Chapter Four

"Christian Grey! What have you done to my phone now?"

Looking up from his computer screen, Christian smiles at Ana, taking in the fact that she appears to be wearing only that kimono-style robe and is fresh from her morning shower. Shaking his head to clear the image of what her body looks like beneath the thin layer of silk, he says, "Sorry, baby, what's wrong with your phone?"

Not quite slamming her BlackBerry down on his desk, she says, "Exactly what I'd like to know. Why am I getting reminders and how do I make them stop?"

"I synced our calendars. You'll know when I have appointments outside of work hours, any upcoming business trips, that sort of thing; and I can add stuff to your schedule." Picking up the device and opening her calendar, he points to the current one and says, "Like this: you've got training with Bastille tonight."

"And when did we discuss this?"

"Before we got married. You said that you'd like to start training when things settle down." With a wry grin, Christian says, "Things are about as settled as they'll ever be for us."

"But what if I already have an appointment when you add something?"

"I talked to your assistant." At her glare, he adds, "Only on the phone, and only about this. She's familiar with the format and will make sure there are no clashes." Frowning a little, Christian asks, "Why are you so upset? We're both busy people, and I don't want either of us worrying needlessly about the other because of miscommunications. If I'm apparently MIA, you can just check my schedule and see that I'm…I dunno; at a symposium on green energy with my phone switched off and forgot to mention that I'll be late."

Losing some of her steam, because she knows very well that, of the two of them, she's far more likely to commit such an omission, Ana asks, "Well, how do I add stuff to your schedule?"

Immediately wary, Christian says, "Like what?"

"Uh, I don't know. But it's possible."

"In that unlikely event, call Andrea and she'll take care of it."

"What happened to Linda?"

"She's my secretary. Andrea is my assistant."

"Just how many women do you have beneath…? That was a poor choice of words, wasn't it?"

Sensing that the danger has passed, Christian hooks two fingers in the sash around her waist and pulls Ana towards him, spreading his knees to accommodate her, and jokes, "I like it when you're jealous; makes me feel all warm and loved."

Fighting a losing the battle against her libido, Ana says, "I'm still mad at you for tampering with my phone yet again."

Clearly unconcerned, Christian smilingly asks, "Why? This is a good idea and you know it."

"It is, but you still should have asked me."

Slowly untying the sash, Christian asks, "Because?"

The familiar heat spreading outward from her groin at his seductive tone, Ana says, "Because it's polite."

Spreading the robe wide, his palms gliding over her torso to her hips as he does so, Christian says, "And when have I ever claimed to be polite?"

Leaning against him, laughing when the chair moves slightly under their combined weight, Ana says, "Excellent point, Mr. Grey. Unfortunately, for both of us, I don't have time for whatever you've just started."

"Well, you sure as fuck won't want to after Bastille is finished with you. He's merciless." Despite his words, Christian's hands cease their meandering and he just smiles up at her.

There is simply no way Ana can ignore that shining, silent plea in his eyes. But she's already running late after spending too long trying to solve the phone mystery. On impulse, she grins and says, "One ass grab and a titty suck; that's it."

Christian's eyes widen in delight at this new game, and he quickly haggles, "Two titty sucks." With a cheeky grin, he adds, "Don't want the other to get jealous."

Ana giggles and says, "Fair enough. Deal."

As his hands resume their path towards her bare butt, Christian says, "Truly a pleasure doing business with you, Mrs. Grey."

Christian is on the phone when he gets the "911" text from Taylor. Immediately ending the call, he phones the man, his heart in his throat, and asks, "Ana?"

An uncharacteristic edge to his voice, Taylor clips, "No. Jen didn't pick up Sophie, and isn't answering her cell. Ryan's on his way."

"Fuck. I'll be right there."

By the time Christian reaches the lobby, Taylor knows more and says, "Northwest Hospital. She's been in a car accident. That's all they'll tell me."

Quickly processing all the information, including the fact that Taylor is a little pale, Christian nods and says, "Call the school. Tell 'em that Gail will pick up Sophie. Then tell Gail and Ryan what's going on." When Taylor starts to do as bid, Christian adds, "From the car."

"Right. Thank you, sir."

Already striding towards the parking garage, Christian says, "And cut that shit out."

Pushing the envelope of safe, city driving, Christian makes it to the hospital by the time Taylor has finished his phone calls. He screeches to a halt at the entrance and says, "I'll find you." And then he remembers and adds, "Oh, fuck; they'll make you fill out forms. Make sure you use the expense account, okay?"

"Sir, that's not necess…" The look on his boss' face punches through what little strength he has left and Taylor says only "Okay, thanks," as he exits the car.

