A/N: Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. I love reading them and getting feedback. And once again, thank you for all your support of this collection of stories. I truly appreciate it.

There's some sexy time in this story, so please over 18.

I do not own the characters. They belong to E.L. James. This is just for fun.

New Years Eve is Aspen

It's New Year's Eve. The men have decided to indulge in winter sports for the day, skiing and snowboarding. For as much as I'd like to enjoy a day on the slopes, Christian's coddling me drives me crazy. It took forever to convince him that I could graduate off the bunny slopes. I know I can be a bit unsteady— alright, alright— I'm downright clumsy at times, but seriously, I'm a grown woman. Meanwhile, he's shushing down the mountain at record speed. Oh, my overprotective Fifty…his intentions are good. I have to keep reminding myself that or I might just strangle him one day.

I've decided to go shopping and do lunch with the girls. Mia's kids stayed back at the house with Grace and Carrick. It's just the six girls out for the afternoon.

I'm impressed that Maddie felt comfortable enough to shop with us. I appreciate that's she's really trying to be a part of our group. She must have strong feelings for Teddy to put up with Phoebe and Ava needling her for dirt on Teddy all day. She's holding her own against the dynamic duo. I like this girl. I like her a lot.

Whenever we come here, I always make a point to go to 'Ye Olde Aspen Candy Shoppe'. It's a quaint little candy store with a bell on the door that dings when you enter, a weathered wooden oak floor, old fashioned glass cases filled with the usual candy you'd expect, dark chocolates, white chocolates, homemade fudge, and old fashioned penny candies in large glass jars lining the counter tops. It's quite charming.

The first time I came here, I bought Christian two dozen three-foot-long shoestring licorice whips. I couldn't resist the irony. Of course, the first time I gave it to Christian, he took it literally. I remember it well; my husband can be quite creative when he wants…

"I bought something for you." I try to hide my grin.

"Oh?" He raises an eyebrow.

"Yes, here." I hand him the paper bag full of candy goodies.

"Licorice whips? I can work with this." A slow mischievous grin appears on his face. Uh-oh, I've seen that look before.

"It was meant as a joke, Christian."

"This is no laughing matter, Anastasia. Strip for me," he commands.

"Are you kidding? Now?"

"Do I ever kid about your state of undress?" He walks over to me and smacks my ass. I jump.

"No. "

"I'm waiting. Strip. Don't speak, just do as I say." He sits at the foot of our bed and watches.

Only Christian can take a bag of candy and transform it into a sex shop purchase.

Kicking off my shoes, I pull my T-shirt over my head slowly . I unbutton my jeans and slide them down, climbing out one leg at a time. I'm standing before him in navy blue Chantilly lace boy shorts and matching blue lace bra.

"Come here, closer to me, baby." He crooks his index finger, motioning for me to step near him.

I walk over to him. We're practically touching, but not quite. I can feel the heat radiating off his body.

"Continue." His eyes are dilated. I gaze briefly at the beautiful bulge in his pants and lick my lips. I want a piece of that.

I reach behind my back and unhook my bra, sliding each strap slowly down my arms until it gently falls to the floor. I reach down to my panties.

"Stop. Let me."

He hooks his index fingers around each side of my panties and skillfully pulls them down. I gasp at his touch as I step out of my panties and stand naked in front of him.

"Hmm...Let's see what we can do with this. Give me your wrists." He takes four of the licorice whips and ties them around my wrists. He grins salaciously when he sees that it's worked as a restraint. Grabbing a dozen of the licorice whips, he folds them in half and bends the fold again to make a handle then holds them at the fold.

Holy crap, he made a licorice flogger.

"Bend over the bed. I want to see that delectable ass in front on me. Spread your legs baby." I quickly comply, leaning into the foot of the bed, resting my restrained wrists on the mattress, my legs wide apart.

"You look beautiful like this Anastasia. Tell me if this hurts you."

I nod.

He spanks me a few times then gently caresses my ass. Next, he flogs me with the licorice whips, varying his rhythm and strokes. Over and over and over. It feels different than the floggers I'm used to. This flogging is a little stingy, but I'm so turned on, I don't care. I moan as each stroke strikes my skin, my sex dripping wet, desperate to have him inside of me, to feel some relief. He stops and sinks two fingers inside me. I close my eyes and groan.

