Wounds to Bind Chapter 54 - "The perfect woman, you see [is] a working-woman, not an idler, not a fine lady, but one who [uses] her hands and her head and her heart for the good of others." – Thomas Hardy
May 11 – APOV
The beautiful Seattle day morphed into a beautiful aqua and mango sunset. We're flying to Portland, in the new Charlie Tango, to attend the WSUV graduation tomorrow. The four of us worked today. A three-hour drive would have stretched us to our limits. While I looked forward to quiet conversation and a chance to decompress; it makes perfect sense for us to fly. I should have considered it. Christian is awarding six fellowships to WSUV agriculture students. Elliot, Kate and I are watching José graduate. Dad and Laura will met us at the Heathman. I should have foreseen this. I should have asked Prescott for everyone's itinerary. It's been a busy week, and I really haven't thought about anything except dealing with my authors and the pile of work on my desk.
Things are strained between Christian and me at the Heathman. Christian's staff reserved and paid for an entire wing of three-bedroom suites – three on the north side and three on the south side of the same floor. When Hannah tried to make arrangements for a three-bedroom suite, one was not available. Consequently, she reserved a two-bedroom suite – the master bedroom for Dad and Laura and the secondary bedroom for Prescott and me with separate queen-sized beds.
Christian is not happy because my suite is on a different floor. "I thought you'd take one of my suites."
"Assume much?" I asked Christian in a quiet conversation.
"Taylor told Andrea to arrange it. He claims protection staff encourages us to be centrally located." He shrugged. "Taylor's suggestion, not mine."
"I already reserved and paid for my suite for Dad, Laura and I." I argue.
"You need a separate room for Prescott. Please don't argue, take one of the three-bedroom suites." Christian offered.
"Fine, but I'm paying for it. Thank you for the offer of the larger suite. I can invite José and José Senior to my suite to hang out with Dad and Laura." I know José Senior is bunking in with José at his place. José's been packing to move back to Port Townsend before the end of the month. Maybe after dinner they will want to visit with us.
Christian sighed as we returned to the desk to coordinate registration.
XXX
Dad and Laura sit next to José Senior so they can talk, José sits next to Elliot and Kate. When José comes to Seattle for Elliot and Kate's wedding, he will stay at their condo during the honeymoon. He will look for a place to live during their honeymoon. His internship starts July 1 at Grey Construction. The seating arrangement leaves Christian and me sitting next to one another. What should have been a fun dinner with friends has been ruined by Christian's attitude. He's been an absolute snarky ass since I hugged and kissed José hello.
"Stop being a jealous ass! Grow up! Acting like this won't keep José out of my suite…but it will bar you from entering." I hiss in a low voice at Christian. I throw my napkin on the table, sling my purse over my shoulder, and head to the powder room. "Prescott, if you value your life, you will not follow me!" I snapped at her. "I need a ride to the Heathman, please get the car."
"I'll wait here. 'I'm sure you sitting next to Christian Grey and telling him to grow up has gone viral. I couldn't count the number of phones taking pictures. I'll make sure you are safe and not bothered." Prescott turned her back to me and watched the room. I open the hallway door to the bathrooms…and the employees exit.
I know Portland. I know how to get lost in Portland and how not to be found. I know exactly where I'm going, and I know exactly what I'm doing. I've got less than ten minutes head start. I dump the battery out of my phone. I run six blocks diagonally from Buffalo Gap, I walk six blocks south. I cut through a parking structure and come out the other side. I slide through two fast food joints and take a hike through a Ford car lot. My purse is across my body so I won't get mugged for it. My pepper spray canister is in my hand if I need it. Eyes first, crotch second. "IF you can injure ribs and give a mugger a black eye, and if you can break Stephen's nose and rupture a testicle…you can defend yourself for the minimal time you'll be gone," my inner goddess glows with power.
Christian will get on my nerves pretty quick if he attempts to run my life. I feel stronger about who I am and what I can accomplish. I hope it's not too much of a shock for Christian…or my Dad.
"One dozen voodoo and one cock and balls…can I pay extra to have you pipe someone's initials on them with frosting?" I asked the tattooed sales clerk at Voodoo Donuts.
"Sure," he agreed. He probably had people judging him for his tattoos and generally scary appearance…my inner goddess appeared and reminded me how much I hate when salesladies give me dismissive looks. "You gonna eat all those?" He looked at me dubiously. I know he's wondering if I'm purging after binging.
