Just Breathe

by Mother of Pearl Fetish

What happens when Christian and Ana don't meet at the interview? What steps will he take when he first sees her at graduation? What will change when he inadvertently injures her before he can introduce her to the Red Room of Pain? 2015 Nominee - Fanatic Fanfics Multifandom Awards.

5. Chapter 5

Just Breathe – Chapter 5: SIP Week Two: Part B
Wednesday, Ana's second week at work
Ana's POV

After our run from the condo to Escala, Mrs. Jones shows me to a guest suite. She helps me remove my running sling so I can shower. Drying off took longer than usual because Christian has huge fluffy bath sheet towels that wrap around me a couple times. I revel in the luxury of those towels. I could live in that guest bathroom. It's nicer than any bathroom I've ever been in…well, except for the ensuite at the Heathman Hotel. I shake myself out of musing why I am enamored of Christian's bathrooms and concentrate on dressing. Trying to blow dry my hair is a logistical nightmare. Someone knocks on the door and I call out for them to enter.

"Let me," Christian takes the blow dryer. "It's kind of tough to do that left handed, huh?"

I laugh and let him. My inner goddess basks in the blow out. My subconscious snipes about where and how gorgeous-god-of-Seattle Grey knows how to do a blow out.

"Do you want your hair braided?" He asks.

"A low ponytail is easier for me at the end of the day." I admit.

He inverts my ponytail and rolls the sides to the nape of my neck, creating a polished, but simple look. With bobby pins, he tames escaping tendrils of hair. I am in awe. "Breakfast – veggie omelets, whole wheat English muffins and fruit salad – will be ready in ten minutes. I asked Mrs. Jones to make lunch for you so you don't have to go out at lunch time. Find some place in the SIP building where you can put your feet up and rest. If you give Taylor your gym bag, he can return it at the end of the day when he picks you up." He smiles and departs, which gives me time to finish packing my stuff and apply lip gloss.

XX

Christian holds my hand while Taylor drives me to work. I endeavor to act nonchalant, like Christian holding my hand is a normal event. I suppose after last night's kisses I should be glad we're only holding hands…not embarrassing Taylor with flagrant public displays of affection. My inner goddess throws herself across the seat and captures his mouth. As we drive closer to SIP; I notice Jack hovering around the front door. I ask Taylor to drive around the block and leave me at the rear entrance. It's so much easier than dealing with Jack before I even get in the front door this morning.

Christian leaves a lingering kiss on my hand followed by a caress across my knuckles. "Remember SIP is in play – watch your wifi usage." He warns me.

My besotted inner goddess smiles like a lunatic when I exit the car. Taylor holds the door for me and I alight from the GEH carriage at the back entrance to SIP. However, I'm pretty sure the only fairy tale in my work day might be a good manuscript. I enter the building, get to my desk, boot the computer, put things away, get a cup of hot water for tea, start a pot of coffee, clean Jack's coffee cup and am settled, sorting author letters when Jack finally heads to his office. He stops, startled to see me.

"You look – rested. I thought you would be late; after having a good night with the concerned citizen. What time did you get here this morning?" He demands.

"Early enough; I left your clean coffee cup by a fresh pot of coffee in the kitchen. I'm going to the copier room." I slide out from my desk and head to the copier. I don't look back, but I know he's watching my ass walk away. I finish copying author letters; file them and return to my desk to mail the originals. At break time Jack yells at me to get coffee for him. When I serve it, he is all eyes on my breasts as I sit the cup on the desk. "I'm going for a break," I turn and walk away, knowing he is watching my ass. It's creepy.

I take a break at the sidewalk café section of Fifty's; checking my emails and voice mails. There is nothing from Christian. Kate sent a picture of her and Ethan at the beach. José sent an email with extra pictures he is able to take because of the delay in his exhibit opening. He also sent a picture of José Sr. and Ray around a campfire. They are obviously having a good time. I plan to use that picture as the desktop background on my laptop. I email José back, asking Ray to call when he gets to a land line. I walk back to the office…and …there it is. I have a creepy feeling I'm being watched. I look north, south, east and west, but I don't see anyone observing me or following me.

XX

I take my lunch to the break room and plug in my iPod. Mrs. Jones made me a lovely veggie wrap and included a cup of the fruit salad from this morning…mmm, kiwi and strawberries. I eat my lunch and make lists of things to do for home and work. I need to grocery shop. Ray is arriving the weekend Jack leaves for New York. He's bringing me a small armoire for my room; a small armoire for the kitchen and building custom closets in our three bedrooms. I want to put my baking pans, big mixer and cookbooks in the kitchen armoire. I need to batch cook and fill Ray's freezer. I need to batch cook and fill the condo freezer. I need to find a way to thank Christian for the helicopter tour.

Just give him a lap dance! My inner goddess does a bump and grind on an empty chair. Before I yell at her to shut up; my subconscious turns off the spotlight on this embarrassing thought. I owe him a thank you for the hospital bills, the Tess books and now the helicopter tour. It's time to cash in our V-card, my inner goddess moans. She is so inappropriate! I'm glad I'm not conversing with Christian. I'm sure to say the wrong thing or blush so much he'll know what I'm thinking.

