Convenient Gestures
Christian's POV
The door to my office and I look up to find Welch approaching desk, and I am reminded once my why I pay him as well as I do. I rang him last night to do seek out some information for me, and less than sixteen hours later he has the,
"Here is the information you requested on Miss Steele's employment. Your suspicions were correct, she has just secured this employment after I finished compiling her background check. Also, here is the additional information on Ethan Kavanagh you requested late last night. It has all the specific information you requested. I push my laptop to the side, leaving the day to day operations of Grey Enterprise to the side. There would be no way I would be able to focus on work now.
"Thank you. I will email you if I need any more information" I tell Welch, without even looking up. He is used to this behavior from me. I pay him handsomely for his diligent comprehensive work, not to exchange pleasantries.
I focus on the additional information on Anastasia first. There isn't a lot, but it does state that she is going to be an assistant to a Jack Hyde and that she starts on Monday. Good, that gives me time to have Welch collect information on him, as well. I need to decide a course of action. I grip the file on Ethan Kavanagh, and start to go through it like my life depends on it. I have a mission to complete, and I never fail. I go through page, after page until something catches my eye. I pull my laptop closer and begin to find the next piece of the puzzle. 'Yes' I call out, excited! I get on the phone and put my plan into action.
"Andrea, I am going to be out of the office for the rest of today. Can you check my schedule I might need it cleared of everything for the next two days." My assistant with her usual quick efficiency pulls up my diary.
"There is a couple of meetings that will need to be rescheduled, but I can change those easily. The only thing I cannot modify for you is…." Andrea's voice fades as she points to my mother's dinner this Wednesday. My parents must have gotten to my assistant as she has pointed out this obligation several times.
What Andrea doesn't know is that my sister Mia is one of the few weaknesses in my life, and I haven't seen her in months. Unbeknownst to any other family member, she wanted to drop out of college three years ago, but I convinced her to stay and have been giving her rather generous incentives to stay. It may have seemed hypocritical to force Mia to stay in college while I dropped out, but I doubt that she would have been able to succeed without a college degree. Now she has finally graduated and has a full time job as a graphic designer.
"Andrea, I know. Thank you. I intend to be at my parents' house for dinner" I walk out and am met by Taylor. We don't exchange any words until we are alone in the elevator. He knows the drill. I am overzealous on my privacy.
"Taylor, Status?"
"Miss Mia's graduation gift is ready, and we will take delivery of it soon. It will be set up this evening in front of your parents' home after dinner. All the arrangements are in place for Mr Kavanagh relocation. I have emailed you the particulars on security at the Company SIP, and I came across some of their financial statements. I had one of the guys in accounting looking at the spreadsheets, and they just got back to me that it is headed for bankruptcy." Taylor advises.
"How long before the company will need to declare the way it is going?"
"A year, according to the guys in accounting." I nod in acknowledgment. I had Taylor initially look into the security measures at SIP, but as usual he is thorough. He probably thinks I am looking at taking over the company and adding it to my empire. Actually publishing might be an attractive venture.
"Where to Sir?" Taylor asks.
"The Pike Market District"
"Miss Kavanagh and Miss Steele's apartment?" Taylor says straight faced.
"Yes" I reply unemotionally, though I am eager to see Ana again. I get into the back of the black AUDI SUV, and once Taylor has driven out of the Grey House garage, I get his attention and seek out some unusual advice. Damn why didn't I just get Andrea to organize it for me? Of course, I know why. I need a casual reason to be at Ana's door.
"Taylor we need to stop at a florist and purchase some flowers before we arrive at Miss Steele's apartment."
"I know a reputable florist close by" He does?
"Do you purchase flowers for Ms Jones?" I inquire. Taylor is shocked as this as it is the first time in four years I have asked a personal question. I have never even asked him about his daughter, even though after his first week of working for me, I sent him an email informing him that as a benefit of working for me, I would take over his daughter's education costs. I instructed him to enroll her in one of the top private schools in the state, of his choice.
"Yes." I want to quiz him on the type of flower and color I should purchase. I am not a heart and flowers type of guy, and I usually instruct Andrea to take care of these types of thing for me. "Roses always work" Fuck, can he read my mind now?