"I'm decapitating a few of the voodoo donuts," I admitted. "I want you to write CTG on them. I need the initials to be seen clearly after I decapitate them. Then I want you to write CTG on the cock and balls."
"Is CTG being a dick tonight?" He grinned, labeled my donuts the way I asked, and sold them with a hot tea. I take them, a napkin and a plastic knife to the only available seat at this hour of the night. Six heads later…my tea is gone and I'm in a much better mood and have a clearer mind. Maybe not clearer…maybe it's chocolate-glazed and raspberry-filled …but I'm ready to go back to the hotel. I put my battery in my cell phone and call for a cab. I dismantle the cell when I am done. The cabbie takes me back to the Heathman.
Prescott is sitting in the lobby, facing the front door. She sees the pink box in my hand and just shakes her head.
"Donut?" I ask sweetly.
"I love Voodoo Donuts," Prescott grinned.
"You might not want one," I handed her the box.
She cautiously opened it and laughed. "Now, that's a screen saver."
"Great idea!" I reassembled my phone. I take a quick picture of one of the CTG decapitated donuts. Then for laughs, I take a picture of the cock and balls donut.
"Breakfast is at eight, in Mr. Grey's suite," Prescott reminded me.
"I'll bring donuts," I offer.
XXX
"I'm not discussing it, Laura," I tell her. "Christian was being a jealous ass. He was making snarky comments about José, which pissed me off. It's José's graduation. Christian has to be here to do his company thing, but I won't allow him to ruin José's day."
"Taylor took him out of there right after you left," Laura eyed the pink box in my hand. "None of us would have guessed you went there. I think Christian has people scouring Portland for you."
"I'm sure he coordinated a search and rescue. I'm sure he called Ros to yell about Prescott. I need to apologize to Prescott and tell Ros I'm safe. I heard we're all meeting for breakfast in Christian's suite. I thought I'd bring donuts." I calmly set them down.
"Did you poison them?" Laura asked.
"Look for yourself. Although…I'd prefer you didn't announce my requisition tour to anyone."
"Now, that's a statement," she checked out the cock and balls donut.
"It's a lesson in humiliation. If he's going to embarrass me, I will return the favor." I shrug and reach for my phone. It's time to make amends to Ros and to Prescott. I send Ros an email telling her what Christian did, how I reacted and I sent a blind copy to Mary. I send Prescott an email apologizing for ditching her, which made Christian freak out. I tell her I owe her an Amazon shopping spree. I copy her email to Heaton and to Taylor. I email José and Kate – I am safely ensconced at the hotel and will see them both tomorrow. Guilt assuaged, mischief managed, lights out.
XXX – 3PPOV
"You have one job son," Ray addressed Christian. Taylor was in Christian's suite with them. "Your job is to love and take care of Annie. It's a simple task as far as I'm concerned. She's not high-maintenance like her mother. I don't like the way my daughter acts around you…and I blame you for those actions. Quit pushing her buttons. Quit acting like a jealous teenager; start acting like the smart, intelligent businessman you are touted to be."
"She has to quit running away and talk to me about issues," Christian argued.
"You yell…you smash phones…she spooks…she runs…it gets ugly. She can't be afraid to tell you what's on her mind for fear you'll yell at her. Learn to communicate in tones and body language which are not threatening. Both of you need to learn to communicate with one another." Ray counseled Christian. "I got Annie back from her mother because Stephen Morton was a loud, obnoxious, verbally abusive drunk. I won't allow Annie to go back to that kind of life." Ray gave Taylor a look. "Understand?"
"I understand, but since I'm not the man she's kissing – it doesn't do any good to lecture me. If she was my daughter, I'd have kicked his ass a long time ago." Taylor declared.
"Thank you for that…should I fire you now?" Christian threatened Taylor.
Taylor laughed and held the suite door for Ray. "We're scheduled for breakfast at eight o'clock tomorrow, here in Mr. Grey's suite." He checked his phone. "Prescott reports Ana has returned, unharmed, but adamant she doesn't want to see you." He informed Grey.
Ray left and Christian started pounding his head on the back of the sofa. No…it didn't feel good or get his mind off Anastasia who safely returned to the hotel and was locked behind her suite door. He wanted to go over there, throw her over his shoulder and spank her ass…and he felt it would be worth Taylor or Steele shooting him.