XX

Jack spends the afternoon sitting on the corner of my desk, peering over my shoulder as I build a PowerPoint presentation for the conference. When he isn't leaning close to read the screen, he asks personal questions. "So, what does your concerned citizen do for a living?"

"He's in business." I will derail this interrogation by providing minimal answers. I've become a master at deflecting Kate's inquisitive nature or mom's inappropriate questions.

"What kind?" His question is too casual and too nosy.

"I believe he said security." I relate. Since Taylor examined my arm and drove me to the hospital; I don't feel guilty about calling him my 'concerned citizen.' I try to bring Jack back to task as much as possible. He asks if I'm going straight from work for a date. He's enjoying the Kate-donated plum dress with matching plum pumps more than he should. The color is good on me and the dress skims what few curves I have. The neckline is high enough not to reveal anything; the length is three inches above my knee. Pearl earrings complete today's ensemble. I explain I have no date, which was stupid, because he's slavering to give me a ride home. I thank him politely, but I assure him my father arranged transportation until I can drive myself again.

Finally around 4:30; Jack concentrates on the presentation and quits asking me personal questions. We've made headway on the presentation when Taylor calls at 5:25 to tell me he is waiting for me. After I shut down everything and clear my desk, Jack waits for me at the elevator. "You know," he gripes, "If I had known you wouldn't be available to work overtime, I might have considered one of the other candidates."

"I was very explicit in my interview. I am willing to work overtime. SIP's policies changed with the pending sale; not mine." I say, sidestepping the elevator which he holds for me, heading for the stairs. When I exit the stairway; Jack exits the elevator. I ignore the annoyed look on his face and exit the front door, looking for Taylor. I'm pleased to see him. Taylor's presence makes me feel safe after dealing with Jack all afternoon. Jack hits the sidewalk at the time Taylor closes the door to the SUV. It is a quiet and pleasant ride home.

"Mr. Grey apologizes, he's working late tonight, but he will Skype you when he gets home." Taylor grabs my gym bag with my exercise clothes from this morning, noting a wince on my face when I exit the vehicle. "Miss Steele, please take at least half a pain pill tonight when you go to sleep. I've been injured in action. I know what broken bones feel like. Struggling through the pain causes stress and can delay the healing process. You heal faster when you are not in pain. You heal faster with the right medicines, adequate sleep and eating healthy along with pampering yourself a little."

"Thank you, Taylor. I believe I will take some pain medication tonight. It was a busy day and the Ibuprophen I took at lunch time wore off." He gives me my gym bag when he spots my condo keys in my hand. "Please thank Mrs. Jones for breakfast and lunch. I appreciate her help today."

He nods. "I will call when I arrive tomorrow morning." He watches me enter the building before he departs.

XX

Kate Skypes while I'm trying to eat dinner. I bless her for my list of work ensembles and for the clothes. I tell her everything is fine at work. She says she can't stay on long; she is waiting for a Skype from Elliott Grey. I ask if this is a good thing and she giggles and overshares their conversations. I don't tell her I'm waiting to Skype with Christian. I don't tell her about the Tess books. I don't tell her about the buyout and reorganization of SIP or the failed NY trip. I want her to have a good time and not worry about me.

It must be the night for everyone to contact me. I talk to Carla – I don't tell her about my broken arm. I thank her for the work clothes she bought me when I was in Georgia. She asks if I will get a chance to come back to Georgia over Labor Day Weekend. Bob is participating in a golf tournament at the club and she doesn't want to be a golf widow all weekend. She suggests we can have a spa day over the weekend. I don't make any promises; but I remind her I usually go fishing with Ray over Labor Day weekend. She suggests I start spending every other holiday with her and Bob now that I've graduated from college. She says if I spend Labor Day with them, I can spend Thanksgiving with Ray, then Christmas with her…etc.

I talk to Ray and verify our plans for next weekend. He is coming to Seattle on Thursday afternoon to drop some completed restoration projects. He will pick me up from work and we'll get dinner. I'm trying to do laundry when I get a call from Christian.

"I've been trying to reach you; you haven't answered my Skype request." He sounds annoyed.

"Sorry, I didn't hear my computer ping. I have the washer, dryer and the dishwasher running. Kate Skyped during dinner, Carla called and then Ray called. I talked to everyone for a long time." I didn't tell him about any of the conversations. There will be time to talk about Ray coming to town next weekend.

"Do you have time to Skype now?" He asked softly.

"I need to throw the washer load into the dryer and then I will." I offer. "Fifteen minutes?"

"See you onscreen…" His voice smiles!

Yeah, Skype was worth it. I put on my mint green shirt and brushed my hair into a cloud of soft curls around my shoulders. My face is clean, my teeth are brushed and I'm wearing rose-colored lip balm. I sit at my desk in my room; the side lamp is on; casting a soft glow to the room. My bed is made and there are clean lacy pillow shams on the pillows. The quilt mom made me is folded neatly at the bottom of the bed. Tess is tucked next to the lamp and alarm clock so it looks like I'm reading in bed. I know I staged the room, but my abode does not compare to his. It is what it is and is as comfy as I know how to make it. Besides, he's been here when my room and the condo were a moving disaster; so I'm sure it looks great tonight.

He comes on, wearing a white shirt with sleeves rolled and I think I catch a glimpse of jeans. He's sitting on the white couch in his palatial living room.

