APOV
We had breakfast with Dad before leaving for Seattle. Our weekend had been amazing and I loved showing Christian more of the little town I called home.
Christian had called Taylor using the satellite phone before we left. We had forgotten all about it over the weekend, having more fun things to do. I don't think Christian was happy with the reception, saying he would have his team on it as soon as we got back. I told him he wasn't moving my mountain just to get a better reception.
"We need to get you a new coat before we go back Ana" Christian said as we started driving through the city streets.
"I know. We will have to go this weekend. What" I asked as he shook his head.
"Time is moving so fast, I forgot about it. This weekend is the GEH Christmas party and I was hoping my girlfriend would attend with me."
"I would love to but then we would have to go shopping for a dress unless I have something in my closet."
"I can always ask Mia" he told me.
"Christian I can't ask Mia every time I need a new dress just so I can avoid the mall."
"Wouldn't you have to go to the mall to pick a new coat up."
"No, there is a store on Yale street that I can get everything I need. I'm surprised you don't go there when you need camping supplies, it has everything you could ever need for having fun outdoors."
"Fun outdoors. Maybe in the summer when it's a bit warmer we can have some fun outdoors" he smiled, wagging his eyebrow.
"Behave" I laughed as we pulled up in front of my apartment.
We got out and headed inside. We had hardly brought anything back with us compared to what we took, so I only had my purse and ripped coat as we headed up the stairs.
"I wonder if she said yes" Christian said, as I put the key in the lock.
"Who would be saying yes to who" I asked as we walked into the living room, stopping short to see Kate and Elliot locked in an embrace.
"She said yes" he laughed.
"Don't mind us."
I pulled Christian's hand and led him through to my bedroom. He was still laughing when I pushed him up against the back of my bedroom door. "Speak Mr Grey."
"All I knew was that he was asking Kate out but that was it. My brother moves faster than I did."
"It didn't take you too long before we were kissing under the mistletoe."
"When you know you've met the one Ana, you hold on and don't let go"
"This is me never letting go then" I pulled his head to mine, joining our lips together.
Christian's hands moved into my hair, holding my head in place so I didn't pull my lips from his. Not that I ever would.
"It's safe to come out now" Kate said, banging on my bedroom door.
"Go away we're busy" I shouted, kissing Christian's lips once more.
I could hear Kate laughing as she moved away from my door.
Eventually we came out of my bedroom, only because Christian told me if I didn't stop rubbing his cock, that it would be out instead and he wouldn't be quiet. I wasn't going to complain but I knew Kate would come back banging on my door again before long.
"You two look cosy" I smiled when we found them both on the couch.
"We are" Kate smiled as Elliot kissed her head.
I was happy for my best friend. I really liked Elliot and had gotten to know him well since we first met at the hospital.
"I wish you didn't have to go" I told Christian when he finally persuaded himself to get up and leave. We both had to be up for work in the morning but after spending every minute together over the weekend, neither of us wanted to part.
"Stay with me tomorrow please" he asked, as if I would turn him down. "Leave some of your things at Escala so you don't have to rush back."
"Christian I have half my closet there. If I move any more over, I would have moved in."
"I wish" he whispered.
"What."
"I know if we went off time, some would say that we couldn't know each other that well. You know me better than anyone Ana, there isn't a topic that we haven't discussed, a single thing that I haven't told you about myself. I want you in my space, in our bed because it stopped feeling like just mine the first night you stayed. I want to share everything with you. Think about it please, think about moving in with me."
"I will" I said, not knowing what else to say.
I hated when we parted, even for just one night. I've loved living with Kate and we always discussed how we would feel if one of us found Mr Right. We would support each other like we always do but would never hold the other back from finding happiness. Seeing her with Elliot tonight, I hope she has found it too.
When Christian finally left, taking his brother with him. I turned to my best friend, raising my eyebrow. If she didn't want to talk about them, that's fine. It didn't mean I wouldn't tease her though, just like she would me.
"So Miss Kavanagh, I take it your weekend went well."
