Christian's POV
The next day, I wake up and I can only think about Chanelle. I have never had an interest in dating let alone making a black girl my submissive until I saw her 2 days ago. Everything about her is too perfect. I wish I had the chance to talk to her more. I hope she got the flowers that I got for her. She was absolutely amazing last night. I am sitting in my office doing some more work. My phone buzzes and I am hoping its her but no its Elliot to harass me.
"Elliot." I say coldly
"Whoa bro! What's eating you? You sound pissed! Did Chanelle call you yet?" He is slowly irritating me with the questions.
"No! Now that you said something, she probably won't!" I gritted through my teeth. I don't mean to be that way toward Elliot but he is slowly bothering me. "Look, I am doing work. I will call you back." I hang up and run my hands through my hair and drown myself into work.
I am finally done and then my phone rings. Please let it be Chanelle. I look and I feel a smile creep up on my lips.
"Well. It's about time you called." I say
Chanelle's POV
"Well, hello to you too . Please bear with me. I am a little nervous to talk to you and quite frankly I have no idea how this conversation should go...Wait! How did you know it was me?" I chuckled a bit and he giggled. His giggle made me feel even happier.
"Don't be nervous. You probably don't want to know. Actually, what are you doing tonight? I would like to take you out unless you were looking to have a night in." He says. There is something telling me not to trust him. My mind is telling me to back away but my heart wants to give it a shot. Could I really try after my incident? What if this dude ends up being a whack job and he is really just trying to kill me? I guess I should try it. I don't know anyone here so I guess I could use a friend.
"I was actually about to cook something for dinner. Would you like to come over? I do have one requirement. Bring over a bottle of champagne! I am fresh out!" I laugh and I hear him chuckle in the background.
"Great. Do you have a preference?" He asked. I flip through my minds memory but I can't pick one.
"Surprise me. Do you need the..." The line clicks. I think he hung up. "address." I sigh! How is he going to get here if he doesn't have my address? I begin to take the steak out of the fridge and season them and put them in the oven. I am cutting up my potatoes and seasoning them as well and put them in the oven with the steaks. I take the asparagus out and saute those in a non stick skillet when I heard a knock at the door. I wonder who that could be.
I look out my window to see the same Audi Q7 sitting in my driveway. I open the door and see him. It's Christian holding 2 bottles of Cristal. He is wearing a black blazer, black slacks and a light gray shirt with no tie. Could he be any hotter? WAIT! How the hell does he know where I live?!
"So you are the one with the Audi Q7 and do I even want to ask?" I asked while I crossed my arms. He begins to smile. Geez red flag #1-Stalker!
"If I told you, you might kick me out before I even step foot in the door." I smile back and turn on my heels. He stands there looking confused. Does he need a flare signal to come in.
"You know you can come in. I did invite you here after all." I say while walking to go check my food. He closes the door and makes his way to my kitchen.
"Chanelle! It smells heavenly in here." I smile and look back at him.
"Thanks! You could thank my great grandmother for that. She is the one who taught me how to cook." I see him walking around about in my house and he is whistling as he moves about. "I take it you like the house." I say while checking the asparagus and grabbing 2 plates.
"Even though I have a designer, I would love to know the name of the person who did this. Chanelle this is beautiful. All you really need is a few paintings." I smile and look up at him, raising my eyebrow. "So, who designed your home?" He ask. He is actually serious.
"You don't have to look far Mr. Grey. You are looking at the designer." His jaw is on the floor stunned by the revelation that I designed this house all by myself. "The color of the house I consulted with my dad but this was my pet project especially since I was moving here. Everything is practically brand new. I needed everything to be perfect before the move." He is impressed I think. He looks at me and smiles again. I could never tire of that.
"Wow! Chanelle you have quite the resume. You are a singer and interior designer. What else do you do?" He asks. She has many skills and one of them is a sniper. Her friends took her to a gun range and showed her how to use a sniper rifle. So, I suggest for him to tread carefully. My subconscious says under breath. She needs to hush!
"Well, I am a certified Medical Assistant, Bartender and my newest one on my list is Administration Assistant to Jones,Weitzman and Shultz ad agency." I can see that he is really impressed. Dinner is ready and I plate it up and move the plates to the dining room table. He grabs a bottle of champagne and two glasses out of my cabinet.
We sit next to each other and my mind and heart began to race. I have this gorgeous man sitting next to me, eating what I cooked. I hope he likes it. I begin to look at him as he took a bite of the steak. He closes his eyes and moaned with delight. He likes it! I know he does!
"Chanelle! This steak is cooked to perfection! Are you sure you aren't an undercover chef?" I laugh at the thought.