I'm shy, he's gregarious. I'm drinking ginger ale, he's drinking white wine. We talk about work. He swears he had a long day with mergers and acquisitions. I tell him about my day and preparing Jack's presentation for the conference. I tell him Claire's conversation about Puget Publishing or Kavanagh Media acquiring SIP. He asks what I think and I explain that I've been privy to a lot of proprietary conversations at the Kavanagh residence. I don't discuss their conversations; I won't discuss his. My response must have been the right one because he smiles. Before long, I yawn. I don't mean to, but I'm tired. He's sweet and wishes me good night.

XXXXX
Thursday, Ana's work week two
Ana's POV

Taylor is a little early to pick me up. He said he dropped Mr. Grey at the Grey House private gym for kickboxing practice. He insists we stop by Starbucks; he's craving a large coffee. He explains he gives the receipt to Mr. Grey. If there is no tea or food for me on it, he will be in trouble when Mr. Grey checks the time stamp. I don't argue. I explain last night's pain pill made me wake later than I should and I skipped breakfast. I explain I planned to go to the deli on break. I'm wearing a dress from Kate again, navy blue with khaki belt and khaki accessories. She even gave me matching khaki pumps with a two-inch heel. They will be perfect for walking to the deli today. I have brushed and braided my hair in one messy plait down my back and finished it off with a khaki fabric-covered barrette.

Just call it what it is, my inner goddess grins. It's a messy braid that looks like just-been-fucked hair…and you did it deliberately in case Mercury is in the car at the end of the day.

Taylor gets me a yogurt parfait, mini vanilla bean scones and a large Chai Tea. We cruise past the front door of SIP. Jack stands by the door; smoking. It is obvious he's waiting for me. Taylor is not thrilled to leave me at the rear entrance again. I explain I feel I'm running a gauntlet at the front door. Everyone is so helpful since I broke my arm but there are times when I get bumped and it hurts. Taylor acts like he buys my explanation; but he stands outside the SUV and makes sure I enter SIP's back door. Even with the Starbucks' run, I'm early. I make it to my desk and put my things away. I go to the kitchen and make coffee. My computer is booted up when my cell rings. I send it to voice mail, and mute the ringer so I don't get interrupted before break. I am working when Jack stomps off the elevator. He snaps at me to fetch him coffee and then ignores me.

I make it through the first chapter synopsis of three books before lunch. Jack orders me to pick up lunch for him when I'm getting my own. "Unless, of course, you have a lunch date with your concerned citizen." He checks out my dress, his eyes lingering on my legs. His emphasis on lunch date is disgusting. I ignore his inquisition and announce I will be back in 20 minutes from the deli. When I get to reception, Mr. Roach and Elizabeth are there. When I announce I'm going to the deli for lunch, they both have lunch orders if I can handle them without issue.

While at the deli, I check my voicemail and there are three messages from Christian. They are increasingly short; it's a busy day for him. I have time to return his calls; but it goes to voicemail. I explain it's a busy morning. I may not have time to talk before the end of the day. I mute my cell again. Jack is in a full-blown snit when I get back thirty minutes later. I apologize it took longer because of the crowd at the deli and extra orders for Mr. Roach and Elizabeth. He is not happy, stressing that I work for him; not them. Then he orders me to be ready to start work on the presentation in a half hour. I don't argue that it infringes on my lunch hour. I just want to get through the day.

Christian's POV

"You've delayed long enough," Elena snapped. "Procrastinating caused you to lose two potential submissives. Now the only one I have available is Kassidy Morgan. She interviewed when the other two took different contracts. I've sent you her list of hard and soft limits. I've sent you her medical clearance and proof of birth control. I've sent pictures. I know you claim to be busy with Mergers and Acquisitions, but acquiring a submissive doesn't seem to be on your list of things to do."

My cell phone rings and I check the number. It's Anastasia. I'm aggravated because I can't take her call in front of Elena. I'm aggravated because I miss the sound of Anastasia's voice. It is soft and melodic and it calms me. Now I have another thing to discuss this with Flynn. "I am busy with Mergers and Acquisitions, thank you for understanding," I snipe a little. "I told you, if Kassidy Morgan wants to go with another Dom; perhaps she should do what is best for her." I eat my lunch, noting Elena's just pushing her food around on the plate again. It irritates me that she orders lunches or dinners and never eats.

"This is the longest you have been without a submissive since you were 21," she says decidedly.

"I'll deal with it when I have time. Perhaps I want assurance this submissive understands my rules and doesn't flash my neighbors." I almost snap at her. Losing my temper with Elena does not have any effect. She always interprets my lack of patience with her as my need for a submissive and control in my life. She never understands my shortness with her stems from her crossing boundary lines with me. My family understands my boundaries – why the fuck doesn't she? Great; now I have another thing to discuss with Flynn.

"Did that deal go through with Keaton Kavanagh?" Elena asks. "I hope it was worth the effort to get the daughter and friend out of the way for the day. I also hope it was worth the trouble you caused for your PR department. Honestly, why didn't you have the picture of you and that girl quashed? I had to deal with fallout from your potential subs about who she was."