"Always ready, Baby. Well done. Get on the bed."

I climb onto the bed, still restrained. Jeez, who would think licorice could hold up so well? I lie on my back with my head resting on a pillow, my arms over my head. I watch Christian undress. What a fucking sight it is. He pulls off his boxers freeing his full erection; my teeth sink down into my bottom lip.

Yeah, I want that, I want that bad.

He climbs onto the bed with me. I'm so fucking turned on; just his proximity may make me explode. I rub my legs together, unsuccessfully attempting to keep my excitement under control.

"Now let's see what else you've purchased, Anastasia." He pulls out a strip of candy buttons, the little candy dots on paper we ate as kids. What the hell is he going to do with that? He grins mischievously.

"I need you to stay still, Baby."

I lay as still as I can but I'm so turned on, it's difficult.

He peels each tiny candy dot off the paper and places each multicolored dot as a trail up each of my legs, trailing up to my sex. My legs are full of colorful candied dots lined up in two straight lines.

Christian gets on his knees, and beginning at my ankles, starts lightly nibbling each piece of candy off my leg. With each light nip, I'm finding it harder not to wriggle. My skin is over-sensitized already. I want him inside me. I need him inside me.

"Baby, you to have to stay still or I'll start all over."

With each nibble, I groan, watching him work up my leg. When he reaches my sex, he stops, gazes at me with a wicked grin, licks his lips and moves down to my other ankle. I'm aching for him as I feel each minute bite reach closer to my sex.

He nips the last candy dot off the inside of my thigh and licks my sex, a long, luscious lick. My body quivers in response. My head tilts back as I'm panting. This is torture, delicious, sugary torture. He pushes my legs up, teasing me with his tongue, licking, stroking, swirling… driving me to the brink. I close my eyes surrendering to the tremors shooting through me, my body both tense and jelly at the same time. How does he do this to me? I want to touch him, but my hands are still restrained.

"The candy was sweet, but you taste sweeter," he purrs.

"Mom, what are you smiling about?" Phoebe snaps me out of my erotic daydream. Damn…it was just getting good.

"Oh, uh…just remembering how lovely our Christmas was," I lie. I have to stop thinking about this, I'm getting flushed…and horny as hell. I squeeze my thighs together in an effort to calm my libido.

I know some people say chocolate is orgasmic, but they've never been flogged with a licorice whip. I'm looking forward to that again.

We've shopped at a few of the high-end shops. Of course, Mia and Kate have been giving their credit cards a work out. Maddie is watching them in amazement. I remember how I felt the first time I shopped here. The money seems so easily spent.

"They're professional shoppers," I whisper in her ear.

"I've noticed," she whispers back, smiling.

I'm perusing through racks of dresses, pretty bored. Shopping just isn't my thing. I'm not really looking for anything in particular, just looking, when a dress catches my eye. It can't be. I pull it off the rack. It's a plum-colored sheath dress, just like the one I permanently borrowed from Kate twenty years ago…okay, in my defense, she did give it to me, so technically it was mine.

This is fate. I have to try it on. I take the dress into the dressing room where Kate and Mia are already trying on piles of clothes. My eyes widen as I look at myself in the mirror. It's amazing; it's practically the same dress. I walk out of my dressing room stall over to the big mirror. Kate is there checking out the fit on one of her purchase prospects when she stops in her tracks and looks at me.

"Jeez Ana, That dress looks familiar. See, clothes always come back in style. You have to buy it, Steele. It's going to drive your husband insane…well, more insane than he already is."

I scowl at her and ignore her remark about Christian.

"I know, isn't it uncanny? Does it look okay?" I twirl around so she can get the full look. It's a carbon-copy of the original.

"You look hot, Ana. Really hot. Look how nice it falls in all the right places. You have to get the dress."

"Okay. I will. I'll wear it tonight at dinner."

After we've exhausted the credit cards, we decide on lunch at an adorable café. There are tall bistro tables set up outside with propane heaters over the tables. No thank-you. I prefer to be warm all the way through.

"Mrs. Grey, it's so good to see you again," the café hostess says, as she grabs six menus and leads us to our table.

Mind you, I've only been to this café a handful of times, but they make it their business to know their celebrity clientele in Aspen...and I guess that's what we're considered. Still seems so strange to me.

