Dinner with my parents is just as it once was when Phebes and I were kids. My mom chastises us for picking on each other and dad tells us to eat all our food. Amanda talks business, but I can tell something is still bothering her and I think my mom notices too, she almost appears as if she knows something…
"Daddy, you just have to see how my new car is coming along! You'll love it!'' Phoebe squeals, taking me away from my inner dialogue.
"I'm sure your uncle will love it just as much, sweet pea,'' dad laughs.
"What are you even going to do with a truck, Phoebe? What about the convertible?'' I ask her.
"I'm sure Violet wont mind,'' Phoebe replies, waving me off. "I'll give the truck back when I grow tired of her.''
"Spoken like a true man,'' Amanda giggles.
"Sorry, were you talking about the car or your latest boyfriend,'' I tease my little sis.
"Ha. Ha. Ha. Aren't you just hilarious?'' Phoebe glares back at me.
"Theodore, don't tease your sister,'' I hear mom say as she walks into the family room, carrying a tray filled with individualized crème brulees.
"Just stating the obvious,'' I shrug.
"Your sister is an angel,'' dad smiles at Phoebe and if she were a bird, she'd be a peacock at this moment.
"Mom and dad like me best,'' she teases.
"Keep telling yourself that,'' I reply, playfully.
"Besides, I just haven't found the right man to-"
"To build you a closet the size of a house?'' I laugh.
"Hey! Men will come and go, but fashion is all a girl truly has,'' Amanda states, licking her spoon clean of crème brulee.
"Or in your case that crème brulee. Jesus, Amanda, it's called taking small bites.''
"Are you going to eat yours?'' She asks, instead of feeling offended by my comment.
Arching a brow at her sudden love for desserts, I offer her my own porcelain bowl and watch as she devours it.
"And people wonder why I don't ask you to marry me,'' I mumble.
"Huh?'' She mumbles out, her cheeks stuffed with dessert.
"Totally sexy, Amanda.''
….
….
….
"Thank you so much for dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Grey,'' Amanda smiles, hugging my mom and Phoebe.
"Oh, don't mention it, darling. We love having you over,'' mom replies.
"Don't tell her that mom or you won't be able to keep her out,'' I laugh.
"Hey, I'm a killer match,'' Amanda pouts, before turning to Phoebe. "Tell me all about your first day at work and let me know if you need anything.''
"I'll take you up on that. I need to sell art to Seattle's rich,'' Phoebe replies.
"I'm sure Nick will buy everything,'' Amanda laughs and I can't help but join in, knowing our friend would buy whatever Phoebe said was in style.
"Nick?'' Phoebe asks.
"The cute dark-haired lawyer at GEH,'' I quote.
"Cute?'' Amanda giggles.
I nod, smiling at my sister's blushing face.
"What? He is…'' Phoebe shrugs, throwing both Amanda and I a glare.
"I'll see you on Tuesday, sis,'' I say, pulling her in for a hug.
"You'll be able to see me in one of work outfits,'' she smiles, moving into dad's arms.
"Work outfits?'' I repeat.
"Yeah, just like you. You're always in those suits.''
"Only you would find work the best time for dressing up,'' I tell her, shaking my head in amusement.
"In my world, dear brother, every day is dress up time,'' she replies.
***********FSoTG************
"If you keep on staring at your phone like that, you'll make it go up in flames,'' I joke, looking at Amanda before turning back to the road.
"Huh? Oh, it's just an email,'' she replies.
"Looks more than a simple email to me.''
"It's Vandervick,'' she whispers, her eyes never leaving her phone.
"What does he want?'' I ask.
"He wants to see me. He can't stop thinking about me, about that night.''
"And you? Can you stop thinking about that night?''
"No. I can't stop thinking about him either, but I can't be the girl he wants,'' she murmurs.
"If you weren't the girl he wanted, he wouldn't be emailing you,'' I say back.
"He's a family guy, Theo. I saw the pictures in his office – the ones of his parents and siblings – and I'm not the girl he can take home. He has a real family and I'm not capable of having that.''
"Amanda-"
"I'm going to stop by the office on Tuesday. I am dying to meet your gal pal and I want to watch Nick squirm as he meets his future wife,'' she says, cutting off whatever I wanted to say.