After parking, illegally, Christian finds Taylor in the waiting room and asks, "Anything?"

"She's in surgery. They're trying to save her spleen."

"Fuck! But we can live without that one, right?"

Managing a weak smile, Taylor reveals, "I have for several years."

"Okay. Wait here. I'll see what I can do about getting her into private care."

"No need. A credit card with your name on it worked wonders."

"It should. I've paid for a fair chunk of this hospital." Eyeing the reception desk, Christian adds, "However, I'll just make sure she's getting the best care. Still Jennifer Taylor?"

"Yeah. Thanks."

Ryan has shown up to take over Christian's protection, and they're each nursing a cup of disgusting coffee when Christian sees Gail enter, holding the hand of a young, blonde girl. Though he's never met Sophie, this can only be her. He nudges Taylor and holds out a hand for the coffee cup. Determined to give the doting father what privacy he can in a crowded hospital waiting room, he stays put and looks on as the big man rushes towards them, dropping to one knee just before Sophie runs into his arms, squealing, "Daddy!"

Christian can't quite make out words in the ensuing babble from the child, or Taylor's responses. But he sees him blindly reach out a hand and Gail accept it; her face a study in quiet concern. Watching them, he realizes they're a family, though they don't live together, and he wonders why he didn't guess how much Taylor needs his daughter. Suddenly missing Ana so much he almost can't breathe, Christian catches Gail's eye and shows his phone on the way out the door, so she'll know where he's gone. Ana answers on the third ring, saying, "Christian. What a lovely surprise."

Just her voice is enough to ease his pain, and he says, "I'm fine. But Taylor's wife…ex-wife, has been in an accident. We're at Northwest and…"

"Oh, God; Sophie!"

"Sophie's fine. She was at school. Gail just brought her here and I was…"

"Is Taylor okay? We'll pay for this, right? You won't let him…"

"For fuck's sake, woman! I'm trying to finish a sentence here." When this outburst is met by only silence, Christian says, "Thank you. I was wondering if you'd be able to meet me here. I don't want to leave until I know his ex is all right."

"I'm already heading out the door. I'll be there as soon as I safely can. Good enough?"

Relief flooding through him, Christian says, "Yes, thank you. I'm sorry that I snapped. Hospitals…they're a reminder of pain."

"I imagine so. I'm on my way. Did you call your Mom?"

"She's a pediatrician, Ana."

"Yes. She's also a friend of Taylor's and will be concerned about him."

"Friend?"

"Baby, she's known Jason almost as long as you have."

"I suppose so. Okay, I'll call her. And you're on your way?"

"Yes, darling. Try and stay calm, okay? The staff will be just doing their job."

Only slightly indignant, given that her caution is probably warranted, Christian says, "I'll have you know that, until I called you, I hadn't even raised my voice."

Ana giggles and says, "Truly an awesome accomplishment. Do you think the medication is already having an effect?"

"Now, why the fuck would you remind me that I've got that session tomorrow?"

"Sorry about that. And we've got that session. I'll be with you. Try to relax. I'll be there soon."

"Okay. I'd better call Mom. Thanks. Oh, are you okay with Sophie staying at Escala tonight, and maybe sometimes after that? She won't be in the way. I'm sure Taylor will make sure she doesn't stray from the other wing."

Ana is quiet for a few seconds and then says, "I think that's maybe the best idea you've ever had. I love you, Christian."

Inordinately pleased at her praise, Christian says, "Yeah, well; better late than never, I guess. He does a lot for us."

"Did I mention that I love you?"

Smiling, because he has no choice, Christian says, "You did. Now get your ass over here."

A giggling Ana says "Yes, Sir," before hanging up.

After updating a concerned Grace, Christian returns to the waiting room. Sophie is now sitting on her father's lap, Gail beside them and still laying claim to one of Taylor's hands. They all tense slightly on seeing him, which galls, though he's again forced to admit that it's probably warranted. He can tell from their posture that there's been no news. Taylor doesn't stand, but says, "Sophie? This is Mr. Grey. Remember, we talked about him? He's my boss."

Clearly nervous of Christian, but more polite than he'll ever be, Sophie extends a wary hand, saying, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Grey."

Determined to make a good first impression on a person for once in his life, if only because it would please Ana, Christian squats down before them and shakes Sophie's hand as he says, "Sophie; that's a pretty name. I'm Christian. Would you like to visit the gift shop and pick out something special for your Mom?"

Of course, the child immediately turns to her father for guidance, to be told, with a nod, "Stay with Christian, and do as he says. I'll be here when you get back."