"What color?"
"Depends on why you are giving them. I wouldn't recommend red, go for a pale pink" Taylor advises.
"Why not red?" Fuck I am lost on all this flower shit. Put me in a board room full of hostile CEO's and in an hour, I will have them eating out of my hand, but buying flowers is problematic.
"Because most women would interpret that as a sign of romance and love" Taylor says straight forward. He knows me too well. Romance and love are two things that do not fit into my world.
I check the time on my watch and grin. It is after midday, and I am right one tome. I press the button to the apartment, and I am immediately granted access without even been asked whom I am. I am instantly infuriated. Don't they have any regard for their safety, or that of their neighbors? I could have been anyone. I knock on the apartment door, and Ethan opens the door for me. My annoyance is yet to subside.
"Afternoon" Ethan greets me at the door.
"Did you buzz me up or was it Ana?" My abruptness startled him a little, but I just narrow my eyes waiting for his answer.
"I did. Ana couldn't buzz you up as she isn't supposed to walk. She has to keep her foot up as much as possible" Ethan is talking to me as if I don't even remember the yesterday's incident.
"Did you know it was me downstairs?" I enter CEO mode to prevent myself from pounding him to the ground.
"No," Ethan shakes his head
"But you let me in any way?"
"Well yeah. This is Seattle not New York" Ethan's nonchalant reply infuriates me even further. It is becoming a struggle to resist the urge to beat him to a pulp.
"Crime still happens here. Your younger sister and her best friend live here too, someone with unfavorable intentions could have been given access. If I ever hear of you doing that again, then you will regret it" I warn.
"Okay buddy, chill. I know my sister and your brother are suddenly head over heels for each other, and you are trying to protect the girls…." I clenched my first, and I swear if he says one more poorly chosen word, I am going to revive my early teenage years.
"What's going on?" Ana calls out. She is hobbling into the living room on her crutches.
"You are not supposed to be walking" I scold. I am about to go over and pick her up again, but she manages to make it to the couch safely enough before I can act.
"I doubt that fancy footwork I just did, could ever be counted as walking, by any definition." Ana say rolling her eyes. Damn I love her smart mouth.
"Good afternoon Christian. It is lovely to see you too." Ana greets me but actually tells me off. I feel as I am being chastised by my mother and told to mind my manners.
"You're looking better. I bought you these" I hold out the two dozen pink roses. "Do you have a vase?"
"Yes, there are a couple in the cupboard." I nod and set about my task of finding a vase. From the corner of my eye, I keep a constant eye on Ana. Ethan is hovering over her, and they are talking quietly, obviously, so I don't hear them. I double check my watch, and it is two minutes to one. If all goes to plan then I just need to wait a couple of minutes. As I place the vase with the flowers on the table, Ethan's cell phone rings. Right on time. Someone once said that money may not buy you happiness, but it sure helps to make things happen
"Excuse me," Ethan says proving that at least he has manners. He picks up his phone and walks into his bedroom. I hate to think that his room might be next to Ana's.
"How many bedrooms does this apartment have?" I ask Ana. Maybe if there is only two, I can have my real estate agent contact Kate to offer to find a place for Ethan and then I can keep him away from Ana.
"Three. Sorry you can't move in" Ana says comically.
"HA. HA. HA. Aren't you funny. Here let me get you a pillow for your foot" I grab a pillow and am about to touch Ana's foot when she calls out.
"No, don't touch it. Every time someone tries to help me, they end up hurting my ankle more"
"I won't hurt you. I promise Ana" I look into her eyes sincerely, and I know that she believes me when she gives me a soft nod. Ever so carefully I lift Ana's foot and place it on the pillow. I want this to be the first step to her trusting me.
"Did that hurt?" I ask her softly.
"No, you are the first one who has not hurt my foot, when they have tried to help me." Ana admits. I give her a small but genuine smile. Internally this news makes my heart beat. I am excited by this news.
"What else can I do to make you more comfortable? Have you had anything to eat?"
