I do not own the Fifty Shades Trilogy characters – those belong to E.L. James.

A/N: Sorry it's taken me awhile to update this story, I've been writing this one out of sequence and so it's taken some time to put the chapters together.

To clarify some of the reviews, this isn't an Ana/Ethan story. Ana and Ethan are very close in this story and Ana considered having "more" with him, but that changes and she reveals her feelings about that in this chapter. Ethan is a big part of this story as he is closer to Ana than Jose and Kate are in this story. Please feel free to PM or leave a comment if you need some clarification about the characters of this story! And again, thank you for the reviews, followers, and readers!

I'm On A Boat

When I finally open my eyes, I watch the sheer curtains flanking my bedroom window bellow from the light breeze coming through the window. A light hum from the oscillating fan is buzzing around me, lulling me back into a restful sleep, but I keep myself awake. It feels like it's going to be another warm day or maybe I'm still trying to cool down from last night, I just know that I have a warm feeling surrounding me.

Images of Christian Grey from last night are going through my mind like an old movie. I can't stop thinking about his piercing gray eyes and wanting to run my hands through that unruly copper hair of his. I've never had thoughts like this about another man before, not even Ryan, Jose, or Ethan. Maybe Ethan a little bit, at least before I met Christian Grey. How can a man that I just met a week ago have this effect on me?

I stretch the sleep away from my body and finally sit up in bed. I don't ever sit up in this bed because then I'll look directly at the closet. Leila. Images of her body hanging from the closet come unbidden to my mind. I take a deep breath and cover my eyes with my hands and try to think of something else to get rid of the images of her lifeless body just hanging from the long, silk, scarf that was around her neck.

Think of Christian Grey, I tell myself. Second thought, don't think of Christian Grey. What the hell am I doing having feelings for this man? He had a sexual relationship with my sister and now he wants me. I don't get it. I'm nothing like Leila. She was so much more confident and even prettier than I am. Not that I'm ugly, but she exuded sex and men loved it. I exude, well not sex or even being sexy. Heck, I really don't even like sex, the whole three times I've done it.

God, I was so stupid for giving up my virginity to Ryan Mitchell my freshman year at college. We dated for a few months, in which he begged me to sleep with him during the whole time we were together. Then when I finally gave it up after a night of parting with him, it was the worse experience. Then a week later to find out he was cheating on me. No wonder I don't trust guys.

Then there was Jose and the two times we had sex, but I didn't enjoy it. What was I thinking trying to have a relationship with him? I always knew that he should just be a friend as I didn't feel that attraction towards him, but he just wore me down with his constant requests for dates when I finally gave in. I didn't mind kissing him, but when I finally agreed to have sex, well, I didn't enjoy it and I honestly don't think I had an orgasm both times we did it.

So now I find myself in the same situation with Ethan and he is coming over this morning so we can talk. Ugh, I feel like I'm about to break up with him though we aren't dating. And now with this attraction I have towards Christian, I'm more confused than ever. I'll tell Ethan that I only want to be friends but what if Christian and I start dating? Then I can't give the excuse that I just need time to myself if I'm jumping into the arms of another man.

After a cool shower so I can shave and buff myself, I'm patiently waiting for Ethan with a cup of hot tea. I'm also being brave today and I decided to wear a bikini. I usually wear the tankini or the one-piece bathing suit, but Kate convinced me that I should buy a bikini since I'm a 'total babe', which are her words, not mine. But I got my denim shorts and t-shirt on, which will probably stay on since I don't want to burn my pale skin.

As I braid my hair, the buzzer goes off and Ethan is here. I let him up and he is at the door in less than a minute.

"Hey Sweetheart", he announces when he comes through the door. He looks ready for a day on the boat with his board shorts and AE t-shirt that slightly damp from his perspiration. He has is black backpack slung on his shoulder and sunglasses atop his head.

"Hey Ethan. Did you walk here?" He would be crazy to walk here from his house.

"No, I took the bus but I had to walk a couple blocks from where I was dropped off".

I finally finish braiding my hair and I give him a big hug and we both kiss each other on the cheek.

"Do you want something to drink? Have a seat", and I wave my hand towards the couch.

"Sure, some water would be great".

After I grab a bottled water from the refrigerator, I take the seat next to him on the couch.

"Thank you for coming Thursday night. It meant a lot to me that you were there".

"You know that I would be there for you Ana and you're welcome". He places his hand on my knee and gives me a small smile.

I take a deep breath and entwine my fingers with his. "Ethan, I'm sorry about Tuesday night. I shouldn't have been so rude to you, but I value our friendship so much and I don't want to lose that. I just don't think this is the time for you and I to pursue anything further".

