Chapter 27

APOV

The following day at work Mr. Roach asks to see me. When I get to his office, I am ushered in by his administrative assistant.

"Ana, I'm glad you could see me. I know it was short notice and with Jack no longer being here you are pretty busy." I don't say anything and just nod. I'm not sure where he is going with this and so I am a little worried. "That is the reason I've asked you here. A couple of the editors have been impressed with the work you've done on a few of the manuscripts. You show significant potential in the publishing business."

"Thank you, Sir. I appreciate it." He smiles at me kindly.

"We'd like you to take over Jack's position as Fiction Editor for a trial period. If you don't like it you can go back to your current position, no harm, no foul. However, if you do well we would ask you to stay on as the Editor. How does that sound?"

"Well, Sir. That's quite an opportunity. I don't think I can refuse."

"Great! You can take Jack's office. I'll have your things moved in there. Until you know for sure we'll have one of the temps fill in for your position so you will still have support."

"Thank you, Mr. Roach. I appreciate it." As I walk out of Roach's office and back to mine I become increasingly more suspicious. Is he giving me the position because of Christian? I want to earn this and not take hand-outs.


I decide to email Christian.

To: cgrey

From: asteele

Re: Gossip?

Dear Sir,

Have you told anyone here at SIP about our relationship status? Mr. Roach offered me Jack's position on a trial basis and I will be very upset if I got it because of you.

Please tell me that's not the case.

Ana

Ana Steele

Acting Editor

Seattle Independent Publishing


His response is almost immediate and before I open his email I can feel my heart pounding from nerves.

To: asteele

From: cgrey

Re: 'Twas not I

My Dearest Anastasia,

I have not told anyone outside our immediate circle about our "relationship status" since it changed fairly recently and I wasn't sure who to tell. As you know, if I could, I would hire a skywriter to let everyone know you are my girlfriend.

But alas, I am not responsible for your recent promotion. Congratulations. ;-)

Christian Grey,

CEO & Proud Boyfriend, Grey Enterprises Holdings


To: cgrey

From: asteele

Re: My apologies

My Darling Christian,

I do apologize for the inference in my previous email. I was shocked by the offer and wanted to make sure it was earned on merit.

Thank you.

A x

Ana Steele

Acting Editor

Seattle Independent Publishing


To: asteele

From: cgrey

Re: I know better

My Darling Anastasia,

I would never dream of interfering in your career less I end up with a spanking. ;-) At least one not intended for pleasure.

You are a very intelligent person. Why do you think I offered you an internship at my company?

Christian Grey

CEO & Not as Dumb as He Looks, Grey Enterprises Holdings

His reply makes me smile. Maybe this is something I can do. I wonder how the other editors took notice of my work? I still can't shake the feeling that I didn't deserve this.


At 5:30 I pack up the office and head out the front doors to the awaiting Audi SUV. It's been a long day and I have a tension headache. I climb in the back and Christian immediately sees something isn't right. "Ana, are you OK?" His face is etched with concern and while it is an overreaction it is still endearing.

"I'm OK. I just had a crazy day and have a headache."

"Come here, I will rub your back and shoulders to make it feel better." I scoot closer to him on the seat and his big, strong hands begin to rub all the knots out of my tense muscles.

We get into the apartment and my headache hasn't gotten any better. I tell Christian that I am going to take a hot shower and lie down to see if it helps. "Can I get anything for you?"

"No, thank you. It's a sweet offer but I don't think I need anything." My shower feels amazing and I lie down in our bedroom in the dark. Slowly I can feel the headache slip away. But as that happens I also fall asleep.


CPOV

Watching Ana sleep there in the bed confirms the decision to move in was the right one. I wish Ana had more things to move in here and help make it her own. For as long as I've owned this place it's never been a "home" until Ana.

Nothing in my life had meaning until Ana. I know for the rest of my life I want her to be there by my side. I want her to me mine, forever. I want to marry her. I want her to be Mrs. Christian Grey. Just the sound of that makes me smile. I never thought I could love anyone and here I am considering marriage.

When I propose, I want it to be just the two of us - our own private moment. I need to put some thought into this. I want her to remember this forever.

I go back into our bedroom to check on her again. She is fast asleep. I feel her forehead to see if she's hot and then I make sure she's covered. Finally, I put a glass of water on the bedside table in case she wakes up thirsty.

I look at her and my resolve has been solidified. This is the woman I love. The only woman I will ever love and I need her in my life forever. My life wasn't worth living before her. I want to love her, protect her, laugh with her, and be with her forever. I can't imagine anything else. I need to make this happen more than I ever have needed anything before.