Chapter 8 – Home is where the heart is

RPOV

"What do you mean she's not getting the big picture? She doesn't like him Ray!" My wife is yelling at me like I'm a little boy, she has no idea what is going on of course and I'm just not equipped to fight with her at this point.

"You listen to me Ray – you will apologize to Ana, she told me the disgusting things you said to her…"

"You don't understand Car…"

"Do NOT interrupt me Ray, you really don't want to add failure to communicate with me effectively to your list of infractions do you?" I remain silent.

"I didn't think so."

"Now, you will apologize to our daughter Ray and you will do it today – or don't bother coming back here. You have been moping around here for weeks snapping at both RJ and I and I've just about had it up to my neck with your bullshit – you fix your family Ray starting with your daughter or I swear you won't have one!" What has gotten into her – she has never spoken to me like this – looks like the little princess has gotten to her mother.

"Fine."

"Fine what?"

"Fine, I will apologize."

"Let me know when you have." With that the call goes silent.

Women! They're going to be the death of me. What Carla doesn't understand is that Annie has cut off contact with me, I cannot get near her – she's got fucking bodyguards and that smug asshole is always with her when she's not working. I've been here now for almost four days and it's impossible if she won't take my calls – I've even called her office.

Carla won't want me coming home anyway if Hyden makes good on his threats, but I have to keep trying.

###

"Listen Hyden, I haven't been able to get near Anastasia, she's very upset with me for trying to take your side in this whole thing – there's nothing I can do." There is silence on the other end of the phone.

"Not surprising you can't keep your whore of a daughter in line – you probably never had any sway with her to begin with, you just made me think so."

"The bottom line is she's not interested, and I can't force her into whatever relationship you envisioned for the two of you – this isn't the dark ages, I can't give you my daughter it just doesn't work that way. I would have supported you one hundred percent if she had been interested, but she's in a relationship and there is nothing I can do. She won't even let me near her." This sick bastard has been stalking Annie, and while I still think she could have made things easier for us by at least playing along with this guy for my sake – I can understand why she's scared, he's pretty fucked up – I can only be honest with him at this point as there is nothing left, I've all but resigned myself to the notion that I've lost everything – including my family.

"Do you really think I want that asshole Grey's sloppy seconds? Thanks to your daughter that asshole is going to pay…and you're going to help me." Did I not just tell this moron that I have no access to her? His obsession is going to cost me everything. I need some assurances here, but I have to figure out a way to turn the tables on this guy, before it's too late. His rants have become more desperate and disturbing by the minute, I need to get out of Seattle and put some distance between myself and this guy.

"I don't want that slut! She filed restraining orders against me! Yet I still have another quarter to pay for staffing services because of the contract I signed – it's pretty much set in stone. All this trouble for untouched pussy was hardly worth the headache. I only wanted to say I had been the first before like all the rest of them she gets passed around town."

He's trying to get under my skin, but I need to keep him calm. After viewing all of the information in the envelope Grey's goon handed me I know I'm dealing with a man who has lost the ability to reason soundly. I won't let him get to me – I still have too much to lose.

"Fine, what do you want?"

"I want you to get near that whore and her boyfriend – I want him dead, and you're my trigger man."

"Have you taken leave of your senses? I'm not a murderer."

"Maybe not yet, but we'll just have to see how far you'll go to keep all of your secrets now won't we – I think the threat of divorce, and jail should be one hell of a motivator don't you, your wife is still hot – Imagine yourself in the pen while some other guy is giving her the high hard one – sound like a winner Ray?"

"You have work to do – you need to work your way back into your daughter's good graces – I can wait – hell I waited two fucking years to fuck that bitch after all, you can make it happen." I ignore the name calling…for now.

"You don't understand, I got so upset with Annie I screamed at Grey and his goons threw me out of the building – now she won't take my calls at all...I screamed I would kill him."

"I'll be in touch." And with that he disconnects the call.

###

Knock on the door

I answer the door and standing there are Grey and his goon from the other night – he always seems to be with this guy, this fucking mountain of a human being. Grey isn't a small man, he's tall and athletic he looks like a guy who could take care of himself – I can tell he wanted to go after me the other day but was being held back by Annie and Paul Bunyon here. What's he doing here now, what's his angle?

"Mr. Steele, may we come in?"

I move away from the door and usher him in. I'm in my tee shirt and pajama bottoms so it's obvious I'm not a threat.