"I wanted to be a chef when I was younger but I like to cook for fun. It would hurt me too much if someone didn't like my cooking so, I only cook for my family and friends...well...for myself now because I don't have anyone here with me." I look at my hands folded in my lap. Christian stops eating and looks at me crossed.
"You moved to a state where you don't have any family or friends? Why?" A single tear escaped my eye. I wasn't ready to talk to anyone about my incident especially not someone I have just met 15 hours ago. The only person in my family that knows is my dad and he isn't telling anyone else. My family loves to over-react.
"I needed to escape! Philadelphia was just too much for me. I needed to be somewhere new. Somewhere relaxing." I let out a sigh and he smiled a little.
"Well, you chose a great spot. It's very peaceful over here." He says as he gets back into the steak I made. I begin to eat and even I am in awe of my cooking. Shit! I haven't made a steak this good in forever. The memory of burning the steak at my grandmother's house brings a huge smile to my face. I began to cover up my chuckle and Christian is staring at me. "Something funny?" I look at him and I shook my head
"Sorry! I was thinking of something." He relaxes some more. I kind of don't want this night to end. I took a sip of the champagne and i'm impressed. I haven't had champagne like this before. It's so light! We finally finish up and I take the plates in the kitchen. While I rinse off the plates to put them in the dishwasher, he pour me more champagne and brings my glass over.
"So, what else did you have planned?" I can feel his eyes all over me and I don't want to move. I can't move. It feels like he has glued me to one spot.
"Well, I was going to head to my sanctuary if you want to follow me." I say. I see his brow raise. Is he confused or what. "I call my makeshift studio my sanctuary. It brings me peace when I can sing and sometimes I write songs. Speaking of which, I need to grab my candles. If you don't mind there is a box next to my couch full of candles. Can you bring them to me?" I send him to get the box while I set up. He walks in and he is amazed by how I transform a room into a studio.
"Chanelle this is really impressive." He looks around and he noticed the small Buddha statue I have on my window. "You are Buddhist?" I smile and nod.
"I have been for a couple of years now. It especially helps me when I am overly stressed out. So, when I come in here, I can play my music and meditate." I sit down near my guitar and he sits behind my keyboard. He looks and sees that I was playing My Immortal. He begins to play the chords to the song and I smile.
"I take it you play piano?" I smile. He nods but I feel like there is something deeper. He looks pained when he plays. Maybe playing is his therapy just like it is with me. "I am suppose to play for you silly. Do you have any requests?" I say while picking up my acoustic guitar.
"Surprise me. I love your singing." He says while smiling. I smile back and I decide on a song.
"Ok. I am going to sing 'Best Friends' by Amy Winehouse." I set up and play the song. I can see him out of the corner of my eye adoring me.
"You're Stephanie and I'm Paulette
You know what all my faces mean
And it's easy to smoke it up,
forget Everything that happened in between"
I finish playing the song and he claps. "That was beautiful." I smile and begin to chuckle. I think I could have done better.
"Thanks. So do you know how to play any songs from today on the piano?" He smiles and begins to play. He begins to play 'Tangled Up In You' by Staind. I love this song and I begin to play the notes on my guitar. I begin to sing the song and Christian is watching me get into the song. He sings the song with me.
After we finish, I noticed that it was getting late. I need to go to bed. "As much as I would love to sing till the sun comes up, I need to kick you out. I am sleepy and need to get up early." I get up and start to blow out the candles. Christian comes up behind me and puts his arm around my waist. My whole body becomes stiff and he backs away. "Christian...I..." He shakes his head.
"No. I am sorry. I moved in way to fast! I should get going. Thanks for dinner." I try to catch him before he walks out of my studio door. By the time I was able to reach my front door, he was already driving down my street. I slid down the door and began to cry.
"Fuck Gideon! Why the fuck did you leave me this damaged?" I whisper to myself.
Christian's POV
Her body got tense when I tried to pull her close to me. What is she so apprehensive about? Maybe she has had a bad childhood like I did. I drive back to Escala in deep thought. What's wrong with that beautiful angel? She seemed like she was pained especially when she plays her guitar. I lock up the car and head upstairs to my apartment. Once, I get there I begin to play the piano and I know I am going to play well into the night.
Monday is here and I just want to blow through this day. I am in my office and I call in Andrea. She walks in and has a seat in front of me. "Ok! I need a rundown of all of my meetings and appointments."
"Mr. Grey for today, you have a meeting with the ad agency next door at 12:30pm and a appointment with Gideon Cross from Cross industries at 2pm, You also have a meeting with the president of WSUV today at 4. Is there anything else you need Mr. Grey?" She ask me and I am deep in thought. I've heard those names before. I shake my head to bring myself out of my thoughts.
"No Andrea that will be all thank you." She nods and walks out. Ad agency next door? CHANELLE! I hope I can see her. I wonder if I should call and make sure she comes to this meeting. I pick up my phone and call the building next door.
