Chapter 25
CPOV
I can't believe I told Ana that I love her. It helped that I know she loves me too. Waking up with her these past few mornings have been amazing. I don't want her to go. I want her to be with me and never leave.
Ana could go back to work this morning. She was nervous that people would think badly of her for her part in everything. I drove her to work to give her some support. I've already had a couple of meetings this morning and all I could think about was Ana. I decide to send her an email.
To: asteele
From: cgrey
RE: mornings are the best
Dear Anastasia,
Have I told you how much I love waking up with you? And how much I love going to sleep with you in my arms? I will be sad when you finally go back to your apartment - in fact, I don't want you to.
;-)
Christian Grey
CEO & Lovesick Fool, Grey Enterprises Holdings
To: cgrey
From: asteele
RE: What are you saying?
Dear Christian,
What do you mean by that? I like waking up and going to sleep with you too.
Ana Steele
Editorial Assistant
Seattle Independent Publishing
To: asteele
From: cgrey
RE: Exactly?
Dear Miss Steele,
I do believe I am asking you to move in with me. And, I have reliable information that you will soon be in need of a new roommate as your best friend and my brother are soon to be shacking up.
I'll make it worth your while.
Christian Grey
CEO & Beggar Extraordinaire, Grey Enterprises Holdings
To: cgrey
From: asteele
RE: My while?
Dear Christian,
Since my name is not on the lease for Kate's apartment I will need a place to stay and I will agree to move in with you on a temporary basis. As far as making it a permanent situation, I would like to take things slowly.
And, thank you. I am quite sure it will be worth my while.
Ana x
Ana Steele
Editorial Assistant
Seattle Independent Publishing
"Christian, tell me. How are things going? It's been awhile since I last saw you."
"I asked Ana to move in with me." Flynn looks up at me and before he has a chance to recover I can see the shock on his face.
"Christian, that seems pretty quick. Are you sure that's what you want? The first stages of any relationship are very exciting and seem happy. But, once you live with someone, there is less of a facade and you start to see each other's faults a little more clearly."
"John, I think we are well aware of our faults. But what you fail to realize is I love her and I want to spend as much time with her as I can."
"But, Christian, why? Why do you have the need to do a complete 180 so quickly? If your love for Ana is genuine won't you love her just as much regardless of where she is living?"
"Because why wait? I know Anastasia is the love of my life and the only woman I will ever love. I feel like I've wasted so many years now living a hollow life. I don't want to wait any longer."
Flynn looks at me, "You understand my reluctance here, don't you? Just a few months ago you didn't even believe in love. The only relationship you had with a woman was contractual with no emotions or feelings. Now, you tell me you're in love and want to spend the rest of your life with someone you've only known for a short time. You are at completely opposite ends of the spectrum."
"John, I don't know what to tell you. From the second I met Anastasia I knew she was different. I was drawn to her by something bigger than you or me. I thought it was just a physical attraction at first. But when she said no to me and I thought that was it for us, it hurt. I've had contracts not work out before and it never felt like that. I fought it, I really did. But I couldn't stay away from her."
"I'm not questioning your feelings or motives, Christian. I just don't want you to make a mistake with something you are new to."
"I understand John. But I love her and that won't change. She has given me new life."
Flynn looks at me and smiles. "Well, then, welcome to the club of lovesick fools."
APOV
I can't believe Christian just asked me to move in with him. Am I ready for this? He's my first boyfriend. Am I getting in over my head here? I need some advice.
"Hi, Mom."
"Anastasia, how good to hear from you. How are you?"
"I'm good."
"Ana, what's wrong?"
"How do you do that, Mom?"
"I'm your mother, that's how. So, talk to me."
"I met a guy and I think I love him."
"Anastasia, that's wonderful. And it's about time, too."
"I'm scared. He wants me to move in with him. What if after I move in he doesn't like me anymore. Where will I be then?"
"Oh, honey. Love is always a big gamble. That could happen at any time. Take it from me. I know."
My mother's candor makes me laugh. "I guess you're right. Thank you."
"Of course. Come visit me soon and bring your boyfriend with you. I'd like to meet the man who finally captured my daughter's heart. Has Ray met him?"
"Yes. He and Ray get along well."
"Then, Anastasia, marry that man. Anyone who can get along well with Ray Steele must be pretty special."
Now I am laughing. But she does have a point. There aren't many people who can make my reticent father talk and laugh. "Yeah, he is pretty special. I love you."
"I love you too, honey. I'll talk to you soon. Bye."
"Bye, mom."
My mom should know pretty much about love and marriage. After all, Bob is her fourth husband. Moving in with Christian. How crazy is this? Just a few months ago I was a virgin who just wanted to graduate college. The formidable force of Christian Grey. Did I ever have a chance against him? He had me from the day I interviewed him. That day - it feels just like yesterday and at the same time eons ago. I don't think I could live without him now - his baggage and all.
