I feel like I didn't do them justice but lets face it the first date is always awkward no matter who you are. Anyway enjoy lol hopefully I can have another chapter uploaded by Friday or Saturday.

Anastasia

"So you're really doing this?" Jose asks taking a seat on my bed.

"Yes," I whisper still unsure, but if I'm honest I'm a little excited. I called my dad wednesday night after Christian left, to see if he could watch the children for today, he of course asked all of the four W's, which I answered. Shockingly the only thing he said was, "Annie you have fun and enjoy yourself."

And that's exactly what I plan on doing.

"Do you know where he's taking you?" Kate who's curling the tips of my hair asks. I giggle looking at her reflection through the mirror. She has a rat tail comb in her mouth, the curling wand in her right hand, and a bottle of Paul Mitchell's soft hair spray in the other, you would think she's a professional hairstylist.

"No," I answer nervously.

"Ana, you'll be fine." Jose says probably picking up on my nerves. "He's probably going to take you to some fancy restaurant and have a table waiting somewhere secluded."

I gasp, "You think so?" I can feel my eyes widen. I look down at myself and stare at the simple blush pink shirt and light wash denim capris I have on and I want to tell Kate to stop so I could change into something more, alot more elegant, but Jose begins to laugh.

"I'm joking Ana." he smiles at me and I glare at him through the mirror. "You look good." Jerk!

"Okay Ana, I'm almost done. I just have two more strands of hair and then you'll be all set." Kate beams with pride.

"Kate I don't even know why you're putting so much effort into this." I roll my eyes when I hear her mumble something about ungrateful and sex.

"Okay first off, I'm very grateful," I glare at her through the mirror. "And second we're not having sex." Even if I may want to.

"Yet, the keyword you're looking for is yet." Kate says giving my hair a small playful tug.

"Oh please who are you trying to kid?" Jose adds his two cents while he stands off the bed and moves towards the door, "Oh please Christian!" he mocks me and runs out the door laughing when I throw the towel at him.

"I did not sound like that." I pout and fold my arms under my chest.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Kate scoffs and begins to pack all her hair products she brought over from her place so she could do my hair. "He's just giving you the PG13 version." she laughs and I feel my face go crimson.

It's twelve in the afternoon and my dad should be arriving any time now. Walking down the stairs, I find the children dressed and kneeling on the sectional in the livingroom. "Be good for grandpa," I remind Teddy and Phoebe who are anxiously looking out the window waiting for my dad's truck to come to a stop.

"Yes mom." They both agree and take off running out the door, just as my dad's shoe has barely touched the driveway. I love my children, but sometimes they can be a handful.

"Annie what time is Christian picking you up?" my dad asks coming inside the kitchen where I'm gathering the food supplies for the outing my dad has planned for the kids.

Kate and Jose have left for the day, and have promised me they would be back later after my date with Christian so they can question me about it, which of course I wouldn't pass it by them not to. Those two are worse than a gossip magazine.

I look at my Citizen wrist watch and it reads 2:30pm. "He said three." I shrug it off and remind my dad Christian has 30 minutes left.

"Are you nervous Annie?" my dad asks when I enter the living room and for a second I want to lie to him.

"Very." I giggle and place the wicker picnic basket I have packed in hand on the center table. He looks at me like he wants to say more, but instead turns his attention back to the children who are watching Animal Planet on the television.

I may have a small idea of what he was going to say, but I also know how awkward it would've been for him.

Before I know it it's 3pm and Christian is at my front door.

"I got it," I say to my dad who's sitting on his favorite side of the sectional with Teddy and Phoebe at his sides.

Walking towards the door has my nerves reappearing, but once I have it open and I set eyes on Christian, they disappear. Wow.

He's handsome, even in a basic black fitted t-shirt and denim jeans, he's still hot. So not fair.

"Hi," he greets me and places a kiss on my cheek, that has me blushing.

"Hi," I greet back and motioned for him to come in.

"Where are the kids?" he asks stepping inside the foyer and I point him in the direction of the living room.

"In there with my dad." Christian nods his head and we make our way to them.

"Christian!" Phoebe is the first to notice him and quickly gets off the sectional where she was sitting. Christian must know what she's about to do because he bends at the knees to catch her where she runs straight into his open arms. He picks her up and hugs her to his chest, she lays her head on his shoulder and wraps her little arms around his neck.