"John Grossman's office. Chanelle speaking. How can I help you?" Her voice sounds so lovely and I replay her giggle in my mind. "Hello?" Shit! I forgot why I called.
"Yes! John Grossman please." I say in my business voice.
"Ok! May I ask who is calling." Shit! Here goes nothing.
"Mr. Christian Grey." I say and I heard a small gasp on the phone. That brought a smile to my face.
"Um...hold on one second please Mr. Grey." I hear the line click and I am smiling like an idiot.
"Mr. Grey hello. I am looking forward to our meeting today. Is there something wrong?" I smile some more.
"No! I would like you to bring your assistant Chanelle with you to the meeting. She might have some ideas we could use! She sounds like a very bright woman."
"She is Mr. Grey! I will bring her. We should be over in 10 minutes." Great I can explain everything to her after the meeting. I need to get everything ready. "Andrea! Order lunch from the deli for my first clients." I hope this goes over well.
Chanelle's POV
Today is my first day of work and I truly love this place. I decided to go all out with my wardrobe. I have on a silk navy blue blouse and a gray pencil skirt with my Christian Louboutin pumps. My hair is flowing over my shoulders with a navy blue bow clip on the side. I think I look highly presentable. My phone rings and I look to see if it's an outside call. It is.
"John Grossman's office. Chanelle speaking. How can I help you?" I always got made fun of when I answered the phone. The line is silent. I really hope no one if playing on the phone! "Hello?"
"John Grossman please." The man on the other end sounds utterly familiar but it can't be him. I don't think I am ready to face him again.
"May I ask who is calling?" I love when I try to sound all professional.
"Mr. Christian Grey." I gasp. I knew it! Know I am going to be thinking about him and I truly don't want to.
""Um...hold on one second please Mr. Grey." I put him on hold and I transfer the call to John. I walk up to grab a cup of coffee. I need some whiskey in this coffee. I sit back down and begin to finish typing out a report. I get another call but this time its from John. "Hey John! What's up?"
"Hey Chanelle! Can I see you in my office please?" I gasp. Fuck! It's only the first day and already I am getting called into the office. What did I do wrong?
"Yeah sure! Give me a sec." I say I hang up the phone. I grabbed my notebook and a pen and walked back to his office. "You wanted to see me?" He nodded and told me to close the door.
"Chanelle, you have been invited to come to my presentation next door. The guy who owns the company wants to become a partner and the big heads upstairs want me to give a reason why he should join in with us. You were asked by name though so maybe you could give the extra boost we need." I look at him puzzled.
"I was asked by name? I don't know anyone here!" Who could've asked for me unless it was leaked by TMZ that I was living here. John looks at me and looks at the clock and widen his eyes.
"Crap! We have to go!" He grabs my hand and we run to the elevator. Within 5 minutes we were standing in the massive building going upstairs to the meeting. I am nervous because I don't know what to expect. John walks over to the secretary and let's her know we are here for a 12:30 appointment. She walks us into this extravagant office. Man, this is lovely. I turn around and I am frozen in place. HE OWNS GREY ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS?! WHY DID I NOT PUT TWO AND TWO TOGETHER?! I begin to feel dizzy.
"Mr. Grey thank you for having us meet today. This is my assistant..." Christian interrupts his greeting.
"Good afternoon Ms. Howard-Jones. How are you this afternoon?" He walks up to me and shakes my hand while he leans into my ear. "Can we please talk after this meeting? What I did was wrong and i'm sorry." He leans back up.
"Good afternoon Mr. Grey. I am fine. It is a pleasure to be here. Thank you for inviting me." I give him a cold look and took my place next to John.
"I would rather us be closer since it's just us 3" Christian pulls out a chair next to his and I walk to it. I am hesitant to sit down. "Please do sit down Ms. Howard-Jones" And like that my legs disobey me and I sit. Christian brings me over a roast beef sandwich. "I hope you like it. It's my favorite from the deli down the way."
John starts his power point presentation while I begin to work on this roast beef sandwich. Man this thing is delicious. I found my new lunch spot to go to. I am lost in my own thoughts. Looking at Christian dressed in a black Prada suit with a white shirt and a silver gray tie to match the buttons on the jacket. His hair is a little unruly but still sat in a place where it looked presentable. I want to cut his hair. I begin to bite my bottom lip.
"That's great John! What is your take on all of this Chanelle? I would love to hear why I should join the company." I'm brought out of my thoughts and began to smile. I have no clue as to what happened but I will do what I do best...Wing it!