May 12 – APOV
"Coffee," Kate croaked. I passed her the carafe.
"Tough night?" I asked, genuinely concerned.
"Elliot and I danced and drank at the club where we met a year ago." Kate explained. "While I woke up with the hangover from hell, he and Christian were running and working out in the gym. What did you do last night?"
"I remembered we were meeting here for breakfast. I stopped at Voodoo Donuts." I prevaricated.
"I love Voodoo Donuts," she headed over to the sideboard and opened the box. She burst into laughter, spewing coffee out her nose. "Damn, that hurts!" She grabbed a napkin to wipe off her face and then another to clean the sideboard. "Uhm…how many of these mothers were there?"
"Six whole voodoo donuts, six decapitated. One cock and balls." I peeked in the box, which held one decapitated donut (leaking raspberry filling out his headless neck), one intact voodoo donut and one untouched cock and balls donut.
"Security must have had a good time with the donuts," I shrugged.
"That takes bite me to a whole different level I don't want to think about." Kate poured more coffee. I made more tea. We talked about the good old days in Portland. I intend to go see Mr. and Mrs. Clayton this morning. While we're chatting, the door opened and we are inundated with Dad and Laura, Elliot and Christian, and Taylor and Sawyer.
Taylor and Sawyer can't even look at me. I suspect they are guilty for some of the missing donuts.
"I ordered breakfast, it should be here in fifteen to twenty minutes," Christian announced. "Elliot and I need to shower." He looked at Taylor and Sawyer.
"Smelliot, get off me!" Kate pushed him away.
"Come wash my back, Katie," he cajoled.
"You're curdling the cream in my coffee," she protested. "Go shower!"
"You guys might as well go shower and change also," I suggest to Sawyer and Taylor. "I won't have at your boss with a carving knife. Prescott can watch his bathroom door or watch me talk to Dad, Laura and Kate."
They couldn't leave quick enough. Prescott sighed, shook her head at me and reached for the morning paper.
Fifteen minutes later, the breakfast buffet is delivered to the room. Christian and Elliot reappear for breakfast. Taylor and Sawyer reappear. Prescott hovers.
"Ladies first," Christian indicates we should start. Laura, Kate and I fill our plates and go to the table. Laura is on one side of me, Kate is on the other. Across the table are three places – for Dad, Christian and Elliot. We've bypassed the donut box.
"Hey, who went to Voodoo Donuts? I like their…" Elliot's words hung ominously in the air. "Perhaps later…"
Christian helps himself to food and bypasses the donuts. He doesn't even peek in the box.
Dad fills his plate, and then he peeks in the box. "Anastasia Rose Steele," he sternly addresses me.
"What Daddy?" I sip my tea.
Dad tries to hand the box off to Taylor who won't take it. He tries to hand the box to Sawyer who won't take it. He turns to Prescott.
"Sorry Mr. Steele," she shakes her head. "Ana and I have a non-interference pact."
By then Christian realizes something's up. He walks over to Dad and takes the box. He opens it. I'm waiting for the explosion. "Good point, fair made," he says. Gingerly he rearranges the donuts and snaps a picture. I think he emailed it to someone. He comes back to the table and resumes eating his breakfast. Soon his phone rings. He checks the number and grins. He hands the phone across the table to me. "It's for you."
I gave him a look before I take the phone. It's John Flynn. I don't need to say hello…because Flynn couldn't talk if he wanted to. He's laughing too hard. I shrug and give the phone back to Christian, who severs the call and returns the phone to his pocket.
Everyone finishes breakfast, and talks about plans. Christian has a reserved parking spot near the ceremonies. The SUV will hold nine of us. Everyone's riding with Christian so we can get in and out easily. Once the logistics have been settled, Christian asks to talk to me, privately. I follow him to his room. He Skypes John Flynn. "John, are you ready?"
"I'm here, I've got coffee…who brought the donuts?" John teased.
"You know I did, John," I chided him. "Your meeting, Mr. Grey. I have places to go and things to do."
"I'm sorry I was an ass last night," Christian started to say.
"Oh no, Mr. Grey," I said sweetly…almost as sweet as the raspberry filling. "Last night you were a dick." I wait for John to quit laughing.
"I'm taking this time out of your fees," Christian informed him.
"Still a dick this morning, I see," I commented.
He scowled at me. John burst into a new round of laughter. Christian muted him.
