Chapter Eight

Gail is preparing breakfast when Christian, dressed for the office, enters and says, "Morning, Mrs. Jones. Is Sophie awake? I was hoping to thank her for the letter she made."

Smiling Gail says, "Morning, sir. Yes, she's awake. Would you like me to fetch her?"

"No, that's okay. I thought I'd just knock on the door."

Gail hides her surprise well and, recognizing it as a request, says, "I think that would be okay. Breakfast in twenty minutes?"

Stealing a piece of bacon from where it rests on paper towel, Christian grins and says, "Perfect." Almost to the door, he finally gets brave and turns, saying, "One more thing. Ana and I are checking out a few houses tomorrow. Since you and Taylor will be living on the estate, I thought maybe you'd like to tag along and help us choose?" This is too much for Gail and Christian can feel his ears turning red at her obvious shock as he concludes, "Seems only fair that you have some input, and Taylor will be with us anyway, of course. And, obviously, Sophie would be welcome, given the present circumstances."

"Uh, thank you, sir. I'd like that, if you're sure Mrs. Grey won't mind?"

Desperate to flee her shocked gratitude, Christian is already turning to leave as he says, "I'm sure."

About to knock on the door to the employee's wing for the first time, Christian notices that his hand is trembling. Muttering curses under his breath, he calms his body's ridiculous reaction to this simple activity. He knows it's actually change that he's afraid of; that old terror of everything going back to the way it was before he was saved. Again under control, he raps on the door a few times. There's a moment while the door is unlocked, and Taylor is before him, with an almost identical shocked look to Gail's. After a second, the confused bodyguard says, "Sir? Something wrong?"

Christian brusquely says, "Nothing. I was wondering if Sophie is free? I wanted to thank her for the lovely letter."

"Uh, yes, sir. Come in. She's just having breakfast."

The words "come in" echo uselessly inside Christian's skull for a moment before he manages to say, "Okay, just for a minute. How's Jennifer?"

Smiling as he leads Christian through the rooms that have remained unseen since the penthouse was purchased, Taylor says, "Much better, thank you. She should be out in a couple of days, though obviously it'll be a while before she's completely healed. Thank you, for letting Sophie stay here, and for permitting future visits."

Again embarrassed that it hadn't even occurred to him until the accident, Christian finds the courage to say, "Yeah, well, I should have suggested it, sorry."

Taylor smiles and says, "It's all right, sir. This wasn't an appropriate…Jen wouldn't have liked it before now, anyway."

Only now realizing that his former lifestyle is, in fact, the reason Taylor never asked to have Sophie live with him even part-time, Christian is too shocked to speak. Luckily, they enter the kitchen at that moment, where Sophie is noisily devouring a bowl of cereal. Seeing him, she smiles and says, "Christian! Mommy said I could mind the bear while she's sick. I named him after you."

With a final, nervous glance at Taylor, who's already ignoring both of them to clean up, Christian says, "Yes, I got your letter. Thank you, for that."

"Daddy, can I show him my new room?"

With a glance at Christian, who merely shrugs, Taylor says, "Sure, sweetie. Remember what we talked about?"

Sophie rolls her eyes and says, "Yes, I'll be good."

Led by the hand, Christian waits until they're out of earshot before quietly asking, "What did you talk about?"

Sophie glances back at the kitchen before whispering, "I'm to remember that we're here because of your gen…gener…"

"Generosity? It means sharing without expecting anything back."

"Yes, and that I'm to behave myself and not upset you. Why are you wearing a suit? It's Saturday. Daddy's wearing his suit, but he has to drive Mrs. Grey today."

Stunned at the speed of the subject change, Christian tries to keep a straight face as he says, "I'm sure she'd prefer it if you call her 'Ana'. And I miss her too much when she's away. So I'm going to work until she gets back from her driving lesson."

Stopping, the notion apparently too serious to discuss while walking, Sophie says, "If you miss her, why don't you go with her?"

"Uh…can you keep a secret? Know something and not tell anyone?"

Her eyes gleaming, Sophie promises, "Yes."

Leaning closer, as if it's something of great portent, Christian whispers, "Because Ana drives like a crazy person and it scares me to watch her."

Sophie bursts into a fit of giggles and says, "Daddy says that about Mommy, too."