"Yes. I had lunch." We then slip into a moment of silence, and I don't know what to say to fill this void. This is all too new to me. Usually I have woman ready and waiting, I haven't had to do this song and dance that I am not versed in before. "The flowers are beautiful."
"I am glad you like them. Can I make you a cup of tea or coffee?" Before Ana even has a chance to respond I start to head towards the kitchen.
"Christian, stop!" Ana yells, making me spin and face her. It has been years since anyone has raised their voice at me. "I am not going to sue you if that is what you are here trying to do"
"Care to clarify that point?" I probe.
"I am clumsy. I fall over my own feet, it wasn't your fault I fell on your yacht. I am not going to take legal action against you. I am not after your money. I don't care about stuff like that." I didn't think it was possible but, Anastasia Steele just got a little more beautiful.
"Accepted, but I am not here to make sure you don't sue."
"Then what are you here for? Kate isn't here" I narrow my eyes at Ana.
"I have no issue over her absence. Why do you think…?" I am about to ask what the hell does Kate have to do with this, when Ethan comes in clutching his cell phone and looking conflicted. The blood has rushed from his face. He should have been smiling like a child on Christmas morning with the offer he just got.
"Ethan, you look sick" Ana's voice is full of concern and it makes me jealous all again. I don't want her to care about another male but me. "Who was that on the phone?"
"It was the University of Seattle. The Psychology department actually"
"Oh. Is something wrong with your enrollment in their Master's programme?" Ana questions. Concern is echoed through her voice, and I hate that such affection is being directed at him.
"No. It was one of the Deans from the Psychology department. He was so impressed with my academic record and interview that they have offered me a research position. Supposedly one of the third year students has pulled out in the last minute. The University has been doing specific research on psychological disorders such as mental health, which is the area of psychology that I want to specialize in. They received funding to allow them to go across several states and undertake the study. I guess I got lucky." Ethan's expression and low voice do not match the reaction I expected from him. I
"That's excellent news. Congratulations. Placements in those types of study can certainly further your knowledge and your status at the University. The connections you could make could set you up in your profession." I add to emphasize the elitism of this study.
"Ethan that's fantastic. When does it start?" Ana smiles sweetly at him. Personally I wish she would ask when he leaves, so I can finally be with her alone.
"Doesn't matter. I said no" Ethan informs us.
"WHAT?" Ana calls out, echoing my thoughts. Forget pounding his pretty little face, right now I am considering throwing him out the window.
"Ana they want me to leave right away. They have allocated me to the group that is traveling to Texas, and my flight leaves in three hours. I would have to be out of here in an hour, and I promised to stay here to look after you" Ethan explains.
"I am capable of looking after myself. I will be fine and back on my feet in a couple of days. Call the University and tell them you will go. NOW!" Ana barks.
"You still need help!" Ethan points out frustrated.
"I will help." I pipe up. "It was my yacht after all and as long as I have access to my laptop I am able to keep track of all my obligations." Ana looks conflicted at my proposal. She is weary of me staying with her; however, she doesn't want to be the one responsible for Ethan missing out on this opportunity.
"Then it is all set. Christian can stay, and Ethan you can go. Call them back. NOW!"
"Are you sure?" Ethan is looking at us both to be sure.
"YES NOW CALL THE UNIVERSITY BACK NOW, OR I WILL!" Ana threatens.
"Alright Steele, time for you to chill out, or you will hurt yourself even more" Ethan gets on the phone and makes the call. If the Dean doesn't accept Ethan re-acceptance, I will withdraw my generous and spontaneous funding of this study immediately. I listen carefully as does Ana, to his phone call and neither of us breathes until he gets off the phone.
"Okay I am back in. I need to go pack. I am going to be gone for two weeks. I should call my sister and a taxi". It only takes him almost no time to get packed and ready to leave. I remind myself that he is going to be out of the way for a while as I my blood boils as I am forced to watch him spend too long saying goodbye to Ana.
"Ethan, the head of my personal security, Taylor is outside. I will have him drive you to the airport. It will save you a lot of hassle." I offer.