"I am not a man who belabors a point Mr. Steele – I'm here for one reason and one reason only. To help you."

I scoff at the notion – what the fuck could this kid do for me? The arrogance is astounding.

"Help me." I almost repeat to myself as if it's some sort of punch line.

"Yes, whatever Hyden Jackson is holding over you – I am asking you to allow me use my considerable resources to help you assuage your indebtedness to him, but I won't plead with you to accept my help because quite frankly it's not a habit of mine to assist people who threaten my life."

"Then why are you here, you smug bastard?"

He eyes me with an undetectable emotion and reserve.

"I love her. I love Ana and I would do anything for her." His answer surprises me – I could tell he cares for her, but I am surprised by the openness of his declaration.

"You've known her for an hour, what the fuck do you know about my daughter or love for that matter? Aren't you the billionaire playboy?"

"Well, Mr. Steele I've learned over the years that in the absence of a truthful narrative a conjecture will do when it comes to tabloids – I don't pay much attention to them, I have after all a business to run. Don't believe everything you read." He says sardonically narrowing his eyes at me.

"To answer your other question, I knew the moment I first saw Anastasia that my life had changed. She is honest, bright and driven; she makes me want to work hard to be worthy of her affection – she is the most beautiful woman I have ever known inside and out – and I would do anything in my power to save her even one second of pain. I'm in love with your daughter, and right now she is in pain because of what has transpired between the two of you – I want to help."

He has no idea what he's talking about, there is no help. He can't help me, no one can – I don't know what my next move will be, but I know I have to find a way to outsmart Hyden, but it's good to know that in the meantime I don't have to worry about Annie's safety, this guy will take care of her. I've seen that dumb ass look before – I saw it in the mirror after I met Carla. He loves her. For a second I consider what he has said – pondering silently if I could be helped, if I could dispense of Hyden, maybe at some point, but I won't be breaking down and having an Oprah moment with this guy…my secrets run much too deep.

"I don't need your help Grey…"

"Mr. Steele, yes you do."

"You have an opportunity right now to mitigate whatever damage has already been done, I don't want to see it compounded, I want to help you Sir." His deference takes me by surprise, this really is about my Annie – but he has no idea of the magnitude of hole I have dug for myself at this point. It's too late.

"I want to see my daughter. In spite of what you may think Mr. Grey, Annie and my family mean the world to me." He seems unconvinced and views me warily."

"I will speak with Ana, perhaps you could join us for dinner tonight – but I would need to run this by her first, she won't be pleased at all that I'm here right now – she is quite independent and stubborn, your daughter, but in spite of this I've noticed she's been despondent since our encounter – she is hurting and I want to stop her pain."

This could work to my advantage, I could make Hyden think I'm getting close to Grey to do his bidding and please Carla at the same time. I have no ulterior motive for the meeting, I really do want to apologize to Annie, and I'm sure Hyden will be watching – I need to figure out a way to get out of this; I can placate them both in the meantime. I can't let this thing with Annie destroy everything – the guy went off the rails, but there was a better way to handle things I think – she and Grey bought out the big guns and now he's fucking off kilter – there's no telling what he could do, the way he talks about my daughter is disturbing, his anger and obsession with her clear. The way she talked to me was outrageous, I did not raise my daughter to speak to me like this, but for the sake of peace I will swallow my pride and apologize to her, after all she is my daughter and I need to buy myself some time in order to handle this Hyden situation.

CPOV

"Christian, how could you! You should have spoken to me first."

"Ana, please calm down – I simply wanted to give your father an opportunity to open up about what has transpired – clearly he's under some sort of duress. It's a moot point because he refused my help, but he did express a desire to see you and to apologize for his behavior."

"Did he apologize for threatening to kill you?"

"This isn't about me Ana. You have been sad this week and I knew this was weighing heavily on you – I thought if I could help your father with whatever Jekyl is holding over his head that he would feel relieved and realize that he needs you on his side and not as a bargaining chip."

"I'm furious with you Christian, you should not have interfered! You should have asked me first!"

"Had I done so you would have denied me the opportunity to speak with him man to man and I needed to do that – whatever he is holding over your father must seem insurmountable to him right now because he flatly refused me – that tells me it's bad. I had an inkling because other than hinky financials whatever he's holding is buried deep, trust me I have the best on this one – and so far they're coming up empty."