A little surprised when the child jumps off her father's lap and readily takes his hand, Christian glances at the adults, to see Taylor looking at him with bemusement, and Gail mouths, "Thank you." Glancing back as the child leads him away, with Ryan shadowing them, Christian sees the two lovers practically fall into each other for comfort, and he feels that same tightness in his chest that Ana isn't here.

Despite Sawyer's expert driving, it seems to Ana that it takes forever to reach the hospital. Of course, he insists on accompanying her, so she then has to wait until he finds a parking space. When he suddenly chuckles, Ana wonders why, and he points at the unmistakable gleam of Christian's R8, now with a bright yellow clamp over one wheel. Ana laughs and says, "Oh, dear. You saw it first. You have to tell him."

Sawyer laughs again and shakes his head, saying, "I'm not that brave, Ana."

"I'll pay you."

Still smiling, the young security officer says, "Not for any amount of money. How about we just pretend we didn't see it?"

"All right for you, but I've resolved to hide nothing from him." When Sawyer says nothing, Ana adds, "Okay, I'll tell him. And you're still a wuss."

Finally seeing a vacant space, Sawyer heads for it as he says, "Yes, ma'am."

Once inside, Ana spots Taylor and Gail. She's heading that way when she hears Christian's voice and soon spots him towering over the crowd. Inexplicably, he's carrying a huge, white teddy bear. And then she sees Sophie, whom she recognizes from the pictures on Taylor's phone. The child is apparently firing off endless questions, all of which Christian is answering in a bored monotone. When he spots Ana, he keeps up the conversation, but without taking his eyes off her. Sophie suddenly releases his hand. That draws his gaze and he relinquishes the giant plush toy to her open-armed request, watching until she's safely with her father. Approaching Ana, he smiles slightly as he says, "I told her that flowers would be more appropriate, but she insisted that her Mom would want that monstrosity. I think maybe I've been played."

Too moved by what she's just seen to immediately speak, Ana rushes into his embrace and kisses him. Before it becomes enough to get them thrown out, she ends the gesture and blurts out, "Your car has been clamped."

Apparently untroubled, Christian laughs and says, "Hello to you, too." And then he grins and leans close to whisper, "You kind of want to fuck me right now, don't you?"

Of course, she does, but teases, "Not even a little bit."

His expression and tone affectionate, Christian says, "Lying, again? You know how I feel about that."

Taking his hand and leading him towards Taylor, Ana promises, "Later."

A few more disgusting cups of coffee and/or tea later and a doctor is finally asking for "Jason Taylor". Thankfully, it's a medic with a genuine bedside manner. On seeing the blonde angel holding Taylor's hand, he says, "You must be Sophie?" At her shy nod, he continues, "Your Mommy is going to be just fine. She's got a bump on her head and her tummy will be sore for a while, so you must be very gentle and only hold her hand, okay? No cuddles until she's feeling better." Another wide-eyed nod and he concludes, "Wanna go see her? She's asking for you."

It's the right tone, because Sophie's only reply is to show the enormous stuffed toy and say, "I got her a bear."

"And it's a beauty. I'm sure that will make her feel better." As if only now remembering that the adults exist, he says to Taylor, "Surgery was a success. Other than that, only mild concussion and abrasions. Jennifer is awake and responsive, but needs rest. So please don't stay long this evening. She'll be here for a few nights, and you can visit her tomorrow."

Taylor's shoulders straighten, as if he's been freed from a terrible burden. After a deep, shuddering sigh, he says, "Thank you." At the last minute, he remembers to turn and give Gail a quick kiss before following the doctor with the bear on one hip and Sophie on the other.

When he's gone, Gail says, in wonder, "He still loves her."

Christian looks at her and says, "Of course he does. He's only been in love with two women since I've known him." When Gail still appears shell-shocked, he adds, "You thought he started fucking you because you're convenient, didn't you?"

"Christian!"

Ignoring his wife's outrage, Christian's gaze is focused on a now blushing Gail when he says, "I suspect that, like me, Jason Taylor does not give his heart easily, but he gives it forever." When Gail still says nothing, he adds, "I think maybe you owe him an apology, possibly even an acceptance."

Shocked, Gail says, "What? How…? He shouldn't have told you."

With a smug grin, Christian says, "He didn't. But he'd have to be a moron not to ask, and I know he's not."

Finally understanding, Ana asks Gail, "He wants to marry you?" And then she laughs and says, "Sorry; didn't mean to suggest that it's a shocking prospect. I just didn't know you two were that serious."

Looking at the corridor where she last saw her lover, Gail says, "Neither did I…not really."