"Don't scare her off,'' I laugh, choosing to follow her change of subject and leave her in peace.
"I'm as sweet as cotton candy,'' she winks.
"Sure you are,'' I roll my eyes, pulling into her building's parking lot.
"I'll be on my best behavior, promise,'' she giggles as she gets out of the car.
"Oh, and Amanda,'' I call out to her.
"Huh?''
"Don't use Phoebe, Nick, and future wife in the same sentence,'' I mock glare.
"Please, I have my money on them getting married by next year. Laters baby,'' she purrs, shutting the door before I have anything else to say.
Phoebe and Nick married, the mere thought.
"Good morning Mr. Grey,'' one of the many interns smiles my way, as I enter GEH.
"Morning,'' I say simply, not in the mood for any chitchat other than the one Olivia can offer.
Stepping into the elevator, I quickly push the button for my floor and lean on the wall, thinking about all that had happened this weekend. If Mila was right about Olivia's feelings then I should make my move, shouldn't I? We were both single, well, at least I think she is. She hasn't told me otherwise.
Ding.
As the elevator comes to a halt, I fix my tie and pull myself away from the thoughts that plague me so. I'm surprised to spot another intern manning the desk as I make my way into the sitting room. The bane of my existence no where in sight, not even Andrea, but she is most likely running around the place…
With a single look at the redheaded intern, I stomp my way into my office. Where the hell is she?
"Good morning, Mr. Grey,'' a soft and lovely voice greets as I enter my office.
Looking up, I spot the beauty that is Olivia Hart. She is standing next to my desk, looking quite proud of herself. I can't stop myself from smiling as I realize what she is so proud of. On my desk is a tray and on it sits my tea, just the way I like it. She hadn't needed my order and everything around my office seemed neater for some reason.
"Good morning, Olivia,'' I greet in return, arching my brow as I take in my desk.
"I hope you don't mind. I took it upon myself to straighten out your desk-"
"Thank you,'' I smile, moving closer to her.
"I wanted to apologize for Saturday,'' she starts, her creamy skin a cherry red at the moment as she recalls Saturday's events.
"It happens to the best of us,'' I interrupt her.
"Not in front of your boss and his very important friend, who happens to be a lawyer-"
"Olivia, don't worry about it. My mother taught me to be a gentleman and rescue a lady in need, and it's what anyone else would have done.''
"Anyone else,'' she repeats, her face falling at my words and for the first time in forever, I allow my feelings to run free.
"When someone cares for another, they will do anything to keep them safe,'' I whisper, stepping closer to her until our bodies were only inches away from one another.
Blushing, she looks down at the polished floor and then at my hand, startling me as she takes it in her smaller one. As our skin touches, I feel a current of electricity and I know she feels it too.
"Does it hurt?'' She asks, taking me from my musing.
"What?'' I ask, before following her gaze down to my own hand. My knuckles were lightly bruised and a small cut adorned one of them.
"You hurt your hand,'' is all she says, running her fingers over my knuckles.
"It's nothing,'' I murmur, my gaze still on our touching hands.
"It was the first time in years that I felt safe,'' she whispers.
Before I can reply, the phone comes to life and we are interrupted. Moving quickly, she answers the phone, while I continue to stand in place. All I want to do is take her in my arms and take her on the desk. For the first time since her, I want to make love.
"Mr. Grey,'' her voice calls out to me softly once more.
My head snaps up and blue meets green.
"Hmm?'' is all I can say in reply.
"You're nine o'clock is here.''
"Right. Thank you,'' I mumble, moving to sit in my chair.
"Theodore?''
At the sound of name, everything stops once again. Every syllable coming from her mouth as if it were honey.
Looking back up at her, I see her handing me a small little box. Arching my brow, I take it from her.
"It's an apology of sorts, mostly to your poor car,'' she tells me shyly.
"My car?'' I ask back, opening the box.
"For throwing up in it…''
I can't help the laugh that slips from my mouth, as pull out a car freshener from the box.
"A car freshener,'' I laugh.
"A car freshener,'' she agrees, a smile gracing her own features.
"Thank you, I shall give it right away to my car. She must be horrified after such events.''
"Tell her I am terribly sorry. I shall write her a letter as soon as possible,'' she teases.
"I do hope so. She is still quite young and she isn't used to such nights,'' I tease back.
