A/N: WOW! I can't even tell you how excited I am that this story has already been so well received and that you're looking forward to more from the story. I'll try my absolute best to keep you reading and enjoying the story. There's a lot that can happen and I'm ready for the ride as well. Thank you all so much for the incredible reviews, for the follows and for the faves. I plan to update regularly. I will try my best not to leave you hanging for long. I know how it feels to get into a story and then have to wait forever to get that next chapter. Again, THANK YOU THANK YOU for the feedback and the questions. I'm so grateful. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I'll be updating soon.

:) Carter.

CHRISTIAN

Taylor and I have been parked out in front of Seattle Independent Publishing for the past fifteen minutes watching Anastasia on a coffee break. I might have bribed an assistant to tell me when she goes for lunch. He would only tell me her usual coffee break because lunch was never planned. It was a beautiful day out and I could tell she enjoyed the sun on her face.

"That's what she wears to work?" I looked on in disbelief as Anastasia stood outside of SIP wearing dark denim skinny jeans and a beige embellished silk tank. Moving my eyes downwards I noticed a pair of light pink keds. She really was carefree, laughing hysterically at something I couldn't hear. I have yet to see her unhappy and I hope I never do.

"I did my research. SIP isn't your typical publishing company. They pride themselves on their offbeat business ethic. They actually became quite successful once someone replaced their last editor-in-chief Jerry Roach who got caught up in fraud and identity theft charges with his last commissioning editor Jack Hyde." Taylor paused. Fraud and identity theft charges?. "I looked into them both. Hyde works at a coffee shop at a bookstore in Tacoma mopping floors now and Roach moved to Arizona after finalizing his divorce. It's safe to say that Anastasia stepped up the ladder once they left. That woman she's laughing with is Hannah Riley, her assistant." Taylor handed me a small stack of papers that had the names and photos of everyone that currently worked at SIP. The current Editor-in-Chief was Luanna Kingsley. She looked like the girl with the dragon tattoo.

"I'll drop you off at the end of the sidewalk and pick you up at the other side of the building." Taylor turned the car around and stopped in front of an outgoing mailbox.

"Thanks, Taylor." I put on my sunglasses and opened the door.

"You got this, boss. I'll see you on the other side." He winked at me, giving me a motivational smile. I was already feeling a little unsteady and it wasn't a feeling I had experienced in quite some time. I took a deep breath and centered myself. I'm Christian fucking Grey, I growl. This was just a woman. She really wasn't, though. Focus! I felt myself realign and I took that as my cue to move forward down the sidewalk before I missed my chance with the only woman who has ever affected me in such a way.

ANA

"I don't know, I'll have to think about it. The last time I was asked to go to a party, Alex and Kate had to come pick me up off of the front lawn of Delta Phi." Hannah and I laughed. I took a sip of my bitter tea and tried to find a way out of going to Luanna's annual Drunk Olympics. The woman was an awful example, but she was a killer Editor-in-Chief.

"That's all I ask. So whe-"

"Ms. Steele? Is that you?" Hannah's eyes grew wide while I flipped that familiar voice through the catalogue of sounds in my head. I turned around and standing right in front of me was Christian Grey. I felt so stupid after Andrea told me who he was after I left Grey House.

"Hi Mr. Grey. How are you?" I smiled big, acting casual.

"Oh, so It's Mr. Grey now?" I rolled my eyes at the ridiculousness of the situation. This man was the type of guy when no words could do the way he looked justice. He was tall and filled out a suit perfectly. His pale complexion made his dark copper hair stand out against his piercing gray eyes that could make anyone a bumbling idiot. I watched him shift in his expensive dark blue suit. He caught me checking him out and he smirked. I won't make this easy for you Mr. Grey.

"Well, that is your name isn't it?" I giggled. Hannah shifted, unsure of her place in the conversation.

"I'm going to meet you inside Ana." Hannah nodded at Christian and left before they properly met.

"Is this where all the magic happens? Outside on the sidewalk facing 3rd Ave?" He never took his eyes off of me. I felt surrounded by his gaze.