He laughs at her greeting, while my heart breaks a little more for my children. Josh has never held Phoebe, and I feel responsible for not insisting he start a relationship with them, but yet again I'm torn between the what if's.

I'm vaguely aware Christian has moved and has greeted my dad as well as Teddy, and it gives me an opportunity to see them four interact. Phoebe is still on his lap, and Teddy is giving him a run through about the program they're watching, while my dad is silently laughing.

The sight before me makes me believe I made the right choice on signing the divorce papers. It's not just the relationship he made no effort to have with the children, but also the one he refused to make with my family. Josh would bump heads with Jose and Ethan, and well Kate, she's never liked him from the start, but they put up with him because of me.

"Hey ready to go?" Christian asks surprising me. When did he get off the sectional?

"Umm, yeah." I weakly smile and shake my head, "sorry."

Looking intently at me he smiles, "Don't apologise," he whispers in my ear coming closer, "I'm nervous too." He stands straight and winks at me before saying his farewells to my dad and children, and I do the same.

"I love your car." I say admiring his Audi R8 Spyder, while my hand caresses the cream leather interior. If only it was black.

"Oh really?" he asks with skepticism in his voice, "I could've sworn you gave it a disapproving look that day we first met." He laughs, and I can feel the blush creeping on my face. How could I forget thar? That was probably the most fun I've had in a very long time.

"Knock it off," I smile and swat at his bicep playfully, which only causes him to laugh. "It wasn't a disapproving look, I was just thinking it's not a family car." I defend myself and smile at him.

Placing my chin in hand, I rest my elbow on top of the glove compartment and take in his profile. He's been driving for about 30 minutes and he still hasn't told me where he's taking me, so I've taken the opportunity to watch him and I can truly say I'm not disappointed. He looks amazing in the sunlight and the fact that I can see his biceps, due to his half sleeved black shirt, has me thinking naughty thoughts that are making me squeeze my legs together. The sex appeal this man oozes would make even a nun sin.

"Stop staring at me." he grumbles but I can see a small smile wanting to break free on his lips.

"I can't help it," I truthfully answer and sigh when I see his left arm rise and he runs his hand through his hair. For a second I think I might have come on my panties. I am beyond uncomfortable and having him so close has my mind racing with possibilities of a quick tryst in his car. It would be uncomfortable and probably awkward, but still doable.

"Ana," he says taking my hand in his and squirms in his seat, "We will get there eventually," he looks at me for a quick second and then turns his sight back on the road. "But I want to take this slow." he lifts my hand that's jointed with his and lays a kiss on my fingers.

My mouth has dried and I have no words. How in the world did he pick up on that? Am I that translucent that he can see what I'm thinking? I blush and turn my attention to the passing people who are casually walking on the sidewalk when we come to a stop at a red light.

"Trust me Ana I want it too." he confesses and my heart skips a beat. Oh god!

Giving my hand a gentle tug, he brushes his lips over my fingers that are weaved between his and places our jointed hands on his thigh. I could expire right then and there.

"Ozzie's?" I ask once we get to our destination and Christian has opened my door.

"I had a little help," he blushes and keeps his hand in mine. "The guys gave me some pointers."

"And they told you what?" I pull on his hand softly, making him stop in front of me. "That it's my favorite place?" I lift my eyebrows at him and he has the decency to look embarrassed and at a loss for words

"Thank you." I smile and stand on the tips of my toes and kiss his lips. It was supposed to be a tender kiss, but once Christian had me wrapped in his arms he deepened it. The way his lips claimed mine was something out of a movie. I could feel my knees buckle and I'm glad his arm was holding me or I might have fallen. Or maybe, I already have.

"So what do you recommend?" Christian asks opening the menu.

When we entered Ozzie's Christian choose a table far from the window. He said it's so the vultures, as he refers to the paparazzi, don't interrupt his date. I had to laugh, he's just too cute.

"You could go with an entree or a hamburger," I shrug when Lisa, Kate's favorite server, appears at our table.

"Hey Ana, are you two ready to order?" she smiles flirtatiously and I blush. She's a redhead with green emerald eyes with a sprinkle of light red freckles on her upturned nose. She's pretty and a major flirt. Kate says it's just with me, but I choose not to believe it, since we do come here with Jose and Ethan.

"Can we have a couple of minute, please?" I smile at her and turn to look at Christian who is staring at Lisa.

"Of course Ana." she smiles at me and walks away swinging her hips.