Christian claps his hands once in celebration and says, "Well, I think if we look up 'silver lining', we'd find a description of this scenario. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get my car unclamped."

As he gathers Ana in his arms, to say goodbye, she warily pleads, "No Perspex?"

Christian grins and says, "You worried that Ryan and I will duke it out with the clampers? Tempting. But I have a system."

Dubious, Ana asks, "Oh?"

With a grin, Christian reveals, "Yeah. I pay the fine, document everything, and then sue them if they haven't followed the letter of the law. So far, I'm making a profit."

"Considering you could easily buy the company, I'm guessing you don't approve of the clamps?"

Shaking his head, Christian says, "What if I'd been a Mom with a babe-in-arms, visiting a sick relative?"

"In a shiny, black sports car?"

Rolling his eyes, Christian says, "You know what I mean. Staying here?"

"I'll sit with Gail while you work your magic. But can I come home with you? Then they'll have the SUV. We can grab something for dinner on the way home."

"Perfect." Checking that no one can overhear, Christian lowers his voice and says, "I'm glad you're here."

"I would have come anyway, but you're welcome. I'm surprised; you seemed fine even when I got here."

With a shrug, Christian reveals, "Well, I figure if a kid can relax when she knows that her Mom is in surgery, I can suck it up and cope with the waiting room."

"Maybe Sophie should come with us to see Flynn?"

"There you go again. Are you trying to disrupt my calm?"

"No, darling; just easing you into it, so you won't be a wreck tomorrow."

"Can you maybe go easy on me for the rest of the night?"

Knowing exactly what they both need, Ana murmurs, "So long as you don't go easy on me."

Christian groans and says, "Fuck it. This time I'll just pay the fine." Quickly kissing her and giving Ryan a silent command to follow him, he says, "Don't go anywhere."

With everyone full on take-out, Ana has persuaded Christian to let their live-in employees, and Sophie, join them in the media room. For the first time, his widescreen TV is on a family channel. Their three guests have the sofa, while Ana is on Christian's lap in one of the enormous armchairs. Ostensibly behaving himself, he's launching an assault on her senses, gently touching seemingly innocent parts of her body that he knows she responds to; inside her wrist, the crook of her elbow, side of her neck just below the ear. Ana is almost ready to regret suggesting what started as a lovely, relaxing evening when the movie blessedly finishes and Taylor says to Sophie, "Time for bed, Soapy."

Whirling on him at the nickname, Sophie growls, "Daddy!"

Pretending to be afraid, Taylor holds up his hands in surrender and says, "Sorry, Oh Wise One. How would you like to thank our hosts?" Ana watches, amused, as the older-than-her-years child whispers something in her father's ear, and he says, "I think so, but you can ask."

Sophie looks at Christian and asks, "Can I kiss you on the cheek?"

Ana hears his hiss of surprise, but he recovers quickly and says, "Only if you do the same for Ana, or she'll be terribly jealous."

Beaming, Sophie kisses first Ana and then Christian, and asks, "Daddy says you pay for my school?"

Clearly unsure how to reply, Christian glances at Taylor, then says, "Uh, yes. That okay with you?"

Leaning closer for a conspiratorial conversation, Sophie is still audible to everyone when she loudly whispers, "Can you make them get more chicken nuggets? They always run out."

Ignoring Taylor's choked exclamation of horror or mirth, Christian manages to keep a straight face when he asks, "Do you deserve chicken nuggets?"

Sophie gives the matter some thought and says, "Yes."

Finally unable to contain his smile, Christian says, "I'll see what I can do."

This earns him another kiss on the cheek. When he inclines his head towards Ana, Sophie smiles and bestows the same favor on her. They all say goodnight. Christian forestalls Taylor's gratitude, saying, "Take some time off, and let me know if you need anything else."

When they're alone, Christian merely says, "No." At Ana's confusion, he explains, "I've never seen that look before, so it can only mean one thing. We're not ready. Your career is just starting and I'm still a fucking mess."

Ana smiles and says, "Just because I think you were amazing with Sophie, doesn't mean I immediately want to start a family. Though, for the record, I'm more certain than ever that you'll make a wonderful father."

Somewhat appeased, Christian grins and asks, "Still want to fuck me?"

"At least once."

Author's note: Want me to write the therapy session? It'll contain references to drug use, prostitution, child abuse and even torture. But, if you're game to read it, I'm game to write it. If not, I've got other ideas and can use one of them, instead.

And time for another thankyou to all those who make it impossible for me to do so any other way. I read every comment and reply where I can. It's not why I do this, but it sure makes it a lot more enjoyable, thank you.