APOV

"Morning Ana. Tea" Kate greeted me as she held the cup up.

"Morning, thank you."

I took a sip, enjoying my drink and also enjoying the peace before I left the apartment.

"Excited for the interview" she asked me.

"Terrified for the interview more like. I wish you were doing it."

"Me too, but apparently I'm not senior enough" she said, rolling her eyes.

"You want to tell them that we only chose The Times because you're there. Having you do it, it would have been a more natural interview instead of the stuffy one it will become."

"You'll be fine Ana, just be yourself and everyone will love you. Lily Meyer though is a sneaky bitch. Just be careful that she doesn't sneak a question in that is off topic" Kate said, hugging me before she disappeared into her bedroom.

Yesterday had been hectic, both at work and outside of it. An article had hit the press about our dinner at Canlis on Monday night and especially how cosy and intimate we had been. Yes those were the words that had been reported by the anonymous source.

I knew it was coming, expected it. I know being in Winchester Falls, we had been in a bubble. Being back here though, everyone wanted to know if we were dating, how long. We even had one stupid reporter from the Nooz asking if I had planned the accident just so I could save him and catch Christian Grey's eye.

"I take full responsibility for the accident" I told Christian, keeping a straight face. "I didn't realise the line on my fishing rod was so strong that when I cast it out, I caught a helicopter instead of the fish I was catching in the frozen river miles below."

Christian wrapped his arm around me, laughing as we made our way to his car.

Today after work, I'm going to GEH for the first time. I'm both excited to see where Christian works and nervous to meet the people he works with.

I haven't spoken to him since last night as he had an early breakfast meeting this morning so it was nice to receive his message when I got into my car.

Stay safe x - Christian

You sound like my Dad when I'm leaving Winchester x – Ana

Just making sure my girlfriend is safe. Miss you baby x – Christian

Miss you too Christian. Don't worry, I'm a very good driver x – Ana

I know you are, I loved our drive back to Seattle. Unfortunately there are a few sharks on the streets of this city x – Christian

I know he is talking about the press. If my best friend wasn't one of them I would call them vultures, picking at the bones of a story.

My bag is packed for tonight if you're still up for sharing your bed x – Ana

Look forward to it baby. Have a good day and I will see you later xx – Christian

You too xx – Ana

Driving to SIP was pretty quiet and having an underground garage was a definite bonus especially if the vultures/sharks were still camped outside the entrance.

Christian mentioned last night about me having my own Taylor when I am in Seattle. Having someone follow me around isn't my idea of fun, but I agreed as long as they stay in the background and don't intrude in my day.

Everyone at work has ignore the press, well apart from Shelly who gave them the middle finger before telling them to piss off. I'm hoping by doing this interview, they will start to lose interest and find something else to report on.

"Morning Ana" Hannah my assistant greeted me as I walked past her desk.

"Morning Hannah did you get in ok."

"Yes no problem, idiots are freezing out there. All for a story they're not going to get."

"Hopefully they will back off after today."

"Ana" Kay called as I turned to see my boss.

"Morning Kay, is everything alright."

"Yes, staff meeting at 9.30. Everyone needs to attend" I nodded, wondering what was going on.

"What's that about" Hannah asked me.

"No idea, only one way to find out. What have we got on before we go into the meeting."

"The cover designs for Stanley Bruce are back, I left them on the table" she said disgusted, making me laugh.

"Are they that bad" I asked.

"They may as well have done an arse and breast shot, it wouldn't have been worse. I suppose that's what you get when you publish the memoirs of a chauvinist pig. You should have let one of the guys deal with him."

"And miss him squirming when he comes up against a woman who he can't bully or make cower in front of him. Never."

"I need to sit in at the next meeting and get tips" she laughed. "Tea."

"Do you need to ask."

She left my office laughing as I finally sat at my desk. I wonder what Christian would say if he came up against Stanley Bruce, then again Bruce would probably run a mile.

…

With my tea in hand I made my way into the meeting room, joining everyone else. We were a bit squashed but everyone either found a seat or stood.

"Good morning everyone" Mr Roach said.

"Morning" went around the room.

"As I have been discussing this week with Kay, I have made the decision to sell Seattle Independent Publishing. I retired from my post of CEO a few years ago due to ill health and I think now is the time for me to let the company go."

We were all stunned, this company was his baby from the get go. What will happen to us all now. He looked around the table, giving us a few minutes to digest everything that he had said.

"I have been in talks with a company out of New York called Hyde Publishing. They're very interested in acquiring Seattle Independent Publishing and what we have to offer here."

