A/N: sorry that this chapter is short, but I wanted to give you something. I hope it's better than nothing!
"London... Britain?"
I already know? I doubt that I have known anything since I met Christian… at least when it has something to do with him. "Ana, as much as you think that I don't listen, I do."
"Christian where are we going?"
"London."
"London as in England?"
"No, London Ohio" I roll my eyes at his sarcastic answer. "You're rolling your eyes again!"
"And you just used sarcasm which by your own words is the lowest form of wit."
"Touché!" I grin proudly that I can still stand up to him. "Yes, Ana, London England. You told me that it is where you wanted to go most in the world. Our schedules dictate a short visit, but I don't intend on this being our last visit here together." He reaches for my hand and kisses each one of my knuckles.
"Really and when do you anticipate for us returning?"
"I don't know….." Christian winks and offers me his billion dollar smile. "Maybe for our honeymoon?" He looks and sounds so serious because, in the back of his mind, he is probably planning that event. Regardless of the events that occurred several hours ago. I am about to respond when he puts a finger on my lips. "Don't say it Ana! I know that we need to be together for longer and all those other arguments you are about to recite."
"Okay... I won't mention the obvious… So when we finally land, what do you have in mind?" Christian grins broadly at my question. What is he thinking?
"Just wait and see."
# # # #
"Wait for me in here. I just need to talk to Taylor. Make yourself at home, but not too much before I return." Christian kisses me softly before leaving the bedroom of the suite. We are staying at the opulent and spacious Berkeley Suite at the Ritz hotel. The suite has two bedrooms, but Taylor is staying in the hotel suite directly below, which I am most grateful for. I like him and he is discreet, but complete privacy is more desirable.
The suite has everything one would want, living rooms, bedrooms; all with a large open plan drawing and dining room, a large study and a small pantry. It's bigger than Kate and my college apartment and probably bigger than our Seattle apartment, for that matter. I walk through the bedroom and eye off the ensuite. I desperately want a bath, but I don't know how long Christian is going to be. He mentioned on the plane that he had a booking for breakfast, but it is still too early for that. Actually I have an idea.
Several minutes later, Christian walks into the bathroom, obviously having followed my trail of discarded underwear and a couple of condoms. I found them sticking out of the pocket of his blazer, that he placed on the single seater of the bedroom.
"Miss Steele, I found a few of your personal items leading a path… items of clothing that you had been wearing….. and the path ended with these and now I find you there..."
"Join me then. The water is warm" I offer.
"I prefer my baths hot, but I think we can find a way to heat it up. Scoot forward." In no time at all he has removed his clothes and sliding in behind me. I rest my head on Christian's shoulder and rejoice in feeling his hands roam freely.
"I hope this isn't going to delay our breakfast plans. I know how important it is, for it was the impetus for us flying here." I tease slightly.
"Oh Anastasia, on the contrary, I sincerely this is going to delay us."
# # # #
"Having fun?" I feel like a young child on Christmas day. I have spent over an hour exploring the books stores of Charing Cross Road; Christian has spent them watching me. Strangely I believe he is enjoying this time as much as I am.
"You have no idea."
"Good. Have you chosen what books you want?" I nod, and before I can object Christian takes the books out of my hand.
"I can purchase them."
"No, you can't. You don't have English pounds on your and since you didn't tell you a credit card company that you were traveling abroad though, in your defense, you had no idea. But nonetheless as a result none of your cards will work here." Oh, he has me there.
"Then I will owe. I will give you the money when we get back home."
"Ana no, this weekend is on me. I owe you, especially after the way I treated you yesterday at Saks. That was my jealous shade of grey. Let me show you a different shade of grey that you are cultivating. It's not exactly all hearts and flowers, but it's a start. Come there is somewhere close that I want to take you." I breathe out, as my head spins.
We walk a short distance until we reach a garden area that I have only ever seen on Google images and in my dreams. "Bloomsbury?" Christian offers me a side glance, smiling at me but doesn't respond until we reach a tartan blanket, that has a wicker basket on it.
"Yes, Anastasia, this is the gardens of Bloomsbury. Very clever of you!" Christian sits down and takes my hand helping me down. "I thought you would like to have a picnic lunch here while we read and then explore the area. As you know this area is most famous for being home and meeting grounds to the great writers, artists... we can spy out the plaques marking the homes of Strachey, and Virginia Woolf."
"Christian, this is perfect."
"You are welcome. Now eat, I know you are eager to read."
# # # #
"Anastasia, time to wake up. We have landed" Christian whispers into my ear.
"Already? It feels like I haven't even been asleep."
"We will be back in Escala soon. You can sleep then."
"Thank you; this trip was is very sweet of you."
"You deserve it. You're pretty sweet yourself. And another first for both of us. Your first trip to out of mainland American and Britain, and my first trip with a girlfriend."
"And…?" I challenge him to admit the truth.
"What do you referring you?" Christian probes
"It is also the first time; you changed your plans... all because Ethan turned up in New York" Christina narrows his eyes, but then drops his shoulders. He knows I have got him there.
"Anastasia, remind me never to underestimate you."
"Oh, I will. Don't worry about that one."
A/N no II: yep shortest chapter ever, but I make the next chapter longer and juicer.