"Yes, Keaton gave me good advice. Roz and I worked out logistics this morning. We should finish negotiations tomorrow when she meets with top level staff. We should sign the completed paperwork next Friday. The picture is no one's business but mine," I asserted. "I'm tired of explaining it. If you're dealing with fallout over it from potential submissives, then I'm not interested in interviewing any of them. I'm the Dominant, Elena. I don't answer jealous questions from potential submissives." I pause. "Elena, please understand business is very demanding right now. I don't have time for phone calls, emails or lunches regarding submissives. I don't want to be rude; but I don't know how to make you understand."

Elena's POV

I drank my wine, toying with the glass and watching Christian as he eats his lunch. He obviously met and spent time with Anastasia Steele at WSUV's graduation. What was he doing with his arm around her? I asked Grace about the picture. Grace parroted what Christian told her. The girl was the roommate of Katherine Kavanagh, daughter of Keaton Kavanagh and Christian is involved in a business deal with him right now. Why didn't Kavanagh Media use their influence and have a different picture published – like one of Katherine, the valedictorian, sitting on stage next to Christian Grey, benefactor of WSUV, instead of Christian and a little brunette bookworm? It took a lot of money but my private detective found where the girls live and work. He also found juicy information which means I'm keeping his tab open for a while. How the hell is Christian engaged in a deal with Keaton Kavanagh who is currently in Barbados with his family? Grace had been unavailable for lunch since Mia got home from Paris. The Coping Together charity event is fast approaching, so Grace has no time for a long gossipy girls' lunch until the event was over.

Taylor's POV

When the Boss should be having a picnic lunch in the park with lovely Miss Steele…he's here listening to the swill of the evil bitch Elena Lincoln. I know I should keep my distance, but I want to know their exact conversation. Gail is right; Elena is in a snit over Grey not choosing a submissive right now. She tries to make him jealous that two potential submissives have gone off the market. He's obviously not interested as he's had her information for some time now and neither Welch nor I have been asked to run background checks. She asks incessant questions in different ways trying to find out about WSUV graduation, the picture, Miss Steele, Miss Kavanagh, etc. He informs the Botox Bitch that he doesn't owe explanations to any jealous submissive. Too bad the message goes right over her head. He finally finishes his lunch and tells her he has to leave. He has a full afternoon and evening; along with an early morning meeting which will be followed by another full day of M&A. She attempts to drag out the conversation because she does not want him to leave, but it is too little and too late. Grey is in full CEO mode and for once, I am glad of it.

Ana's POV

Jack peers over my shoulder the entire time I'm working on the presentation. He is not happy with my work. I'm making typing errors because he's literally and figuratively breathing down my neck. He's quick to point out the errors, interrupting my work flow constantly. He's getting more frustrated with my efforts as we slog away at the presentation. I think his inability to articulate what he wants and his lack of vision for the presentation contributes to my errors and how we are floundering. I obviously haven't picked up the nuances of the task like I should have. I practically have to run him over to get him to back off at break time. He's sitting so close to my chair, I'm trapped on three sides. I roll my chair six feet to the right to have room to stand and get away from him. The only reason I take a break is because I need to go to the bathroom. I don't dare take my cell. I turned it off at lunch time before I came back from the deli so it doesn't access SIP wifi. I don't check personal or work emails on my computer either. Personally I'd like to take a longer break and wallow in meaningless self-pity. However; duty calls; that PowerPoint won't fix itself.

At 5:25, Taylor calls my office phone to tell me he is downstairs. I explain I will be at least fifteen more minutes. Jack feels we are at a critical juncture in the presentation. We are close to having a finished document which we can print on Friday. He can proof it over the weekend before it goes to the printers on Monday. The elevator door opens at exactly 5:45 and Taylor steps off the elevator and casually observes me. I don't reveal my ride has arrived.

"I'm sorry I couldn't pull off the New York trip, but I think it's unfair to punish me by failure to complete this task. If you can't finalize it and email it to New York for publishing by Monday, I will have to write you up for failure to meet goals in a timely manner. I suppose you have plans for the weekend so I can't call you at home if I have questions," he asks.

"Ana," Taylor approaches the desk. I'm unhappy Taylor overheard Jack giving me a work warning. I don't need Taylor repeating this conversation to Christian; especially if I decide to leave SIP and go to work for GEH. "It's time for you to go home." Taylor says calmly. "You are not supposed to be working overtime. You need time to heal."

"Jack Hyde, editor at SIP, this is…" I try to perform a correct, Miss Manners introduction, but I don't know Taylor's first name. I don't know how to explain Taylor. What part of my NDA covers Taylor? Did he use my first name to insinuate we have a personal friendship?

"Jason Taylor," Taylor says expressionless, shaking Jack's hand. I glance up at Jack who mentally assesses the fine specimen of manhood in front of him. "I saw Ana fall in the park. I drove her to the hospital. You've seen me dropping her off and picking her up this week."

"I'm the boss," Jack replies arrogantly. "Ana's been very coy about the boyfriend issue."

"I'm not Ana's boyfriend. I was in the right place when she was injured. As her father is also ex-military; I volunteered to help her until he can come to Seattle." Taylor says impassively.

"Band of Brothers sort of thing?" Jack sneered. "Well, I'm perfectly capable of giving her a ride home when we are done. There is no need for you to wait for her."

"Sorry, Ana's father depends on me to take care of his daughter since he can't be here to do so. He made that decision based on the recommendation of her doctor." Taylor moves the piles of manuscripts from around my desk to the credenza in front of Jack's office. "Don't want you to trip and fall again," he says. "If you are ready?"