"Thank you that is extraordinarily kind" Ethan offers me his hand, and I shake it politely. Poor fucker isn't aware that I would fly him myself, in my Jet if it was necessary. Getting freed of Ethan for even a short period of time is worth every cent of the two hundred thousand dollars I donated to the University to fund this study. The University had been trying to raise funds for this project for years, until today. The Dean was only too happy to accept the money under a couple of conditions. They had to start immediately, Ethan had to be offered a position on the team, and it had to be out of Washington State, My last condition was that the donation would not be made public. Ethan, Kate and most importantly Ana, is never to be told the identity of secret benefactor who made his participation mandatory.
"I am going to grab a cup of coffee. Can I make you a hot drink?" I offer.
"Tea. There is English breakfast in the pantry. I like my tea black and weak"
Ana tenses up when I return to the living room and pass her the tea. She offers me a little smile, but it doesn't reach her eyes. I need her to relax around me, or this is never going to work. Even then I still need to tell her about me and my desires and needs. However, that can wait.
"May I sit?" I request.
"Yes" I take the liberty to sit next to her, rather than one of the other seats. If I can't have her yet, then I at least want to be close to her.
"You are nervous around me. Why?"
"You are rather direct aren't you Mr. Grey?" Ana replies.
"Yes. I find it is the easiest way to get what you want. Now I have answered your question, answer mine. Why are you nervous around me?"
"I don't know you that is all" Ana lies. This is only part of the truth.
"There is obviously more to that, but I am happy to go with that right now."
"Talk to me. Tell me about yourself." Ana requests. Mixed feelings rise in me as I wonder how much she wants to know. There is so much that I can't tell her, not yet. Then there is also the information that I won't tell her. I don't want to lose her before I have even had a chance to get her.
"Most of life story is public record. You could look me up in Wikipedia. Forbes and Time magazine have done articles based on me, as has most of the leading magazines and papers, even if they didn't have my support or participation." I shrug. Every piece of information about me from being adopted, my adopted parents, sibling and information about Grey Enterprise is online. The only thing no one would find is what I don't want made public.
"However I prefer to make my own opinions rather than accept everything I read as fact. Just answer my questions. If you don't want to answer them then you don't have to" Ana is actually challenging me.
"Accepted. Ask away Miss Steele"
"Is Elliott your only brother?" Ana asks. This is a dull question, but I am grateful for it.
"Yes. He is two years older than me, and we have a sister, Mia who is your age. She too just finished school and is about to commence work as a graphic designer."
"Does Mia look like you or Elliot? You and your brother do not have similar coloring or facial feature. Though you are both tall and rather well built, but you seem to more develop." Ana blushes horribly when she realizes what she verbalized in her description of my brother and me.
"I am more developed?" I cock my head to the side, and taking enjoyment to see her blush once more. Not so feisty right now are you? Maybe I should have removed my shirt as my brother suggested.
"Mia has brown eyes and dark straight hair. We all look different because we are all adopted." I inform Ana who is clueless on my background.
"Oh. I didn't realize" Ana remarks sincerely as I read her expression
"You really know very little about me don't you?"
"I know practically nothing. I've never been interested in business." Ana responds genuinely.
"It's kind of refreshing actually. What else would you like to know?" I ask to keep her talking. I hate talking about myself as I never know where it is going to go, but I am getting an insight to Miss Steele.
"Tell me about your parents?" I take note that Ana doesn't specify if she is talking about my biological or adoptive parents.
"My parents are incredible people. My father, Carrick Grey is a litigator and has his own law firm, and my mother Grace Grey, is a pediatrician."
"Grace? You named your yacht after your mother"
"Yes." I confirm
"Salvation?" Ana recalls my then offbeat comment about Grace being my salvation and did bestow
many blessing on me, but that was before she understood the context.
"Yes" I reply nodding. Ana mouth opens slightly as she puts the pieces together.
"My father died the day after I was born. He only ever saw me once. My mother got remarried to Raymond Steele, and I consider him my father." Of course, I aware of this information from Ana's background check I ordered on her. Thought hearing this in her own words, tone and body language informs me of things that pen and paper don't. Her expression softens and possibly for the first time she seems to be warming up to me.
