A/N: Thanks for reading. Enjoy!
"Fuck, you're dripping." Christian's tongue slams into my core, lapping the moistness that's only increasing. "You taste so good." I run my hands through his hair, but the pleasure of his tongue sends me into a tizzy and causes my grip on his hair to tighten. "Ouch.", he growls.
"Sorry." He stops and looks up at me with amusement. "Don't stop. Continue." Before he can do so, his phone begins ringing from the nightstand. "Ignore and get back to tasting me." He moves his tongue back in and resumes but stops when the phone rings again. "Damn it. You might as well answer it.", I growl. Christian looks at me with regret and reaches for the phone while I pull my body up.
"Hello.", he answers. "Yeah. Ok. Hold on." He pulls the phone from his ear. "Baby, I've got to take this. I'm sorry."
"It's fine.", I tell him with all my stomach's contents rising. "I'm just going to..." Unable to get the words out, I point to the bathroom and rush off the bed. Christian is behind me even though he needs to take his call. I get to the toilet and suddenly feel better. This happened the other day, but the moment I moved away, I vomited on the floor. It wasn't a pretty sight. "I feel fine now, but I'm going to stay here for a bit in case. Go and take your call."
"Ana, I don't want to leave you like this."
"Like what? Standing in front of the toilet and waiting to see if I puke or not?" It's in this moment that I realize he's still holding his phone. "Oh my god. Now whoever is on the other end is going to think I'm crazy." He steps closer and rubs the sides of my arms.
"It's on hold. No one can hear you but me. I'll be right back."
After he leaves the room, I lean against the back wall and wait to see if I'm going to get sick. Several minutes pass with nothing so I go back into the bedroom and start getting redressed. Both Christian and I had been up for a few hours when he pulled me into the bedroom for what he described as "relaxation". With my bra and tee not having been removed, I grab and slip back on my panties and pants he had yanked off. I then leave the room and go in search of a snack. I find Gail sitting at the breakfast bar with a cup of tea. It's Saturday, her day off, but when Taylor's on duty, she's a frequent mainstay.
"Hey Gail."
"Ana, hey. Christian and Jason went into the study a few minutes ago and was wondering where you were."
"I was um...taking a nap.", I lie. "What better thing to do on a rainy Saturday than nap." Or have your husband pleasure you. "What have been up to today?"
"I had a nice visit with a friend of mine from high school. She's just moved back into town and wanted to catch up. It's weird how both of us have changed so much since the last time we saw each other."
"Have you seen each other since high school?"
"Only a few times. The last time I saw her in person was about two years ago at the wedding of one of our friends. We've kept in touch with letters and phone calls. Life got busy and kept us from seeing each other. Her mother fell and broke her hip a few weeks ago so she moved back to Seattle to help with both her mom and her dad who's getting up in years. Once our lunch had ended, I thought I'd see is Jason had some free time. We talked for a bit until Christian motioned for him to follow him into the study."
"Christian got a call which I'm guessing is pretty important." I tell myself not to worry about things, but sometimes it's difficult not to. Take now for instance. The knots in my stomach are hinting something is going on although my brain is screaming for me not to worry.
"I'm sure all will be ok. I haven't had a chance to ask how you're feeling about the switch up between Jason and Sawyer." Christian's compromise with the Sawyer and Olivia relationship is Taylor taking Sawyer's place as my security while Sawyer guards Christian. The decision was made yesterday but won't take affect until I head to work Monday morning."
"I'm more than confident Taylor's going to be great. I guess I had gotten so used to Sawyer being around that it's going to be an adjustment."
"It'll be a big adjustment for Jason as well. As head of security, he's always been on hand to discuss things with Christian. I suppose now that'll be done over the phone or via email." I feel guilty at knowing that this swap is going to be an even larger inconvenience than I thought. As I'm about to turn towards the study, Sawyer walks into the kitchen with Olivia.
"Olivia, hey.", I smile. "I didn't know you were coming by."
"I have some news for you, and I thought I would go ahead and tell you. Do you have a minute?", she asks. Gail stands from her stool and moves next to Sawyer and Olivia.
"I'm going to head out. Ana, I'll see you later. Sawyer, Olivia, it's good to see you."
"Bye Gail." After she's left, I sit down at the table and wave Sawyer and Olivia in. "Have a seat." Olivia sits down across from me, but Sawyer remains standing.
"I've got some work to do so I'll let you guys have some privacy.", he says with a smile. He and Olivia stare at each other for several moments before both snap out of their trances. "Bye."
"Bye.", Olivia replies.
"The last time you had news for me you revealed you were dating Sawyer. Now I'm curious about what you have to tell me now."
"First of all, I'm glad Christian came up with a solution for handling my relationship with Sawyer. Things are still new, but I want to have the chance to see how they go. My news today isn't about Sawyer and I. It's about work though. 'I've been offered the position of managing editor of the magazine."
"I didn't know the spot was open or that you were applying for it."
"I guess I should clarify myself. I've been offered the spot of temporary managing editor. Jill Zane has been doing it for several years, but she turned in her resignation yesterday, effective immediately."
"Why?"
"The New Yorker has offered her a job as editor-in-chief. They wouldn't agree to her request for a two-week notice, saying they need her immediately. So, she quit yesterday and will be starting her new job Monday morning. Jill had been with the magazine for three years, but before she got the job, I interviewed for it. I was passed on but barely. It seems they recall the fact and want me to helm things while they search for her replacement. I would love to stay in that spot but who knows."