"Fine," Jack stands, "put the presentation out on the server where I can find it to repair the damage inflicted by our interruption. Don't let your plans keep you out late. I need you to be here on time in the morning. We have a busy day tomorrow."

"I haven't been late once since I started working here," I say tartly and regret my mouth because Taylor frowns. Great … now he's heard Jack reprimand me twice. My option to take an internship at GEH if SIP doesn't work out is now a precarious proposition at best. I save the presentation to the server and email a copy of it to Jack and to my junk email just to ensure nothing "happens" to it overnight. I finish my end of the day activities of clearing my desk and shutting down the computer. I gather my things and follow Taylor to the elevator. Jack is nowhere in sight.

"Ana," Taylor holds the elevator door open for me. I go to a corner of the elevator… Taylor stands at parade rest at the front of the elevator as the doors close. I can rest assured I'm leaving the building today without Jack holding doors and watching my ass. "Forgive my familiarity, Miss Steele. I thought it appropriate to infer we were more than acquaintances."

"Thank you, Taylor. I prefer Ana to Miss Steele anyway." I assure him.

Christian's POV

"Boss," Taylor called. "I just escorted Miss Steele home. The condo is clear – but she has picked up surveillance."

"Who?" I snapped.

"I've seen the car before at SIP. I think it's Jack Hyde checking up on her. He wanted her to work late tonight and I stopped it." Taylor said. "Permission to speak freely, sir?"

"Taylor…" I know my voice was threatening.

"If I was Miss Steele's father, I would have hit that man twice for the two times he was rude to her. Then I would have hit him for making her work area an obstacle course with manuscripts stacked everywhere. Then I would have hit him for invading her personal space while she's trying to be professional and work. Then I would have shot him for leering at her just because Miss Steele is a lady; and can't defend herself against him right now."

"Anything else, Taylor?" I've jumped from furious to cold murderous thoughts.

"I think she was upset and I doubt if she eats dinner." Taylor said.

"I want her to have 24/7 surveillance now!" I ordered.

"Done, Ryan will be here in the next thirty minutes and will stay through until I pick her up in the morning. Sawyer will be on her from the time she goes to work until she returns home." Taylor said. "I also took the liberty of calling for pizza delivery. There should be one delivered to her and one to you in the next twenty minutes. Just in case her cell is turned off, they are delivering a message to her that you'll contact her via Skype for dinner. I know you are in the midst of M&A, but you can take fifteen minutes and talk to her." He paused. "One more thing – I'm asking Welch about the status of Hyde's full throttle investigation. I want to know boxers or briefs, tag or tagless and how many other young women he's subjected to his appalling lack of manners."

"Approved," I said. "I'll ask Barney to check his phone and internet usage at SIP. I want to know if he's doing more than just following Miss Steele."

XX

"Roz, I need you to finish up with the management team. I have a Skype appointment I can't miss. Andrea, pizza delivery, fifteen minutes. Taylor took care of it; just make sure it doesn't get delivered anywhere else in the building." I raced to clear my desk. I took off my jacket and rolled up my shirt sleeves. God bless Taylor, I need to give him a raise - or maybe a pass the next time I fire his ass.

XX

"Hello," Ana smiled. "Thank you for dinner. I was tired and about to make a can of soup. I love vegetarian pizza with extra diced tomatoes. How did you know?"

"I didn't – it was the special tonight. I finished a management meeting, but I'm waiting on paperwork. I hoped you would be available. I am sorry for the lack of notice." I gave her my patented megawatt smile.

"I'm sorry I couldn't return any of your calls today," She smiled. "I've been very careful not access the wifi at SIP. I thought I'd check my messages and reply to everyone after dinner and before bed."

"Do you feel like running tomorrow morning?" I ask. "If you do, it will be the same schedule as last time."

"I can't; it's a busy day at the office tomorrow, but I am still available for dinner. I thought I'd work in a run on Sunday." She smiles again. We talk about her work day and about my work day. She mentions she's been busy with a PowerPoint for her boss and hasn't read as many manuscripts as she would like. But she found one that was interesting and slipped it into her tote for reading in bed tonight. She assures me it is not a murder mystery or thriller and that she won't have to worry about things going bump in the night.

When I ask Ana what that meant, she explained she's been reading too many murder/thriller manuscripts. She feels someone's following her or watching her when she leaves the office at break or lunch time. She explains she watches for creepers like Ray taught her; but she didn't catch anyone following her. She blames it on the manuscripts. They must be better than she thought if they are making her paranoid. She tries to laugh off her feelings; but I can tell she's nervous.

When we finish our pizza and Skype; my paperwork has been delivered. We set the time for Taylor to pick her up in the morning and say goodnight. When we conclude our Skype, I call Taylor right away. I explain Ana feels she's being watched or followed when she goes out at break or lunch time. Taylor assures me he will talk to Sawyer about it.