"My weekend went amazing. Elliot called me on Friday afternoon to ask if we could have dinner that night. That turned into Saturday breakfast, well you can get the gist of what I'm saying."
"Yes, Kate Kavanagh got laid."
We both fell back on the couch laughing.
"Shit Ana, he's huge."
I laughed before covering my ears, not wanting to be privy to that information.
"I'm not telling you how big Christian is so don't ask." his cock size is for my information only.
"I don't need to know, I've seen you walking the next day when he has stayed over."
"How crude" I laughed. "It's good to see you happy Kate."
"I am."
I made some dinner while we chatted in the kitchen. One bottle of wine was halfway down with another chilling in the fridge. It can stay there because my wine is watered down as it is and I'm not even through my first glass.
"Christian is talking about me moving in with him" I told Kate.
The smile that appeared on her face, told me she was not sad about the idea of me moving out.
"Go for it Ana, he makes you happier than I have ever seen you. I will miss you around here but we knew if we found Mr Right that we wouldn't be together forever. One thing though, if you do move out, we still have to have our nights out."
"Kate living here or with Christian, you will still be my best friend and we will still have our nights out. I need girl time just as much as Christian needs his time to be annoyed by his brother."
"That's my boyfriend you're talking about" she said proudly.
"I'm happy for you both Kate, really."
"Ditto. Now when your boyfriend mentions moving in, tell him to come and help you pack your bags"
"Do you already have someone in mind to move into my room."
"No I'll just make a room for my shoes." She laughed as I joined her. Knowing Kate it would be a shrine to her shoes never mind a room, with the amount she has.
…
Pulling into SIP I waited for Ryan to open my door. I'm still getting used to having someone follow my every move here in the city but he gives me space to breath, so I don't mind him there.
I had only just ended the call to Christian who had pretty much rang as soon as I was awake. Neither of us were in a rush to finish talking, until we absolutely had to.
"Good morning" I said entering the office and seeing faces looking to me. "What, is my skirt tucked into my panties."
Hannah laughed, handing me a sheet of paper which had the logo of Grey Enterprises Holdings on the top of it.
"Did you know" Kay asked me as everyone waited for my answer with baited breath.
"I knew they had shown interest and had spoken to Mr Roach but it was all going through and not signed as far as I knew."
I didn't want them knowing Christian had bought it so I could keep my dream job. That was between Christian and I, having nothing to do with any one else. There was a lot of excitement in the office then as I finally read the whole letter. Ros was due in this afternoon and she would introduce herself to everyone then.
Because the normal editors meeting was cancelled due to them getting the meeting room ready, I was about to get straight down to work. I read the notes on a manuscript that Hannah had left on my desk.
I agreed with her, the story does show promise but would need a lot of work to get it to the point of publication. Getting up from my desk, I walked out into the main office.
"Hannah can you contact the author and speak to them about their manuscript and what needs to be worked on, for it to be published. If they are willing to put the work in then I will consider putting it forward."
"Will do Ana" she said, immediately getting on the phone.
I smiled looking around at the office. There was no one stood around gossiping, everyone was hard at work knowing the new boss would be in shortly.
Reaching my desk, my phone buzzed with a message.
Hi baby, how is everyone with the news of our take over. No problems I hope xx – Christian
Everyone is fine, happy that they all still have a job. Everyone's job is safe, isn't it xx – Ana
I hadn't thought with everything going through, if everyone else job was safe. I had been so focused on mine.
Everyone's is safe baby. I have read the personnel reports on all staff, paying special attention to the fiction editors. Everyone is very efficient and know what they're doing so I see no need for any changes apart from who pays their wages and how much xx – Christian
Yes you will be paying my wages and what do you mean by how much x – Ana
Nothing to do with me, Ros is the boss over there. We still haven't come to a decision whether to bring it in under GEH or leave it as a separate company. We're going to see how it does on its own first. With regards to pay, we are bringing SIP into line with what the pay is with our other company's xx – Christian
I looked up when I heard a tap on my door.
"No texting during business hours" Ros said smiling as she came into my office, taking the seat in front of my desk.