"I understand you must be here because of the fellowships. You were kind to bring Elliot, Kate and me. However, today is not about you. Today is about José; it's his graduation from college. Last night should have been about him… friends celebrating with him. I know we'll never see eye-to-eye about José. I can live with that. Because Mom doesn't like to celebrate Mother's Day – I postponed flying to Savannah. She doesn't want to be reminded she was pregnant at 18, and a mother and widow at 19. Consequently, I'm here to cheer for my friend, who reached a goal in his life without his mother." I paused and caught my breath. "If I can forgo kissing Mom's ass this weekend in order to be here for my friend…what makes you think I will
kiss your ass and hurt my friend's feelings?"
"Good point, fair made," Christian breathes evenly. "I apologized. I was a dick last night. I just wanted to say I'm sorry."
"Did you apologize to José? To everyone at the restaurant? Because if I'm the only one hearing the apology, it is meaningless." I can't waver. Christian needs to learn the world does not revolve around him. "Are you the reason José and his dad didn't join us this morning?"
"No, José and José Senior are having breakfast with his art agent. His agent arranged for José to have an exhibit during the Seattle Art Fair the last weekend of July/first week of August." Christian explained. "José and I talked, privately, last night. He informed me he wanted to be more than a friend to you a year ago, but he accepts and understands you don't feel that way toward him. He explained your friendship helped your fathers rekindle their friendship with one another. He claims the only reason he and his father survived his mother's death is because you and Ray were there for them."
"José Senior is like an uncle to me, which means I think of José as a cousin or a brother. He is moving to Seattle and interning for Grey Construction during the next fiscal year. If you are part of Elliot's life or my life, you will run into José from time to time. I expect you to treat José with courtesy or at least with the respect a talented, kind, decent person deserves." I paused. "I have one more comment to make to you…we were supposed to be attempting to be friends with one another for the sake of Elliot and Kate. I have no intention of being friends with you if you act like a jealous teenager. I don't have friends who are cold or cruel. All of my friends have redeeming qualities which offset any deficiencies they may have."
"I'm sorry I was jealous. I just want to be able to hug and kiss you in public…" Christian protested.
"Without fracturing the space time continuum?" I laughed.
Christian nodded and unmuted John's connection. "John, do you want to comment?"
"Not, I think Anastasia's actions and comments have been valid and succinct." John said. "Do you have anything else to add, Anastasia?"
"It's Ana…just Ana. Will you behave yourself?" I asked Christian.
"Yes," Christian promised. "I will swear on a Bible if you want."
I snorted, derisively. "How about you swear on the articles of incorporation for Grey Enterprises Holdings? I think you might keep your promise then, since it involves your company. GEH seems to be the only long-term relationship you value in your life."
"Now you are being cruel," Christian snapped.
"No…I'm being honest with you. I know you are a good man. Thousands of people know you are a good man. However, donating to charities, arranging food drops, and employing people does not give you an automatic pass to be a dick when the mood hits you."
"I don't want anyone getting your kisses and hugs when I'm not getting them. I'm sorry I'm a jealous ass. I told you…you are the first woman who made me want more. I do want more and I want it with you. I've apologized to José and to you," Christian remarked. "I also apologized to your father, José's father, and paid for dinner for everyone at Buffalo Gap last night in case our little spat disturbed them."
"I'm glad John is listening…because I'm saying this once. I will go where I want to go. I will do what I want to do. I will hug who I want to hug. I will kiss who I want to kiss on the cheek. I will be friends with whom I please. I'm not asking for permission to live my life. I do not owe my Mother, my Father, my friends, you or your security team any explanations for how I live my life. I'm tired of wondering when someone will fuck with me again or when you will have a nuclear meltdown." I asserted.
"Understood," Christian held out his hand. "Shake?"
I stood and kissed him on the cheek. "Get your shit together, Christian. I told you before…you are the only man I've ever wanted. We have to trust one another, and have faith in one another…or this will not work between us. John, it was fun…but I have things to do before José's graduation."
"Do you want company," Christian asked.
"Do you need any cable ties, tape or rope? I'm visiting Clayton's Hardware to say hello to friends." I smiled.
"A man can hope, Ana. John, see you when I get back," Christian closed his laptop and pulled me in for a passionate kiss.
XXX
José's graduation from Washington State University Vancouver on May 12 began at 1 p.m. The women and a few dozen men swoon when Christian begins his presentation, awarding post-graduate fellowships to six agriculture students. He entrances everyone with his explanation of the fellowships and their duties.