"We shouldn't keep Mr. Hanson waiting,'' she says, reminding me that I do have a job to do.
"No, we shouldn't, should we?''
"I'll let him in,'' she murmurs, moving towards the door. "Mr. Grey?''
"Yes, Olivia?''
"You should laugh more often.''
I sit dumbfounded as she leaves me with her comment and a sweet smile.
"What are you doing to me, Olivia?'' I whisper.
Mr. Hanson is a balding, middle aged man that stumbles all over his words and sweats out of the bloom. I honestly don't even recall a word he had said or why he had come to the office, but I am glad when it is time for him to leave. All I want to do is think about Olivia and these feelings that were growing in me. Amanda and Mila had quickly realized my liking for her, but I was still trying to understand it myself. How had I fallen for her in a matter of days? No, that was a stupid question. I knew how and when I had fallen. I just needed time for my mind to make the same realization my heart had made.
"I love you, Teddy,'' she laughs, wrapping her arm through mine.
"I love you more, Lil,'' I smile back, taking her lips in a soft kiss.
"You and me,''
"Forever,'' I finish for her.
"Forever,'' I murmur as I think about her once more. We had promised each other that, but only one of has had been honest. The other was a conniving snake.
….
….
….
"How are you taking Phoebe getting a job?'' I ask my dad as we look over some documents.
"She's happy and your mom won't let me say anything against it,'' he replies.
"It'll be good for her, though. I remember when I interned for you.''
"I wanted you to start from the bottom and you rose above all expectations,'' he smiles proudly.
"Phoebe will be fine,'' I tell him, spotting the worry in his eyes.
"I know.''
"You've already investigated everyone she'll be working with, haven't you?''
He simply arches a brow at my question, as if the answer to my question was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Of course you did,'' I laugh, shaking my head at him.
"So, you and Amanda are going to the gala together…''
"As friends, yes.''
"Friends?''
"You were right. Amanda isn't the marrying time and she has her own troubles at the moment. We decided to just be friends,'' I reply with a shrug.
"Since when do you do as you're told?'' He teases.
"I've been known to do so. However, don't be so proud of me. I might have done something that you might find annoying.''
"What did you do now?'' He asks in amusement.
"I am taking Olivia out for dinner, tonight,'' I reply.
"Theodore,'' he huffs in annoyance.
"You said I needed to move on-"
"Not with your secretary.''
"She might not always be my secretary,'' I shoot back.
"You're right. After you screw her, she'll be looking for another job,'' he retaliates.
"That's not true,'' I huff.
"Why?''
"Because for the first time, I feel better than fine,'' I whisper, honestly. "And it's all because of her.''
"You remind me of me,'' he murmurs, glancing at my mother's photograph.
"I am your son, after all.''
"Yes, yes you are.''
"So, you aren't mad?'' I ask him, cautiously.
"As your boss, I would tell you to stay away from her. But as your dad and as a man that chased after the girl he wanted, I say go get her.''
"So I should stalk her freely?'' I tease him.
"Very funny, but unlike you, I got to sleep with my girl,'' he winks.
"Dad!''
"What? Aren't you practicing celibacy?''
"Jesus, dad,'' I roll my eyes, before walking out of his office.
"Was it something I said?'' He calls after me as I close the door behind me.
Shaking my head at him in exasperation, I walk over to Andrea's desk.
"Hey, doll face. Where's Olivia?''
"Malibu Barbie? She's in the kitchenette,'' she replies, munching on a salad.
"Thanks, doll,'' I smile, pecking her on the cheek and heading over to the kitchenette.
Like Andrea had said, Olivia is inside the small kitchen with her back turned to me as she prepares some sort of snack. I know I shouldn't, but I can't help glance at her curvy backside. Her pencil skirt wrapping around her bottom as if it were a second skin…
"Mr. Grey? Can I get you something?'' Her wind chime voice asks.
"Huh? Oh, I was just looking for you,'' I reply, forcing down any naughty thoughts.
"What can I do for you?'' She asks once more, as she licks one of her fingers clean from what looked to be jam.
As she sucks on her finger – ever so gently, I feel myself stiffen at the sight. She looked absolutely innocent and oblivious to the effect she had on me. Oblivious to the dirty thoughts that were running all over my head at this precise moment.