"Well Mr. Grey, seeing as though this is my first day and from the people I have talked to, I think your partnership with our agency will make us well known. I hear you are a pretty big deal and will do anything to help a company succeed and with your name on in the mix, we can guarantee that we at Jones, Weitzman and Shultz will not disappoint you. I promise that our work will be second to none." I take my seat. Wow! Where did that come from. I look at the clock and it is nearly 2 in the afternoon. Damn where did the day go? I saw Christian talking to John while I finished the rest of my roast beef sandwich. Suddenly, I feel hands on my shoulders.
"Ok! About last night! I shouldn't have done that. I am sorry Chanelle." I gave him a slight smile. I over-reacted. I knew it. I stood and crossed my arms.
"You know Grey, you're not such a bad guy. Maybe we could try something out. You know start over on the right foot." I walk over and lean in to kiss him. It official! I have fallen for the same guys I made fun of in Philadelphia. Suddenly, his office door opens interrupting us from our little daydream. We both look over and I am floored. This is not happening to me. A tall man with glossy black hair and icy blue eyes to kill walks in and I know only one person who could stop a whole room from what they are doing. "No!" I whisper to myself. I roll my eyes and cross my arms. Fuck my life!
"Chanelle? WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Fuck! Why is Gideon here. I thought we settled this shit back on the east coast and where is that blonde bitch Eva?
"GIDEON DON'T START THIS SHIT AGAIN! WHY CAN'T YOU LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE? WAS THE MESSAGE I SENT NOT CLEAR OR DO I NEED TO CALL HIM AGAIN AND TELL HIM TO FLY OUT HERE TO KICK YOUR ASS AGAIN?" Why is he here in Seattle?! Ground eat me please?!
"WHY ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH ARE YOU WITH THIS PRICK?! DO YOU NOT READ THE TABLOIDS? HE'S NOT WRAPPED TOO TIGHT CHANELLE!" He spits out and I am ready to kick him in the nuts. Gideon is really starting to piss me off. The last time I seen him was when my dad kick his ass to hell and back for what he did to me.
"Why are you in my business Gideon? Why can't you accept the fact that I have moved on with my life? Besides, where is that bitch Eva? I'm pretty sure she could use you right about now unless she is fucking her roommate. What's his name again? Cary Taylor? You seem to be into her when I wanted to talk to you before but you brushed me to the side like everyone else and said that I was just another sleazy whore! Even Magdelene thought how you treated me was beyond fucked up and I hate the bitch as much as I hate Eva!" I go to walk and get in his face but Christian pulls me by my waist to hold me back. Christian tenses up. I think he is angry but he is protecting me from this douche canoe that is Gideon Cross of Cross Industries.
"I think you might want to watch what you say about me Cross. You are the one who approached me with a business deal and the way I see it, I can call it off and you will be left stuck again! Your choice. Choose wisely." Christian says in a deep, dark voice. I look at him and his stance is much taller than earlier. Fuck this! I need to leave. I push Christian's hands off my waist and walk toward the door. "Chanelle! Wait!" Christian yells as I stop in front of Gideon.
"Fuck you Gideon and the hole you crawled out of! Go back to New York and stay there! I don't want to see you in Seattle ever again!" I begin to walk off and he catches my elbow and whispered in my ear. Christian flinched but I put my hand up. I want to hear what this prick has to say.
"I will get you back one way or another Chanelle. You are mine! You will always be mine! Remember who verbally agreed!" He let's me go
"Fuck that verbal agreement! It's over Gideon! It's been over! Let me the fuck go." I stormed out of Christian's office wiping tears away from my face. John is standing in the waiting room waiting. He sees me and fresh tears began to fall.
"Oh goodness Chanelle! I heard screaming! Who was that other executive looking guy." He begins to rub my shoulders and walk me to the elevator. I see Christian run out but the elevator doors close. We get back to the office and I sit down at my desk and begin to drown myself in work. I see John come up and he rubs my back.
"Hey! How about you take the rest of the day off. You worked hard and had a trying afternoon." I nod and grabbed my stuff and gave John a hug.
"Thanks John! Thanks for making sure I was ok. I appreciate it." I pulled out my car keys and my sunglasses and walked out the office. I make my way downstairs and as soon as I walk outside, I see Angus. I give him a polite smile and walk to my car.
"Ms. Jones!" I see Angus running towards me. "Ms. Jones! How are you?" I smile at Angus
"I've seen better days. Seeing your employer wasn't on my agenda for today or the rest of my life for that matter." Angus's face fell. He knows what happened between me and Gideon and he still feels like it's his fault for not stopping it from happening. "Angus look at me. It wasn't your fault. Stop beating yourself up for something that he could've avoided. He got angry at something so trivial. It's ok!" I give him a hug and give him a small wave goodbye. I hop in my car and pull the top down. Gideon walks out of Christian's building and he sees me. I look over and I am instantly angry I pull up some, throw up my middle finger and sped off.
This day has been tiresome. Time to go home and take a long bath.