APOV

The rest of the week went by smoothly. I have been staying with Christian and have unofficially moved in. I knew he would come up with an excuse Sunday not to let me go back home. I enjoyed him staying with me at my apartment. It was a little weird seeing him there. He looked so out of place. It was a nice change. Since then, I've been staying with Christian and most of my belongings are at his place, although, I have not 'officially' moved in.

I'm loving Grey Publishing. I'm getting into a routine. I love reading the manuscripts. Everyone seems nice. there are a few overly friendly coworkers trying to get close to the boss's girl, but other than that, everything is going great. Even with Sawyer lurking around.

There are no further run-ins with him. I just hope their business together is finished and Christian doesn't unknowingly ask me to join him during a business dinner that he is at. So far Christian hasn't suspected anything or mentioned anything related to him and their business relationship. Kate said I should tell Christian, but I don't want to cause any drama. Christian will surely blow his top when and if he ever finds out, he's not only meet my ex but done business with him. NO. He cannot know.

It's Saturday. We're going to a charity event tonight. I haven't seen Christian since we woke. Kate came over so we could go get my hair styled at a salon, avoiding Esclava, of course. She also insisted we take my fancy new car.

I'm at Escala. I'm in Christian's closet putting my strapless, nude dress on. I'm trying to zip it when I feel his hands take over and zip up the dress for me. He kisses my bare shoulder.

"You look beyond breathtaking, Anastasia. Simply beautiful."

I turn around to face him. He's in his tux, ready for the event. He's very attractive. Sophisticated.

"You look dashing, Christian." I fix his bow tie.

"I have something for you." He hands me a small jewelry box.

"Christian, you know you don't have to do this."

"I know." He kisses me. "I wanted to."

I open the box, inside I find a pair of earrings. They are beautiful, simple, and classic. Exactly what I would choose for myself, if I could afford to shop at high end jewelers. I gasp and cover my mouth.

"Christian." I whisper in awe.

I look from him to the beautiful earrings and back again. I'm speechless.

"Do you like them?"

"Yes. They're lovely." He relaxes and kisses me. "Thank you."

We are ready to go. We walk to his elevator. It opens and we step inside.

"So what can I expect at this charity event?" I've never been to a something like this before.

"People flashing their cash. Auctions, dinner, dancing, fireworks."

"Seems like a waste. Instead of flashing cash around to raise money, why not just donate it to the charity instead of spending obscene amounts on ball gowns only to be worn once, tuxes, and extravagant dinners."

"You have an exquisite mind, Anastasia. I'm not exactly sure." The elevator door opens. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

We walk to the SUV. Christian takes my hand and kisses my knuckles once we're inside.

Taylor pulls up to a hotel. Sawyer opens Christian's door. Christian steps out and the flashes start. Great! He reaches his hand in for me. I take a deep breath and accept his offered hand. Christian helps me out and the flashes go crazy, almost blinding. But not nearly as bad as at my apartment. I hold Christian's arm as we walk to the door. Christian stops just before going inside, wraps his arm around me, allowing the photographers to take our picture. He kisses my temple. The money shot. They all get their pictures and thank him.

We go inside. It's like a ballroom from a fairytale, all lite up. It's stunningly beautiful.

"Christian. This is amazing."

He smiles at me as he takes two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, handing one to me.

"I'm glad you like it, Anastasia."

A man comes up to us. "Ah. Mr. Grey. I'm glad you could make it and thank you for your generous donation."

Christian shakes his hand.

"It's a good cause, Mr. Peterson." Christian wraps his arm around my waist. "This is my girlfriend, Anastasia Steele. Ana this is Matthew Peterson."

"It's lovely to have met you, Mr. Peterson." I shake his hand, as well.

We move on and continue to be stopped by several people, that know of or want to meet the elusive Christian Grey. We've made so many introductions it would be impossible for me to remember anyone's name. Christian keeps me close to him and for that I am grateful. The wealth is overwhelming. I have never been to anything like this in my life. It really is very intimidating. Christian's world is so different than mine. This isn't me.

Finally, there is an announcement that dinner will be served and we are to be seated. Christian leads me to our table. He holds my chair for me as I sit, then sits next to me. Our table is full of middle-aged men and their trophy wives. Is this what Christian wants? I peek nervously at Christian. He's impassive. There are so many dishes for just myself. I channel my inner Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. We're served our dinner. The topic around the table is very dull and boring. It's hard to keep up. Christian notices.

"Don't worry, baby. The dinner is almost over and then we can dance." He places his hand on my thigh. I nod and smile.

I need a minute, so I excuse myself to go to the restroom. All the gentlemen stand, showing their manners. Christian puts his hand on my elbow. "Everything okay, baby?"

"Yes. Fine." I assure him.

I walk to the restroom and notice Sawyer following, he's like my shadow.

Inside after using the facilities, I wash my hands. I wet a paper towel to cool my face. In the mirror a beautiful goddess is starring back at me. Maybe I am pulling this off. I don't fit in, but at least I look the part. I'd hate to disappoint Christian. I try to calm my nerves the best I can before going back out.

Everyone has finished their meal when I return. And some couples have even started dancing. Christian stands when he sees me.
I walk over to him. He gives me a chaste kiss.

"Ready to dance, baby?"

I smile. "Yes."

Christian leads me to the dance floor. He smiles down at me, takes me in his arms, and starts to move. He's an exceptional dancer making it easy for me to follow. Spinning me around effortlessly, we dance the night away.

Looking into each others eyes, I am no longer feeling overwhelmed nor intimidated, in this world. All I see is the love he has for me and I'm sure he sees the same in mine. It could very well just be Christian and I, alone in this room. The only thing I am feeling now is love. Love for this man. This is what I've always dreamed of. This is love. And it's all because of Christian.

"I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Christian. Always."

"I want to make all your dreams come true."

"You're making dreams I didn't even know I had come true." I kiss him softly.

I notice some movement over Christian's shoulder. I look and freeze. It's him!