"She wants you Christian." I smile at him and he scoffs shaking his head while I pick up my cup of water.

"She wants YOU." He points towards me to get his point across and I damn near choke on my water. What?

"Excuse me?" I giggle whisper and I can feel my eyes go wide. What the hell?

I laugh again when he looks at me with a confused stare, "You have no idea do you?"

I shake my head and turn in the direction of Lisa who is talking to the bartender. "Kate's mentioned it before, but I've never paid attention to it." I shrug and turn my attention back to Christian who is wearing a smirk on his beautiful face.

"Okay." He smiles wide, stands abruptly, and sits next to me taking me by surprise. Our backs are to the wall and we have an open view of the dining area.

"What are you doing?" I question and begin to feel uncomfortable with his proximity.

"I'm going to show you," he whispers in my ear and places his arm around my shoulder on top of my chair. "Any second now she's going to come over and ask for our order, and while she does her focus will be on you."

He places a kiss under my ear and I turn to look at him directly in the eyes, "I don't believe you." I whisper back.

"Want to make a wager?" he dares me and I'm momentarily nervous, but excited. Damned if I do, damned if I don't.

"Dinner my house tomorrow." he says and before I have a chance to say anything Lisa shows up.

"How was your triple-decker club?" he asks just as I take my last bite. I smile and nod my head. It's one of my favorites on their menu.

"How was your 12oz NY steak?" I ask in turn once I'm done swallowing my food.

"Shocking good actually." I smile and he kisses me on the side of my lips.

"You had a little something there." he points to the side of his lips and smiles playfully at me.

"Sure sure." I tease but still swipe the napkin around my lips, which causes him to laugh.

"Come on," he says standing and taking out a $100 dollar bill out of his wallet and places it inside the small black folder that houses the 26 dollar bill for the food. "I have something else planned for us."

"Of course you do." I murmur when he extends his hand for me to take, which I do.

"I'm full of surprises baby." Capturing my lips in a quick kiss he turns me around so I can walk ahead of him, and he gently lays a hand on my outer thigh as we pass Lisa, who looks crestfallen.

After Lisa had taken out order, Christian had began to point out how she would flirt with me or at least try to capture my attention when she would bring us a refill and our meals. I might even say I owe Kate an apology.

"So where are you taking me ?" I ask once we are seated inside his car and safely buckled in.

"Well I figured I know somethings about you," he starts while gently pulling out of the parking spot and merging with the traffic. "I just want to know you more."

"Okay none of my family members are ever allowed to tell you anything again." I tell him once we leave Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream shop.

He shrugs and holds my hand while we walk around eating our ice cream.

"Next time I'm going to ask your family for help." I say jokingly but stop when I take in his sadden expression. What did I say?

"I don't know how much help they'd be." Christian says and my heart constricts.

"Why would you say that?" I ask while we take a seat in his car.

He sighs and runs his hand through his hair once again. Im assuming it's a nervous habit. "Let's finish our ice cream and then we'll talk about me." he suggests and I agree.

I turn on the radio as he once again emerges into traffic and heads to our final destination.

"So what's your story?" he asks after we made our way to a small pond and Taylor had given us a blanket that we laid on the grass. Christian's currently sitting behind me and I'm seated between his opened legs, enjoying the nice weather Seattle has to offer today.

I sigh a contented sigh and lean my head back on his chest, "What do you want to know?"

"Well for starters," he says wrapping his arm around my waist. "Why do Teddy and Phoebe have your last name and not his?"

I laugh, "Is that the best question you could could come up with?"

"Well no, actually I was going to ask why did you decide to lose your virginity to him in the first place." Oh god the audacity of this man.

"Are you serious?" I ask bewildered, because there is no way in hell that's what he wanted to ask me.

"Well yeah." he says innocently.

"If you must know," I say rolling my eyes and answering his previous question, "He asked me not to give them his last name."

"Do you have his last name?" He asks and I shake my head.

"No, we never went and applied to have my named changed. Plus his dad was against it at the time saying that Josh would end up having to pay for my student debt, and Josh agreed. According to Josh it wasn't something he wanted."

"Are you glad you didn't do it?"

"For the most part I am." I shrug and look up at him.

"How so?" He leans forward and places a small kiss on my lips.

"Well can you imagine the hell I would have to go through in order to get my name changed back to Steele? My social security number, my bank accounts, my license and registration, the house title, as well as my will?" I grimace thinking about all the time it would take, and let's not forget the money I would have to spend on lawyers.