"Mr Roach, no disrespect intended. Hyde Publishing is a global company. They will take the authors from here and incorporate them into their own business. SIP will be swallowed up and pulled apart, most probably closed altogether."

He gave a sad smile as if what Mike had said was true.

"I have looked into a smaller company buying us out but there is just no interest. Unfortunately I am on a time limit as my medical bills keep climbing."

Roach didn't stay much after that, he had come to tell us what was going on and basically tell us that unless SIP stays as it is when it is taken over, we are pretty much out of a job. I have no interest in moving to New York or having a job that will take me away from Seattle and in addition, Winchester Falls.

The morning seemed to drag on after that. I tried to read the prospective manuscripts that had been left by Hannah on my desk. My mind was wandering around the office though, wondering what would be happening in the future. By the mood of everyone else, I don't think I was the only one.

Getting my jacket on, I decided to go out for lunch. There was a small deli on the street behind SIP so I was hoping that would be quiet seeing as there looked like only two frozen bodies out front now.

Pulling my phone from my purse when it rang, I smiled as I answered my boyfriends call.

"Hi Christian."

"Hey Ana, are you free for lunch" he asked me.

"I was just leaving the office to grab some. The atmosphere in here is stifling at the moment."

"Problems" he asked me.

"Nothing for you to worry about."

"Where are you going for lunch" he asked.

I told him where I was going and he said he would meet me there.

It wasn't very busy when I arrived at the deli. There was only a couple of people in the queue in front of me so I quickly ordered.

"A chicken and mayonnaise sandwich, tuna and mayonnaise sandwich, an English breakfast tea and a black coffee please."

She smiled writing it all down before giving me the total.

"I've got this" I heard, about to turn around when Christian handed the money over to her, while wrapping his other arm around me.

"Hey baby" he said, leaning down to kiss my lips.

"Hey yourself."

We took the drinks over to our table after the server said she would bring our sandwiches over when they were ready. Christian told her to put the change into the charity box on the counter so she smiled, doing just that.

After pushing my seat in, he took his own and reached for my hand.

"Have the press been bothering you" he asked.

"No I came out the back way so unless someone in here tips them off, they will still be frozen in place when I get back."

"Are you ok Ana, we can cancel the interview if you don't want to do it" he told me rubbing his thumb over my knuckles.

"No, we have nothing to hide Christian. Its just" I was going to tell him about work when the waitress brought our sandwiches over.

"Thank you" we both said at the same time, smiling to each other. "

"Just what" he asked.

"I might have to look for another job."

"You love your job Ana. Our relationship isn't causing problems is it."

"No nothing like that. The owner is selling the company and is apparently in talks with a big Publishing firm in New York. From what one of my colleagues said, they have a reputation for buying small publishing company's, taking the business they want and then closing it down."

"Shit" he went quiet for a minute and then I realised what I had said.

"Sorry, I didn't mean that your business does that."

"It's a last resort, I'd rather buy a business and work to make it profitable again than get rid of it and put people out of a job."

"Do you have anything going at GEH, I make good tea."

"Ana, you can work with me anytime although I will probably be in trouble as I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off you."

"And that's a bad thing."

He laughed as I joined him. I know people were looking at us but we didn't care.

Eating our sandwiches, we talked about his meeting this afternoon. Christian was telling me about the work he was doing with the university I used to attend.

"It seems so long since I was there. I wonder what would have happened if you gave out the diplomas when I left, instead of last year."

"I would have followed you off the stage" he said making me laugh.

"That wouldn't have been very professional, although you wouldn't have found me stopping you. I'm sure I could have found us a quiet corner to… talk."

"Ana, there wouldn't have been anytime to talk until later on. My lips would have been busy with yours."

He kissed my hand before we finished our lunch. Getting up we headed back to SIP, ignoring the crowd that had started to grow.

"Are you sure you're ok driving later, I can pick you up."

"I'll be fine Christian, I've been driving in this city a long time."

"I know Ana" I moved my hands into his hair and brought his lips to mine. Sucking gently on his bottom lip he groaned into my mouth as our lips continued to move together.

"Go to work before we skip it altogether" he groaned as our lips parted.

"Yes boss" I laughed as I made my way to the back door.

Turning to see him through the glass door, I blew him a kiss which he caught.

"You look more happy than when you left" Hannah said as I made my way to my office.

"I can't change anything here, but I can sure enjoy what is going on outside."

"Does he have a brother" she laughed.

"He does, he's like the energiser bunny. Doesn't sit still" I don't think she was impressed. Hannah is a quiet one, I think she would run a mile with Elliot. Kate though, her and Elliot would probably get on.

