with this man. There is no doubt of that. Do I tell him? What if I'm totally misreading the signs. I don't want to make a complete ass of myself or worse, get my heartbroken because he doesn't feel the same.