We're seated and given our menus.

"Would anyone like to order a drink?" our server asks. I order an iced tea, as do Mia, Kate, and Maddie. Phoebe and Ava are looking at the mixed cocktails menu.

"Don't even dream it, girls," Kate says to Phoebe and Ava. "They'll have iced teas too."

I give them both a disapproving look. Phoebe and Ava are going to be the death of us, no doubt about it.

After we get our drinks, we order our lunch and engage in some girl talk.

"So Maddie, what do you think of Aspen?"

"It's so beautiful. So much prettier than I imagined. I can't believe all the celebrities here. It's crazy. They're just walking around. Isn't that Cash Stone seated by that window over there? Wow."

Crap, Cash is here. That's all I need. I casually look over my shoulder and see Cash having lunch with some twenty-something year-old girl. Good, maybe he'll just ignore me. I don't need the headache.

We had a great lunch, full of girl talk and some friendly teasing. Maddie seems to have relaxed with us, which I know will make Teddy happy.

We finish our meal, pay our bill, and grab our bags to head out.

As we get to the door, I come face to face with Cash.

"Oh, ah, ah...Ana, so good to see you," he stumbles on his words. He seems nervous as hell to see me.

"Cash, nice to see you. I see your book is coming along nicely."

"Yes. Estelle is an excellent editor. Err, thank you for matching her up to me."

"I'm glad it worked out. Well, enjoy your time in Aspen, Cash." I need to get the hell out of here.

"You too, Ana" He uncomfortably gives me a Hollywood air kiss on each cheek. .

"Ana, Holy crap, you know Cash Stone?" Mia asks.

"Yes, he's writing a book for Grey Publishing."

"He's so fucking hot. I love Ethan, but Cash Stone is my free pass," Mia jokes. I think she's joking.

"Yeah, he's something alright. Are you guys ready to head on home? I'm beat," I ask as I attempt to change the subject.

Everyone agrees. Roger, who has been keeping a respectable distance from us all day…brings the van around, we pile in to go back to the house.

~o0o~

It's been an excellent day on the slopes. It's one of the few places I can feel free and clear my mind. I love it here. I say it every time we come here, but we really need to come to Aspen more often.

We've made arrangements to meet in the bar at the lodge by four o'clock. With Ted taking Nick snowboarding, and Elliot and Ethan skiing who the fuck knows where, it was easier to set a meeting time and place.

I order a beer and sit by the open fire in the lodge watching the big screen TV while waiting for the rest of our group to arrive when this young blonde sits in the winged chair next to me. She looks like a fucking Barbie doll. Huge fake tits, fake tan, too much make-up, a low cut top and tight ski pants. Ridiculous.

"Aren't you Christian Grey?" She rubs her arm against mine, batting her fake eyelashes. Does she think I haven't been around the block and don't know what she's after?

I groan to myself. Christ, go the fuck away.

"Yes," I politely answer.

"I'm a big fan," she coos.

"A fan? A fan of what?" I'm a business man for Christ sake, what the fuck is there to be a fan of?

"A fan of you, Mr. Grey. I've seen you in all the magazines, People, National Enquirer, Star Magazine"

"You're quite well read," I respond sarcastically.

"Yes, I am." She smiles proudly.

This young girl is so stupid, she doesn't even recognize when I'm mocking her. I hate stupid people. Where the fuck is everyone?

"Ummm…maybe we could have drinks alone. I'm staying close by. We could have some fun." She runs her hand over the hand I have resting on the wing of the chair I'm sitting in.

"No. thanks." I pull my hand away and scowl. She's got gold-digging tramp written all over her.

"It's cool. I know you're married. We can still fool around. I won't tell." She places her index finger seductively in her mouth and slowly glides it in and out then licks her top lip.

"I know I'm married too. No." I grab my beer and walk over to my security detail, William.

"Keep her the fuck away from me," I whisper in his ear.

"Yes, sir."

~o0o~

Ana POV:

I'm in our en-suite applying my lip gloss. I have on the plum dress. I wonder if Christian will remember it. I walk out into our bedroom where he's waiting for me.

"Come on Ana, we're running late," he complains as he's looking down at his wrists, adjusting his cuff links. He glances up at me and his mouth curls up to a sexy grin.

"You like?" I ask, nervously.