I got into my work, signing off on the artwork for Bruce's book. Why this is still on my desk I don't know. I was given it when Courtney who's the non fiction editor was off sick and I had hoped to give it back when she returned. It seems to have stayed with me though.

Putting my coat on to leave, I sent Christian a message to tell him I was on my way. The butterflies were back again but I pushed them down.

"Have a good evening Ana" Hannah said when I put some paperwork on her desk that needed filing.

"You too. Don't stay too late."

"No worries about that, I'm meeting my room-mate for dinner."

Making my way, to my car. I drove towards GEH. I could see the large Grey house sign as I approached it and with the early dark nights, it shone like a beacon, leading the way.

I parked up and made my way into the reception area, my heels clacking on the marble floor. Most people were heading out as I was going in.

"Good evening Ma'am can I help you" she smiled.

"Yes I'm here to see Christian Grey, the name is Anastasia Steele."

"Of course Miss Steele. If you take the last elevator up to the 20th floor, I will call and let them know that you're on your way."

"Thank you."

I did as she said, leaving the very chipper woman behind.

Pressing the button for the 20th floor, I was soon rising. I was looking forward to seeing Christian again, even though it had only been a few hours since lunch.

"Welcome to Grey Enterprises Holdings, My name is Andrea may I take your coat Miss Steele."

"Thank you" I said, taking my coat off and handing it to the woman.

I'm sure everyone is on happy pills in this place as I haven't seen anyone frown yet. I heard voices behind me and then my name called.

"Hi" I said and was soon in Christian's arms as he kissed my lips, forgetting about the audience around us.

"Let the girl breathe Christian" we heard to the side, seeing a woman smiling at us.

"I can breathe later" I said, kissing his lips again.

"You're a perfect pair" she laughed. "I'm Ros by the way" I went to shake her hand but was pulled in for a hug.

"All right, get off my girl. Go home to your wife."

"Going, it was lovely to meet you finally."

"You too."

When Ros left, Christian took my hand and led me into an office if you can call it that. It was bigger than my office and the meeting room at SIP put together.

As soon as the door shut, his arms were around me and his lips were moulded to mine once more. I brought my hands up into his hair, tugging gently and holding him to me. Christian's lips were everywhere, my neck, under my ear before kissing a trail back to my own.

"I have no control when It comes to you" he panted when we broke apart.

"That's not a bad thing, especially when there are no clothes between us."

"Ana, I can't go into this interview with an erection" he groaned as he tried to calm his body down.

"Sorry" I said not being sorry at all. I was worked up also but it didn't show on my own body as it did his. Well apart from my flushed cheeks.

A knock on the door had us pulling apart as Christian shouted for whoever it was to enter.

"Mr Grey, Ma'am The Times are setting up in the conference room."

"Thank you Sam, Ana this is Sam he is my head of PR so he will be with us this evening."

I shook his hand before he left us alone for a few minutes.

"Ready" he smiled kissing my hand.

"Yes. Oh Kate warned me that this reporter might try and throw in a couple of questions of her own."

"If she does, we're leaving."

Hand in hand we walked down the corridor and into the meeting room. There was a camera set up which would be recording the interview but I don't think it will be going out until tomorrow. Christian wanted it this way so when the article was ready we could veto any part we didn't like.

Dad said he would be watching. He will also be able to read the article when it hits news stands, leaving his strongly worded complaint if he doesn't like it. Another person who might see the article is my mother. She called Dad after reading about our Canlis dinner. She did finally call me but I couldn't be bothered hearing a hundred questions about Christian so I let the call go to the answer machine.

"Welcome, I'm Lily Myers with the Seattle Times. Thank you for having us this evening."

She said shaking Christian's hand, before mine.

"Are there any questions on the list that you object too."

"I don't have a problem with any but Ana hasn't had time to read them yet."

"We have time if you want to read through them" she told me.

I took the paper off Christian and read the questions.

There were non too intrusive. Mainly how we met and when we got together. I know if they were too personal Christian would have already struck them off the list.

"There are non I wouldn't like to answer" I said handing the list back before we took our seats.

Our microphones were put into place. It was strange that I could see our reflections in the camera lens. We were both happy, mainly because we were together again.

"Do you pump happy gas through the ventilation system" I whispered to Christian, who barked out a laugh.

"No, it might be an idea when a deal goes sour though" he smiled. "Why?"

"Everyone seems really happy, too happy like they're going to get up and dance at any moment."

"My good mood must be rubbing off on people. I smile and they don't run for cover."

"That might help" I laughed.

We turned to the interviewer when she coughed to get our attention. As usual we had gone into our bubble and ignored everyone around us.

"Are you ready to start" we both nodded as they counted down and she started to speak.