"Do your parents live here in Seattle?"
"No. My father is in Montesano while my mom is in Georgia with her fourth husband." Ana's tone becomes distasteful when she talks about her mother.
"Are you close to them?"
"I am to my father, but I haven't been close to my mother for years. She moved away with her husband, and I stayed with Ray. She got to be young and free while knowing I was going to be cared for without having to worry or make an effort." This is the best insight I have received in the feisty and self-assured Anastasia Steele. She, like me, was neglected by her mother.
"Do you have any siblings?"
"No. I wish I did. But I don't want to talk about me. What do you? I mean I know that you run a large successful company, but I don't understand it. Explain it to me."
"I thought you weren't interested in business" I point out reciting her words.
"I'm not, but right now with a sore ankle, I can't do much. I don't feel like watching TV or reading, so all that is left is for me to continue to chat with you." Ana states if not a little clinical.
"Alright, but only if you then tell me about your new job and what you want to do with your life." Ana agrees. I commence to talk about my work, like I have never before.
It is half past five when Kate walks into the apartment and Ana and I stop talking. We have discussed work, literature, philosophy and even crappy TV shows. It is an unfamiliar feeling. We have spent the afternoon just talking freely. All I know right now is that I can't let Ana, slip past my hands. The $200,000 it cost me to get rid of Ethan may just go down as the best money I have ever spent.
"Hi how are you two doing?" Kate asks.
"Good. Christian has been immersing me in the world of mergers and acquisitions. How was your first day at work?" Ana inquires.
"Interesting. I think I am going to like it. Also, thank you Christian for your help with Ana. If you hadn't offered to stay then, Ethan never would have left. My brother has had a horrible year working with our father, and this opportunity is a real feather in his bonnet. "
"It has been a pleasure. Ana got hurt on my yacht, so I wanted to make sure she was well taken care of" I explain.
"Christian I don't need a babysitter. My ankle is a lot better!" Ana says, even getting up and walking a little. Does this woman have any concern for her own well being? I want to pick her up and strap her down so she won't move around and let her ankle heal properly.
"Are you sure?" Kate asks.
"Very sure" Ana replies.
"Then do you mind if I go out tonight with Elliot?" Kate asks desperately.
"No, of course not. Go out and have fun. I am just going to go bed" Ana replies and then there is a buzz from downstairs and low and behold there is my brother. Elliot walks in and practically sweeps Kate off her feet in the grandest public display of affection.
"I will just be a minute" Kate tells Elliot. "Ana would you give me a hand" Ana hobbles toward Kate's bedroom leaving Elliot and I alone.
"Christian, I didn't expect to see you here." Elliot's says in his own comical way.
"I came to make sure Ana was okay. Legally I am responsible for her accident" I explain.
"Christian that bullshit won't work with me I am your brother." Elliot scoffs.
"Three days with the same girl, this is a record for you isn't it?" I taunt him back.
"Three days and three nights if I am lucky. Could you do your older brother a favor and look after Ana tonight so Kate won't run back home? I have been aching to bury myself into Kate" My brother says crudely. I give him a disgusted look, but the truth of the matter is that this gives me another opportunity.
"Just use a condom" I tell him.
Kate and Elliot leave quickly, and Ana and I are again alone.
"You don't have to stay. I will be alright tonight. You must have work to do." Ana informs me.
"I do have work to do. However, you need to eat, and there is little food here. Your roommate is going to be occupied the whole night, so I have an idea. We can pack a few items of clothing, and then you can come with me to my place" I make it sound as if I am offering; however I have no intention to leaving Ana, and I don't intend to spend the night here.
"Your place?" Ana says shocked.
"Yes. It is extremely safe and has a spare room. I have a housekeeper who will prepare dinner" I offer.
"No, I can't" I narrow my eyes as feisty Ana returns.
"And why not?"
"Because of what you are trying to do" Ana explains in riddles.
"And what am I trying to do? I narrow my eyes, and my lips form a hard line. This woman is the most infuriating woman I have ever met!
Sorry I couldn't help writing a cliffhanger. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Review please