"Did you forgive him, again?" Kate asked.
I nodded.
"You're too good for him," Kate scolded.
I didn't reply, I just shook my head no. I don't trust my voice to say how much I feel for him. We both need to grow up and stop acting like petulant teenagers. Is that what first loves are like? I don't know who to ask. Maybe I can ask Mary, or Ethan. Jeez! I need to pay attention…I'm supposed to be here for José, not mooning over Christian.
When José is on the stage, receiving his diploma, our row is on their feet – cheering and clapping loud. Christian stepped down from his seat on the dais and shook José's hand. They posed for a picture and then José moved off the stage. Once the graduation ceremony is over, we head to Sassy's Smokehouse. José has reservations there for almost 100 people – family, friends and acquaintances of the Rodriguez family. We have a good time eating barbequed meats, salads, cornbread, apple pie and sweet tea. He received shirts, ties and monetary gifts from family. José Senior gave him a new watch, chosen by Kate. Elliot and Kate gave him a laptop and a smart phone to go with the internship. Christian gave José a great black leather briefcase which has special compartments for the laptop and smart phone. Dad, Laura and I gave him a designer black leather wallet with a new 2012 $100 bill.
Elliot and Kate depart to dance and drink at one of Kate's favorite clubs. Dad and Laura stay to talk to José Senior for a while. I accept Christian's offer for a ride back to the Heathman. He asked me to his suite for a night cap. I pass on the nightcap, but not the company. I sit on his lap, my cheek cradled against his chest. His chin resting on my head. One of his arms wraps around my waist and his other hand holds mine in my lap. We talked until midnight about everything which pops into our heads, Clayton's Hardware, the food we liked at Sassy's Smokehouse, WSUV graduation a year ago, the grey halter dress he likes so much, the graduation picture, waking up in his bed at the Heathman after Kate and my night of drinking.
He walks me to my room, and chastely kisses me goodnight. We plan to meet for a private breakfast in his room, not his suite, before we check out tomorrow and fly back to Seattle. Dad and Laura drove. Dad turned down the offer to fly to Portland and back. He said he rode in enough helicopters in his army days. He won't get back into another unless it's an Annie emergency.
May 13, Mother's Day – APOV
"Thank you for having breakfast with me this morning," Christian kissed my cheek. "You look lovely, that color suits you."
"Thank you for inviting me, sans chaperones." I allow him to pull out my chair. I'm wearing a rose-colored silk shirt with black jeans and Converse. My hair is in a ponytail also. Typical clothes for Ana 1.0 at the Heathman.
"I ordered for us. I hope that is acceptable. Waffles, eggs and bacon for both of us, tea for you, coffee for me. There's apple or orange juice if you want it."
"I appreciate your efforts. At least you didn't order the menu this year."
"Since we've been able to handle José's graduation and party, are you ready to discuss the bachelor and bachelorette parties?" Christian poured syrup on his waffles.
"We need to confirm some reservations," I sip my tea. "I asked for Friday, May twenty-fifth off. Mia is helping me coordinate a tea for Kate for her birthday. Then Mia is giving Elliot, Kate, Bonner and me a ride to SEA-TAC. Elliot is taking Kate to Napa for her birthday. I am in Georgia over Memorial Day weekend. We need to settle some things before I go."
"I started reserving rooms, and tickets for entertainment. Me…not Mia, not Andrea…me," Christian cut his waffles in precise squares.
"I believe you." This is definitely casual dining. Cassie would be proud of me. "Now let me know what you've scheduled."
"Before we schedule other things…can we schedule some dates…you and me?" Christian asked.
"Just as long as you understand, we are taking this at our own pace. We don't need outside interference from anyone…we're doing a great job of messing this up by ourselves." I pull out my phone and look at it.
"When we touch down in Seattle, I have a lunch appointment with Mom and Grandma Frannie for Mother's Day. Then I need to catch up on work. Will you come to Escala for a workout date and breakfast, say six o'clock?"
I nodded and he continued. "I have late meetings on Monday and Tuesday. How about sandwiches at Grey House on Wednesday and Friday before you go to dance class? Before six? Should I order again?"
"Monday night I have things to do at the condo. Tuesday I have an appointment. Wednesday is good, and please order dinner," I mark it in my calendar. "Can you come to dinner on the 17th? I'm making lasagna for Sawyer and Amber's birthdays, I invited both of them for dinner on Thursday. I have dance class on Friday night."