"I apologise, I have a boyfriend who just won't leave me alone."
"You have a boyfriend who has a permanent smile on his face and since meeting you, has actually slowed down and started enjoying life instead of spending every minute of the day working."
"I'm glad" I told her. "Christian said you're my boss."
"Yes, he thought it would be easier. He didn't want anything that would make it awkward for you."
"It wouldn't have. There is an excellent team here which works great together, I doubt you would have any problems."
"That's what I like to hear. Meeting in five minutes" she said getting up from the chair and walked back to my door, "Don't worry I will go easy on you all."
Before heading to the meeting, I sent Christian a message.
Ros is here, I will see you later. Love you xx – Ana
Love you too Ana. Don't worry about Ros, she is a pussy cat really xx – Christian
I laughed, getting up from my seat before I headed into the meeting room. Like last time we were all squashed in, but unlike last time we wouldn't fear for our jobs when we left.
"Good Afternoon, my name is Ros Bailey and I am the Chief Operations Officer for Grey Enterprises Holdings. The purchase of Seattle Independent Publishing was pushed through and finalised by myself at the end of last week at the request of Mr Jerry Roach. He thought having the sale take time to go through would be detrimental to both staff and authors."
I could see everyone was happy about that. If people thought the company was going under or sold to a business who would rip the company apart, they would be looking else where to work or publish their manuscripts. Doing it quickly means less disruptions to everyone.
"A press release will be going out this afternoon about the purchase and we don't foresee any problems going forward."
"Our job are safe" Mike asked.
"I have looked at the personnel reports and Mr Roach was very enthusiastic about each and every one of you and how well you do your jobs. I see no need at this stage, for any changes."
"Thank you" Mike said happily.
Ros went over a few other things before she disappeared into Kay's office where they stayed until it was time for us to leave.
"Bye Ana."
"Bye Ros. Good day."
"Very happy with what I have seen here, you have a great boss."
"I know, she's the best."
Leaving the office, Ryan and I were headed for Escala. I know Christian doesn't usually finish for another hour but I had a date with his bathtub.
I had only been in the bubbles for a few minutes when I heard footsteps behind me.
"Now that is a beautiful sight."
I opened my eyes to see Christian stood behind me at the head of the bathtub looking down on me. His eyes moved from mine to the tops of my breast which were just peaking through the bubbles.
"Good evening Mr Grey, my face is here" I said pointing to my face and blocking his view of my breasts, with my arm.
"I know and it's my favourite face" he said, leaning down to kiss my lips. "These though" he whispered stroking my breast before squeezing my nipple. "It's like someone left my favourite treat out for me to play with."
"Play away then but you're getting wet" the sleeve of his shirt was already soaked as he continued to rub my breast.
I could see his cock straining against his trousers which was just at my height from where I was sat. Deciding to release it while Christian continued, he groaned bucking into my hand when I squeezed the tip of his cock.
"Ana" he moaned, looking down at where I had just swiped my tongue across the tip.
"If you can play then so can I" I told him before I took him into my mouth.
The hands on my breast stopped as he gripped the side of the tub to stop himself from falling in. He was trying not to buck hard into my mouth but I wasn't making it easy from him.
I knew he was close, his legs had stiffened and he was fighting to hold off. As my teeth gently scraped the underneath of his cock, he came loudly into my mouth.
"Ana you're killing me" he panted making me giggle.
"That's what you get when you interrupt my bath."
"I'm interrupting every bath you have then."
He climbed in behind me and with the sponge washed my body. My hair was washed before I washed Christian's.
"Turn around Ana" he whispered in my ear as I was lay with my back to his chest.
Slowly doing as he said, Christian pulled me towards him as our lips joined. I could feel him harden against me again so I reached down and placed him underneath me before sinking down on his cock.
"You feel amazing around me baby" he groaned as our movements splashed water over the side of the tub.
"Christian."
"I can feel you close Ana" he whispered into my ear as I met him thrust for thrust, "When you're ready, cum for me."
His words as well as our movements pushed me over the edge as he followed close behind.