"I do a lot of reading indoors so the fresh air is good for my overall morale. What brings you by SIP?" I asked him. I looked around to see if I could take a guess, but came up with nothing that screamed 'Billionaire CEO frequents here!'.

"I heard a tip about some space for sale. Sometimes I like to see for myself." He nodded.

"It's an up and coming area so I would say go for it. SIP would be a good neighbor. Unless you plan on opening up some franchise or a set of elitist boutiques, then I would say look somewhere else." I could see a smile forming on his mouth. I'm a woman of the twenty first century. I have opinions and a voice. When I'm not buried in a book, I use it, which doesn't happen as often as it should.

"No, Ms. Steele I wouldn't think of doing something so devastating." He rolled his eyes.

"Are you mocking me, Mr. Grey?"

"No, I'm asking you out to lunch." Hold up.

"Lunch?" I asked to clarify.

"Yeah, It's when you eat food around noon and sometimes there is company involved." I laughed. Who was this guy?

"I can't today, but how about tomorrow?" I hoped he wouldn't take it as a blow off. He didn't look fazed.

"Sure, what's your number? I'll call you tomorrow to set something up." Christian took out his phone and entered my number with speed. He visibly relaxed once he had my number. Was I being difficult before?

"I should probably get going. Duty calls. I'll see you tomorrow Christian Grey." I smirked. I turned around to head back inside the quaint little brick building of SIP.

"Until then, Anastasia Steele." I smiled. As soon as I was near the door I heard the breath he didn't realize he was holding.

CHRISTIAN

"How did it go, boss?" Taylor asked as I settled into the back of the Audi. I felt like I just scaled the Empire State Building. My adrenaline was high.

"We're going for lunch tomorrow." I nodded. I was excited, but I didn't show it.

"I'd congratulate you, but you look miserable about it." Taylor observed. I shook my head out of frustration.

"I'm not, I just wasn't expecting it to go this far. She's different Taylor. I thought I sensed it at Grey House. I'll never forgive myself if she ends up pulling a brick out." She could be the biggest mistake I could make right now or turn out to be the best idea. I couldn't measure the risk because I was biased. It was my own carefully crafted life we were talking about.

"Or she could become a brick that you put in." Taylor, what a poet.

"Practicing your words for Gail?" I smirked.

"No, I'm just wise for my age." He said.

"You're thirty-eight, Taylor."

"I have a gun you know." Taylor's eyes smiled in the rear view mirror. I was about to tell him to 'fuck off' when my phone started to ring.

"Grey." I answered.

"Sir, just a reminder that Ros Bailey will be here to see you in an hour for the interview." She started with the normal news. She cleared her throat. "Also, Elliot Grey tried to access the executive floor without following regulations just moments ago." Just as she said that Taylor got a phone call. I ended the call with Andrea after I told her I would be right in. Taylor looked at me through the rear view mirror.

"Elliot was escorted off of the property once security noted that he was on the black list. Apparently he talked the receptionist into calling in a favor from the janitorial staff who have access to the master keys." What the fuck? Who do these people think they are? Elliot could have been a lunatic. Maybe he was. Time could do things to people.

"I hope you're ready for a big fucking scene, Taylor." I balled my fists to let go of some of the tension I was holding. What if I had been there and he succeeded in seeing me? How would I have reacted? What would that of done to the years of therapy I had undergone. I'm literally one Jenga piece from falling down already and I pay a lot of money in security and therapy to keep that piece in place. I can already smell the ink on those termination papers.

Taylor drove through the gates of the parking garage after swiping his access card, trying to disguise our arrival in case Elliot was camped outside waiting to confront me. We parked and I got out immediately, looking very much like the angry CEO that I was. I started for the elevator and pressed the button for the lobby firmly. Taylor knew when to keep his mouth shut. These were the times when he stood by to protect me from myself. Even though I stopped hitting people a long time ago. The doors opened for the lobby and It was buzzing with activity. It's incredible that I employ so many people. So many people I know nothing about. Grey House is twice the size of what Grey M&A was which made it difficult for me to interview anyone who wasn't of immediate importance..

