A/N: Hello all. I am terribly sorry for the late update. A few things delayed this chapter, including the worst bout of strep throat I think I have ever come down with, which put me out of comission for about 5 days and left me pretty exhausted for another 5 days after that. As a result this story got delayed but rest assured I am doing my best to catch up though I am worried this chapter might be a bit rough/clunky. As always I appreciate all the reviews and suggestions.

One reviewer suggested outdoorsy -activities for Christian and Ana's dates and I love that idea. It gave me some inspiration for some scenes that will be coming up in the next couple of chapters :) :)

It had been a whirlwind of a week and Ana was just barely managing to catch her breath. Kate was in Barbados with her family and Elliot Grey so Ana had been living alone. She had interviewed at two different publishing houses in Seattle and, while both interviews had gone well, she wasn't sure she'd found the right fit yet.

A courier had arrived at her door Monday afternoon with a package containing the dreaded "contract" Christian wanted her to read. She hadn't managed to get to it yet, instead preferring to engage in banter with the man via text and email. He was funny and charming when he wanted to be, Ana found herself looking forward to his little messages more and more.

Ana's mother had called on Wednesday. That...had been an ordeal Ana hadn't hoped for. The woman was mournful that she'd missed her daughter's graduation, and wanted Ana to come out to Georgia for a visit. But Ana did not have the time, nor the money to devote to a vacation in Georgia at the moment. She needed to secure herself a job first, and to get settled somewhat in Seattle before she thought about taking any trips. Her mother had not been thrilled with her response, had argued with her, had expressed concern over Ana's all-work-and-no-play mentality, as her mother had called it. She'd tried to cajole Ana into just a short visit, but Ana had stood firm, and her mother had turned on the waterworks in response. It made Ana feel bad. She loved her mother, but sometimes the woman could be completely self-centered and phone calls with her more often than not left Ana feeling in a worse mood than before they happened.

She'd spent Thursday finishing unpacking the apartment and continuing to get settled. She also spent the day raiding Kate's closet for one final perfect interview outfit to wear. She also ran errands and got some much needed groceries for herself.

And now, it was Friday afternoon, and Ana was heading to her third and final interview, the one she'd most been looking forward to, the one with Seattle International Publishing, her dream position. She was nervous, but she had a little practice with these interviews now and she believed she'd gotten the hang of it. She was hopeful that this would be it. She wanted so badly to impress, that she'd worn one of Kate's pencil skirts and some cute heels. She'd actually managed to tame her hair into a stylish bob for once. She was as ready as she'd ever be. She walked up the block toward her destination, pausing outside the building before she went in. She took a deep breath to calm her risidual nerves. and held her head up high. Here goes nothing...

Anastasia Steele was thrilled.

She'd just finished her interview at SIP, and she felt like it had gone really, really well. The man who'd interviewed her, Jack Hyde, had seemed very impressed with her academic background. And even though the woman who'd interviewed her had seemed relatively indifferent toward her, Jack had informed her as she departed that he would let her know very soon about the position for which she'd applied. That had felt like a good sign. This was her dream job – an amazing publishing house with interesting titles. She hoped very much that the position would be hers.

Now, Ana was walking home from the bus stop, she'd decided to take public transportation to her interview, so she could save money on gas and so that she would not have to worry about finding parking. It was only a few blocks from the bus stop to her apartment, so even wearing the low, dressy, interview heels she'd chosen to wear, the walk was not so bad. Ana wished Kate was in town. Even though she hadn't yet gotten the position, she felt like celebrating. She felt good. She felt invigorated, like there was a spring in her step, as silly as that sounded. She wanted to share her happiness with someone. But Kate was in Barbados for a week yet. And she didnt know very many people in Seattle. Her mind went to Christian…would he be excited for her?

As if on cue, Ana's cell-phone buzzed. She pulled it from her pocket and could not help the grin that spread across her face when she saw who the text was from. They'd been texting back and forth ever since she'd agreed to read his contract and he'd agreed to take her out on dates. She knew there was a connection there, it felt like more than lust, even though Ana had to admit to herself that she'd been lusting for the man since she'd seen him in jeans at the hardware store in Portland. That seemed like a world away now, had it really been just a few days? Ana mused about the rapid pace of events happening in her life as she read the text from Christian.

I have every confidence that your interview with SIP went well. Perhaps a celebration is in order. Accompany me to dinner tonight and we will toast your impending success. – C

Ana quickly tapped out a reply, grinning like an idiot as she did so. The man was so bossy he couldnt even manage to ask her to a date, his text reading like an instruction rather than a request. Normally Ana would be annoyed at the presumptuousness of such an act, but from Christian Grey she found it charming.

Why Mr. Grey. Are you asking me out on a proper date?