"I love you baby."
"I love you too Christian, I especially love our baths together."
Pushing the damp hair from my forehead, he kissed me once more.
…
"How was work" Christian asked when we had finished dinner
Everyone is excited, especially now they know their job is secure."
"Ros said everyone was happy. She likes Kay, was very impressed in how she's running the business."
"I owe a lot to Kay. She took on an intern with a love of books but had no idea what she was doing when it came to manuscripts and editing. She nurtured me to do the job I love."
"I look forward to meeting her at the Christmas party then" Christian told me.
"Were you serious when you asked me to move in with you" I asked him as he refilled my glass of wine
"Of course Ana, I want you here. This place feels like a home when you're here with me and there is nothing better than waking up with you by my side" his hand came up to stroke my cheek.
"Ok" I said quietly.
"Ok"
"Ok, I will move in with you."
I don't think I had ever seen the smile grow so big on his face before. Christian pulled me from my chair and onto his lap before crashing his lips to mine. I love this man so much and I cannot wait to wake up with him every morning and go to bed with him every night.
"When can I steal you from Kate and move you in here."
"My rent is paid until the end of January. Most of my things are here anyway and with regards to Kate, she encouraged me to give you an answer so I am."
"I'm so happy Ana. Waking up without you next to me feels wrong as I have gotten so used to you being there."
"I know what you mean."
Climbing into bed that night, I fell asleep to the sound of his heart beat looking forward to being able to do this every day.
…
"I have something for everyone, well apart from Ana because she's not invited" Kay laughed, handing out invitations to the GEH Christmas party this weekend.
I had yet to find a dress. Christian and I were going out after work to get me a new coat so I will see if he's up for a trip to The Bravern Centre after.
"Are you not coming" Jess asked, as they all talked about what they're going to wear.
"Yes, I'm going with Christian."
"Do you get special privileges now that he owns the company" Shelly asked me.
I knew she was teasing, having gotten used to her sense of humour over the years.
"Only his heart, that's all I want" I told them hearing oooh's from the girls.
"I wonder if there are any single men for me at this party. I might even dress up" Shelly said, shocking us all.
"Are you going to wear a dress, I didn't know you even had legs."
"My foot on the end of said leg will kick you up the arse in a minute" she told Hannah who just laughed at her. "Yes I will wear a dress."
Shelly is always in trousers so it will be nice to see her in something different.
"Delivery for Miss Anastasia Steele" Mike called out, coming into the office holding a garment bag.
"Where did this come from."
"An elderly lady dropped it off in reception with strict instructions on not to crease it."
I took the bag from him and hung it from my office door. Taking the envelope attached, I opened it to reveal a card which said THANK YOU on the front with some flowers. Opening it, I read the message within.
Anastasia
Mia and I would like to thank you for announcing the maker of your dress as our company at the hospital charity ball.
Only now after all these years of building the company up, are we getting the recognition that I always dreamed of when I started bringing my designs to life as a young girl in my bed room.
That is all thanks to you.
You have made an old woman very happy and as you loved the dress so much when you came to visit us, we would like to give it to you as a gift with our thanks.
Yours
Violet and Mia
I looked to the bag, knowing exactly what was in there now. Lowering the zip, I opened it fully so I could see all of the dress. It was as beautiful as I remembered and I would be honoured to wear it on Saturday.
"Now that is definitely your style" Kay said, brushing the back of her fingers over the fabric.
"The ladies who made my dress for the hospital ball, made this one as well."
"Well I think it's time to buy a new dress if I'm going to be on the dance floor next to you" she laughed.
"I think it's time for me to buy a dress, period" Shelly told us as she admired my dress.
I sent Mia a message, not having Violet's number, thanking them both for the dress. Before getting back to work, I sent Ryan a message too.
Can you ask Reynolds if he could take a dress back to Escala for me – Ana
There would be no point me asking Ryan to do it as he won't leave his post. Since Christian had bought the company, Ryan is now in an office on the ground floor with cameras that show the whole building apart from the bathrooms and our offices.