Ana is in the en suite brushing her hair when she sees Christian in the mirror and says, "How'd it go?"

Hugging her from behind, his hands gently encircling her waist, Christian kisses her cheek and then releases her, saying, "Good. I think Gail and Jason are still in shock, but Sophie's fine. Though she has absolutely, on pain of death, forbidden me to call her 'Soapy' ever again."

"So, you're going to keep doing it?"

"Of course."

Looking on for a few seconds, Christian then nabs the brush and takes over. At first unsure, Ana soon purrs, "Mmm…nice, thank you." Nervous about an idea that she's had for a while, Ana warily asks, "Would you like to braid it?"

Christian stills and says, "What?"

Worried that it's too much, Ana turns to face him, saying, "I don't exactly find the idea sexy. But you used to always do that, right? And we're doing all that work unlocking memories, so it could help. Plus, I thought you might still enjoy it. And, so long as it's not part of foreplay, I thought…" When Christian merely coolly studies her, his closed expression betraying nothing of what he's thinking, she trails off and reaches for the brush as she says, "Sorry; stupid idea."

Christian retains his grasp on the brush and says, "Turn around."

Utterly confused, and a little turned on by his commanding tone, Ana again faces the mirror. At his tender ministrations, she soon closes her eyes in pleasure as Christian brushes and expertly braids her hair. With her neck now exposed, he gently kisses it, sending a jolt of pleasure through her body, and says, "Done. Thank you."

Checking out the result in the mirror, Ana says, "Perfect." Holding his gaze in the mirror, she says, "And it kind of was foreplay, wasn't it?"

Christian's eyes widen at this revelation, and he again embraces her, resting his chin on her shoulder while staring at her reflection, proving with that contact that he's also turned on. "Yes." Suddenly releasing Ana, he smacks her ass and says, "But breakfast is ready, so it will have to wait."

They're eating and Christian is unusually quiet. Eventually, Ana says, "Do I need to go on a hunger strike again?"

"I wouldn't." But then Christian frowns and asks, "Do you think I'm creepy?"

Laughing, Ana says, "The stranger who did a background check on me the day we met? The guy who made me sign an NDA and showed me his play room, before I'd even had sex? The man who used to play dirges in the middle of the night? Or the husband who still stares at me while I'm sleeping?"

With all these being valid points, Christian can't quite marshal an angry glare as he complains, "A simply 'yes' would suffice."

"I'm sorry, darling. You know I love you, but you do give an unsettling first impression. What brought this on?"

"Sophie let slip that her Mom finds me creepy. We've only met once or twice." With a grin, he says, "On the plus side, Sophie disagrees."

"Do you mean to say that Jason's ex is not one of the women who fell in love with you at first sight?"

"Apparently not."

Beaming at him, Ana says, "Then she's welcome to visit any time."

Also smiling, Christian says, "That's your criteria for guests?"

"Yes. I may even put a notice to that effect on the front door." Glancing at her watch, Ana says, "And I'd better go. You're still okay with me going shopping with Brit and Kate this afternoon?"

Christian quips, "You still okay with me not coming with you?" More serious, he continues, "Of course. I understand you need some time off after all that's happened recently, with various aspects of my sordid past rearing their ugly heads. You seem okay, though?"

"I am. I never expected to meet one of your subs, but Angie is sweet. I presume they weren't all like her?"

"No, not all. And a couple were bat crap crazy." With a grin, Christian asks, "Want me to introduce you?"

Moving to stand before him, Ana says, "On that note, I'm leaving." Smiling, she adds, "I love you, Creepy Christian."

Reaching around to rest a warning hand on her ass, Christian says, "I'm not fond of that one."

Unconcerned, Ana smiles and says, "I'll just save it for special occasions, then."

When she kisses him, the hand on her ass becomes a caress, until she finally stands up straight, saying, "Damn, husband, but you make it very difficult to walk out the door."

Also breathing a little fast, Christian says, "Good. Have fun today, Adorable Ana."

Smiling, Ana says, "We can keep that one."

With a grin, Christian said, "Antagonistic Anastasia might be more appropriate, though."

Quickly kissing him again, Ana says, "Good thing you love her, too."