"Which one is she?" I asked Taylor. He pointed to the blonde who wore shirts that always seemed to shrink in the dryer. I took a deep breath and focused my eyes on her, never taking them off. Taylor kept up with my pace until I stood directly in front of her at the reception desk. I cleared my throat. The look of surprise was visible on her face. I'm about to be the biggest asshole you have ever met. All I could picture was Elliot getting through to my office unannounced.

"Hi, Mr. Grey. How are you today?" You see me looking like this and you want to talk like a 1-800 number?

"Ms.?" I asked through gritted teeth. The rest of the women behind the desk looked like they were chewing on nails while they looked at the only woman I had ever spoken to at reception.

"Barry. Rachel Barry." She smirked like it was her lucky day.

"Ms. Barry, who the fuck gave you the right to orchestrate access to the executive floor without an appointment?!" I waited for an answer from a speechless Rachel Barry. One of the other girls snickered.

"No one, sir." She squeaked.

"That's what I thought! Who else helped him gain access? Tell me right now and I might let you keep your job!" I could feel the stares of the Grey House employees on the back of my head. Let this be a reminder of who you work for. She swallowed hard, shifting her eyes around the audience that collected around us.

"William Porter, janitorial staff. He was going to use his master key, Mr. Grey." Do I fire this woman after she just sold someone out to keep her job? No way in hell. She just cost someone their job to save her own after pulling a stunt like this.. No need for a two faced employee who has no issues with breaking the rules.

"Taylor, take her badge, gather her belongings and show her out. You no longer work here at Grey House, Ms. Barry. Don't expect a reference letter. You wouldn't like what it would have to say." I turned around to look at all of the stunned faces. "I don't have time for this shit! If any of you agree with the way Ms. Barry and Mr. Porter handled themselves today then you can get the fuck out also! Just see your nearest HR representative for more information! I won't put up with this bullshit! Unbelievable!" That was probably the most I have said to anyone in this building. I ran my fingers through my hair and looked at Taylor who squared his jaw. He wasn't happy either.

"Let's go, Taylor." I left behind a lobby that was stunned into silence and entered the executive elevator, trying to regain my composure.

"Wait! Wait! Wait! Hold the door!" A tall, pretty, slender woman with long dark hair ran awkwardly to the elevator in her black Louboutins. Taylor stood in front of me with his hand nearing his gun for good measure.

"You need to check in!" Taylor growled.

"I just did right before that incredible speech. I'm Ros Bailey. I'm here to interview for the position of COO." She smiled, completely enthralled with what just happened. I took a moment to think it over.

"Get in." I said, moving over towards Taylor to give her some room.

"That was incredible. I have never seen something like that in my thirteen years in corporate. God, that must have felt good. I came to the right place." Ros was hyped.

"Excuse me?" Who the fuck was this woman?

"Sorry." She put her hand out. I'm surprised I shook it. "Nice to meet you Mr. Grey. Thank you for taking the time to see me today." She said with enthusiasm. This woman was a trip. The elevator doors opened on the executive floor and I barked at Olivia to get two coffees. I nod at Andrea who has learned that It's just my way of a friendly hello.

"Right this way Ms. Bailey." I held the door open and motioned for her to take a seat. I closed the door behind me and sat at my desk. I opened the folder containing the information for Ms. Bailey that Andrea carefully organized for me and left on my desk. Olivia picked that time to deliver the coffees without asking what Ms. Bailey wanted in hers. I guess she'll have it black. I have no time for placing orders.

"So, Ms. Bailey, why Grey House?" I asked flatly. Let's just get to the point. I looked her in the eyes and she didn't even blink.

"I'm not going to bullshit you Mr. Grey. You're the best at what you do. I've been watching you since you started Grey M&A and you inspired me to dive into mergers and acquisitions at a young age as well. That aspect of your company aside; the way that you're transforming and leading communications technologies and how committed you are to progressive innovation; I couldn't resist taking my chances for a career move of a lifetime by working here at Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc."

"You're quite passionate, aren't you?" I smirked. That was important. I just couldn't tell if I could stand working this close with her. She was a little much.