She arches a brow at me and then blushes, as she realizes my attention is fully on her actions. Clearing her throat, she asks once more, "Did you need something?''
"No, now that I think about it. I guess I just wanted to see you,'' I respond, shyly.
She gives me a smile just as shy as my response, her face turning almost childlike.
"Is that what you say to all the girls?'' She asks, softly.
Chuckling, I step closer to her, trapping her body between mine and the small stove.
"What do you think?'' I purr.
"I think most girls would fall for a line like that, but I'm not that sort of girl,'' she replies back, her breathing sounding labored.
"What kind of girl are you?'' I ask, moving my arms around her.
"The girl that won't sleep with you because of a few words.''
"Is that so?''
She nods in reply, her eyes in slits as I press my body onto hers. My body feels as if it were on fire and all I want is to take her right here and right now. I want her. I need her. But I don't just want sex, not with her. I want more.
Running my cheek over her own soft one, I inhale her warm scent. The smell of rain and raspberries wrapping themselves around me. The smell washing away memories of broken promises and false kisses. There's only us. And that's why I pull away. She doesn't deserve a shag in the office. She deserves so much more.
She blinks rapidly, not understanding why I would just pull away. The question written all over her beautiful face.
"You're right. If you were that sort of girl, I wouldn't be taking you to dinner.''
Looking up at me, she eyes me in curiosity. "Dinner?'' She asks.
"Today's Monday,'' I reply.
"You were serious?''
"Did you think I wasn't?''
"Why?'' She questions. "I don't fit into your world.''
"Who says you don't?'' I ask, arching my brow.
"I've seen it. Just with a look at your world, it's easy to see.''
"Not for me,'' I murmur.
"But it will be for everyone else. I'm your assistant-"
"I need to know,'' I say, cutting her off.
"Know what?''
"How you can change my world in a matter of days.''
"Olivia, there you are!'' A screechy voice sounds from behind, pulling us apart immediately.
Turning, I spot Lauren from accounting. Her gaze fixed on us and our closeness.
"Mr. Grey,'' she greets.
"Lauren,'' I nod my head in acknowledgement.
"Can I help you Lauren?'' Olivia asks.
"Andrea said you had those documents I gave you on Thursday.''
"Yeah, I do. I'll take them to you in a minute. I just need to make copies.''
"Sounds good,'' Lauren nods, before taking her leave.
"She's probably going to tell everyone we were doing something we weren't,'' Olivia murmurs from behind me.
"She's a notorious gossiper,'' I reply.
"Great,'' she huffs, taking a bite from whatever she was eating.
"What is that?'' I ask, looking at the jam filled thing in her hand.
"Oh, it's a Nigerian donut. Do you want one?'' She asks, sweetly.
"Sure,'' I reply and before she can reach over for another one, I take a bite from the one in her hand.
She gasps as I let out a small moan at the delicious taste. The strawberry jam warm and so sweet, practically melting in my mouth.
"Delicious,'' I purr, before moving towards the door. "Oh, and Olivia?''
"Yes, Mr. Grey?''
"I hope you like Seafood.''
….
….
….
After three meetings and piles upon piles of mergers I needed to go over, it is finally time for me to leave. Like always, dad had left by five and I am the one left to close up the place. Andrea, too, had left, leaving Olivia to man the desks.
"You ready?'' I ask her.
"Yeah,'' she smiles politely, as she grabs her purse from the closet.
"So where exactly are we going?'' She asks as we step into the elevator.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to kidnap you,'' I tease.
"I have pepper spray and I'm not afraid to use it,'' she giggles back.
"Pepper spray? Can you reach my eyes?'' I laugh making her pout.
"Ha. Ha. Very funny. If I remember correctly, I made you bend over the day we met.''
"Touché, Ms. Hart,'' I say, leading her out of the elevator and towards the parking structure.
"No gorilla, today?'' She asks, making me laugh at her nickname for Thompson.
"No, not today. Just us,'' I reply, helping her into the car.
Quickly, I make my way into the driver's side and start the engine, leaving behind GEH.
"How many cars do you have? This isn't the one I threw up in…''
I don't want to brag, but I want to give her an honest answer. I feel that I can be myself with her and so I reply honestly and a bit shyly.
"About ten,'' I mumble, looking anywhere but at her.