"Why Sawyer?" Christian is curious.
I cleared my throat. "I thought I would thank him for having his dad be my protector at dance classes. Did you think Prescott and I wouldn't know? I know you don't hold her in very high esteem, but she is like me. She does her research. I would have outed him sooner, except Tom was a gentleman and didn't interfere with me."
"Placing someone in your class was serendipitous," Christian commented. "Sawyer suggested his father needed dance lessons before his sister's wedding. Do you want to out any more of my operatives?"
"I don't know their names, but Bonner identified three men who regularly visit Target Rippers. Rhodes identified the couple at my favorite grocery store. Prescott identified Tom at dance lessons and an overly curious woman at the Women's Health Center. You might as well ask Welch to reassign them."
"I have therapy on Friday night. Can we meet for dinner at Grey House before you go to class and before I go to therapy?" Christian ignored my security suggestion, waiting to enter information in his phone.
"I will make time," I mark the date in my phone.
"I think we won't have a whole weekend of sailing until after the wedding. We have dancing Saturday morning. Do you have a Kate and Mia date?" Christian asked.
"Yes, and they exhaust me. I will collapse Saturday night." I predict.
"Can we go soaring or sailing on Sunday? Soaring was the only date we didn't mess up."
"Sounds like a plan to me," I leaned over and kissed him. We had to quit kissing and finish breakfast. Logistics for Las Vegas need to be covered.
XXX
When we land, Christian and Elliot are off to take Grace and Frannie to Sky City for a late lunch. Kate went to her parents' home. She bought Celeste a Waterford bud vase and a matching small Waterford bouquet vase. I told her about the Kate Spade cosmetic case I bought for Mom. I shipped it to Georgia last week. She asked what I got Laura. I explain I arranged for José to give her prints of the dozen pictures he took of Timber and Tundra at Christmas. She can use them for sales brochures. I also made arrangements for José to photograph Ila and Inuit plus Tundra's new liter over Memorial Day Weekend. I'm paying Mia to help Laura create a sales brochure. Kate asked if Mom had Laura issues. I explained I don't talk about Mom to Laura and vice versa. Prescott and I head for my condo. She has a hearty laugh when I inform her I revealed the existence of Christian's operatives. She hands me off to Bonner and goes home. I take a nap and dream of sweet grey eyes and soft, hot kisses.
XXX
Bonner and I shoot at Target Rippers. I am awed by her scores and she praises mine. One of Christian's men sits in his SUV in the parking lot. We stop for take and bake pizzas and salad. We sample a Tex-Mex pizza, a Caramelized Leek and Bacon pizza, and a Grilled Veggie pizza with red onion, mushrooms and yellow pepper rings. They offer personal size pizzas in regular rounds, flatbreads, and skillet bakes. I am entranced by their pizza rolls pizza – which is like my pinwheels except they are put together like cinnamon rolls. I buy a dozen different flavors and styles to feed the freezer.
After splitting a Tex-Mex pizza, I do laundry, clean the condo, order grocery delivery and prep for next week while Bonner walks the perimeter. I walk around in my heels and long skirt, and practice my sitting while watching Cassie recommended You Tube wedding videos. Bonner cleans our guns, checks my ammo supply, cleans my gear and puts things away.
Christian sends me a sweet email, reminding me to set my alarm early for our workout date in the morning.
May 14 – APOV
Christian is sitting on his bed, his back propped against the headboard. His legs are outstretched. I'm wearing black satin panties which match his pajama pants. "Lay down, perpendicular to me, head in my lap," he holds out his hand. "I'll answer any question you ask of me, but you must make it worth my while." He held a length of black lace. "Close your eyes." He tied the lace around my eyes, like a blindfold. He helped me lay down, my head in his lap, my hair tumbled around my shoulders.
He stoked my face and waited for my first question…it was free association…whatever popped into my head was the question I asked. Books he read as a child, holidays, camping trips, favorites, etc. The face strokes became thumb strokes across my lower lip. The lower lip stroke became a firm thumb on my chin as he kissed me. The chin hold became fingers brushing back and forth across my breasts, which became cupping and stoking…which became nipple fondles, tugs and rolling between his fingers. His hands dance over my ribs and my stomach…and eventually they dance over my sex.