He is just out doing something for Taylor so will be here as soon as he has finished. I will come up and get it from you – Ryan
Not two minutes later was he strolling through my office door to pick the dress up.
"I recognised Violet having picked Mia up from work before now."
"Did you used to be her driver or something" I asked, not knowing this about my guard.
"No, when all the trouble with Mr Grey's ex blew up he was worried about if she would retaliate against his family so I looked after Mia for a while. Nothing came of it but that woman was crazy. I thought she might have changed but the way she was at the ball, obviously not."
He left with the dress so I was able to get down to some work.
…
Stepping out the front doors of the building, I had the lovely sight of my boyfriend waiting to help me into the car. There was no press now, obviously not wanting pneumonia just to get a story.
"Hey" I leaned up to kiss his lips.
"Hi baby, ready to go shopping."
"As I will ever be."
Closing the door, he came around and took his seat before we were off into the evening traffic. Taylor who was driving, must have been to our destination before, because he knew the way.
"Mia sent me a dress that I had liked when I visited her at work last time."
"She said they were planning on sending you something as a thank you but didn't say what it was."
"Its beautiful, like the vintage dresses that I love to wear."
"I look forward to seeing you in it and hopefully taking it off afterwards" he told me, before kissing my hand.
Getting out of the car, I pulled Christian towards the entrance. He was looking at all the floors this place had, which was packed with everything you could ever need for enjoying the outdoors.
"Where are we going" he asked me.
"Third floor, clothing."
"Is this where you got my coat from."
"No, there is a place similar at the mall. I wouldn't have gotten Kate past the doors of this place unless I told her they made Gucci sleeping bags or something."
Taking the elevator up to the third floor, we headed left to the women's department.
"Do you come here often" he asked me, making me laugh. "What!"
"Is that a cheesy chat up line."
"Shit. It sounded like it didn't it" he laughed.
"To answer your question, yes I do. I usually get my hiking boots from here but I won't be doing any hiking this time of year."
"You won't get me hiking in December either" he told me.
We had swapped the blizzard from the mountains to the drizzle of the city, which was coming down heavy against the windows that surrounded us.
Looking around the coats. They had all different styles, all different colours but were all warm enough to survive winter in the Cascades.
"What do you think" I asked Christian holding a bright pink coat up.
"I won't miss you in that" he laughed.
"I was joking" I said, going to put it back but I thought I would try it on anyway.
"You will have Elliot singing Barbie girl to you if we buy that one."
"The last thing I want is Elliot singing anything near a snow capped mountain" I told him hanging it back up.
I tried some other coats on. Christian ruling out me wearing white now he knows how much snow can fall back at home.
I picked up another coat. It was a deep purple which would be seen against the snow but wouldn't blind anyone in the process.
"What do you think" I asked Christian when I had zipped it up and pulled the hood up. It was lovely and warm, all lined in faux fur and around the cuffs and hood too.
"I like it Ana. It really suits you and you look very snug."
"It's also very warm for being inside" I told him, opening the zip and removing the coat.
Christian took the coat from me before I put back on the one I came with. We continued to look around, through the men's department too as he picked up a few items for Elliot for Christmas.
I had no chance of paying as he made it clear with his lips that it was his treat.
We ate dinner out before going back to what will be home soon, to spend the night.
…
The dress fit like a glove, just like the other of Mia's creations as I looked at my reflection in the mirror.
I had spoken to Kate when we had our night out, just the two of us last night and as always she was supportive of my move. Her and Christian get on very well, something I never thought they would do when she had come back from the original interview.
"Ready Ana" Christian walked into the bedroom, making sure his tie was straight.
"Yes, just my shoes to put on."
I walked over to the bed, taking a seat to put my heels on.
"Ana if those are stockings, I can see that we will not be leaving this room."
"Don't know what you're talking about, come on" I told him taking his hand but he stopped me. "Christian we have to leave."
"I have something for you."
He handed me a small box which held diamond drop earrings.
"Christian, these are beautiful. Thank you" I said gently removing them from the box.
