Chapter 4

Kate takes my hand gently and says "Christian this is my roommate and close friend Anastasia Steele, Ana this is Christian Grey, Elliot's younger brother"

I look up at his deep grey eyes and his locks with mine. Oh he really is handsome, he stares intently at me and my knees suddenly feel weak. He smile's softly at me after a moment and extends his long manicured hand to me. As our hands connect I feel a current pulse through me and my breath hitches momentarily as this unfamiliar feeling of attraction overwhelms me.

"Very nice to meet you Miss Steele, I'm Christian Grey" and I smile nervously as our hands gently squeeze

"Nice to meet you Mr. Grey, please call me Ana" I whisper shakily and he gives me a crooked smile and narrows his eyes at me.

He takes the empty seat next to me and places his blackberry on the table beside him. He talks with his dad about work and leisure while I try to listen. It's hard to focus on anything right now. I am intoxicated by his delicious scent and his overwhelming good looks. Mia's friends try to make conversation with him and he politely feigns interest which pleases me immensely because they are kind of obnoxious. Shit I need to get a grip before I wind up making an ass out of myself. I sort of want him to talk to me but I wouldn't dare start the conversation. He is far too intimidating looking.

They have a large staff and every few minutes they serve elegant appetizers and finger foods. I can't eat while my stomach does somersaults, I feel out of place. Everyone is chatting happily as I quietly sit staring at my plate. Christian Grey is smoking hot and is sitting right next to me. I'm afraid to even speak to him until I realize that earlier Kate mentioned he didn't like women, oh it's my Aha moment.

I suddenly square my shoulders and pick lightly on my food and sip my wine and smile.

"Are you enjoying your food Miss Steele?" he turns towards me and I gulp and get lost in his eyes again. Chill Ana, he doesn't want you, Grr.

"it's very good, although I'm not sure what it is I admit" he cocks his head sideways at me and I think he wants to laugh but he says

"it's called Brandade Canapes, my mother's favorite" he smiles

"Thanks" I mutter and pop another bite into my mouth. He is staring at me now and I don't know what to say.

"So um do you have any plans for the holidays Mr. Grey?" jeez what else am I supposed to say?

"Just business, Miss Steele and you?" he answers. Okay well I see he's not one for making small talk and really neither am I so my answer is similar.

"Nothing, I'm just staying home" I shrug

Kate turns towards me and scowls, oh fuck she heard me.

"Ana I thought you were supposed to be visiting your mom in Georgia?" she asks concerned. I signal her to keep it down so everyone doesn't hear but Christian Grey is sitting right next to me and I know he can hear every word.

"Bob decided to surprise her with a cruise at the last minute and I didn't mention it because I didn't want you to feel bad for me" I whisper.

"Ana this is awful, I can't leave you alone for the holidays and New Year's Eve" she shakes her head with a look of pity towards me.

"I'm fine Kate really I can catch up on some work and read some good books, maybe try out some recipes, please don't fuss over me. I promise I'm fine" I give her the look begging her to stop now, but she's pissed at me. I need the restroom and some fresh air but dinner is served.

I barely pick at my dinner under the scrutinizing glare of Kate and close proximity of Christian Grey who I do not think is Gay. I can feel him checking me out. Oh shut up Ana, your freaking delusional. I move the food around on my plate like a sneaky toddler to make it seem like I ate more than I did and Christian notices and gives me a cold stare, it's really delicious but I'm too nervous to eat. Ok I have to get up. I rise and all the men at the table rise out of good manners as I look around confused and whisper to Kate "Where is the restroom please?"

"Outside the archway to the right my dear" Dr. Trevelyan-Grey says

"Thank you Ma'am" I mutter and I make my stumbled exit. I find the floor to ceiling marble powder room and just try to calm myself. After I use the bathroom I walk towards to door and step outside for some fresh air. It's freezing outside and I am in an off the shoulder cocktail dress and no coat. I grab myself and shiver and turn back towards the house. I look up and there is Christian Grey on his blackberry and he looks at me and smiles. Oh gosh he has a nice smile, so attractive why does he make me feel like this?

"Trying to sneak away Miss Steele?"

"Uh no just getting some fresh air "

"Fresh air? It's freezing out and you have no coat on, you'll get sick." He scolds me again. He is so bossy.

"Yes Sir" I answer cowardly and I think I see him gasp for a moment. I am intimidated by him so I just nod and head back inside. The house is so big and before I know it I am walking down a hallway the wrong way looking for the dining room. I stand still for a moment and listen for voices. I turn back and follow the sounds and see the archway just outside the dining room. As I make my way under the arch I feel a bump.

"Sorry" I mutter as I bump into Christian who was looking down at his blackberry.

"Excuse me Miss Steele that was my fault" he acknowledges and smiles at me. Oh god! One more sexy smile like that and I'm going to pass out. We stand under the arch for a moment awkwardly and I hear someone shout "MISTLETOE"