Barney catches me before I leave the office. "I accessed the email address you gave me for Miss Steele," he prologues. He hands me a printout. "It appears to be a junk mail account. She checks it once a week and filters a few emails to a different account and trashes the rest. The different account must be the real email account she uses for family and friends. I haven't had time to check it. The junk account contained fairly disgusting and graphic emails I wouldn't want any woman to see. I'm trying to track the IP address, but it's coming up tracking to a coffeehouse out near the sound. Someone accesses their free wifi to send X-rated materials to Miss Steele." He shows me three of them. "I'm trying to download traffic cams from the area around the time the emails are sent to Miss Steele. Additionally, I suggest if you acquire SIP; we need to filter her emails there. Someone in the building, other than Miss Steele, accesses and reads her emails. Whoever is checking her emails at work may know her real email address. I don't guarantee its security."

"Do you know who it is?" I ask Barney.

"Our mystery guest uses one of SIP's pool computers. It could be any of six dozen people in the building. You can't suggest she change her work email password without giving it away that we're tracking it. It looks like everyone in the building has a standard email password of their first initial, birth month, second initial capitalized, birthdate, third initial, concluded with a two digit birth year. Miss Steele's email password is a9R10s83. It's the same as the login when she boots up the computer. It's the same password to log into the HR system. That configuration made it easy for me to check other people's emails. Their IT people haven't upgraded their skills since they left college six years ago." He sighed, "I hate lazy IT people. They give the rest of us a bad rep."

Ana's POV

Kate Skypes just after dinner. I tell her about my job and ask her about Barbados. She tells me about today's tour of the Andromeda Botanical Gardens, followed by surfing in the Soup Bowl. Kate tells me about her ongoing flirtation with Elliott Grey via Skype. I'm tempted to tell her I'm having dinner with Christian Grey tomorrow night and may spend time over the weekend with him. I tell I might go clubbing after work with coworkers. She suggests clothes so I can go from casual Friday to club classics. I will wear black jeans with a berry-colored cashmere twin set for work, with black flats during the day and black suede pumps and clutch for night. I will wear plain gold hoops during the day and add a gold bangle for night. When she finishes the Skype, I start laying out clothes options for the weekend. I put together three sets of casual clothes. I select a dress that will work for theatre, dinner or dancing. I select two sets of exercise clothes. I pick three pretty sets of pajamas…JIC. I'm not going to jinx myself by packing a suitcase, but my clothes are laid out on top of my dresser case I need to do a fast pack. I arrange the necessary toiletries for the weekend on the vanity counter. I just need to pack them in a travel tote if necessary. I've seen Kate prepare for weekends away with boyfriends, so I know I have to wear coordinating underwear all weekend, along with shaving, buffing and polishing.

XXXXX
Friday, Week 2 at SIP
Ana's POV

Tonight is dinner with Christian. I take a tote to work with the day-to-night pieces in it. Taylor picks me up on time and I swear I ate breakfast, will eat lunch and will be ready to go at 5:30. I explain it is drinks night for staff at Fifty's. I implore him to please save me from having a drink with my boss.

"Good morning!" Claire greets me warmly when I approach the front doors of SIP. "Who's the chauffer? If I was into older men, I'd chase that." She holds the door open for me.

"He's very reserved," I tease. "You'd overwhelm the poor man."

"Mr. Roach, the VP of Marketing and the VP of Production are out of the building today. Everyone's keeping their head down and pumping out work to justify the new owners keeping them on after the sale and reorganization. There's lots of people staying close to their desks today incase upper management calls to ask for information during the sales talks. It will probably be a quiet work day. If you go out to get lunch at the deli, be sure to send an email through the building, offering to pick up orders."

Jack is not in the office. I receive an email that he's out of the office with an author this morning. He expects to return by one. He expects us to finish the presentation today, no matter how long it takes. I check my calendar and his. Somehow, his author meeting is not on either Jack's or my office calendar. I check the online schedule for the office and there it is. I call IT and ask them to sync Jack and my online calendars with the office online calendar. I will not be blamed for him missing any important meetings. I spend the morning reading the first chapter of a few manuscripts and writing synopsis.

I send out an all-call email at 11:30 to staff advising them I'm going to the deli for lunch; offering to take orders. I order everything in advance and Amber walks with me to the deli to pick up the orders. I check my emails and voicemail while we're standing in line.

"That's creepy," Amber muttered.

"What," I whisper back.

"The creeper in the corner can't take his eyes off you. Trust me; don't make eye contact with that. You don't want it following you home." Amber suggested. "It's a middle-aged creeper; in need of a shave, in need of a shirt without a shiny collar, and in need of a shoe shine. He doesn't work around here – I know most of the faces in the area and he isn't familiar."

"Oh god," I whisper, "You don't think he's a potential author of Jack's?"

"I hope not," Claire shuddered.

Jack's POV

Some days I really underestimate myself. I have worked with the IT guys at SIP for half a decade now. They are convinced I am their greatest supporter. It doesn't take much for me to falsify vitae claiming I took IT classes. A photographic memory helps me talk to them on their level. I convinced them to change everyone's passwords to their initials and birthdates. I assure them no one will ask if their password is vulnerable. We all have a good laugh about the SIP sheep. Truth of the matter – blackmailing Elizabeth for pertinent information on my interns is just for fun – to make her do what I want her to do. I've had access to everyone's emails and files for a long time and no one at SIP knew.

