For those who have patiently been waiting the long overdue Lemons, well... We are right around the corner for those. I honestly believe My Ana has a lot to discover about herself and she will... Just like in the short summary of this story, THERE WILL BE HURT, PRIDE, AND JEALOUSY in the next upcoming chapters. Nothing will be long lasting (I hope), but it will be a wake up call...

So far I hope you've all been enjoying my story, and if not well Thank you for giving it a try! -Jackie

Anastasia

I can feel my breath hitch and my heart beat faster when I see Christian looking at me. Kate takes notice of my standstill and pulls my arm slightly, snapping me out of the trance I'm in.

I blink several times, ignoring Christian, and turn my gaze towards Kate who begins to walk ahead of me as she introduces me to Mr. and Mrs. Grey.

"Please Anastasia, call me Grace." Grace says as she gently squeezes my hand. I smile towards the kind woman with the most beautiful kind eyes. "Thank you Grace. And please, call me Ana." She smiles kindly with a nod of her head.

"We're glad you made it Ana." Carrick smiles as he offers a tumbler of bourbon towards me. I gently shake my head no, thanking him as I do. "To say we were excited to meet you is an understatement."

I turn to Elliot who shrugs his shoulders, feigning innocence.

"I hear you have an eye for business as my son Christian." He speaks once I have taken a seat on the lovely three seater, that is placed in the middle.

"Yes Sir, I do."

"I see. So what are you into? I mean Christian is into mergers and acquisitions, but you?" He eyed me curiously over the rim of the tumbler. "I wouldn't peg you as that type."

"Carrie!" Grace speaks as she takes in his hostile manner of approach. But it doesn't faze me, I know what he's doing. And I'm very much prepared for this.

I can feel my spine straightened and my confidence rise as I answer his question. "No Sir, I am not. I'm into publishing and I own three publishing houses. One is station here in Seattle, another in New York, and one in Chicago. My self and my team are currently in the market for a publishing house in Florida as we speak. Since," I quickly glance at Christian, who is sitting at the far right corner of the three seater. "SIP is no longer on the table." I finish turning to look at Carrick, who smiles with astonishment at me. My dad raised no fool! I mentally give myself a pat on my shoulder.

"That's wonderful to hear Ana." He smiles once more and I smile as well. I've heard Kate once mention Carrick is a hardcore lawyer and for once I'm glad my dad taught me how to stand up for myself when it comes to business.

"Your parents must be very proud of you." Grace says while holding Carrick's hand. I can immediately see the love they hold for one another.

"My dad is very proud of me." I genuinely smile at the mention of my dad.

"How about your mother?"

"I wouldn't know." I answer looking up at Grace who has a confused look on her face.

"She hasn't been around." I say and turn towards Kate, begging her to change the subject, with my eyes. Luckily she gets the hint and quickly begins to talk about the plans Elliot has made for the weekend.

"Ana, may I speak with you for a minute." I hear Christian whisper beside me. Turning my attention towards him, I debate with myself if I should give a minute.

Feeling like shit for brushing off his email the way I did without explaining why I did it, I can at least owe him an explanation for why. Taking a deep breath I nod and stand excusing myself from the presence of the Grey's, as Christian stands to do the same.

"This past week," he starts. "All I've thought about was about Saturday. I've been trying, I really have, Ana... But I just... I can't seem to forget... I know it was wrong how I approached you at your office, but Ana..." He stops his pacing and turns towards me. "Why haven't you responded to the email I sent you?" He says once we have stepped out onto the backyard.

I can see he's nervous, not just because he's been pacing back and forth or running his hands through his hair, but simply because of his eyes. I can see he's embarrassed, angry, but also hurt.

I don't know why, but I hate seeing him like this. Just his eyes alone, make me feel guilty. Sighing, I try, I really do try to bring my walls slightly down and for I, to be more open and honest with my feelings.

"Christian, I'm sorry for not responding to your email, I've been preoccupied with everything that is going on, I just couldn't... " my rambling is interrupted by the feel of his lips on mine.

I gasp in surprise, not just because of the impact, but for what I feel. It's as if I've tasted the most delicious gelato, at the same time, I've feel as if I'm enjoying my favorite past time. It's sweet and comfortable at the same time and it leaves me wanting more.

I can feel his hands grip my hips slowly bringing me closer to him. He doesn't force the kiss, doesn't deepen it, on the contrary, it's smooth, caring, slow. Just right.

Slowly as his lips pull apart from mine; I lift my arms and wrap them around his neck, refusing to open my eyes to look at the smile I know is plastered on his face.

"More." I silently whisper and he answers my request, as his lips crash once more on my lips and its Nirvana all over again.. I feel butterflies in the pit of my stomach, my heart accelerates, and my mind becomes hazy.

I don't know what to think, how to act, or what to do. All I can do is live, and live I will.

"Ana..." He speaks as he breaks our kiss once more.

"Don't." I say lifting my head to look up him.

He smiles brightly at me, when he notices the blush that's has appeared on my cheeks. I sigh contentedly when his hands cup my face.

"God you're beautiful Anastasia." He whispers as his eyes roam my face.

"Have dinner with me?" He asks once more and this time, I can't find it in me to say no.