"So wet…so responsive…" he planted a soft kiss on my lips. "One more question…"
"Are you going to make love to me now…" I asked…and woke up. I should just let my inner goddess have free reign of my brain during the day…because these nocturnal nookie fests are frustrating. It's early – I dress in a yoga outfit, grab my exercise mat and DVD, clothes and briefcase for the day. Prescott and I head for Escala.
XXX
I do the 5-minute warm up, followed by the 15-minute wake-up routine, followed by a 5-minute Corpse position to center my thoughts and meditate. I drink a mini bottle of water and then I do a 30-minute yoga routine for balance, strength and muscle toning. I'm lying on my mat for my last 5-minute Corpse position, and instead of closing my eyes and meditating, as I should, I've been watching Christian kick box a dummy. I know he knows I'm watching him because he has a smirk on his face. Sweat is pouring off him, and he's…yummy. "What are you smirking at?" I scowl.
"Your ass. Did you know you have the best ass in the universe?"
"Do not…and complimenting my ass won't get you sweaty after-exercise sex." I wait for the timer to sound.
"What's that pose called," Christian asked.
"Corpse. I'm just supposed to lay here and cool down," I feel my breathing even out.
"I'm serious…best ass in the universe." He jumped on me and pinned me to the yoga mat. "I've been watching those yoga poses…and someday I'd like to see you do them in just your underwear."
I giggled and felt his cock twitch. "Now you know how I feel when I see you walking away with your hands in your pockets."
He rolls off me and offers me a hand up. "Shower with me."
The soaking wet V of his shirt reminds me of the muscular V of his groin where his happy trail is… "Uhm, yes," I agreed.
"I'm giving you fair warning…someday I'm claiming that ass. Not today, or this week, or this month…but before the year is over Anastasia…that ass will be mine." He spoke in my ear and sent shivers to my nether regions.
"No booty bopping," I inform him. "There will be discussions first."
XXX
"You've been quiet this morning," Christian observed as we showered.
"I wasn't quiet several minutes ago," I blushed.
"I noticed," he smirked. "So John says we must talk either before sex or after…he wants assurance I'm not using sex as a reason to not talk."
"Okay," I washed my hair. "Ask away."
"What one thing would you change about me?" He asked soaping his body, his back toward me.
I think he turned so I could not see his face when I answered him. "I would change your self-perception. I would make you more accepting of how wonderful you are, and cut off the self-loathing. What would you change about me?"
"Your address," he answered too quickly.
"Be serious," I snap.
"What makes you think I'm not serious?"
"ME…what would you change about ME."
"Well, since your address, your empty ring finger and your last name are not things you consider YOU…how about I would change your self-perception. I would make you more self-aware, less self-depreciating, less unsure of how beautiful, and smart and funny and sexy you are." Christian said quietly. "But I've figured it out…"
"Figured what out?" I asked.
"I see the best of you and you see the best of me…" He said.
I straightened and looked at him… "While we each see the worst of ourselves?"
"You are so smart," he said, kissing me senseless.
May 15 – APOV
"Would you like to go for coffee?" Christian asked. He took me to Wild Grounds, a coffee shop inside a kinky boutique.
I didn't know where to look. Our waitress wore a black leather collar and cuffs with her Wild Grounds apron over black t-shirt and jeans.
Christian ordered a number two with a large double-shot latte and an English Breakfast tea, bag out. We are served a tray with fresh whole strawberries and a small bowl of whipped cream. The tray also holds a miniature chocolate fondue pot with pound cake cubes, marshmallows, pretzel sticks, dried mango slices, and mini peanut butter cookies.
Oh bloody hell …we're in time for the floor show. Dominants come by the table and exhibit collars and cuffs on their submissives who technically are covered – but everything they wear is made of sheer material, or leather. There's only so many leather pasties and thongs my blushing eyes can bear. Young ladies, attired in tight cigarette pants, bandeau tops and stilettos, wander by our table with trays of edible underwear, mini floggers, small sex toys, and different kinds of lubricants.
"Feel free to ask me what things are as the ladies come by with the trays." Christian shrugged. "I can tell you what it is, and how I'd like to use it on you." He feeds me a strawberry with whipped cream….
I wake, stretching and am aware I'm soaking wet…and horny. I need a cold shower…now! Christian and I had coffee together a year ago, which didn't end well. It's a year later. I will send him a Starbucks gift basket to remind him.