He unlocks his fingers from mine and then squeezes my hand and holds onto to it. I'm not sure what he is thinking as he keeping his head down so I can't read his eyes. He is probably thinking about the right words he wants to say to me. That is one thing about Ethan, he is methodical about what he wants to say and even his actions.

"I've been getting that feeling from you lately and I feel that I've pushed you too far. I don't want to lose our friendship either because you mean so much to me, Ana. I just want to see you happy and if us being just friends makes you happy, then we will just be friends. And you're right, maybe this isn't the time for us to be more than friends. With me starting an intense study program and you just getting settled in a career and dealing with your sister's death, I don't want to do anything where I would lose you. Where we would lose each other".

I squeezed his hand again as those words just liberated me. "Thank you". I let go of his hand and stand up. "So, I know that Kate as a list for us for the grocery store. I just need to pack a few things and then I'll be ready to go".

After packing a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen into my backpack, I am ready to party on a boat with my closest friends today.

I'm enjoying the sun and the warm breeze on my skin as the music is blaring in the background along with the chatter with people I'm hanging with. We are finally on the Kavanaugh's boat at the marina on Elliot Bay, surrounded by other luxurious yachts and sailboats.

After some encouragement from Kate, I decided to bare some skin and took off my t-shirt, so now I'm lying up by the bow of the boat in just my bikini top and shorts. I don't know how much of a tan I'll get today but I'm sure I look more like reflective glass with my skin being so pale.

Ethan has joined at the bow and I can't help admire his body as he also has his shirt off and his board shorts are hanging low off his hips. Of course, he has a great tan going already and his skin looks like silk and I have a crazy urge to run my hands all over his pectoral muscles and abs.

"Do you need a drink Ana?" And I put my hand over my eyes so I can see Ethan with the sun behind him.

"Sure, a water would be great". After a take a moment to take in my surrounding again, Ethan sits down next to me, handing me a cold bottle of water.

"You've been quiet today Ana, is everything okay? I mean, after our talk this morning?" He leans back on his hands, which one is behind me as we are so close to each other that I can smell the suntan lotion from his body.

"Yeah, I just have a lot on my mind, but I feel better that we talked. I think I need to find a new place to live". Thoughts of Leila have been swirling around my mind today and it's getting to a point where living in that apartment is a constant reminder of her death. I thought I could get over it, but it's getting harder.

"Well, then you should move in with me and Kate. I know that she would love for you to live there and the rent would be cheap". I knew he was going to suggest that and now we've established a friendship, it could be a possibility.

"I know, but I like living on my own. But I'll think about it".

As I try to soak up the last of the afternoon sun, I notice a large, sleek catamaran sailboat coming into the harbor and heading towards a slip a few boats down from us. I'm sure they had a lovely day out on the water and I have always been fascinated by sailboats, how you let the wind control where you are going and managing the sails to get the most power from your boat. However, the sailboats that come into the harbor are under the power of an engine, so I don't get to see the magnificent sails of this particular catamaran.

I get up to stretch my legs as I hear Ethan and Kate discussing where we all want to go for dinner tonight. Ethan suggests that we eat on the boat since there is kitchen onboard along with a grill and he would go to the store for some steaks and chicken. Kate would rather head out to the small seafood restaurant that is nearby as she is probably done being on the boat. I don't care either way, but it sounds like grilling on the boat with stop at the restaurant afterwards for a few drinks, though most of us on the boat have been drinking all day.

I find myself partial listening to Jose's story about his fishing mishap recently and giggle along with everyone else, when I notice a tall man with mirrored aviators glasses walking on the dock from the catamaran that just came in. Holy Shit! It's Christian Grey! He's dressed in flat front khaki shorts and a light blue sweater that is tight around his chest. He looks sexy with the glasses and his copper hair all tousled. He is with another good looking guy with curly blond hair, also in shorts and a t-shirt, but not as well dressed as Mr. Grey.

"Mr. Grey", I shout from the boat and wave my hands. Jeez, I must look like a lunatic trying to get his attention when he is practically standing in front of the boat I'm on. He looks up at my way and I see the biggest all-tooth smile grace his perfectly chiseled face.

"Miss Steele", he says loud enough to hear but is not yelling. "What are you doing up there?"

I raise my hands to the side and grin at him. "I'm on a boat! Come and join us Mr. Grey".

"Which Mr. Grey are you referring to beautiful", the curly blond yells up at me.

"Are you a Mr. Grey too?", I ask him.

"Yes, I'm the handsome one", and he smiles and then laughs while Christian just shakes his head.

"You both can join us", and I move to side of the boat where they they climb up on the boat.