"My girlfriend thinks I'm neurotic, but I'll let you decide." She laughed a laugh that forced a smile on my face. I looked over her resume and it was rather impressive. I couldn't deny that. She was outspoken; ensuring communication at all times. She was passionate about the company; very much a requirement. There would be no issues of romantic interests on her part considering her sexual orientation. I had a good feeling about Andrea and so far that didn't bite me in the ass.

"Well, Ms. Bailey. I understand that this is your last stop before a decision can be made. I can see that you would be a good fit here at Grey House. Of course, the position of COO is a major undertaking and there needs to be a level of trust built. I don't think you have a problem with communication or taking on demanding work loads considering your resume." The words to the phrase 'please, are you kidding me?' were written all over her face.

"None at all." She nodded, engrossed in what I was explaining to her.

"I would like to extend the offer for the position as Grey House's COO, but it will be on a trial basis. After three months I will have each department conduct a full review. I will complete one also. Of course my word weighs more heavily, but I want to see how well you fit in. Since we have gone over your background check and HR has beaten a dead horse over sorting you out before you could even meet with me; you can start as soon as possible.

"Mr. Grey this is fantastic. I know we'll make an excellent team." I inwardly cringed at the word 'team'. I needed to get over that. Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc. was growing and I needed to be reasonable.

"I'm sure everything will work out just fine. I'll have Andrea show you to HR to go over the paperwork. After that we will set you up with the Grey House essentials. When do you think you'll be able to start?"

"Tomorrow, if I may?" Works for me.

"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow Ms. Bailey. I suggest getting here early." I nodded in completion.

"Certainly. And please, call me Ros." She smiled. I don't think we're on a first name basis yet.

"Have a good day, Ms. Bailey." She shook her head with an amused grin.

"Mr. Grey."

ANA

I reached for the granola in the top cabinet and went over to the counter and sprinkled some on top of my vanilla yogurt. It wasn't the breakfast of champions, but I could never eat anything heavy first thing in the morning.

"It's just lunch, Kate." I sighed.

"There's just something about those Grey boys." Kate said dreamily and smiled as she sat on the stool in front of me.

"Boys?" I asked.

"Yeah, he has a brother, Elliot. I see him out a lot. Total man whore." Huh. Okay.

"Well, like I said, It's just lunch. He seems pretty harmless so why not?" I thought I would step it up a notch today and wear my navy blue lace skater dress with a nude pair of stiletto high ankle strap sandals. I left my hair down in loose curls and added just a touch of a peachy lip.

"Let's just hope he isn't like the million other douchebags who have tried to get into your pants." Kate groaned. Sure, I've been pursued plenty of times, but no one ever got lucky.

"I doubt Christian Grey is trying to get into my pants. I'm probably just an amusement to help pass the time. I'll humor him just this once." I smirked. I hoped I wasn't just an amusement.

"Bullshit. You're fucking hot, Steele. You always underestimate yourself and it pisses me off. You never notice how guys look at you. We just need to work on that cherry of yours." Kate started to laugh as I threw a few granola bits at her.

"Kate, I've held onto it for this long, I can wait a little longer."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Waiting for your Prince Charming. I get it. Maybe it could be Mr. Moneybags?" She teased as she stood up to get ready for the day.

"It wouldn't be the worst thing." It really wouldn't be.

"I need to shower. It's going to take me forever to tame this mane. Text me all the details when you get back from lunch." Kate kissed me on the cheek before running off to her bedroom. I stood there and collected myself before I grabbed my purse and headed out the door. As soon as the door shut, my first inkling of butterflies set in.

CHRISTIAN

"Taylor, It's time." I slipped on my suit coat and put a stick of spearmint gum in my mouth. Taylor and I walked to the elevator and I let the idea of a lunch date with Anastasia sink in.

"Nervous?" Taylor asked.

"That's not the word for it." I couldn't exactly put it into words. This wasn't something I had practice with. I've seen my brother go out on dates, but his dates were more like quick fucks. I never understood it.

"She seems nice enough. I can tell she's not like the majority." Taylor noticed.

"Yeah. That's the problem. I don't know what to expect." I thumbed through my phone and sent out a text to Anastasia to let her know that I was on my way. Even correspondence with her was a nice feeling.

