A/N: hope everyone had a good start of the year... here's the next chapter :)

I've been cooped up in my study since Autumn went to bed. Incompetent fuckers over in the New York office can't seem to do their jobs right, and I'm the one left the clean up their mess. Tomorrow heads will be rolling, and people are losing their jobs, if the situation doesn't get fixed by the end of next week.

I turn off my computer and find my stomach growling, so I go on a search for food.

I stop in my tracks when I see Ana is standing in the kitchen in only a silk robe. It's late, after midnight now. She's standing on her tiptoes trying to reach something in the top cabinet.

I stand there watching the show, her ass is shaking back and forth as she reaches up. Her robe raises just enough I can see the curve of her ass. She must only be wearing a pair of underwear under that robe, and it's more likely very tiny.

There's no hiding my now harden dick in these pajama bottoms. I'm unsure if I should even try something with her. Ever since are almost kiss a month ago, I've been doing everything I can to avoid getting too close to her, trying to stay professional.

However, I love just talking to her. We have the most easy going conversations when were alone and last week we stayed up all night talking. It made me like her even more.

But, I need to focus on Autumn. Not, trying to get in her nanny's pants.

It just doesn't help she's unbelievably sexy and sweet. Not to mention it's been almost a year since I've been with anyone.

"Do you need some help with that Ana?"

My voice startles her and she jumps, turning her body to me.

"You scared me Christian." She says placing her hand on her chest.

"I didn't mean to scare you. You just looked like you needed some help." I walk over to her, standing right in front of her. Her breath hitches and I just remembered I'm not wearing a shirt.

"Um, yeah. I keep a bag of candy in the top cabinet, so Autumn doesn't see it. Tonight, I have a bit of a sweet tooth." She tells me shyly.

I reach over her and grab the bag of M&M's and hand it to her.

"Thank you." She blushes.

"You're welcome."

We're standing insanely close to each other, her breathing is heavy as she tightens her robe around her, her skin is a flamed.

I affect her.

Before I can even think rationally I grab her face with both my hands and put her lips to mine. She moans as her lips part to allow my tongue into her mouth.

I hear the bag of M&M's fall to the floor, as her hands find their way to my hair.

She tastes so sweet, and I grind my erection into her. She feels so good. I want her.

But I can't.

I shouldn't.

It would only complicate what we have. I've known this, this is why I stayed away. Autumn adores Ana and I can't risk messing that up, just for a possible romp in the sack. Plus, what if we do start a relationship and we break up. I'm not known for my track record.

I push away from her, leaving her kind of shocked by my abrupt stop.

"We can't do this…" I tell her "I'm sorry."

Her mouth drops open and she looks at everything but me.

"Why?" It's faint but I hear it.

"Because you're my god daughter's nanny. It just wouldn't be right. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…it was a mistake."

She finally looks at me, I see a flash of hurt in her eyes, but it's quickly gone and now there cold and distant.

"Fuck! That's not what I meant…"

"It's fine Mr. Grey." She puts her hand up to stop me from talking. "I understand. We'll just forget that this ever happened."

She kneels down to pick up the bag of candy and turns quickly on her heel to head towards her room.

What the hell did I just do?

I didn't sleep at all last night. I kept thinking about our kiss and then about how I stupidity turn her away.

But, it was the right thing to do…

Wasn't it?

But, I can't stop thinking about how good she felt pressed against my body, how soft her lips were.

If anything, I probably made things worse.

I wander to the kitchen after getting ready and find Gail, Ana and Autumn at the breakfast bar.

Ana is helping Autumn cut up her pancakes, she'll only eat them if they're cut up first.

"Good morning." I make myself known.

Everyone turns to me, except for Ana.

"Uncke Christian." Autumn cheers as I walk into the room. "I helped make the pancakes this morning"

"You did? That's great. I'm sure they'll taste extra special then."

"Yep, mine has blueberries in them." I take a seat next to Autumn as Gail makes me plate.

"Ana, aren't you going to eat?" I look over and ask her. Hoping that she'll have to look at me to answer me.

"Ana's stomach hurts, Uncke." Autumn answers for her.

I guess I'm the one to blame for her stomach pains.

"Do you need the day off Ana?"

"No, I'm fine Mr. Grey." She says my name with such disdain, still not looking at me.

My heart drops into the pit of my stomach, I thought we dropped the formalities.

She hates me.

Can you blame her asshat? You kiss her like your life depends on it and then shove her away like yesterday's trash.

"We're going to the park today." Autumn announces. "Bre is going to be there too."

Bre or really Breanna is one of Autumn's friends that used to live in the same neighborhood as her and Ted. Ana thought it would be a good idea for her to stay connected with her old friends. So, I made the contacts and Ana sets up the playdates.

"That's great, peanut."