"Anastasia", Christian says to me softly. "This is quite the surprise to see you here. You look lovely today", and he rakes his eyes over my bikini covered top and shorts. He looks over to the other Mr. Grey, "This is my brother, Elliot Grey".

"Elliot Grey, nice to meet you", and I extend my hand out to him. "Ana Steele".

"Ana, pleasure to meet you", and he takes my hand and gives me a kiss on my knuckles. "So how does my ugly brother know such a beautiful girl named Ana Steele?"

Oh my, I'm not sure how to answer this so I look at Christian. "Ana and I meet recently as I knew her sister", he answers for me.

"You have a sister?", Elliot asks.

"Um, I had a sister, but she recently past. Mr. Grey helped with a fundraiser I had in her honor".

"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss", Elliot says. This talk about Leila's death is making for a somber mood, so I decide to introduce them to the others on the boat.

As I start the introductions, Ethan snakes his arm around my waist from behind me and slightly nuzzles my hair. Normally, I wouldn't mind, but I feel uncomfortable that he is doing this now. I look at Christian and though I can't see his eyes with his sunglasses on, he is grinding his jaw.

"Sweetheart, who are your friends?", Ethan asks loud enough.

"This is Christian Grey and his brother Elliot Grey", and I gesture towards both of them. Ethan is polite and introduces himself to the Grey brothers and shakes their hands. Being a gracious host, Ethan then asks if they would like a drink. Elliot opts for a beer while Christian declines. Elliot follows Ethan to the cooler, which is at the back of the boat, leaving Christian and I alone.

"I thought you didn't have a boyfriend", Christian grinds through his teeth.

"I don't".

"Then why did he call you 'sweetheart'?"

I give him a smirk because I think Christian Grey maybe jealous. "Are you jealous, Mr. Grey? He is just a very dear friend and he always calls me sweetheart".

"I'm a very jealous man Miss Steele. Please do well to remember that". I try to hold in my amusement as he looks so serious, but it's hard when I can only see my reflection from his sunglasses and not the daggers shooting from his eyes.

"You have absolutely no reason to be jealous. So, were you out sailing today?"

His jaw slacks a little so he softening up a bit. "Yes, it was a beautiful day for a sail. My brother and I haven't seen much of each other lately, so he came with me. You've been here all day? Looks like you got a little bit of color from the sun. I like your bikini top", and that last part came from lips in a seductive voice.

I give him shy smile and I know I'm blushing a deep red. I have the need to wrap my arms around my body to cover myself, but I don't. "That is quite the catamaran you have there, Mr. Grey".

"Thank you Miss Steele. I had her built in my shipyard and she was designed and built by some of the best in the world. I'm very proud of her", and I can tell by his proud smile.

"Does she have a name?"

"The Grace, after my mother".

"That's very sweet".

"Do you sail, Miss Steele? Maybe I can take you aboard sometime". The way he just said that, he might as well had said that I would like to fuck you sometime. Maybe that is what he is telling me some sort of code. I lick my lips and then bite the lower one.

"I would love that Mr. Grey, though I don't sail. Is that okay?", and I cock my head to the side.

A low chuckle comes from him. "Of course Miss Steele. I can always teach you". He now has his hands in his pockets and is looking in the direction of The Grace. "Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?", he asks as he turns to face me.

"Sure". Boy, I was too quick to answer, but I really want to see him again.

"Good. Are you willing to come to my place this time or am I still a stranger?"

"No, you're no longer a stranger. What time should I be at your place?"

"How about six? I'll text you my address".

Just then, Ethan is back and I'm not sure what game he is playing, but he has his arm draped around my shoulder. "Christian, we're going to grill some steaks. Do you want to stay?" I look up at Ethan as I'm surprised by his invitation to Christian.

"No thank you. I actually have to be going soon. I wonder where Elliot went off to?", and he looking for him at the back of the boat.

"He's chatting up my sister, Kate", Ethan tells him and we all look towards the back of the boat. Sure enough, Kate is giggling and flipping her hair, standing very close to Elliot. That is her sign that she is interested in the blond god and making her patent moves on him.

We make our way to the back of the boat and Christian and Elliot have a quick conversation. Unfortunately, Christian is leaving but looks like Elliot is staying as they came to the marina separately.

I walk Christian off the boat and down the docks a bit so we are away from prying eyes and eavesdropping ears to say good-bye to each other.

"Well Miss Steele, it really was a pleasant surprise to run into you today. It has certainly made my day", and grabs one my hands and rubs his thumb across my knuckles. "I'm really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night now".

"Me too", I whisper.

"Enjoy the rest of your evening Miss Steele", and he kisses my hand before he walks off into the sunset.