I put the earrings in while my smiling boyfriend stood by.
"What do you think" I asked him.
"Gorgeous. Ready to party Miss Steele."
"As long as I don't have to carry anyone home then yes, lets party."
Arriving at the club where the party was taking place, Hannah Jess and Shelly were getting out of the taxi in front of us. I giggled looking to the girls before turning to Christian's amused face.
"What's so funny?"
"As long as I have known Shelly, she has never worn a dress. Until now."
"Maybe she's looking for a date" he smiled.
"Don't you have a fraternisation policy in the company."
"If I did Ana, that would have been ripped up the second I thought about buying SIP."
Getting out of the car, we followed the girls into the club where I recognised some of the people who I had met when visiting Grey House. Christian had booked the club for the night so there will only be staff and their guests here. With an open bar, there will be a few sore heads in the morning.
We walked over to a table where Ros was sat with Kay and another lady.
"Ana this is my wife Gwen" Ros introduces us.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ana, Ros hasn't stopped talking about you."
"All good I hope" I said before hugging Kay.
"Very good and I can see what she means by the smile on Christian's face."
"Was I so miserable before I met Ana, that I didn't smile."
"YES" Ros said making us all laugh. "Only kidding, you did smile when a project showed results or a company you rescued started showing a profit again but you never smiled to the extent you do now."
"I have a lot to smile and be happy about" he smiled before kissing my lips. "What do you want to drink Ana."
"Wine please."
"Ladies what can I get you."
"We're fine" Ros, Kay and Gwen said but Shelly, Jess and Hannah who had joined us, opted for cosmos.
"Do you throw this party every year" Hannah asked Ros.
"Yes every Christmas, it's nice that our boss is actually in attendance and not bailed already."
"I will keep him here for a while yet, get my boyfriend on the dance floor."
"Christian dancing, I can't wait to see that."
"He dances all the time."
"When" Ros asked me.
"We danced when we went home for the festival last weekend."
"I'm looking forward to seeing that then."
Christian came back with a tray full of drinks, passing my wine to me.
"Sancerre" I said clinking my glass to Christian as he nodded. The bottle was in an ice bucket on the table.
"Are you going to make a speech boss" Ros asked him as Christian shook his head.
"Everyone is here for a good time, not to hear me waffle on about what a good year we have had. They will find out that when they open their bonuses."
"What are these bonuses" I whispered in his ear.
"Everyone gets an extra months pay in their wages."
"That's very generous of you, especially if you're doing it for forty thousand people."
"It's worth it. With the work everyone does, they certainly earn it over the year."
We heard the tap on the microphone as the music quietened.
"Welcome to Grey Enterprises Holdings Christmas party. I would let the boss speak but he's being shy tonight" Ros said making me laugh as Christian shook his head smiling.
"The bar is open and the food will be brought out shortly. We have a taxi service on standby if you drink to which I would encourage you to take advantage of. Please enjoy and remember having a hangover is not an excuse for you not to be in work bright and early Monday morning."
She left the stage as the music started up again. The food was soon brought out and it was delicious.
They had a buffet with every dish you could think of. Christian and I filled our plate before making our way back to the table.
"Wine Ana" Christian held the bottle to my glass.
"Please but I think I will get some water also."
"Stay there baby."
Christian caught the attention of who he told me was the owner and a large bottle of water and glasses were soon on our table.
"Put me down for next years party Mr Grey" Shelly called over the table and the noise as she raised her glass.
"Here it's Christian and you will be most welcome."
I had my boyfriend up on the dance floor, much to the delight of Ros who I'm sure was filming him. Blackmail material for when she can't get her own way on a deal.
By the time we had climbed back into the car on our way to Escala, my shoes were the first thing off. I think I had danced my feet off and they were punishing me now.
"I will give them a massage and the rest of you when we get home, if you don't fall asleep."
"Believe me, I'm wide awake and will take you up on that massage."
Feeling Christian's hands roaming my body once I could feel my feet again, was the last thing I remembered before sleep took me.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time, take care.
Caroline.