"I'm Lily Meyer, reporting from Grey House in down town Seattle. I'm joined this evening by Seattle's newest power couple Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele."

She turned to us smiling before the interview continued.

"Welcome or should I say thank you for having me."

"You're welcome" Christian said beside me as I smiled.

"Now we all heard about the terrible incident of your crash Christian, do you remember much about that night."

"I remember being very cold and a beautiful voice, willing me to move with her" he smiled to me and kissed my lips before looking back to the camera. "I also remember the fire, being so warm then in front of the fire."

"Anastasia what did you think when you saw it was Christian in the helicopter."

"I didn't know who he was until the day after. I was more concerned with keeping him warm so he didn't freeze to death."

He squeezed my hand. To think what we would have missed out on if the circumstances were different. I have enjoyed every second we have spent together.

"When did you meet again" she asked me this time.

"It was the day after Christian had been moved to the hospital. I had stayed awake, too scared to go to sleep in case he wasn't there in the morning. When they had taken him and I had called his Dad, I went home and slept. I didn't realise how long I had slept for until I woke up the next day. I was having lunch with my Dad when I bumped into Christian's parents and his mother invited me to visit him."

"I'm glad you did."

"Me too" I said looking into Christian's eyes.

"It must have been a very special meeting as the two of you are now together."

"It was. We spent a long time talking and getting to know each other better" I wasn't going to say about our hands always together as that was personal between us.

"How was it being in a small town, did you wish to transfer to a bigger medical facility in Seattle."

I was actually offended. Yes its a small town but the hospital there is perfect and Christian was able to be left alone to heal.

"Winchester Falls although a small town, has a perfect medical facility. That place, that little town holds a very special place in my heart and was the perfect place for me to relax and heal" Christian told her and you could tell by his tone, he wasn't impressed with her question as I don't remember it being on the list.

"I suspect that Anastasia holds your heart too" she asked trying to change the subject.

"Yes, Ana holds a large place in my heart" Christian said kissing my lips.

"You have mine too."

"You said you have spent a lot of time together, was that mostly when you were back in Seattle" she asked us both.

"We didn't come straight back, we spent thanksgiving there together."

"I thought you were back in Seattle then" she said interrupting Christian.

"So did everyone else, we didn't come back until Sunday."

She looked like she was kicking herself, that they were fooled into believing that Christian was in Seattle. Composing herself she got back to the questions.

"What was it like growing up in a small town, especially one that can get so cold."

"My home there, is up in the mountains so it's very peaceful and the view is amazing. You have to be prepared before hand for the cold. You cannot go into a mountain range in winter and not expect the cold."

"It was November though."

"Winter comes early and stays longer in the cascades. Everyone knows everyone so it's a great community. I loved growing up in Winchester Falls. Despite where I live, it will always be my home."

"Anastasia, you're an editor with a small publishing company. How does it feel knowing that your boyfriend is the richest man in America."

Christian was just about to protest but I had been waiting for her to go off topic as the questions we had answered so far, wouldn't have gotten much coverage.

"Christian's money has no bearing on our relationship. I want him and I'm very lucky that he feels the same."

"I think that's all for today" Sam said shutting her down.

"Just one more question" She said quickly. "You talked about small town life. Your friend was telling me about your relationship with Paul Clayton is it. How he is still in love with you but you chose Mr Grey over him" I was frozen in place that she would ask a question about him and then I was pissed. This was Leila's doing I knew it. She was the one who was talking to the press more than anything.

"Ana come on" Christian said taking my hand to lead us from the room. This interview was over as far as he was concerned.

"Paul Clayton was my high school boyfriend who cheated on me with your informant Leila Williams years ago. Yes years ago, that is when we broke up. I would believe getting your facts right is an important part about reporting a story don't you think. If you want more details about that time, go and see them. They will give you a more scandalised story than the one you're trying to make up."

With that we left the room and walked back to Christian's office.

"Ana" Christian said, giving me a drink.

Throwing it back, I coughed for a few seconds.

"Easy it's whisky."

"Thanks for the warning before hand."

He smiled, knocking his own back before offering me some more.

"Christian the smell is making me drunk, never mind drinking it. I'm a self confessed light weight when I comes to alcohol."

"I'm sorry about that, the interview will never see the light of day. I will make sure of it. I thought bringing a reporter in here instead of doing a press conference would be better" he said angrily.

"Christian, there was no part of that interview that I didn't mind apart from the off list questions. People are going to dig Christian, Leila has a big mouth and will speak to anyone. I would rather it come from us than her, where she can make me out to be the bad person."

"It can go ahead then. If the town bike continues to cause trouble, she will be speaking to my lawyer."