"I am not ready to see him."

"I explained that this might be the case, that you would make your own decision in your own time."

"My own decision huh? Except for your going behind my back to talk to my father right?"

"Ana, I didn't know what to do – you haven't smiled in days – I feel you pulling away from me. I felt afraid…afraid you might see our relationship as the cause for the rift between you and your father – Ana I don't want to lose you." I say desperate for her to understand that I'm in this for her…for us - my motives were nothing but pure.

"You can't fix everything Christian! You stuck your nose where it didn't belong – how dare you interfere this way you…how can I trust you to communicate with me? He threatened to kill you and your response is to go behind my back to broker peace? This is my life Christian not some fucking acquisition – why would you do this? I trusted you!" She screams with tears in her eyes.

"Ana you were already having doubts…doubts about us, you have been so sad the past few days and felt desperate to help…"

"By lying!?"

"I didn't lie to you Ana I only…"

"You didn't tell me what you planned to do Christian you took away my choice in the matter and lied to be by omitting your plans when you had every chance to tell me! How can I trust you to treat me like an equal…like an adult Christian?"

"You mean everything to me Ana – I don't know why or how, but you in this short time have changed my world, I would do anything to make you happy Ana…"

"By lying to me Christian – I need to get some air." I grab her by the forearms before she can turn to leave – she regards me with stunned silence and I release her arms, praying she doesn't move until I've had my say.

"Ana please don't leave, I never meant to hurt you – I only wanted to ease your worry – I was wrong not to ask you for your permission to seek out your father – I'm sorry I hurt you – I thought that if your dad apologized you would still be annoyed with me but in the end would think it was all worth it. I would never hurt you on purpose Ana, I only want to see you happy. I've been blaming myself for your father's anger, I was desperate to make him see that he has to love you more than he hates me!"

"Christian, you can't just steamroll over every situation – you were completely out of line here! I need some space Christian."

I'm devastated by her reaction, but I won't stop her from leaving. I can't even look at her – have I lost her before we really even got started because of my need to manage everything and everyone?

"Have I lost you Ana?" I say desperate for some glimmer of hope.

"I need to go now Christian." She turns and walks to the elevator, and I storm off to my office as it would be much too painful to watch her leave. She wouldn't even answer me. I've lost my Ana.

APOV

I've had more than enough of men in my life trying to force their will for my sake. If Christian wants to be in a relationship with me I have to set the tone now for what is expected and what is goddamn deal breaker, the nerve of him!

I'm sitting in my townhouse, having shown Sawyer, whom I knew was following me where he can settle in for the evening. I called for takeout – there was nothing in the fridge since we've been gone for almost a week now. I don't have much of an appetite really, but Sawyer shouldn't have to suffer. Kate is out with Elliot so at least I won't have to answer questions from her for a while.

I decide to call my father, because even as pissed as I am with Christian, I'm still outraged by my father's actions.

###

"Anastasia! I'm so glad you called me." This guy.

"Whatever Ray. I just want you to know that I've blocked your phone number and that is why you haven't been getting through to me – and there are instructions at Elite not to put you through to me under any circumstances."

"I'm sorry."

"I. DO. NOT. CARE."

"I know you don't – not right now, but hopefully some day you will – I love you and I only wanted to say that. There are some things that I need to take care of in the very near future – I've made some mistakes Ann …Anastasia. And I can only hope that at some point I will earn both your forgiveness and trust. I know Grey will keep you safe and Hyden has assured me he will no longer pursue you in any way." I swallow hard, but I don't comment. I'm too emotionally overwrought to speak right now, this has been a horrible few days – I met Christian and had a great two days and then everything went to shit.

"He's a good man Anastasia – he loves you." What!?

"I hardly think you're qualified to determine what is and is not a good man… for me anyway."

"I understand completely why you feel that way – but don't let what happened between you, me and Hyden Jackson taint your relationship with Grey, he loves you." There he goes again.

"Why do you keep saying that!? And how the hell would you know?"

"I know because I had the same look when I met your mother – I know when a man is pouring his heart out – he was here asking if he could help me, but I could tell he was also seeking my approval, that it was important to him that I knew he was good for you – only a good man would do that especially given the circumstances. If that's not enough he told me so, and I know he meant it."

"What exactly did he tell you?"

"He told me he loves you, he told me he's in love with you." This takes my breath away, what have I done?

"I have to go."