"It can't be that bad." Christian laughs.

"Oh really?" I ask sitting up and turning to look at him, " You should have a talk with your dad, if you don't believe me."

Christian turns serious again and I can see his mind working on asking me more questions.

"How often did you two have sex?" I'm surprised but I shouldn't be, for crying out loud he's asked me about my virginity. I can't contain the laugh that escapes me.

"I'm joking," Christian says pulling me back between his legs and wrapping his arm around my shoulder. "What's your favorite color?" He asks kissing my temple once my laughing fit has ended.

"Aqua."

"Favorite food?"

"Spaghetti and meatballs."

"Favorite past time?"

"Tending my garden."

"You have a garden?" I can hear the shock in his voice.

I laugh as I answer his question, "Yes, now enough about me, what about you?"

"Me?" he asks and I can hear his hesitation.

"Yes."

We've been sitting quietly at the park for about 5 minutes now and he still hasn't said a word. Looking around us, I find the park is now completely empty except for Taylor and Sawyer who have been with us the entire day.

"For as long as I can remember I have distanced myself from my family. Now I've come to the conclusion it's because I've felt out of place." Christian speaks in a near whisper, but I heard him.

"My birth mother died, when I was four, in an alley behind the apartment building, where I was left home alone." he continues and I hold my breath, refusing to move an inch so he doesn't startle and stops talking.

"I'm grateful the neighbor at that time called the police and told them about my existence, even if it was three days later, the police came and found me. According to Grace and Carrick I was malnourished and dehydrated, the pictures CPS had on file will say the same. Grace was the attending doctor in the children's wing that day and I remember being so frightened, she was like a comforting blanket. She protected me. She took care of me and then later Grace and Carrick adopted me." I don't know what to say. I want to hold him and make all his suffering go away, but instead I hold his hand as I try to soothe his pain the best way I can right now.

"They had already adopted Elliot so it was a lot easier for the adoption to be approved. Three weeks later I was discharged, placed in Child Protective Services and then moving in with Grace and her family." he takes a deep breath and sighs.

"I have night terrors," He still hasn't looked at me since he started speaking about what happened to him and his focus has remained on the grass between his feet. "Usually they're about the events and people from the time I was with my birth mother."

"The worst part," he stops and finally looks at me with the saddest grey eyes I have ever seen on his gorgeous face. "They would punish me for her wrong doings." I feel my eyes widen when it hits me. He was abused when he was just a toddler. My eyes well with tears and I instinctively wrap my arms around his neck and straddle his lap. He doesn't reciprocate at first but then I feel his arms wrap around my waist and he pulls me closer to him as if it was possible.

"What did they do to you?" I whisper and tenderly kiss his neck repeatedly. I can feel his heartbeat quickening and it makes me wonder if it's because of his past or our proximity.

"Some would leave me alone, while she attended to their needs, while others would hit me, but there was one who would enjoy causing me advance pain." I pull my head off his shoulders and stare directly in his eyes. "He would burn my chest and back with his cigarettes." He confesses and my heart completely shatters for the four year old toddler who had no fault in receiving such diabolical things to happen to him. The pain he must have felt must've been horrific. But most of all the loneliness he must have felt thinking no one was there to take care of him, to love him like every child deserves to be loved.

"Hey enough with the tears." He smiles lovingly at me and my broken heart shatters again. How can he still smile after everything that happened to him in his early life?

"It's the past baby, and I didn't share this with you so you would cry," he says again and begins to wipe the tears that keep falling from my eyes. "I told you this, so you would understand why I've kept my family at arms length."

Placing my hand on his shoulder I use my other hand to wipe my under my eyes and remove the remaining tears that have lingered. "Grace is your mom Christian." I try my hardest to convey the truth in my statement. "She may not have given birth to you, but she has watched you grow into the man you are now." Placing my hand over his heart, I feel him tense for a second but then he relaxes.

"I've seen that now," my face must wear a confused expression because he clarifies. "At the barbeque, the day I officially met you, I realized I want a relationship similar to the one you have with your family and friends, but with my own."

He shakes his head and looks at me sadly, "I want to know them and I want them to know me." I smile and kiss him deeply.

We pull apart breathless and he laughs a carefree laugh I haven't heard from him before, and it makes me tingle everywhere.