Chapter 21
CPOV
It was hard to drop Ana back off at her apartment after dinner last night. I wanted her to come and stay the night with me. But, she said she couldn't because she didn't have her clothes or things at my place. I can fix that issue.
"Andrea, please get Caroline Acton from Neiman Marcus on the line for me." In just a few moments Andrea has her on the phone.
"Ms. Acton, Christian Grey. I need you to procure a full wardrobe for me, including evening and casual wear, shoes, and accessories."
"Yes, Mr. Grey. What is the budget this time? And will you be sending me specifics per usual?"
"No budget and the specifics have just been sent to you. When is the soonest you can get these delivered?"
"I can have these delivered by tomorrow at lunch time, Mr. Grey."
"Sounds good. Put everything on my personal account, Ms. Acton."
Ana is helping Kate tonight with something so we aren't seeing each other. I really miss her even though I just saw her yesterday. I didn't realize it would have this effect on me, but I guess after the past couple of days of seeing her so much it brought me a lot closer to her.
Since I won't be seeing Anastasia tonight, I will just be working late. My cell phone beeps letting me know I received a text.
*I know you aren't seeing Ana tonight. Want to grab a beer?*
*Sure. Where?*
*Westy 6 pm*
*See you there.*
*Laters*
Elliot and I have a decent time watching the Mariners game at the bar. It helped take my mind off Ana. He didn't say anything but I know he was dying to ask me about her. He, like the rest of my family, assumed I was gay all these years. If they only knew. I had to hold in my laughter when Elliot offered to give me advice with her if I needed it.
As soon as I get to work the next day, I send Ana an email. Her wardrobe should be arriving today and Mrs. Jones will be putting everything in my closet.
To: asteele
From: cgrey
RE: This evening…
Dear Miss Steele,
I missed you immensely last night. Would you be so inclined as to meet me at my place for dinner tonight? I think we may have some catching up to do. ;-)
Christian Grey
CEO & Desolate Boyfriend, Grey Enterprises Holdings
To: cgrey
From: asteele
RE: This evening is…
Dear Mr. Grey,
I would love to have dinner with you tonight. And as such, you are leaving the evening filled with anticipation. The paint in Kate's bedroom has nothing on you for excitement.
Ax
Ana Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor
Seattle Independent Publishing
To: asteele
From: cgrey
RE: This evening…
Miss Steele,
If it's excitement you want, I can provide it. In many, many, ways.
Christian Grey
CEO & Concupiscent Boyfriend, Grey Enterprises Holdings
To: cgrey
From: asteele
RE: How do I want thee…
Mr. Grey,
… let me count the ways. Challenge accepted and now I am squirming in my seat.
Anaxxx
Ana Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor
Seattle Independent Publishing
APOV
The floor is practically deserted today as there is a seminar on non-fiction and children's publishing. Since Jack works with fiction authors, we didn't have to go. It's strange without the usual busyness.
"Ana! Get in here!" Jack yells for me making me jump. He's been in a terrible mood since I've come back and I don't know why. His attitude towards me has taken a complete 180.
I meekly walk into his office. "Yes, Jack?"
"What are you doing out there? I called for you three times. I don't pay you to send love notes to your boyfriend." I've never heard Jack sound so angry.
"Um, I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't hear you." I answer him feeling completely castigated. Wait a second. How did he know I was emailing Christian? And how did he know I have a boyfriend? I never said anything to him.
"I need you to make ten copies of this manuscript and attached notes, bind them, and send them to the other editors along with Roach. Give one to me, you should keep one, and file the rest.
I take the manuscript from his hand and for a second I don't think he is going to let go. "Yes, Jack, I'll go do that right away." I make my way to the copy room just off the lobby. Claire is out sick today so there is no one at the front desk. I truly think it is just Jack and I in here. The thought gives me chills but I'm not sure why.
I'm standing at the copier with my back to the door. I don't hear Jack come in.
"So, did you start fucking the owner before or after he purchased the company?"
Did I just hear him right? Did he just say that? I turn to face him. "I'm sorry, Jack. I don't believe I heard you correctly."
"No, you heard me correctly. You're really an ambitious little slut. Instead of sucking the dick of your boss you go straight to the owner."
I try to remain strong but the flush creeping up my cheeks betrays me. "Jack, my personal life is none of your concern and I don't appreciate you speaking to me like that."
"It's my concern when you're trying to fuck your way into my job. Well, let me tell you, honey. I don't care how many frat boys you fuck or how much head you give in the conference rooms when no one is looking, I worked hard for my job and I earned this position. I'm not going to let a whore like you ruin this for me. And to think, when I hired you I thought maybe I would gain some satisfaction being your boss. But you have a good act. You act all sweet and innocent but you aren't are you? You're just a dumb slut who thinks because she has a pretty face and nice tits she can get anywhere she wants."
"Get away from her now!" I turn around just as Christian comes through the doorway of the copy room, his eyes are blazing with anger. "Hyde, get away from Miss Steele right now or you will wish you were never born. Do you hear me?" Christian looks at me and makes eye contact. His face softens slightly, "Ana, baby. Are you OK? Did he hurt you?" I think I'm in shock - it takes me a few seconds to formulate words.
"I'm OK. Christian, what are you doing here?" Granted, I'm glad he's here but I didn't expect him.
"I thought I would come to pick you up instead of you driving your death trap around. I heard this fucker yelling at you. I'd hate to think of what he'd do if I didn't walk in here."
Jack smirks at him. "You should hate to think about what I'd do to her if you didn't walk in here. But I guess you like breaking up good times. You know, I was slated to take Roach's spot after he retires until you bought the company."
In a split second, Christian punches Jack and he is laying knocked-out and crumpled on the floor. Christian takes my hand and pulls me to his side.
He touches my face and my sides to make sure I am OK. "Did he touch you, Ana? Are you OK?"
I shake my head. "No, he didn't touch me."
Christian then takes his phone out. "Roach, it's Grey. Hyde is out of here. I just witnessed him sexually harassing another employee. I will not stand for that. He is not to get any severance pay or unemployment or I will press charges against him and you. I don't care if it takes the company down."
Christian hangs up his phone. "Christian, I think he knew we were emailing each other."
"What do you mean?"
"Before he said that he didn't pay me to email my boyfriend all day." I see Christian's face change from one of concern to one of complete hatred.
He picks up his phone again, "Taylor, I need you to do a search of the entire building. Have Welch and Barney look into the system and see if there is anything amiss. I need it rectified now."
Christian takes my hands and leads me out to the SUV as Taylor is making his way into the building. He and Taylor share a nod and keep going. He gets into the driver's seat, "Let's get you home, baby."