She was teasing, she couldn't resist. He'd been bumbling via text all week with excuses to see her without ever actually managing to ask her, but there hadnt been time, and she didnt want to see him casually. He'd promised her dating. And she intended for him to make good on that promise. Her phone buzzed in response almost immediately

Miss Steele, have you forgotten our deal already? -C

Ana bit her lip. He knew she hadn't forgotten. Her good mood threatening to bubble over as she grinned. She tapped out another reply as she walked.

No chance, Mr. Grey. A deal's a deal ;)

A date. She had a date. She had a date with Christian Grey to celebrate her interview. Her phone buzzed again as she started to cross the street. She checked the message.

Good point well made, Miss-

"WATCH IT!"

Before Ana knew what was happening a body was slamming into hers, pushing her forward and holding onto her to keep her from falling flat on her face. A car horn was blaring and still ringing in her ears even as she took note of the fact that she was on the far sidewalk, across the street from where she'd begun. She looked up at the cross walk sign which was shining red with a big "Don't Walk" sign.

Her heart was racing, she'd crossed against a red light…she'd nearly been hit by a car, she hadn't been paying attention to what she was doing, she'd been so lost in her euphoria and the texting banter that she'd forgotten the cardinal rule of crossing the street.

She looked up into the grey eyes of her savior and realized she recognized the man – he was the man from Portland, who looked like Christian…what was his name? Peter? But what was he doing here? He sounded a little winded when he spoke, his face splitting into a smile.

"Ana?! What are you doing here? And walking in the middle of the street like that?" His voice was light and he smiled at her, "that was a close one." He said, breathlessly, voicing her internal thoughts, though in a much more jovial manner than she felt.

"Y-yes...it was." Ana was more shaken than exhilirated, and she blinked up at him. "Thank you! It was Peter, wasnt it? But what are you doing here?" She asked back. He shrugged at her in response.

"I live here. Just round the corner actually, was just on my way home when I saw you walk into traffic. Texting whilst walking, terribly dangerous combination." He grinned at her again, then turned serious, his eyes filling with concern. "Seriously though, are you alright?" He asked again, lowering his head to her face a little closer as if examining her for injury.

She nodded slowly, still processing.

"You...live here?" She asked, "I thought - Portland." He grinned.

"Ah! I had a conference to attend in Portland last week, but what about you? What are you doing in Seattle? Visiting friends or somehting?"

"I...moved here. With my roomate...Just last weekend actually." She answered. How strange that she should run into Peter again, here. And again that he would come to her rescue. His eyes widened in surprise.

"Really? Wow! Small world. Well! Welcome to Seattle. Do try to stay out of the line of traffic." He smiled again and this time Ana felt herself smiling back. He was so light and happy. It calmed her, and made her feel happy as well.

"I'll try." She laughed a little, put at ease. "Thank you. Really" She took his hand in hers in gratitude and he grinned at her easily.

"Any time. Maybe I'll see you around hm? Like I said- I live just round the corner there." He pointed up the block. She grinned and nodded .

"Yeah for sure. Here, let me give y ou my cell number. I dont have a lot of friends in Seattle yet. It'll be nice to see a familiar face." She scribbled her number down on a piece of paper from her purse and handed it to him. He folded it and shoved it neatly in his wallet.

"I'll text you so you have my number if you need anything. Glad I bumped into you. "He grinned, "Even if you did almost get plowed by a smart car." She grinned back.

"Good thing you were around then."

Peter nodded at her politely and they parted ways. Ana no longer felt shaken, but she did decide to forego texting until she got back to her apartment. Still...she could not help the idiotic grin that was plastered on her face the rest of the way home.

She had a date. With Christian Sex-on-Legs Grey.

Christian sat across from a stunning Anastasia in the privacy of a corner booth at Le Petite Maison. He liked this restaurant. The food was locally sourced, and the chef was a master of his craft, having studied in Paris before moving to the states. More importantly, this was one of the most romantic date-type restauranst he knew, with its deep crimsons and mahoganies, and the low candle-lighting. Most of the restaurants patrons were couples and the booths were private enough that he and Anastasia could have alone time even in the public space.

"So, um…..this place is very nice…" Anastasia interrupted his train of thought and he realized they'd been sitting in silence since they arrived. He wasn't used to this sort of thing, he hadn't come with a plan in mind, and he didn't know what one typically discussed on a "date." He looked up and found himself caught in her quizzical azure gaze. The candlelight warmed her pale skin and she looked lovely, and young. It threw him. He was supposed to be making conversation.

"Right. Yes...Well...the chef is a genius, I hope you like French cuisine." He added, then realized he hadnt thought to ask Anastasia her restaurant preferences. Was he supposed to have? Didnt women like a man to choose things like restaurants. He thought they did. But what if that was a misconception. Should he have asked her where she wanted to go?