"I understand. I won't try to reach you again until you let me know you're ready to hear from me, I'm sorry for what I did. I love you Annie."

The line goes dead, and the floodgates open. I text Sawyer to let him know I'm retiring for the evening and that I will be in my room – I alert him that I've ordered take out that he should look out for. I text Kate to let her know I'm at home, she responds telling me she will be home soon from her date with Elliot.

###

About an hour and a long hot shower later as I lie in silence in my bed – I hear the lock on my door click and realize it has to be Kate home from her date, she's the only other person who can access my room with her fingerprint.

"You okay Steele?"

"Yes, I'm fine…I think. I just needed a break from…from I don't know what. I just needed to think. How was your date with Elliot?"

"It was great, we're dating exclusively now – and he wants to take it slow too."

"I saw your fresh batch of sunflowers, they look beautiful in that azure vase."

"Aren't they pretty?" she gushes. "Elliot is a doll."

"Yes, what did you wear tonight?" She's already in her shut up and go to sleep night shirt.

"I wore that mauve strapless number and matching Louboutins. Elliot looked amazing – he's sexy as hell, this is going to be rough holding out, we both flirt like crazy. But enough about me – what's going on with you and Christian, how did you wind up here tonight?"

"He went to see my father to try and get him to open up about what's going on with Hyden and to get him to apologize to me." Kate's mouth is gaped open.

"I was so pissed that I screamed at him and told him I needed space and left. Well that's the Cliff's Notes version of a much longer conversation."

"He didn't ask you to stay?"

"Of course he did, but I couldn't I was just so pissed." By the look on her face I can tell she disapproves of my leaving.

"Do you think you might have overreacted a bit? Don't get me wrong – he was wrong not to ask, but his heart was in the right place I think."

"Have you taken leave of your senses Kate, this whole fucking mess we're both in right now is the result of men deciding what's best for me without my permission!"

"Hey, hey, hey! I didn't mean to upset you Ana. I just don't think our titan of industry has a mean spirited or devious bone in his body where you're concerned, you've been a shell version of yourself since that day your father came by and I'm sure he wanted to help the two of you reconcile because he knows how important your dad is to you. I don't know how you described him to Christian, but with me you've always had stars in your eyes where he's concerned, it's like the guy was a super hero – and for the past few days it's been like someone told you Santa is really Satan." She nudges me with her shoulder, again, why have I pushed Christian away, I know he meant no harm, but I don't want to be controlled.

"He told my dad that he loves me."

"What!?"

I nod yes.

"Have you called him?"

"No, I don't know what to say – I feel like such an asshole, he was practically begging me not to leave – I hurt him really bad Kate. He asked if he had lost me and I didn't even answer him."

"Call him…don't sleep on it. I'm heading to my room to call Elliot before he falls asleep." She says before kissing my forehead and closing my door behind her.

###

CPOV

Phone buzzes

You haven't lost me Christian – A

I take a deep breath – these last few hours have been sheer torture.

I miss you – C

I love you Ana, can't you see that.

I miss you too – A

I feel as though I've been holding my breath for hours and I can finally breathe. I would jump in my car and drive over there if I didn't think this would overwhelm her.

I would love to see you tomorrow – C

I want to hold you and feel you next to me – it's all I can think about.

I would love that too – A

Oh thank god.

Breakfast? – C

Baby I can't wait to see you. Please say yes.

Yes, I'll cook – A

Yes!

What time? – C

Six a.m. would work for me, hell I'll still be awake anyway.

Nine thirty? – A

Perfect – C

HPOV

"Is this how you like it baby?"

"Be quiet, I don't want that whore talk. Now get on all fours and arch your back."

"Does that feel good Ana?" I say caressing her folds, she's only kinda wet. This is bullshit, she doesn't want me. Ana doesn't want me.

"My name is Stephanie hun, I told you that when I got here remember?"

"I told you to shut up!" I push her hard on the ass causing her to face plant into the mattress, this is frustrating – too bad I paid in advance.

"Hey look man, I don't do kink – there's a few girls available for role play and rough play, but I'm not one of them – I think I better go."

"Get the fuck out you stupid fucking slut!"