When Ana arrives at the driver training course, Brad has a surprise for her. "How would you like to attempt the track, today?"

Thrilled at the idea, Ana nevertheless glances nervously at the racing track and says, "You're sure?"

"I am. You're a good driver, Ana. Your husband asked that I help you reach a certain level of competency. I'd say we're there. It's up to you, of course, but I'd really like to take you through the advanced course. A few laps around the track will give you an idea of what I'm talking about."

"But I've only had a few lessons."

Brad shrugs and says, "Like I said, you're a good driver; taught by someone who knew what they were doing."

Ana smiles at the memories and says, "My Dad. And he was trained by the Marine Corps." Her palms sweating at the thought of actually attempting the race track, she asks Prescott, "Does Christian know about this?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Surprised that her overprotective husband would be okay with her racing, even without competitors, Ana is still pondering this anomaly when Brad reads her mind, saying, "Despite appearances, the cars aren't actually race ready. They have all the usual safety features, plus a couple more that would make them too heavy to be competitive. You could roll one of these babies fifty times and still walk away with only a slight headache."

Suddenly at ease, Ana smiles and says, "Let's not do that, but I'd love to give a go, thank you."

Recognizing it as consent, Brad nods and says, "Then get suited up and let's see what you can do."

As usual, Ana relaxes once she's behind the wheel of the Porsche. With Brad's constant instruction from the passenger seat, via the radio in her helmet, the first run of the track is at a moderate speed, but still exciting enough to get her heart pounding. As she slows to a stop after the finish line, his voice says, "A good first attempt. But you're breaking and turning in too early almost every corner, because you're worried about losing control. Trust the car and your ability. We'll do it again. If you follow my instructions, it'll be faster."

Sure enough, Ana's next run is faster. And the one after that, faster still. Though it's tiring enough that she's glad when Brad then calls a halt to the lesson, earlier than usual. Having changed out of her leathers, Ana shakes his hand and warmly says, "See you next week?"

Smiling, Brad asks, "So you'll do the advanced course?" At Ana's nod, he continues, "Wonderful. We'll work on coping with different, adverse weather conditions and eventually conclude with how to evade pursuit." Suddenly serious, he adds, "Sadly, something that might come in handy one day."

Ana laughs a little at that and says, "Maybe this afternoon. I'm going to attempt a few hours as a regular person. But, since I did that interview, I can't get through a day without someone wanting a statement or an autograph."

Smiling at Ana's current bodyguard, Brad says, "I'm sure Rachel won't let anything worse than that happen to you. But good luck with being regular."

After a warm goodbye, Rachel is driving her back to Escala to change and shower when Ana asks, "Does everyone on our staff know Brad?"

Keeping her eyes on the road, Prescott says, "It's a requirement that we pass the advanced course, before being assigned to this detail. Though anyone qualified enough to apply would be an above average driver."

"Oh. Well, that's reassuring."

Prescott laughs and says, "I guess so. You're going to enjoy it, I think." With a grin, she adds, "And, if Brad says you're good, he means it. There's a chance you might eventually be better than Mr. Grey."

Ana giggles and says, "Well, that is an appealing thought. Can you imagine the look on his face? It would be worth photographing."

Ana is quietly contemplating the enticing prospect of beating Christian in a race – assuming she could ever persuade him to let her take part in one – when they enter the parking garage under Escala to see the man in question, and Taylor waiting with him. For once ignoring protocol, Ana exits without waiting for Prescott to open her door. Rushing into her husband's arms, she kisses him and says, "What a lovely surprise. I didn't think I'd see you until this evening. Racing was so much fun. Thank you, for being okay with that. Oh, hey, and I passed! Brad says I can start the advanced course next week, so I was…" Trailing off at his obvious amusement, she concludes, "What?"

Kissing her again, Christian then says, "It's just a lot of words, baby. I'm glad you had fun. You know I would have liked to be there, but no medication exists that could keep me calm enough to watch you on a race track. And you haven't asked why I'm here."

"Not just a happy coincidence?"

Producing an elegantly wrapped box, about the side of a jewelry case, Christian says, "Happy, but no coincidence. I thought that a small graduation gift was in order." Kissing her on the cheek as he places the gift in her hands, he says, "Congratulations."