"Town bike" I giggled as he pulled me into his arms.

Christian managed to text Sam without letting go of me and also let Taylor know that we would be leaving soon.

"Ready to go" he asked as he put my coat around my shoulders.

"Ah your palace in the sky" I teased, remembering Kate had said that Christian lived in the most expensive apartment in Seattle.

Hand in hand we made our way down to my car. We had people smiling and letting on as the stragglers left for the day.

"See happy gas" I said hearing my boyfriend chuckle to himself.

"I will get maintenance onto it tomorrow."

Christian held the door for me to get in before he walked around and got in the passenger seat. I pulled out of the garage with Taylor following as Christian gave me the directions to the parking garage of Escala.

"I was going to ask if you were hungry but I think your stomach gave me the answer" he smiled.

"It's been fed today. My Granddad used to say I could cause an avalanche with my grumbly tummy when I was a little girl."

"Lets go and feed it then. If there are reports of any avalanches then I know where the blame lies."

"Hey I'm in Seattle, my stomach has no effect on things up their."

We had just reached Escala when Christian said that Sam had messaged him. He said the woman apologised and had been given a different list of question that she had been told to ask by her bosses.

"See we should have gotten Kate to do it."

"I agree" he said as we entered the elevator.

"How far does this go up" I asked him.

"Thirty one floors."

"And which floor are we going to."

"Thirty one."

"Of course" I teased.

When the doors opened on the right floor, Christian gestured for me to enter first. I had only taken a few steps when I stopped.

"Wow" I said looking up to the second floor. I enjoyed the bit of view that I had from my bedroom window but this is.… words fail me.

I walked towards the floor to ceiling windows and put my hands on the glass as I looked to the water in front of us.

"Oops sorry, I bet they take forever to clean" I said pulling my hand away.

Christian smiled and put them back where I had them before.

"What do you think."

"It's big."

"Always a good compliment to have from your girlfriend."

"Behave Christian" I laughed. "This place is… Huge."

I placed my finger on his lips before he could come out with another smart arse comment.

"I can't believe you live here alone."

"Well technically, Taylor and Gail live here too."

"Gail" I asked.

"My housekeeper." I nod walking toward the kitchen.

The one thing I didn't like about my apartment in Seattle was the kitchen, it was too small to enjoy cooking. This one though.

"I could live in your kitchen" I confessed.

"Anytime you want to spend time in here, I will volunteer myself for chief taste tester."

"I will remember that."

Christian brought some plates from the fridge that he reheated in the microwave.

"This is where my skills in the kitchen end" he laughed as he places the meal in front of me before popping his in the microwave too.

It was lovely and his housekeeper could obviously cook.

"Wine" he asked me.

"A small glass, wine and brandy might not mix very well."

"I will carry you to bed if it's too much."

"I would rather stay awake" I smiled.

I would rather not drink than miss being with Christian again.

Finishing our meal, we cleared the dishes and put them into the dishwasher before he took my hand and led me towards the back of his apartment.

"Where are we going" I asked.

"I have a surprise for you. I think you will like it especially with your love of books."

Christian opened the double doors, waiting for me to enter. I was in heaven as a beaming smile came onto my face. Books, hundreds of them, maybe thousands were surrounding me in this room. Not one place on the bookshelves was empty.

I ran my finger down the spines of them, reading some of my favourites. Books I had read as a child. I didn't realised a tear had fell until Christian brushed it away.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry."

"No, no. these are happy tears. When I was little, we had a mobile library that would come to Winchester once a month and I was always the first in line to climb on board. I always thought I would never see more books than that little van could hold but this. I have been in the library's of Seattle but I don't think they're more impressive or have a better collection than this."

I turned to face him as he smiled shyly.

"What is it."

"I was worried that you might think it was ostentatious and that I was a collector because I had so many books. I have read every book here. Books were a great help to me when I was in high school and especially when I was starting my own company."

"The written word is a powerful thing" I said sadly. I just hoped when SIP was bought that books would still be a part of my everyday life.

"Everything will work out right" he smiled before we left the library and toured the rest of his apartment.

We ended up in his bedroom. I had no butterflies any more, they had all flown away.

I pulled his head down to mine as our lips melded together, our lips everywhere. Clothes were soon removed and my back gently hit the soft sheets of the bed as he hovered over me.

Feeling him inside me again was exquisite, Christian's body moved in perfect sync with my own and we were soon bringing each other the pleasure only the other could bring.

"You're everything to me Ana" he whispered.

"You're my everything too" bringing his lips down to mine, they joined once again.

Thank you for reading.

Until next time

Take care

Caroline.