HI All, a short chapter, but things are going to start getting juicy... Enjoy.

Riding the Waves

Ana's POV

"Ms. Steele, Are you in?" Christian inquires. I look at Christian, and there is something a little strange about him. He seems a little cold, when only a few minutes he was on fire. Oh shit, I think I finally understand what is going on!

Christian Grey is cool with me in public, but intensifies when we are alone. I have been down this route before, and it is one that I won't travel down again. In our second year of college, there was a guy Kate, and I were friends with, called Owen. He was head over heels in love with Kate, but she had no interest in him since she was dating someone else at the time. Owen tried to get closer to me so he can spend time with Kate. It was his plan to get to my best friend through me. I was naive and thought this guy honestly liked me. I enjoyed being on the receiving end of male affection, but luckily I came to my senses. However, not before I got hurt.

I have to suppress my laughter, poor Christian Grey is going to have to try to take his own brother down to get to Kate. From the looks of it, he is going to have one hell of a fight on his hands. Elliot is yet to take his eye off Kate, and she is all over him.

"Yes. I am in" I reply confidently. "However if we are going to be awhile, we will need to take two cars. Don't forget Kate we need to pick up Ethan tonight." Ethan is Kate's older brother who will be beginning graduate school at the University of Seattle soon. He has spent the last year working with his father at 'Kavanagh Media', but has decided that this isn't the career path for him. Instead, he is going to try his hand at Psychology.

"Who is Ethan?" Elliot asked. I noticed Christian seems at bit too interested in the answer. While Elliot seems to be playfully jealous, Christian has narrowed his eyes, and his lips have formed a hard line. He seems rather forbidding, and it unnerves me a little.

"Ethan is my brother." Kate's answer seems to placate Elliot, but it does little to ease Christian. Maybe I haven't worked out what is going on! Damn it! Christian Grey is set to go down as the most exasperating man I have ever met.

The four of us finally sit down at the table and begin to eat breakfast. I notice our new male companions, pile huge amounts of food on their plates

"Katherine, is your brother intending on living here? I have a reputable real estate agent at my disposable. I am happy to make some calls for you" Christian offers. I have to admit he can be the epitome of politeness. I replay his words in my mind. I note that he has offered to make calls for Kate. Interesting.

"I don't think Ethan has decided yet. He will probably stay here for the time being at least. He loves Ana's cooking so much"

"I can understand why. Do you cook like this Kate?" Elliot queries. I almost feel sorry him as he looks so hopeful. Kate and I look at each other and giggle loudly. When I stop I am curiously aware that Christian is looking at me, though he looks away quickly when I look back at him. Once more he takes on an icy demeanor.

"What's so funny?" Elliot asks.

"Because Elliot, my best friend is unquestionably gorgeous, smart and great fun, but her cooking skills pretty much ends at toast and coffee." I comment.

"Ana is right." Kate says in a very matter of fact tone, and then whispers something into Elliot's ear that. Knowing my best friend as I do, along with the look on Elliot's face, she has just reminded him of her other talents.

With breakfast finished and dishes cleared, Kate and I head off to our rooms to change. Christian has recommended light clothing, but to bring a sweater in case it gets cool. I go through my wardrobe and pull out a blue sun dress, with a white cardigan. The weather has been uncharacteristically warm for Seattle. I would have declined to join in this outing, but I have a few questions to ask Mr-I don't like to be called by my first name – Grey. I just need to get him alone, and I know just how to do so.

Kate and I re-join the Grey men Elliot immediately wraps his arm around Kate, and I long for the same affection.

"Kate should you and I go in one car and follow you boys?" I strategically propose. As I predicted, Kate is looking at me as if I had two heads.

"No!" She calls out a little too energetic, shocking even me. "It's just that we might lose them when we are following them. Elliot do you know where we are going?"

"I have a good suspicion." Elliot says playfully, and then looks to his brother. "Would it be a lovely afternoon on The Grace'?"

"Yes indeed, the very one. She was just finished about a week ago. This will only be my second time on her" Christian adds. Kate and I look at each other not following.

"Kate, I know where we are headed. I will go with you in your car, that is if Ana doesn't you mind going with my brother? I know he seems frightfully stuffy and downright overbearing, but he has the manners of fifty year old man and deep down there is a rather good side to him. Plus, if you don't get to see that, he drives a pretty impressive car." I can't help, but smile as Elliot teases his brother. I put on my best attempt to act inconvenienced by having to go with Christian all though this is exactly what I want. It's the only chance I may have to quiz him alone.

Elliot is right, Christian car is impressive. "What car is this? I haven't seen one before"

"Have I impressed you, Miss Steele?" Christian grins as I examine the exterior of the car. I shoot him a dispassionate look and fail to answer his question. "It is an Audi R8"

"After you Miss Steele" Christian opens the car door and I slide in, wishing I had worn something different. My dress has shuffled up teasing Grey with a bit too much of my legs. A fact not missed by Christian. Quickly I pull my skirt down. Embarrassed, I start to blush a little.