"Olivia, you would be perfect for it. You take great pride in everything you do for the magazine. You often get there hours before everyone else, and you're there hours after everyone leaves."
"It might not last long."
"If they want the best person for the job, they'll keep you." Christian said his buying the magazine won't affect any of the going ons, but part of me wonders if he might possible be responsible for any of these new changes
"We'll talk later.", Christian tells Taylor as they step out of the study. Taylor heads to the security room while Christian enters the kitchen. "My call lasted longer than I thought it would, and then I needed to go over a few things with Taylor." He glances at Olivia. "Hi."
"Hey. I just finished telling Ana some news about work. I'm going to be the temporary editor-in-chief since Jill Zane quit yesterday." I study Christian to see his reaction. From the look in his eyes, he appears genuinely surprised.
"Editor-in-chief...wow. Congratulations."
"Thank you. As I told Ana, it's temporary. They're going to start interviewing prospective replacements."
"Are you planning to be one of those who interviews?", Christian asks.
"I'd like to. I interviewed for it the last time the job was open, but I didn't get it. It's a dream job.", Olivia answers.
"With you taking that position, who's going to do your job?" I was too interested in Olivia's new job that I didn't even think about who would take over for her.
"It would be only temporary for now but could become permanent. They asked who I felt would be good for the job, and I said Ana." In the corner of my eye, I see Christian's face light up with pride. "Ana, you're the most dedicated person I have in the office."
"I don't want it.", I blurt out. "Give it to Kate or someone else, anyone but me."
"Ana, baby, this is a wonderful opportunity.", Christian says. I shake my head and turn back to Olivia. "It's not that I'm not appreciative of you mentioning my name, but I'm worried what might be thought if I take it."
"What do you mean?", Olivia asks although Christian knows exactly what I'm talking about.
"You were going to find out this next week so I might as well tell you now. I'm buying the magazine.", Christian replies. "Ana's worried people will think she's getting special treatment if she accepts the job."
"It's true. I had doubts about Christian buying it when I was just a writer, but being offered your positon makes those worries reappear. The last thing I want or need is for the office to think I got the spot because my husband is buying the magazine."
"Ana, I told the bosses you would be great before being told Christian was definitely buying it. If anyone would just look at your record, they'd know you're the most suitable. I could recommend someone else, but they wouldn't be as good as you. Why don't you at least think about it over the weekend? You can call me Sunday night with your decision. If you decide to pass, I'll try and think of the next best person although I'm hoping it doesn't come to that."
"Just consider it.", Christian adds. With both of them staring, I feel the pressure increasing.
"Fine. I'll think about it. No promises."
"I had no idea they made so many different kinds of diaper bags. Do you see one you like?" Christian asks. He and I were on our way to dinner when he wanted to stop and browse at Boston Street Baby Store. A large variety of diaper bags surround us.
"I don't know. There's too many cute ones.", I shrug as I pick up a red and blue plaid one.
"Then pick all the ones you like, and we'll get those. There's not a rule against having more than one."
"I don't need a room full of diaper bags." I place the one in my hand back on the shelf and start looking through a stack of burp clothes.
"When I suggested we go out to dinner, I thought it would be a way to unwind and relax, but you're not unwinding or relaxing." He slides in front of me and places his hands over my stomach. "Sweet baby, don't you want your mommy to enjoy herself?"
"I'm trying. I just can't stop thinking about the work thing. Any other time a promotion would be wonderful, but being the owner's wife kind of overshadows things. I know you're about to tell me I shouldn't worry about what the others think since you're not going to have anything to do with what goes on inside the office."
"You're right. I was going to say that. Ana, Olivia gave them your name before she knew I was buying the magazine. She recommended your name based on the impeccable job you've done. I love you, but sometimes..." He runs his hands through his hair and looks away.
"Finish what you were saying. Sometimes what?", I ask.
"Sometimes you don't have enough faith in yourself. If you would just open your eyes and see what those around you see, you'd understand how incredible you are." Having confidence in myself is one thing I've always have trouble with, but Christian always helps me see the light.
"I'll work on it. I wanted to ask about the call you got earlier."
"It was one of my contacts in New York. He's based there and has been keeping tabs on Leila Williams. It seems he overheard Leila telling a friend that she's considering coming to Seattle."
"What? This huge thing is going on, and once again, you kept it from me? When are you going to learn?"
"Ana, I was going to tell you, but Olivia showed up, and then you started worrying about work. I swear I was going to tell you tomorrow after you had some time to rest. Besides, I don't know if she is moving back for sure. He was sitting at a table near her when she told her friend that she missed Seattle and is considering coming back here at least for a visit."
"A visit to you.", I snarl.
"No. I have no intention whatsoever of seeing her. I made it clear to her the last time we spoke that she needs to stay away from me. I can't exactly tie her up and force her to stay in New York."
"Oh I'm sure she'd love for you to tie her up."
"Ana.", he murmurs. "Please stay calm for you and the baby."
"I think I just want to go home.", I reply. "We can get take out. I don't feel like staying out any longer."
"Ok. We'll go home. It's going to be ok."
"You keep saying that."