As promised, Christian was waiting for her at the end of the workday. While she walked to meet him, she allowed her mind to wander over the events of the day.
Oddly enough, after being in the office for a little over an hour, Hanna had referenced the fact that both she and Jack had been out of the office on Friday. Confused, Ana had not pressed the issue. Why the hell did he give me the fifth degree about not coming in if he wasn't even here?
Feeling better about her absence, she smiled as she made it to the front door, giving Christian a sensual look and a quick peck on the cheek in greeting. He growled at her, obviously displeased at the short length of the kiss, but there was a twinkle in his eye.
"So, sir, just what is my surprise? New bedding, I hope." Ana giggled at the look he gave her.
"No, Anastasia, this is more of a permanent surprise." The look in his eye warned her not to ask more, but she couldn't help herself.
Warily, she prodded him. "I'm not moving in with you, Christian, if that is what this is about."
"Just get in the fucking car, Ana," he replied, exasperated. "Taylor will drive your…um, vehicle back to Kate's house."
Shrugging, Ana complied. The anticipation was mounting inside her and she did not want to argue. Christian slid into the driver's seat and merged into traffic. Idly, he grabbed her hand and slowly massaged her knuckles. Ana gulped because of the instant electricity between them.
Glancing over at her, Christian smiled and then returned his concentration to the road. "I feel it, too, baby," he said quietly.
They arrived at Escala and Ana looked at him, expectantly, as he parked. He gave her a look that in no uncertain terms instructed her to be patient. When they reached the elevator, Christian entered his code for access to the roof.
"We are taking Charlie Tango? Is that the surprise?" It had seemed like forever since they had gotten to go out together. It was always so hot to watch Christian fly; seeing him in control was seeing him in his natural habitat.
Christian smirked at her. "I guess it is part of it, although it seemed like a means to an end to me." What? This must be a really big surprise if flying is just consequential.
After ensuring that all the checks had been made and that the tank was full, Christian helped secure her in her seat. She knew from the carnal look in his eye that it really turned him on. Having his hands all over her body was enough to do her in, too. Honestly, though, his help was not unneeded; the straps were so complicated that she felt as though she were inside a cocoon.
Satisfied with his work, Christian climbed in beside her and received approval to take off. The view of Seattle was breathtaking in the daytime, but Ana craved to see the city from above during the night again. The glimmering of the buildings was just too much to pass up.
Trying to remain patient, Ana made an attempt at small talk. "So, how was work?" trying her best to sound like a normal fiancée.
Christian gave her a funny look. "Work was good. I had to tie up some things because we will be gone for several days, Ana."
Startled, she quickly looked down, uncertain of how to respond. Of course she couldn't take off more work now. Was the man out of his mind? Jack already wanted to fire her and was likely just looking for a good excuse. There was undoubtedly perks to working for your lover, but Christian had to draw the line somewhere.
After a few minutes of silence, Ana realized that Christian was waiting for some kind of an argument on her part. Jesus, am I that predictably disagreeable? Not wanting to admit the ire she felt about being kept from her job, she just smiled back. "That sounds lovely, Mr. Grey."
There! That will show him that he doesn't know every move I'll make. Christian did look surprised and very happy at how well she had taken the news. If Ana wasn't mistaken, she would have guessed that she had won the approval of Mr. Control Freak.
"As always, Ana, you are unexpected. I love that about you very much." With that, they both sighed a breath of relief and rested easy as harmony filled the cabin. Yes, sometimes shit just wasn't worth bickering over.
"Las Vegas?" Ana was unsure of how she should respond. The skyline was gorgeous as they flew over the center of the city and landed on one of the big hotels on the strip. "Why are we here, Christian?"
He gave her an intense look before proceeding with an answer. "Ana, I am not spending another night without knowing that you are safe. You have managed to thwart even my best attempts to make sure you are not in danger and I will not stand for it."
She gulped. It was true to a certain extent; last night had driven him to the edge. "For this reason, we are getting married here, where I can keep an eye on you. You may have refused to stay in my apartment, Ms. Steele, but you will not be allowed to refuse my hotel room."
Head spinning, Ana felt like the rug had been pulled out from under her. "But everyone will be so disappointed if we don't have a real wedding. Think about Mia, for Christ's sake!"
Christian shook his head. "Will you be disappointed, Ana? Right now, that is all I care about." Ana had to think for minute.
"No, I want to be married to you, Christian," she replied, so sure of her answer. After she spoke, though, she knew that she would have to say more. "But marriage is all about telling each other the truth and I have not been completely truthful with you."
She paused, watching as Christian's eyes widened at her admission. "Christian, I lied to you about the break in. Something else had happened to me before that."
His eyes darkened slightly as he regarded her. She watched as he silently unbuckled his seatbelt and reached over to free her from her restraints. Finally, he spoke. "Okay, Ana, let's go down to the hotel room and talk this over. Just so you know, I am going to have to punish you for this one." There was not a trace of humor in his voice.