It wasn't long before we were parked in front of SIP. I sat in the Audi and waited for Anastasia to appear.

"It's usually nice if the guy gets out of the car to greet the woman." Taylor smiled. Thanks for the tip.

"Okay, smart ass." I shook my head and got out of the car. I leaned against the car and waited for her to show. It took moments, but when I saw her walk out of the building in that dress I instantly stiffened.

"Hi, Mr. Grey." She smiled. I could tell she was nervous also. I felt some relief from that.

"Anastasia, call me Christian, please." I opened the door for her to get in and get comfortable as I followed.

"Then you can call me Ana." She straightened out her dress to cover her legs to her knee. God, she was gorgeous.

"Thanks for picking me up." What did she expect? To walk? I knew she didn't have a car.

"Absolutely. I wouldn't have it any other way. How has your day been?" I asked. I didn't know what to do with my hands.

"Ruined a few author's dreams and read until I needed a motrin. The usual." Her smile lit up the dark interior of the Audi. That mouth on her made me slip a smile.

"Well, I'm glad I could steal you away from those hapless conditions." I teased.

"It's welcomed. Where are we going?" She crossed her legs and leaned in closer. I thought she might be feeling more comfortable with me. I eased some.

"Sorellina. I hope you like Italian." I should have asked.

"Love it. Could eat it everyday." Thank God.

Taylor managed to get us to Sorellina before our reservation. I helped Ana out of the car and walked by her side to the hostess stand.

"Hi, Mr. Grey. Right this way." It was always strange when people knew who I was without an introduction. Ana smiled at me and we followed the hostess to the back of the restaurant where there was more privacy. Sorellina was a popular place in Seattle. It was a beautiful space made up entirely of a variation of cream colors. Black lanterns were suspended above the tables creating a bold contrast. There wasn't much for decoration except for the scattered candles and various bundles of branches in tall vases. It was clean and open. It wasn't the ideal place for lunch, but I wanted something more intimate.

I held out the chair for her awkwardly and let her into the table. I took the seat across from her and let the server fill our waters and take our drink orders. I was happily surprised when Ana turned down the wine. I still ordered a glass for myself to calm my nerves.

"Nice place." Ana's eyes roamed the restaurant.

"My first time here. Didn't know what to expect." Just that it was good for a date.

"Well… Good job." I could tell she wanted to say something else, but was being polite. I wasn't sure what to say to here. I thought I'd start with what I already knew.

"So, I'm guessing you went to college?" I rested the middle of my arms on the table and folded my fingers in.

"Washington State in Vancouver. Studied English Literature. How about you, Mr. CEO?" I laughed. You would think I was college educated.

"I didn't go to college." Her eyes widened.

"Wow. That's impressive."

"I was very resourceful." I nodded.

"I know you moved from New York. Do you miss it?" Do I?

"Somewhat. I had unfinished business here in Washington." I already said too much.

"I'll leave that alone." She smirked.

"I appreciate it." The server placed my wine down on the table and took our lunch orders. I ordered us both the filet mignon with beech mushrooms, whipped potatoes and montepulciano cheese. Ana smiled in agreement.

"My roommate Kate says she runs into your brother a lot when she goes out." I could feel the blood drain from my face.

"I'd rather not talk about my family." I said in a clipped tone, startling her.

"Sorry. I didn't mean…" I shook my head.

"No, don't be. It's just a touchy subject. I didn't mean to be short with you." I gave her a closed smile to reassure her.

"Now I know." She took a sip of water and settled in her chair. I'm not feeling very confident about this date. I went to bring up her roommate, but a familiar voice carried from behind the wall that divided our table from the rest of the floor.

"Christian, what is it?" Ana could see the worry in my face.

"Nothing." It wasn't nothing. It was Mrs. Lincoln.

A/N: Oh God... Mrs. Lincoln, I know. I hate to even look at her name after reading about her in so many stories. She's awful and a little repetitive, but I think the different take will be a little refreshing. So, what are your thoughts on the chapter? :) Thanks again for going out of your way to review. It's much appreciated and enjoyed! :)