Chapter 25

CPOV

Caroline Acton was able to help Ana pick something out for the charity gala tonight. And, what I liked most is that Caroline wouldn't show Ana the prices of anything so she had no idea what she was spending. Ana definitely is one of a kind - if it were a sub she would have probably just picked the most expensive dress.

Ana stayed at my place last night so she is getting ready here. I'm wearing my navy Tom Ford tuxedo. "Christian?" Ana walks into my office. "Will you zip my dress? I can't reach it." I smile at how adorable she is at this very moment. I can tell she must have been trying for a little while because she looks frustrated.

"I would love to zip it. But my favorite part will be unzipping it tonight." I zip her dress and it's as if the dress was made for her. It fits perfectly. "Anastasia, you look beautiful."

"Are you sure? I didn't know what to pick and I didn't want something frumpy but I didn't want to wear something too sexy. Is it always this hard?"

"No, you'll get used to these events and know what you like." I never brought any of my subs out with me in public. I didn't want to risk the chance of someone seeing them with me. But, with Ana, I want to take her with me. I also haven't told Ana my parents will be there tonight as well. It will be the first time she will be introduced as my girlfriend.

Taylor drops us off at the venue and right away we are bombarded by photographers. We pose for a bunch of pictures before making our way inside. "Champagne?" I hand a glass of champagne to Ana.

"Please." Her cheeks are a little flushed.

"Are you OK, baby?" I lean down and give her a chaste kiss on the cheek.

"Yeah, I just didn't expect… that." She looks up at me and smiles genuinely.

"Let's go mingle." I grab her hand and walk into the main ballroom. I am standing with my arm wrapped around Ana's waist speaking with one of the partners at my father's firm.

"Christian?" I turn around and see my mom and dad. I give them a huge smile, excuse Ana and I and make our way to my parents.

"Mom, Dad, you remember Anastasia."

My mom gives me a shocked but joyous smile. "Of course. How lovely to see you again, Anastasia. Are you having a nice time, dear?"

"Oh, yes, although, I'm afraid I'll never remember all the names."

"You don't have to worry about that. Just enjoy yourself," my dad tells Ana. "Grace, would you like to dance?"

"I would love that, Cary. You two have fun and we'll talk to you later." My mom and dad walk hand in hand to the dance floor.

"Do you want to dance, Ana?" I give her a teasing smile.

"Um, I'm not a very good dancer. I wouldn't want to embarrass you." Ana looks down.

I lift her chin so we are looking into each other's eyes. "First, I can show you how to dance. And second, I would never be embarrassed with you. Come on." I take her hand and go to lead her onto the dance floor but she stands still and doesn't move. "Oh no, you don't." I raise my eyebrow at her and give her a sly smile. Then, I pull her hand so she falls into my arms against my body. "Now you're right where you belong." I sweep her into a foxtrot before she even has a chance to think about it. At the end of the song, I can't help myself and I lean down and give her an affectionate kiss. We break our kiss and I give her a sweet little peck on her nose.

The rest of the evening goes smoothly and we don't stay long after dinner. I am too impatient to get Ana home and in bed. We get into the car headed home, "I think you just made my parents' day." A sleepy Ana looks up at me and just gives me a smile. "You're the first girl I introduced them to."

"Really? First ever?" Now her curiosity is piqued.

"I didn't do the girlfriend thing - not until you." I squeeze her hand.

APOV

It's bright and sunny early on Sunday morning. A serene Christian was still asleep when I woke. I didn't want to wake him so I decided to make myself some tea. I am lost in thought as I sit on a stool at the breakfast bar. Suddenly, I feel his strong arms encompass me. "Good morning. Why didn't you wake me?" Christian asks before he kisses my head.

"You looked so peaceful. I didn't want to disturb you."

"What if I wanted to be disturbed?" He asks me teasingly. He grabs me and pulls me into him kissing me ardently. "Take a bath with me, please?" His voice sounds so imploring.

"Don't you want any breakfast?" I ask him.

"It can wait." Without saying anything else he pulls me off the stool and into his arms. Swiftly, he picks me up and puts me over his shoulder making me cry out in surprise.

"Christian!" I can't help but laugh. He's being so good-natured.

He puts me down and begins to fill the bath as I wait, wearing one of his t-shirts and my panties. "That smells wonderful. Is that jasmine?"

"Very good, Miss Steele." Unexpectedly he picks me up still clothed and places me in the tub.

"Christian, oh my god!" I'm about to give him a piece of my mind when he strips and is gloriously naked. I completely forgot what I was going to say. He gets in the bath with a wicked smile on his face.

"I just wanted to see what you would look like in a wet t-shirt contest. So I decided to have one just for me." He kisses me running his hands up my side and slowly takes off the shirt. He moves so I am kneeling to kiss him and he pulls my underwear down. "I want you, Ana. Now."

I don't know how he does it so quickly and effortlessly but suddenly I am naked and in his arms which have recently become my favorite place to be. I feel like I need him like I need air to breathe.

"Hello?"

"Ana, it's Mia."

"Hey, Mia. How are you?"

"I'm fantastic. The picture of you and Christian is in the Times. You guys look so wonderful together. Sorry, I can't talk long. I'm heading out but I just wanted to call and tell you."

"Oh, thanks, Mia. Have fun."

"Thanks, Ana. Bye!"

"Bye."

I go online and check the Times website and there it is. A picture of Christian and I last night with the caption, "Mr. Christian Grey, CEO of Grey Enterprises and his girlfriend, Ana Steele."

Girlfriend. Christian Grey's girlfriend.