"Can me and Bre have a sleepover one day?"

"Sure peanut. We can set something up."

"Ana can do it." Autumn says gleefully. "Right Ana?"

"Of course, angel. As long as the day we pick is ok with Mr. Grey." Ana smiles down at Autumn, brushing her hair out of her face.

The two have such a good connection with each other. If I did anything with Ana, I risk messing that up. Maybe, it is better that we stay professional with each other. Friends, even.

Hopefully, we can get that back after that kiss.

"Can we do it Saturday Christian.. Please…?" Autumn begs putting her hands together and giving me a pout.

"Sure."

"Yay." Autumn lifts off her seat and gives me a hug.

"Why don't you get ready, so we can go, Autumn."

"Ok, Ana." She hops out of my arms and runs to her room.

Gail has cleaned up the dishes and gone to do whatever, leaving me alone with Ana.

"Do you think we could talk for a moment?"

I hear her huff quietly before turning to me. Her eyes don't meet mine.

"Yes, Mr. Grey?"

"I just wanted to apologize again for last night."

"You don't need to apologize, Mr. Grey. I get it."

"I just don't want to give you any reason to leave. Autumn adores you." I adore you. "I don't know if I could find someone as great as you have been with her."

"I adore Autumn too. Don't worry I won't let one mistake cause me to quit. Now I need to get ready." She then scurries out of the room like it's on fire.

You're a fucking idiot, Grey.

A week has passed and it's been nothing but hell on earth for me. Ana won't say much more then 'Yes, Mr. Grey, No, Mr. Grey' or anything that has to do with Autumn.

It might be summer outside, but it's the dead of winter in this house.

I've tried talking to her about what happened, but I get brushed off.

I guess going back to what we had, is now lost forever. I miss our talks and I haven't even seen her smile all week.

I'm a dick.

I know she has a hard time trusting people and I guess I didn't help in that department. I think the only reason she doesn't quit is because of Autumn.

That girl has Ana wrapped around her finger. Well, I guess I'm just as wrapped up.

I'm sitting in my office at GEH, trying to get some work done.

I'm failing miserably.

My phone rings, pulling me out of thoughts of Ana. I look at the caller ID, and its Elliot.

"Hey Elliot. What can I do for you?"

"You and I have dates tonight."

"Excuse me?"

"Listen, there's this girl I kind of want to get with. But, she won't go out with me unless I get her friend a date. So, I figured you haven't gotten any in a long while, so you could use the help." He chuckles.

"I don't know, Elliot. A blind date?" I sigh.

"Please, bro. I don't ask for much… plus when's the last time you went out since you got Autumn? Ted would want you to this… he was always going on about your miserable lonely ass."

I roll my eyes at the thought, even if it is true. "Fine. But I'm only doing this for you to get laid. I make no promises on my end."

"Whatever you say man. I'll meet you at your apartment at seven."

He hangs up before I have a chance to object. Maybe this could be good for me, help get my mind off Ana.

I don't think a good kick to the head could help me get my mind off her.

Around four I pack up for the day and head home. I've been thinking all day how to ask Ana to watch Autumn, without admitting I'm going on a blind date.

I wander into the apartment and I hear the sound of laughter through the halls. I never really realized how empty my life was till Autumn came to live with me.

When I get to the living room Autumn and Ana are chasing each other around the room. Autumn comes flying by me at light speed, then before I know it, I'm crashing to the floor with a thump, taking someone down with me.

After removing the sea of brown hair around my face, its Ana's body on top of mine. My body's on fire with how good she feels against me. I really want to kiss her again. Feel her lips on mine. When I look at her and I can see in her eyes she feels the same way.

If only for a moment.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Grey." She mumbles before climbing off of me. My body is already missing the contact with her.

She offers her hand to help me stand up, and I gladly take it. The same electricity is still there as it was before.

I get myself off the ground with Ana's help. We're standing face to face, and I take the opportunity to move the hair out of her face.

"I see you're still having trouble with walking." I grin, remembering the first time I met her, are almost kiss.

"Yeah, but I was running this time." And for the first time all week I get a smile out of her. Even if it's just a half of one.

But then it's gone in a flash as she moves back from me.

"ANA!" Autumn's voice rings from somewhere by the kitchen.

"I need too…" She stutters, pointing to the kitchen, as she walks away.

"Ana, I need to ask you something about tonight."

She stops and turns to look at me.

"Yeah?"

"I was hoping you could keep an eye out on Autumn tonight. I'll be going out with my brother tonight. He didn't give me much choice in the situation…" I slightly chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

"Of course, Mr. Grey." And with that she's gone.

If Ted could see me now, he would be kicking my ass and yelling at me to tell her how I feel. But, would he want me dating his child's nanny?

I'm so confused trying to decide between what is right and what I want.

And now I have a blind date to get ready for.