Her eyes shining, Ana eagerly opens the box. Inside, on quality velvet, rests a single remote key, joined by a gold chain to a tiny replica of a VW Beetle. Ana's gaze flies to Christian's for confirmation, and his smile says it all. Scanning the garage, she quickly spots the brand new, metallic green Bug. Aiming the key at it with slightly trembling fingers, she presses the button and only releases her breath when it unlocks. As if in a trance, she wanders over and lovingly traces the line of the roof with her hand. From right behind her, Christian apologizes, "I would have liked to get in in vintage green, and affix personalized plates. But I'm afraid we can't afford to draw that much attention to you. I hope you understand, Ana; it's a safety issue."

Ana spins and throws her arms around him, pressing her face into his neck as she says, "Thank you."

Holding her against him, Christian can hear that she's crying and asks, "Happy tears?"

Her voice muffled by his collar, Ana says, "Ecstatic. Can I drive it right now?"

She feels his head turn and then a nod. Somehow she knows that he's doing that almost telepathic communication with Taylor, and then he says, "Sure, baby, we can do that. Where would you like to go?"

Lifting her face to shine her love on him, Ana says, "I don't care."

Smiling, Christian says, "Could you drop me at work, then? I only left for this."

Happier than it seems possible, Ana says, "I can do that." As Christian opens her door for her, Ana says, "I thought this car wasn't safe enough for you?"

"This year's model; no. What you now own is a glimpse of the future. The only thing stopping this model from attaining that fifth star was curtain airbags, and they're adding them next year, so I had them ship one out. I should even make some money on the deal, thanks to you. Sales will almost definitely climb when one of the most popular small cars also becomes one of the safest."

Getting into the driver's seat and looking up at him, Ana asks, "But isn't that insider trading?"

"Not actually. It hasn't been officially announced, but it's not exactly a secret either. No Perspex, I promise."

By the time Christian is in his seat, Ana has found the metal plaque affixed to the dash, that simply reads, "Wanda," and is almost in tears again as she says, "I can't believe you remembered my old car's name."

Smiling at her happiness, Christian says, "I always imagined it as 'Deathtrap' in my head, but I thought you'd prefer this." Clipping his seatbelt in place, he adds, "There was some talk of a drive?"

"No bodyguard?"

"They'll follow in the SUV. Oh, and please let one of them still drive when you're going to work, or anything else you do on a regular basis. That's the most likely time for an incident, and they're all better drivers than either of us."

At first confused, Ana asks, "Incident?" But then quickly catches on and says, "You mean someone ramming the car or a kidnapping attempt?"

His jaw clenching at the idea, Christian says only, "Yes."

Recognizing his fear, Ana says, "All right, darling. So I just tell them when I want to drive somewhere?"

Visibly relieved at her compliance, Christian says, "Yes. It's up to you whether you want them in the car or following in a separate vehicle. If with you, they'll need to sit in the front."

With a grin, Ana jokes, "Presumably so they can wrest the wheel from me if I have a heart attack?" At Christian's suddenly closed expression, Ana says, "I don't want to know why they need to be right beside me, do I?"

"I doubt it. But those options are extremely unlikely. Problem?"

Able to summon a genuine smile, because nothing can make her unhappy right now, Ana says, "All part of the Christian Grey package, and you're still worth it." Finally calm enough to drive, she turns the key and the car purrs to life. "Now that's a pretty sound. Thank you, Christian. You've no idea how much it means to me that you bothered to make this happen…apparently defying time to do so."

Reassured, Christian's smile is wide as he says, "I told you, baby; anything. I do have a request, though."

"Oh?"

"When you put your foot on the accelerator, would you please remember that I'm undergoing treatment for anxiety?"

Deftly reversing out of the parking space, Ana is laughing as she heads towards Grey House.

Author's note: I liked their house in the books, so we'll go with that; the only difference being that Taylor, Gail and Sophie also approved it. I'll remind you when necessary.

And I know that I said no more braiding. But he's trying so hard that I decided to give him a break;-)

Someone asked about my reference to anisurnois on the fic "Storm". It's because Ani is a writer so talented that I have to steal ideas from them to keep up;-) If you haven't read "The Master's Muse", you're wasting precious moments reading this note.