Christian felt riddled with self-doubt. And it was not a feeling he welcomed. He craved control, and that was something sorely lacking with Anastasia. Moreso, he was completely out of his depth here. He decided that he would treat this the best way he knew how, authortatively. She would respond well, he hoped, to his nature and they would progress from there. Eventually, he hoped to have her defer to him in all things, and restaurant choices would not be something he second-guessed any longer.

"I do." She smiled politely at him "I like most food really, I love to cook as well. Do you eat here often?" She was better at small talk then he was. Christian hated small talk. He was a man of action. But small talk was, presumably, part of the deal, so he would do his best.

"I have, on occassion, yes Miss Steele, though this is the first time I have brought somebody here. I thought it appropriate, given our deal." He smiled at her in what he hoped was a cheeky way, but instead of returning the smile she frowned.

"Our deal...right." She murmured, suddenly, sullen. A turn he had not expected her to take. They had been bantering back and forth about the deal he'd proposed all week. Was that not appropriate small-talk? Again he felt a pang of doubt. He hated doubt.

A waiter came and he quickly ordered the best bottle of wine they had on their menu, as well as an Oyster appetizer. The waiter departed and he turned his attention back to Anastasia,

"If you enjoy lamb, the lamb shank and chocolate mole is delicious here." He suggested. She was looking down at her menu and not at him, suddenly more taciturn than she'd been a few moments earlier.

"Mmmm..." She nodded to him and continued reading the menu. He frowned. He was about to demand that she look at him when she, as if reading his mind, looked up at him, her blue eyes staring at him in a most serious manner. It took him aback.

"Christian, I need to know something...did you only ask me out tonight because of the deal?" She asked, biting her lower lip. He frowned. was that what she was worrying about? Truthfully, he would not have taken her out to this restaurant had she already signed his contract and agreed to be his submissive...it simply was not something he did. But Anastasia was more than that, he wanted to know her, and for her to know him, to understand why he needed the things he needed. He wanted her. And the realization was a little startling. But he wanted her under his rules, and that would take time.

"Anastasia, I asked you out tonight in order to celebrate your interview, which I am glad to hear went well. I would not be here if I did not enjoy your presence and wish to get to know you better. Isn't that what dates are supposed to do? I may be incorrect here, as I said before this isnt the sort of thing I do often." He gave her a shy, lopsided smile, hoping to coax one out of her in return. He was rewarded with a smile of her own and he felt himself relax immediately.

"Okay then, now that that's settled. Do you have any opinion on the Coq Au Vin?" She was back to bantering. He liked bantering Anastasia much better than insecure Anastasia. He grinned.

"The Coq Au Vin, Miss Steele, is exquisite."

The summer weather was balmy and cool under the Seattle night sky, but she felt much colder inside, left out in the cold.

Unwanted.

Master threw her away. Master found himself a new girl. Master took the new girl out in public. He let her drink and eat with him. What did this new girl have that she didn't? Why didn't Master want her any more? She had been a good girl. She was a good girl. She would show Master. She would show him she could still be his good girl. She was better than this new girl. She watched him through the window of the small French bistro. He was with her. She was so disrespectful. The interloper held Master's gaze. Master hated that. She knew. She knew what Master liked. The interloper was laughing, she reached across the table and touched Master's arm. Master hated to be touched. She knew. She saw the way he stiffened and tried to hide it. Why was he trying to hide it. Why did he not tell her not to do that. Was the interloper too stupid to follow basic commands?

She cradled the gun she's purchased earlier that day against her chest tenderly. It was her safety. She needed it. She needed it to make Master see. To make Master see what kind of mistake he made. She would take care of the interloper and make him see. She would...

Suddenly, she felt nervous. As if she was being watched. And it made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. It was time to go; Before Master saw her; Before Master's Mr. Taylor saw her. She had to make him see or he would make her go away again. She didn't want to go away. It was time to go now though. She would go. Master would wait.

Paul Spector watched as the mousy brunette hugged herself. She was watching his targets. He did not recognize her specifically, but he recognized her look immediately. And the way she watched Christian. The way she swayed when she backed away from the restaurant window. The way she moved like a ghost through the crowd, as If she was just a shell of a human being. She was a shell. That's why Christian had used her. And Paul knew Christian must have used her – there was no doubt about it, the way she gazed at the man through the restaurant's window. Paul wanted to use her too. Paul would use her. She was stalking his prey. He would stalk her.

He followed her through the crowd, his hands itching to wrap around her slender throat. No…no…patience…He needed to have patience. Shells were easy to control. She could be far more useful alive. And if she proved useless, he could take care of her then. But first he needed to find out who she was. She continued to sway and moved effortlessly, unnoticed down the side walked. He followed at a safe distance, abandoning his watch on the restaurant in favor of this new pawn. She was exceedingly pale, and far too thin. She looked as if she hadnt eaten or washed in at least a couple of days, yet she strode with purpose towards wherever she was headed.

This was going to be fun.