Oh, Joy. Elliot owes me big time.

Seven rolls around and I'm wearing a simple black t-shirt and jeans. I mean we're only going to the bar and I hope to be home before midnight.

Wouldn't want to turn into a pumpkin!

I think it's time to lay off the Disney movies, Grey.

I enter the living room where Autumn and Ana are sitting on the couch reading a book. I go over to Autumn and pick her up.

"You smell funny…" Autumn scrunches her nose at me.

"It's just cologne, peanut. You don't like it?"

I always wear cologne, but today I decided to try a different scent. If Autumn doesn't like it, maybe it will keep this girl away from me.

"You smell like a butt." She tells me, as she hops down to the floor. I look over at Ana who is trying to stifle a laugh.

"A butt huh?"

"Yeah, because it's stinky." She holds her nose and sticks out her tongue.

I'm about to ask Ana to give me a whiff, when the elevator dings. It's not like she would anyways.

I turn around and see Elliot walking into the room with two women. Just fucking great.

"Hey bro," Elliot announces himself as he walks into the room with the girls. There both really attractive, but blonde and way to done up for my taste.

"Lelliot!" Autumn screams as he enters the room. I love that she calls him the same thing I did at that age.

"Autumn!" He screams back with the same enthusiasm. He picks her up and spins her around.

"Ladies, this is my niece, Autumn. Isn't she a doll?"

"She's adorable." One of the girl's answer.

"Christian, these are our dates for tonight. Shelly, is mine, and her friend Susan."

Now Elliot really is going to die.

I look over at Ana, and I can see the glint of hurt in her eyes, before she turns to look away from me.

"Elliot didn't mention you had a daughter, Christian."

I roll my eyes, most of Seattle knows the situation regarding Autumn. I guess I should feel good she doesn't.

"She's my goddaughter." I answer.

"Oh," she seems confused, but I'm not getting into it with her.

"Elliot, can I talk to you for a minute?" I ask him, pulling him out of the room.

"What do you think you're doing bringing these girls here?" I ask through gritted teeth.

"I was spending the day with Shelly, so we then picked up Susan to meet you, before we went out. What's the problem?"

"I don't need to be parading a bunch girls around Autumn."

Or Ana for that fact.

"Oh, she'll be fine. Just say your friends. She's four, Christian. Plus, it's not like Susan is moving in."

"That's not the point, Elliot." I glance over at Ana and see what looks like Autumn introducing the girls to her. Ana's body looks hard and ridged.

I'm sure wanting to be anywhere else than where she is now.

Now, I've given her even more reason to hate me.

Elliot glances over to where I'm looking. "You know, it's unreal how hot your nanny is." He jabs me in the side.

"Fuck off, Elliot."

He starts laughing at me and claps his hands together.

"You like her, don't you?"

"What are you talking about?" I snap.

Is it really that obvious?

"You like Ana. That explains Autumn's talk about 'Uncke Christian is in love with a princess talk'."

"What are you gabbing about?"

"Should've just said something bro, I wouldn't have tried to set you up. Autumn told mom and dad you're in love with a princess, the last time they saw her. Nobody could figure what she was talking about."

"Ana's full name is Anastasia. Autumn likes to think she's a princess." I shrug.

"What's the problem?"

"I think I already blew it with her. I wasn't sure, and I'm still not sure, if it would be right for me to start something with her. She's Autumn's nanny, she's nuts about her. If I did something and caused her to leave, because we break up or something… I don't know. I can't risk that with Autumn. She's already lost Ted and Summer."

"What makes you think you think you blew it?"

"I kissed her, and then told her it was a mistake. I'm actually surprised she didn't quit, yet." I say mournfully.

"Elliot!" Shelly calls over. "We should get going dear…"

"Dear?" I sniffle a laugh.

"Shut up!" he grits. "Come on..."

We walk back over to the living room, Ana and Autumn are now gone.

I didn't see them leave the room. I look around trying to figure out where they went.

"Your nanny took your god-daughter to the other room." Sally... No Susan tell me. "Shall we go?"

"Actually, ladies. Christian, has to go into the office tonight. It seems like one of his major deals is on the verge of falling through. You know the life of a CEO never rests." Elliot tells them.

I look over at Elliot with a raised eyebrow, he looks at me and slightly nods his head basically telling me to 'go with it.'

"Yeah, no rest for the wicked." I shrug. "I'm sorry to have to bail."

"Elliot, you promised."

"I'm sorry, but the man is extremely important. I didn't know he would get called into work, as you can tell, he was dressed to go. Maybe we can find someone at the bar."

"You know I'm standing right here?" Susan rolls her eyes. "It's no big deal. Why don't you two go out and maybe me and Christian here can have a rain check for another day." She looks over at me batting her eyes.

Yeah, not in this lifetime.