She practically ran out of here, her dress was inside out, you would think I beat her ass or something – all she had to do was play along. I requested a petite brunette – pretty, she was okay, okay enough for my purposes that is, her hair was long enough, it wasn't as full or shiny, but it would do for my purposes it's not like I was planning to look at her face anyway – I needed a type, no one can be her. Ana is beautiful, she's so much more than pretty – next time I'll use a service better suited to my needs. For now my imagination will have to suffice. Until she's mine that is.

APOV

I tossed and turned all night, but I'm amazingly refreshed this morning and I know that's because I'm going to see Christian soon, I've missed him so much. I took off the top I wore home and laid it on my pillow because it still had the faint smell of that luxurious body wash he uses, I squeezed my pillow tightly but that did little to curb the ache in my belly. I need Christian, this can't be normal, to miss someone so intensely when you've seen them less than twenty-four hours before.

I'm buzzing around the kitchen when Kate saunters in to tell me all about how she and Elliot stayed up until four talking on the phone, I tell her to invite him over for breakfast too.

I've been in the kitchen since six thirty, I wanted to make fresh muffins, I have banana nut and blueberry – After I finished texting Christian last night I woke poor Sawyer and found a market that was still open to shop for breakfast. In addition to the muffins I'm making a couple of vegetable frittatas, turkey bacon and sausage, half dollar pancakes with fruit toppings and I bought fresh mangos and peaches for my special muddled mimosas. I did fresh squeezed OJ and we have cranberry juice as well.

At around eight I take my shower and dress in pink leggings and a tight crew neck tee shirt, I cover up with a loose fitting extra long linen shirt. I pull my hair up on the top of my head and twist it neatly, and put on my hoop earrings.

By eight forty-five breakfast is almost ready – I want to make the frittatas to serve immediately after they're done – I don't want them to dry out – everything else is done and in the warmer.

###

Doorbell rings

I know it's Christian before I answer, he's always early. Eager? I smile to myself at the thought of him rushing over to see me.

I fling the door open to find him standing there with a beautiful wildflower bouquet – he's wearing jeans and an olive colored tee shirt. Before I can think I'm in his arms and we're kissing like he's come home from war. Dear god he tastes so good.

We're so caught up in each other we don't notice that Kate has picked up the flowers from the floor and has them in a vase by the time we come up for air.

"I'm sorry Ana, I never meant to hurt you baby."

"I know – I'm sorry I got so angry, I just want you to talk to me – I'm kinda in this mess because of people thinking they know what I want or need, so it struck the wrong kind of cord with me."

"I thought I'd lost you." He says laying kisses on my face, he smells like fresh linen with a hint of sandalwood, it's intoxicating.

"No, just respect my boundaries and talk to me I'm a big girl – I can handle it."

"You're right, I'm sorry, it won't happen again." I don't even know how or when we wound up on the couch, but I'm in his lap and we're making out heavily. "My bed was so cold without you in it Ana, god I missed you so much." He breathes. He's so open, he's throwing caution to the wind, but I'm perplexed as to why he told my father that he loved me but hasn't said it to me yet. I don't plan to question him on this, I wouldn't know where to begin. Maybe it's something he felt my father needed to know and understand – some sort of man thing, who knows.

"I missed you too Christian, I've never felt so alone." What are you saying girl? Fuck it, I don't care – Ana you're safe with him. He went to see a man who threatened to kill him to ask him to apologize to you…for you.

Kate is wearing man catcher jeggings and a tight tee shirt – she looks cute and her body is sick. Elliot's eyes damn near pop out of his head when he arrives.

"Damn girl, you aren't gonna make this easy on me are you?" I love that Elliot doesn't bite his tongue, he's so expressive he grabs her and kisses her on the mouth. Christian told me that Elliot doesn't do PDA so this was a bit of a surprise to say the least. Kate practically melted into his arms, I'm so happy for her.

CPOV

Ana feels so good in my arms. No way am I leaving here without her today – I can't take another night without her. Damn she smells good. I love her so much.

I was in agony when she texted me last night – I never meant to do anything to hurt her, and I now completely understand why she was angry with me. I've never been in a relationship before – I have zero frame of reference; I just hope she won't get tired of my inexperience – I want to make her happy.

Breakfast turned into brunch as the four of us sat around the table for hours talking – okay and drinking those sinful mimosas – we wound up playing Twister, something I've never done before, I will always remember left foot green which Elliot spun causing Ana to perform an acrobatic act that was the sexiest thing I've seen anyone do with clothes on – she's so limber…and hot.