I've kept the IT team busy writing the next great IT novel which will become a blockbuster movie. It took both of them eighteen months to come up with a creative and potentially interesting premise. I convinced them to write a trilogy. Book two is in the proofing process while they gag out book number three. Of course, I convince them to write while they are at work. I'm there to vet ideas, proof copy and provide inspiration and support. Meanwhile; SIP's server is open for my intrusions as I see fit.

Thanks to checking emails of the upper echelon, I know Roach and two VPs are meeting with the new owners today. There was nothing in the emails about the new owners or the address where they are meeting. However, I did glean information they are meeting at SIP and then going to the meeting. They will be picked up by a driver of SIP's law firm at nine this morning. I follow, not close enough to be discovered, but close enough to observe the car turns into private parking at Grey Enterprises Holdings. I'm going to sit on that information for a while because sometimes my best ideas take a while to ferment.

I'm off to meet with a potentially excellent writer. She is excited to meet with me. She's a great cover for my absence from the office this morning. While talking to her, I can brainstorm GEH, SIP and Ana Steele.

Ana's POV

"Hey Claire," Amber and I entered the front doors loaded down with lunches. "If you can put out an all-call; everyone can pick up lunches in the break room."

"Ana?" She frowned at me. "Didn't you come back right after you left?"

"I've been gone for 30 minutes getting lunches with Amber," I laughed.

"I swear I saw you enter through the back entrance and go up the back staircase to the second floor," Claire insisted.

"Must have been my clone," I tease. "I send her in from time to time to do my work so I can get a manicure."

"Not funny..." Claire muttered. "If anyone deserves a clone in this place...it's me."

After Amber and I take lunches to the break room, I swing by my desk to get my tea cup, only to find my email program open. That's weird. I thought I closed everything when I went to lunch after I made sure I had everyone's lunch order. I just shut it down and put the computer to sleep.

Claire and I are joined for lunch by two other assistants, Emily and Amber, who work for editors on the third floor of the building. Claire throws a $5 bill on the table and makes all of us put one down also. "These are the rules," she announced. "If you talk about work, about anyone at work, about any project at work, about any scheduled event for work, or if you ask any questions about work…you forfeit your money and have to ante up again. Whoever catches you talking about work gets your $5. We are four educated, intelligent young women who are capable of conversation sans work topics."

Emily and Amber share business cards for consignment clothing stores and the best thrift stores in town. They love my clothes. I laugh and tell them I shop in my roommate's closet. We talk about current movies. Emily wants to see Love, Wedding Marriage because it has Kellan Lutz in it. She waxes poetically about his character in the Twilight saga. She likes his looks and hopes to find a boyfriend who reminds her of him. Personally, I think the Twilight books were better than the movies, but I think that about every book to movie pair, ever since I read Rebecca. Nothing personal, but the description of Bella's ring in Eclipse is enchanting…and nothing like the ring in the movie. Kate says if she ever lands a trust-fund boy…he'd better put a three-carat rock or better on her finger; especially if he wants oral sex for the rest of his life. None of my co-workers discuss significant others, so I breathe a sigh of relief. I can't talk about Christian with Kate, so why make myself crazy about not discussing him with co-workers? We talk about music. We talk about fun places to go since I'm new to Seattle.

Lunch is fun; we laugh and talk. No one talks about that dreaded four-letter word: work. For me, it's an added bonus not to discuss that other dreaded four-letter word: Jack. Since we all behaved ourselves, we get our $5 back. It was great and we vow to do lunch with one another again…preferably outside the building and celebrating if we survive the reorganization of SIP.

I pull up the presentation and proof it, waiting for Jack to arrive. I find a difference in fonts in the six slides Jack replaced and change everything to be consistent. I keep a spare copy of it on flash drive. Until he comes back, I read manuscripts, answer phones and check office emails. I get out my cell phone, planning to go across the street to check my emails and voice mails, but Jack finally arrives at three and is irritatingly pushy about completing the PowerPoint today. Between working on the PowerPoint, he asks questions about manuscripts he may or may not take to New York.

"Jack, I understand the PowerPoint is an important project because you are presenting at a national conference. However, I cannot concentrate on it and answer questions about manuscripts. Can we concentrate on the presentation? Once it's done, we can concentrate on the manuscripts you want to take to New York." I try to rein in his thoughts since they seem to be all over the universe.

"Are you too busy to work until quitting time?" He asked bluntly.

"No; I can stay until 5:30." Where is this conversation going?

"Well, if you are going to Fifty's tonight with the rest of the staff, we can work until six and then catch the tail end of the first round." Jack suggested.

"No drinking for me; sorry." I apologize. "My ride is here at 5:30."

"Going away for the weekend with the concerned citizen?" He asks snidely.

My cell phone rings; and I can't get to it because Jack is sitting too damn close to me. I'd have to reach across his lap to get to it and I will be damned if I will. I ignore it.

He reaches for it and looks to see who is calling. "Kate," he snaps and hands me the phone. "How is she enjoying Barbados? Must be nice to have a rich roommate."

I send the call to voicemail, turn the phone off and throw it in my purse. I draw his attention back to the presentation. My desk phone rings at 5:20 and Jack picks it up.

"Hyde," he snarls into the phone. "Sorry, Mr. Roach, Ana and I were finishing up my presentation for New York. You know I want it to reflect the best for SIP; we just seem to be interrupted today with her personal phone calls." He listens carefully and affirms he will pass on the message. "Mr. Roach thanks you for picking up lunches for everyone with Amber."