"Ten?'' She asks, sounding completely shocked.
"My dad taught me to collect cars,'' I shrug. "He does too…''
"…''
She remains quiet after my small confession and I really don't know what else to say. Most people that work at GEH or know me well, know how wealthy my family is. This Audi costs what I make in three hours.
"Why are you so shocked?'' I finally ask her.
"I'm not shocked,'' she murmurs.
"Liar,'' I chuckle, glancing at her for a second. "Tell me.''
"It's just…you're rich.''
"You don't miss much,'' I tease.
"You're too rich…''
"And is that a problem?'' I question her, slowly.
"No, no. I just…I'm still getting used to all this,'' she replies.
"You sound like my mom,'' I laugh.
"Your mom?''
"She was just like you when she and my dad met.''
"I don't believe that. The woman I met was very elegant and refined…''
"After more than twenty years of being married to my dad,'' I offer.
"She hated me-"
"She doesn't hate you,'' I laugh.
"Her glare said otherwise,'' she mumbles.
"I'm her baby, she thinks all women want my money-"
"I don't want your money,'' she quickly states.
"I know, but not everyone is like you Olivia.''
"You must meet a lot of phony people, then?''
"A few,'' I nod in agreement. "One in particular.''
"Who was she? The person that hurt you?''
I practically crash into the car in front of us, as she asks that question. How the hell did she know someone had hurt me? Was I that easy to read? No, of course not. I had mastered my defense for years, she couldn't know…
"No one worth mentioning,'' Is all I am able to say.
"I'm sorry,'' she whispers and to my surprise, she takes my hand in hers. "For what it's worth, I think you're an amazing person with or without your money.''
"You barely know me-"
"I know enough.''
….
….
…
"I should take a picture of you like this. All dressed up with a bib around your neck as you crack open crab legs,'' she laughs, trying to break open her own crab leg.
"Oh god forbid if the people found out I eat!'' I pretend to be shocked. "You're horrible at this. Here, let me help you.''
"It's not my fault this things are so hard to break,'' she pouts adorably, taking an open crab leg from me.
"You're just weak,'' I tease.
"Says the guy I beat up,'' she teases back.
"Now that hurt, Ms. Hart. You are one touché little thing and for your information, you didn't beat me up.''
"Then why were you hopping on one foot?''
I give her an amused look over my crab leg and then snootily say, "You didn't beat me up, the door did.''
"That poor door,'' she sighs sadly, "It never saw you coming."
I laugh in amusement and she soon joins in, our laughter creating a melody of sorts.
"I am really sorry though. For hitting you, I mean.''
"Olivia, I wouldn't change a thing,'' I tell her honestly.
She smiles shyly at me, before going back to her forgotten crab. "Okay, how do you do this again?''
"Here,'' I laugh, helping her break another crab leg.
********FSoTG*********
"You didn't have to walk me up'' she says as we climb the staircase to her apartment.
"Nonsense, I wasn't going to let you walk all by yourself,'' I state.
"It wouldn't be the first time I did,'' she shrugs.
"That's because you weren't with me.''
"So, this is the real you,'' she murmurs more to herself than to me.
"Hmm?''
"You like milkshakes and don't mind cracking a few crab legs, and you walk a girl up to her apartment.''
"Still think I'm a billionaire playboy?'' I ask.
"No,'' she replies immediately.
"I'm sorry we had to cut the night so short, but I have a few meetings tomorrow,'' I apologize.
"I had fun,'' she tells me.
"Good. I did too,'' I smile.
"This is me,'' she mumbles as we stop in front of a door.
"Go out with me on Friday,'' I murmur, looking down at her beautiful face.
"Is that a good idea?''
"We went out today,'' I say.
"It's Monday. If we go out on Friday, people will think differently.''
"Does it really matter?''
She looks up at me for a few seconds and to my shock, she stands on her toes and kisses me on my cheek.
"No, it doesn't. Goodnight, Theodore,'' she whispers, before entering her apartment.
"Goodnight,'' I mumble, moving my hand over my cheek.
Yes, goodnight indeed.
Thanks for reading guys! Next chapter, Nick and Phoebe are officially introduced. BTW, Teddy's date on Friday will be much longer. I know it seems kind of rushed, but i wanted to post something asap.