"That dress. I know that dress. I like very much, Mrs. Grey. Very much, indeed."

He walks over to me and runs his hands down the sides of the dress, where it hugs my hips; then slips his hands around me, slowly caressing my backside, grabbing my ass. He takes my hand and places it on his hardening erection. Well, that didn't take much time at all.

"Seems this dress still affects you." I smile slyly.

"The woman wearing the dress still affects me." He grabs me against his chest and holds me tightly, grinding his erection into me.

"Christian, we can't do this now. We're running late, you said so yourself."

"We can be late," he purrs in my ear rubbing his clean shaven cheek against my cheek. Damn he smells so good; I can get drunk off his scent. I'm already woozy. I close my eyes and tilt my head back surrendering to the feel of his body against mine.

"We can't. We have reservations and a room full of people waiting for us," I murmur.

Sometimes reality really sucks.

He sighs. He knows I'm right and releases me from his hold. Placing his index finger under my chin, he lifts my face up toward him and kisses me softly.

"I'm going to fuck you in that dress later. Don't take it off."

I nod. His words leave me speechless and wet.

Our group arrives at the restaurant in four vehicles. I arranged to have a private dining room in the back so our family time wouldn't be disturbed by onlookers and paparazzi. It's a lovely restaurant. There's a stone fire pit as you walk in the entrance. We pass the long rustic bar until we reach the private dining room. The room is beautiful with floor to ceiling wine racks. There are two long tables set up with white linens and candles and warm amber lighting. It's very cozy.

Our reservation time was later than our usual dinnertime, so we could ring in the New Year here. It's a good thing it was so late, it was a busy afternoon. The men had a great day on the slopes and the women had an excellent shopping afternoon.

The wine is flowing and the food is delicious. Everyone is in great spirits.

"Christian, I had no idea your wife is friends with the hottest man on Earth." Mia, Oh Mia…why, oh why, oh why did you bring this up?

"Oh, who might that be?" Christian jokes.

"Cash Stone, we met up with him this afternoon."

"Did you now? Anastasia neglected to mention that to me." His jaw tenses as his teeth clench. He shoots me a stare that could freeze the sun. Shit.

"Oh Mia, we only bumped into him for two seconds. And he's not my friend. He's doing business with my publishing house." I'm trying to defuse Christian's jealousy before he goes thermonuclear-fifty on me. Once the green-eyed monster comes out, all bets are off and we'll end up in an argument.

"Ana's a lucky girl, got kissed on the cheek twice by that sizzling-hot God. Maybe I should visit you at work more often," she jokes.

Thanks a lot Mia…you're just digging me in deeper and deeper. Christian's hand is now gripping around my thigh.

"Oh Mia…don't be silly, these Hollywood people kiss everyone." Please shut the fuck up already.

"Cash Stone is my free pass. The things I'd do to that man."

"Mia!" I stare at her with my mouth gaping. Her husband is sitting right next to her for crying out loud.

"Oh, it's okay. Ethan knows. Don't you honey?" She nudges Ethan with her elbow.

"Yes, Mia. Now everyone knows too," he jokes. At least someone has a sense of humor.

"You might have mentioned this to me earlier," Christian whispers in my ear. Boy he sounds mad.

"I didn't think it was worth a mention. It was two seconds. It was nothing. Stow your twitchy palm Mr. Grey, I did nothing wrong," I whisper back.

"What are you two whispering about?" Mia asks.

"Nothing," we answer in unison.

Fucking fantastic.

We continue with dinner. Christian is in the midst of one of his jealous mood swings. These are always fun. It's a special mood he reserves just for me. Everyone else gets social Christian, who is continuing his conversation with everyone at the table but me.

"You know, you're being an ass," I whisper in his ear.

He ignores me. Fine, let him be an idiot. I'm not letting his mood ruin my evening. I ignore him too.

It's time for dessert. The dessert cart is rolled into our dining room by a young blonde server. Oh my, look at the size of her breasts. The girl looks like she's made of plastic. So young and so unnatural. I have no issue with plastic surgery, but keep it real, honey. This girl is over the top fake right down to her orange glow tan. She's going to be a ball of wrinkles someday.

"Mr. Grey, so nice to see you again." She bats her ridiculously long lush fake eyelashes. The only other being that has eyelashes that long is a giraffe.