I can't answer so I politely smile at her. "I need to go. Elliot, we'll talk later?"

"Sure thing. And good luck." He winks at me.

Ok, so now I owe him one.

I watch as Elliot escorts the girls out of the penthouse. After I know they have left I go in search of Autumn and Ana.

I first go to Autumn's room, there not there, but the picture on the nightstand grabs my attention. It's a picture of Ana, Autumn and I from when we went to the aquarium. That was a good day. Autumn wanted to find all the fishes that were in the Dory movie. From the outside looking in, we look like one happy family.

Next to that picture is one of Ted, Summer and Autumn when she was two. It was taken shortly before Summer passed. God, I miss those two.

They would want you happy, Grey.

I leave the room, and find myself going room to room till I find them in the media room, watching the little Mermaid.

How many times has this kid watched this movie.

I guess she's not really watching it since she's curled up, sleeping, laying on Ana's lap.

Ana hears me enter the room and looks up at me, her face giving nothing away.

"Do you know every line yet?" I ask her pointing to the big screen, while Sebastian sings about being under the sea.

"No, not yet. Shouldn't you be on a date or something?" She says turning back to the screen.

"Plans changed. I only agreed to go out so my brother could get laid. But, I couldn't do it."

Even though she's not looking at me I can tell she's rolling her eyes.

Why does that make my palm twitch?

"That's lovely…" She mumbles.

"How long has she been asleep?" I ask changing the subject.

"Since Ariel saw Prince Eric for the first time. So almost instantly. We had a busy day." Ana says brushing Autumn's hair back.

"I guess I should lay her down." I hesitate before walking around the front of the couch to pick Autumn up.

"Ana…" I start but I can't find the words.

She looks at me waiting to finish. "Thank you."

Thank you?... that's what you wanted to say? Numb nuts

Anas knits her eyebrows together, but she doesn't reply as I scoop Autumn into my arms.

"Goodnight Anastasia."

Good job *slow clap* take a bow and leave. Dumbass.

"Goodnight, Mr. Grey."

I make my way out of the room and carry Autumn to her room, as I lay her down she wakes up.

"Christian?" She mumbles.

"Shh, sweetie, go back to sleep." I lift the covers and put them over her.

"Uncke?"

"What is it peanut?"

"Why won't you tell Ana you love her? Why you go out with a wicked witch?" She sits up and rubs her eyes.

"What are you talking about?" I give her a half laugh.

"You love Ana. You look at her like Prince Eric looks at Ariel or like Aladdin does to Jasmine. I mean she is a princess and you're a prince, so you have to fall in love." She smiles at me.

"You think I'm a prince?"

"Yeah, daddy used to say you were the Prince of Seattle, rich and powerful, but not ready yet to be a king because you didn't have a good lady by your side."

I have to laugh, "He said that huh?"

What kind of fairy tale was he telling her?

"Yep."

Find someone for yourself, Ted's words from his letters circle my mind.

"Ana loves you, too. Her eyes always sparkle when you come into the room."

"They sparkle, huh?"

Not so much anymore.

"Yep. But then you brought a wicked witch over…" She says sadly.

"A wicked witch?"

"That lady, Leliot said you were going out with. She was mean. Kept asking Ana to get her a drink, Ana said no. Then something about being the help and she should do her job. The lady also smelled bad, I coughed. Why do grown-ups smell?"

"Well, sometimes grown-ups use cologne and perfume to keep the kids away." I tell her as I tickle her and she falls into a fit of laughter. "It only smells good to grown-ups."

"Stop, stop" she's yelling out between giggles.

I let up and she settles down.

Once she catches her breath she says my name again.

"Yes, peanut."

"Are you going to tell Ana that you love her?"

"We'll see. She has to forgive me first" Autumn looks at me questionably.

"She will. You just have woo her." Is all she says before laying down again.

"Woo her?"

"Yeah, I'll help. Then you and Ana can have a fairy tale wedding and then you both can be my second mommy and daddy. It will be like I'm Annie and your daddy Warbucks, because you're super rich, but you have hair, and Ana is Miss. Farrell; they fall in love and adopt Annie."

"Peanut…" I say sadly.

"Christian," She places her hand on top of mine. "You've always been a second daddy to me. My mommy and daddy are in heaven with the angels and you're my daddy here on land. You're my god father… it's in your name"

"When did you become so wise?"

She shrugs, "Ana says it's because to read a lot."

"Your daddy said that too." I kiss the top of her head. "I love you little one. Get some sleep."

"Love you too daddy Grey." She smiles and rolls to her side, and closes her eyes.

Daddy Grey. This little girl is going to turn me into a pile of mush.

Since it seems like I have permission from the little princess I guess I need to stop thinking about fucking everything up with Ana, and plan to make it work.

I know just where to start.