Diana has been Christian's sub for about a month now. On paper, she seems like a perfect fit, but there's just something… missing. He doesn't enjoy his sessions with her as much as he should, and sometimes Christian finds he almost dreads them. He would end the contract with her, but he just doesn't have the energy to go through the interview process once more.
Everything seems boring to him lately. He gets up and runs or works out, goes to the office where he ends up staying into the evening. Then he gets home, eats dinner, and works more until he's tired enough to fall asleep. It's like that every damn day. The weekends are no better; if he doesn't have some social engagement for which he's required to attend, he ends up working the entire time.
He used to enjoy his weekends. Sessions in his playroom were what he looked forward to all week. It's where he could let out all his tension, fucking hard for hours and hours. Then, he'd shower and go to his room alone where he didn't have to worry about a thing. He thought he had a perfect life - well, as perfect a life he deserves. He knows he isn't worthy of a fairy tale happy ending, but at least he enjoyed something. Now he has nothing.
It's Sunday, and he promised Mia he would spend the entire day with her. It started with brunch where she talked and talked about how she wanted to become smarter and read more. Christian wonders why she has this sudden desire to change as she tells him all the things she'd like to do, but it's not enough for him to interrupt her and ask. So, he keeps quiet and comments when asked. He's especially impressed when she tells him she'd like his help to develop a budget.
After brunch, she has him take her to a bookstore. Christian is surprised Mia is taking this newfound aspiration so seriously. Entering the shop, Mia looks to the register and smiles, apparently seeing someone she knows.
"Ana!" Mia greets a girl who is standing at the register. Immediately, Christian recognizes her as the girl from Black Friday with the tv and the jeep. However, he is confused about why Mia knows Ana works here and how she knows.
"Mia! Hi! How did your dad like the books?" Ana asks as she stands behind the register in a t-shirt and jeans with an apron embroidered with the store's name on it. This time, her coffee-colored hair is down, resting just below her breasts. Her thick hair has a natural wave to it but looks soft and shiny.
"He loved them. Thank you so much for the suggestion." Mia gushes to Ana.
"That's wonderful. Is there anything else I can help you with?" Ana asks, her blue eyes shine with sincerity.
"Actually, yeah, I want to broaden my horizons, so to speak. What books would you recommend? You mentioned the last time you were an English major in college - what was your favorite?" Mia asks Ana with genuine interest. Christian is surprised that Mia knows this detail about Ana. When would she have had a conversation with her about this?
"Well, my favorite genre is classic English literature like Hardy, Austen, and Bronte. Out of those, the book I would recommend as a first read would be Pride and Prejudice. Let me show you." Ana turns and walks towards another section of the store. Once again Christian is reminded of what a nice ass she has. Ana reaches to the top of a bookcase and pulls out an older looking hardbound book. He can tell it's not old but is designed to look old with a fabric cover and gold embossed title. Ana hands the book to Mia, "but if you aren't sure if you'd like it you can always borrow my copy."
"That would be awesome. Thank you. You know what? My family is having their annual holiday party next weekend, and all of our friends will be there. You should come." Christian waits for Ana's answer not even realizing he is holding his breath.
Ana pauses to think about the conversation she had the other day where Kate told Ana that she needs to break out of her shell if she wants to meet someone. Kate told her the chances of finding the guy of her dreams at a bookstore are slim to none. "You know, I don't work next weekend. That sounds like fun. Is it ok if I bring my roommate?" Ana asks Mia as she enters her cell number in Mia's phone.
"Yeah, the more, the merrier. Well, I better go. I'll send you a text." Mia tells Ana and begins to leave the store since it is becoming a little crowded. Once they are back in the car, Christian tells Mia he has some work to do so he drops her back off at their parents' house but does not go in.
On the drive back to his apartment, Christian thinks about Ana. He doesn't understand his fascination with this girl. She may be beautiful, but she is definitely not his type. She's shy and quiet, and while he wants a submissive, he needs a woman who is confident and self-assured. It's obvious Ana is not this type of girl an to top it off she seems very young - too young to have the experience he needs.