I have to admit new Elliot is interesting, I actually believe his enthusiasm about Kate – he's being affectionate and attentive and spends every moment he can when he's not working with her – who knew? Ana and I spent time in her bedroom lying on the bed and talking – this was bar none my favorite part of the day – Kate and Elliot decided to go out to the Market for a while, to both hang out and pick up some red snapper for dinner, Ana is going to stuff it with crabmeat and vegetables, and I'm going to help her cook.

###

We're laying face to face on her comfy bed in her cozy room listening to a smooth jazz station on satellite radio – with our legs intertwined.

"Have I told you how much I enjoy waking up to you Ana?" please baby, come home with me.

"Only a couple of times." She says with a coy smile.

"I didn't have much sleep last night – I tossed and turned I missed you holding me Christian." Yes!

"If you had called or texted I would have come over and held you so you could sleep – you know that don't you baby?"

"I do." My breathing hitches hearing those two words, I lean in and kiss her – soon our kiss deepens and I've pulled Ana on top of me, so that she's straddling me. I'm glad she's wearing these leggings because I can feel all of her curves through the material, I am holding her ass firmly pressing her against my erection and roll her over on her back, I am between her legs and grinding against her like a horny teenager, I feel somewhat embarrassed but I don't care I want to make her feel good, to hear her moan with pleasure I want to own her pleasure. She doesn't pull back this time when I massage her breasts through her tee shirt – and feeling bold I lift the hem of her shirt and touch her bare breasts massaging her nipples between my index and second finger, eliciting a deep satisfied sigh from her. Her skin feels amazing. Bolder still I dip my head down and suck a nipple into my mouth – good lord. I suckle her, alternating between breasts – I'm spurred on by her soft moans – while working her nipples over I slip my hand into her leggings and find her sweet spot, I knew she was aroused but she's soaking and I take a deep intake of breath as a result – I want her so badly. I resist the urge to penetrate her with my fingers, I know I would explode if I did, my imagination runs rampant as it is dreaming of burying myself deep inside her, I don't want to make a mess in my pants today.

"You're so wet Ana, is that how I make you feel baby?"

"Yes." She practically whispers, her face flush.

I circle my fingers around her clit while sucking and licking her nipples until she cries out – calling my name.

I can hear her panting and catching her breath and then I feel her tentatively rubbing the palm of her hand against my dick, she tugs at my zipper and I half shift onto my back to allow her easy access. We're face to face and she looks nervous, and unsure of herself- so I take her hand in mine and guide her up and down my swollen member. At first I was going to tell her she didn't have to – but the thought of her hand on me sent me into orbit, and she's probably second guessing herself like always, but I want her to know that she can touch me…all of me.

"Don't be nervous, you have no reason to feel embarrassed Ana, I crave your touch. Do you trust me?"

She nods her head yes.

I take her hand and lead it into her leggings and coat her palm with her wetness, she flinches and turns red at the feeling of her arousal.

"It's natural baby, it means so much to me that you are this excited by me, you have no reason to feel ashamed – you make me so happy." I say nibbling on her neck and jaw.

I take her hand and wrap it around me with my hand on top and begin stroking slowly at first then building up speed. I kiss her forehead.

"Yes Ana, just like that – that feels so good." The feel of her hand and her wetness is the sexiest feeling ever, I have never been this turned on in my life.

I don't take my eyes off of hers as she tightens her grip and moves faster as I guide her movements to stroke my shaft and glide over the head of my dick. Perfect. I'm not going to last long – the emotion I feel staring into her eyes, and having her hand on me is almost too much.

"Oh god Ana, I'm going to come baby – uh, ooh fuuuuck." I spill all over both of our hands – never breaking eye contact.

"Christian, that…that was."

"Yeah, it was." I have never experienced something so emotionally transformative in my life – I have prided myself on my ability to control my body's reactions during sex – with Ana all of that went out the window, and I could care less, her touch meant the world to me. "I love the way your hand felt on me Ana." I kiss her passionately, and she responds in kind.

"Let's get cleaned up before Kate and El get back and start banging on the door." I say leaning my forehead against hers, making her smile.

"I think that's a good idea."

We spend great evening together as couples – I've never hung out with my brother like this though we get together often, usually just the two of us, it's good to see him interact with someone he obviously cares for, he's brought other girls around of course, but this is different – El is engaged and interested. It's cool. We decide to head to the club for drinks and a little dancing.