Christian politely smiles and nods at her.

"Again?" I whisper in his ear.

"She was at the lodge today."

"And now she's your friend?"

"Stop it, Anastasia. She was only talking to me"

"You mean trying to pick you up," I growl quietly.

"I'm not having this conversation with you," he growls back.

Grrrr….I'm going to rip her in half, tht little bitch. I see the way she's eye fucking him while she serves everyone their dessert. I hope she slips on one of those chocolate covered strawberries she keeps pushing.

Well, well…look at that. Little blonde bitch is now making eyes at my son. Maddie purses her lips and scowls at her. Whoa, I wouldn't mess with Maddie. She means business. Blonde girl got the message loud and clear and retreated immediately. Oh, I like Maddie.

Christian places his hand on my knee. Seems he's thawing a bit. I'm still twisted. Why do women feel it's okay to ogle a married man, right in front of his wife. These gold-digging whores don't follow the Girl Code at all.

I stare at his hand then look at him.

"What?" he asks.

"Now you're nice to me... after your newest female admirer greets us?"

"You know you have no reason to be jealous, Ana," he whispers

"Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black, Christian?" I whisper back.

"What are you two whispering about?" Kate asks.

Great, now everyone at the table knows we're arguing.

"Nothing," I snap, crossing my arms in front of my chest.

"MmmHmm," Kate answers skeptically.

It's close to midnight. The hostess brought out party hats, horns, whistles, and confetti poppers into our room. A large clock has been rolled in so we can countdown the minutes to midnight. The entire family is excited, getting out of their chairs and gathering by the clock. The younger kids are already blowing horns and running around. Grace and Carrick have their giant foil party hats. They look so silly.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Christian checking me out. Ah yes, the plum dress. I forgot how powerless he is to this dress.

"Are you going to be angry all night?" He scowls..

"Are you?" I scowl back.

"You know how I feel about that fucker, Anastasia."

"Well, I don't like seeing Malibu Barbie trying to seduce you right in front of me."

"You are an impossible woman." He's running his hands through his hair. He's pissed off.

"Not as impossible as you," I growl.

"I can't hear shit over this noise. Come with me." He grabs my hand and discreetly drags me away from the crowd.

He pulls me into the private bathroom, designated for the private dining room.

Once we're in, he locks the door.

"What do you want Christian?" I'm standing in front of him with my hands on my hips, my eyebrows furrowed.

"I want to fuck you in that dress. Now." He spins me around, my hands leaning on the sink counter, facing the mirror.

"Are you crazy? Our family is right outside the door."

"The door is locked." He smirks.

"What if they try to come in?"

"No one will come in. They're all busy watching that clock." I watch our reflection in the mirror as he tucks some errant strands of hair behind my ear.

"Christian…." I sigh. I know I don't stand a chance, once he touches me like this, I'm his.

"I need to be inside you. You know you want this, Anastasia. "

"Yes" I'm so weak, jealous and horny as hell. It's an impossible combination.

He lifts my dress up to my waist, tears off my panties and sinks two fingers in me. "Oh baby, you are so ready for me."

He masterfully glides his fingers in and out of me, stroking me perfectly, deliciously, building , bulding, building.. my fingers grip hard around the end of the sink, my breath rushing in and out until I explode into a thousand pieces.

I hear the fly of his pants unzip. "Lean forward Baby, spread your legs. This is going to be quick."

He pounds me in a fast, punishing rhythm. I look up at the mirror over the sink and watch his reflection, his eyes are closed with his head tilted back, I know he's close.

"Shit Ana," he hisses through his teeth as he finds his release.

He pulls out of me and turns me around to face him.

Suddenly we hear noise blowers, clackers, confetti poppers, and yelling. It must be midnight.

"Happy New Year, Baby." He grins playfully.

"Happy New Year Christian." I return his playful grin and kiss him.

We quickly put ourselves back together; Christian grabs my panties off the floor and shoves them in his pocket. We quietly rejoin the party.

"Hey, where were you? You missed midnight," Phoebe asks.

'Oh, Dad and I had words. It's fine now."

"You must have been pretty mad, your face is flushed."

"No worries, Sweetie. It's all good now."

It's all very good.

Happy New Year! Wishing all of you a Happy and Healthy 2013.