I save the presentation to the server and shut down the computer. "I don't believe one personal phone call; which I did not answer, merits the comment you made to Mr. Roach." I snatch my things out from under the desk and forcefully shove my chair under it. I stalk off to the elevator; ignoring him. In the elevator, I change into pumps, dump important things from my purse into my clutch and slip on my bangle bracelet. I'm repacking my tote when the elevator doors open. I talk to Claire at the reception desk, letting her know I'm not going to Fifty's tonight for drinks with staff. Eventually, I walk out with Claire; she heads to Fifty's. I go to the SUV where Taylor awaits.

Christian's POV

The information regarding this merger is embargoed until close of business next Friday." Roz announced. "Any sudden dump of SIP stock or sudden purchase of available SIP stock, the three of you will be held responsible for covering the financial losses to GEH. Additionally we will suggest to the SEC that SIP be investigated for securities fraud."

"The terms of the sale are acceptable," lawyers for SIP announced.

"Friday, June 24th, the staff at SIP will pack their desks and work areas; marking the boxes for transport. Grey Publishing is moving to the Grey House Annex. Grey House will be in charge of phones and servers until the move is completed. Staff will be analyzed, termination paperwork prepared for those who will not make the move."

"SIP has been like family," Mr. Roach stressed.

"A large, dysfunctional family, considering your HR files," Roz announced. "It would be fiscally irresponsible to carry all of SIP's current staff members forward. Grey Publishing will rewrite position descriptions and work performance standards. One of our primary goals is eliminating unproductive staff. Staff will undergo an interview process to determine if they keep the current position they have or if their knowledge, skills or abilities are better utilized elsewhere. Every SIP employee will undergo drug testing at a facility of our choice. We will move four of your support staff to the new offices on June 27th. They will have a printout of where offices and equipment are to be located. Grey Publishing will institute procedure manuals so everyone is trained to perform office tasks and duties the same way. Returning staff will present themselves at Grey House Security Offices on Friday, July first for work badges, security pass cards, passwords, etc. They will receive office assignments at that time. Tuesday morning, July 5, Grey House will announce the acquisition of SIP and the relocation of Grey Publishing. Mr. Roach will remain as Chief Operations Officer until he retires."

"We are upgrading the copiers to high speed document processors with scanners and email accessibility. Grey House IT department will convert the rooms of hard files from the basement at SIP to electronic files. The electronic files will be stored on servers accessible via wifi by staff at Grey Publishing. Hard paper files will be stored in fireproof records rooms. Hardcopy files older than a decade will be purged." Barney announced. "I believe digital is the future. EBooks need the same processing as hardcopy manuscripts. The pool computers will have their own secure server so authors can upload electronic versions of their work without accessing sensitive files on company servers. Copy editors will be able to access electronic manuscripts on their computer, laptop, tablet, reader, etc. With wifi they can access hundreds of different manuscripts, which is easier than carrying around half a dozen paper manuscripts. Our IT people are restructuring your author database to hold more pertinent information. If an intern leaves, remaining staff shouldn't have to figure out where he or she ended a task. It would be noted in the database. The database can also tell us who the workers are and who the players are."

Seeing no further discussion of the issues at hand, Roz announced, "Well, gentlemen…it's late afternoon on Friday. I don't know about you but I want to go home to my wife. If you have work-related questions, feel free to email me. I may not answer until Monday, but do feel free to notify me of your concerns." She stood, an imposing figure in a red power suit with white silk blouse. Christian almost laughed at her audacity. She easily measured over six-foot tall in her red-soled stilettos.

I snapped off the CCTV feed of the meeting. Roz had kept them on task and allayed most of their fears about the acquisition and move. There would be interviews, evaluations and staff would be fired…starting with Jack Fucking Hyde.

Ana's POV

"You could have gone to Fifty's with your coworkers." Christian reaches for my hand after I buckle up. "You haven't gone since your first Friday at SIP."

"Not to worry," I said. "I told Claire I wasn't going to Fifty's tonight. She'll give my regrets to anyone who asks. I had lunch with co-workers, so I've fraternized enough today."

"Let's get some dinner and wine in you and see if you are ready to have a discussion about us." Christian said, his thumb slowly stroking my knuckles.

Mrs. Jones prepared rockfish with a shrimp and crab cream sauce, braised asparagus tips and a lemon thyme couscous. The salad is arugula and cherry tomatoes with a balsamic dressing. I feel famished despite my nerves. I finish the last of my dinner and notice Christian is pleased I cleaned my plate. Maybe it is nerves but both of us concentrated on eating so our dinner conversation has not been scintillating. I gather our plates and take them to the sink.

Christian's POV

I have to breathe. I have to get control of myself. There are things to discuss. She's so inexperienced, I ought to walk away but I want her. I want Anastasia Steele. The discussion about my acquisition of SIP can wait until I'm sure she wants to be with me. There are other things to discuss…

A/N:

Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows!

Shout out to Hard Pouncing – one of my favorite authors! I wish she were my BETA because she helped me get my act together. I think she rocks! If you have not read her fanfiction stories – you have to! They are so good!

I do not own Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to E. L. James. My story is the interpretation of my thoughts about how the characters could have, should have, would have acted.