"Ready?" Christian asks.

"Oh yes" I reply

"Good we don't have far to go"

"Well if that is the case, then we better get going." I comment sternly. Christian gives me a quick glare. Even though it was the swiftest look, it was as if he is looking right through me.

"I know what you are trying to do" I state confidently.

"Is that so Miss Steele? Then I do hope you will be so kind as to fill me in"

"This hot and cold act you have going. It's not going to work Christian" He looks at me with his head half cocked. "Do tell Miss Steele." Oh how I would love to tell him that 'Kate isn't going to notice you and that you are not her type'. If only get out of the car, I don't want to spend any more time with this man. However then I won't get to the bottom of all this business and ensure he knows to stay away from Kate.

Christian then runs his hand through his hair, even pulling at it, I believe. A little too quickly he parks the car and quickly gets out. However with his manners still in check, he opens my door for me and holds out his hand. I look around at the harbor and then see the words 'The Grace' on a large, extravagant looking yacht.

"That's yours?"

"Yes. She was just completed. I have only taken her out for a test run since she was built, but now I get to thoroughly enjoy her." As I follow Christian, I watch as a boyish grin comes over his face. He actually looks more his own age, as opposed to his normal intense demeanor.

"Interesting" I murmur.

"What is?" Christian asks.

"The name of the boat, The Grace. In a religious context 'Grace' means the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings." I inform him.

"I know. She was my salvation and did bestow many blessing on me." I look up at Christian Grey and notice a brief moment of vulnerability. I wonder if I should probe further. Usually I would but, however; something deep down tells me this is not a good place to go. Rather I look up at him trying to read his expression. Christian looks down at me, and our eyes lock. I can't explain how I feel, but I know that deep down I want to know more about this man.

"You really do have beautiful eyes" I roll my eyes at him. Mr Mercurial is back with his hot and cold act.

Christian suddenly grips my chin, tilting my head to face him. "Eyes as pretty as yours, should never be used as an object of rudeness." Before I am able to defend myself, Elliot and Kate arrive. Kate is clearly impressed while Elliot looks like a child on Christmas.

"Little bro, you have done well. Can we take it out into the water?" Elliot asks.

"Of course. Ladies do you still wish to join us? I intended to sail out to one of the islands" Christian asks.

"Yes we do" Kate answers for us both.

"Kate, what about Ethan?" I remind my friend about her own brother.

"Ladies, I can have one of my people pick up Mr Ethan Kavanagh. Do you know his flight number?" Christian offers.

"Yes! I have all the details here on my phone" Kate quickly searches for the email from Ethan.

"Kate, we really should be the ones picking up Ethan, not some strange" I hiss quietly, so only she will hear me.

"My brother is a big boy, he will be fine. Mr Moneybags will take care of it." I glare at Kate, and she drops her shoulders. "Okay look I will send Ethan a text message telling him, to expect someone to be there to pick him up with a sign."

"What about a key?" I tell him.

"Shit!" Kate says a little too loudly.

"Is there a problem?" Christian asks.

"Ethan doesn't have a key to the apartment, so I am afraid we can't go sailing today" I reply.

"Do you have a key to the apartment on you?" Christian asks casually.

"Yes" I reply without thinking. Christian holds out his hand and before I even realize I have given him my key. I realize that, behind Christian are two familiar people. I recognize them both from the club last night. Why didn't I notice them earlier?

Christian turns around and talks to them both. The younger looking guy is given my apartment key. The other guy, Mr Buzz-Cut, the one who escorted me to the private room to see Christian has handed Christian a couple of backpacks.

"Thank you Taylor. We will be back about five." Taylor nods and then heads off towards the car.

"So if there are no other delays" Christian inquires and gestures for us to board the yacht. I notice Christian purse his lips as Kate intertwines her arms around Elliot's and together they board first. Seriously why doesn't he just knock his brother out and jump Kate? Bastard!

Christian's POV

I glare at my brother with the tenacious Miss Kavanagh. She is practically attached to his hip, and it would seem that they are apparently moving swiftly into a relationship. While I accept that them being together has given me the opportunity to be with Anastasia, their relationship will complicate things. I don't make my relationships public, even to my family. If I am with Ana, then Kate will know, and you know she can't keep her mouth shut. Fuck everyone will know,

Act cool Christian! I tell myself. I need to play the game strategically. No, matter what; Miss Anastasia Steele will be mine and only mine. I will prove to her how enjoyable it can be and somehow keep our relationship private.

Thank you for reading. I promise the next chapter will be longer. Maria Amore