A/N: Thank you for your kind and lovely reviews and your concrit, I appreciate it very much. Have fun with the new one! x

Blame it on the Christmas Tree

by

Ava LeBeau

Chapter 2 – Dirty Santa

A fragrant melange of the smell of fir tree and a touch of cinnamon was wafting through the whole apartment. Tiny snowflakes were dancing outside, it had been snowing all day in Seattle.

In the morning Ana had baked another batch of cookies. Humming along to Driving Home for Christmas, she was now giving the Christmas tree the finishing touches. Taking a bite from one of the cookies, she stepped back to take a look at her work of art, very pleased with herself.

But something was missing.

She glanced at the small box that lay on the table and smiled softly.

The box held a delicate glass bauble that Ray had gotten her from overseas years ago. Back then, young Anastasia had been mesmerized by the glittering glass ball that had intricately written her name on it and the fact that it was seemingly magically filled with fluffy white feathers. Angel feathers as Ray had maintained. Ever since it had had a very special place on the tree and without it the tree simply was not complete.

Her phone buzzed and she walked over to the kitchen counter.

A message from Kate.

She was letting her know that the party would be on Friday.

Anastasia sighed, this was going to be a busy week indeed.

She returned to the living room to finish the decorating.

Carefully, she opened the box and gingerly picked up the ornament by the soft ribbon that was attached to it. In the blink of an eye, the ribbon broke and the delicate ornament slipped through her fingers, hitting the edge of the table, shattering into what was a thousand of shards.

Anastasia let out a pained gasp, a twinge of loss surging through her body.

Beyond repair and irreplaceable. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Moments later she was vacuuming up what felt like fragmented pieces of careless childhood days.

It was still beyond Ana why the stores were so crowded on a random weekday afternoon. When she had walked into the mall earlier, the scrambling crowd had her decide that Christmas shopping was the worst and that it was best to get it over with as quickly as possible.

When she finally pushed her way towards the exit of the mall she was packed with bags and boxes nonetheless. Knowing that she would have to take the bus back home to the apartment made her frown a little and wish she had taken Wanda to the mall. But this afternoon had been more than worth it. A victorious grin ghosted across her features as she proudly strutted her prized acquisitions, which were the result of seriously being carried away in the last few hours by what one could easily call a collective and highly contagious shopping frenzy.

The presents for Kate and Ana's mother had been the easiest task, found and bought rather quickly. But when it came to Ray this year, Anastasia had been at a loss. She had browsed the store area, strolling past loads of the most hideous ties, shaving kits and bottles of cologne as well as pairs of socks, lavishly displayed, definitely the epitomes of stereotypes really and nothing but a stopgap, yet much-praised and advertised as the perfect gift for Him by immaculate male models almost akin to Greek gods.

In the end Anastasia had found several gifts for Ray that made her smile. She was sure that he would love them just as much as she did and the fact that they would make his life easier in the weeks to come was comforting to say the least.

Anastasia had even gotten a Dirty Santa gift for Jack, their new boss at SIP. Ana had promised Hannah to take care of the gift shopping on her week off and the sweater she had bought for them both to give him really screamed white elephant. At home she would wrap it and they'd be good to go for the party on Wednesday.

Busy week ahead.

While the crowd pushed her closer to the exit Anastasia shifted the heavy bags from one hand to the other, trying to find her gloves in the pockets of her coat.

Clumsily she pulled them out only to drop one of them.

Ana let out a sigh and pushed back against a couple that tried to walk on by while she blindly felt around for the glove on the floor, careful not to have her fingers stepped on by the crowd, struggling with the bags in her free hand. Grabbing the glove quickly she straightened up and turned to leave only to bump into someone.

"Oops, geez, I'm so sorry," Anastasia gasped and looked up. Her mouth fell open when she realized just who it was that she had bumped into.

"Oh, you," It was more of a question than a statement and her cheeks flushed a dark red.

"Hi," his five-o'clock shadow made him look dramatically different. That powder blue sweater he was wearing underneath his coat looked both incredibly soft and brought out the color of his eyes in the most amazing ways.

"Uhm, hi," Anastasia bit her lower lip and took a step back as far as that was even possible.

"Need a hand?" he glanced at her bags and held out his left, carrying several bags himself, making her curious to find what he had bought.

"I'll manage, thank you...," what was his name again? Now who was she fooling here? Of course she knew, "...Christian," she forced a small smile, yet her mind was racing.

What was he doing here?

He sure as hell was not the type to go shopping.

In malls.

On a random weekday afternoon, be it the week before Christmas or not.

She presumed that a man of his wealth, and yes, everything about him screamed lots of money, had an assistant or two that were doing Christmas shopping and who knew what else for him.

Also, Anastasia had been positive she would never see him again.

"I was just...," his voice pulled her out of her thoughts and she gazed up at him.

"Huh?"

"I wanted to grab a cup of coffee. Wanna come?" Christian Grey's smile was just as convincing as it had been the last time they'd met.

Anastasia shifted from one foot to the other, glancing at the bags, "I... uhm..."

"Great. Well, what's good for coffee around here?" he took some of her bags.

Words of protest formed on her lips and she had already opened her mouth but she bit them back and shrugged.

"I hardly ever go shopping around here, you know," Christian's laugh was husky and she was surprised by his openness.

Surely it must be because he was not under what would be his wife's thumb today?

The wife.

In front of her inner eye she was back at the tree farm for a moment and her smile froze into a frown.

"Ready?" One could tell that he was eager to get out of the mall.

Anastasia nodded quietly, she raised her eyebrows when his hand gently brushed against the small of her back as he expertly guided her through the crowd and towards the exit.

"What's this?" Christian grinned and tugged at the chunky-knit sleeve that hung out of one of her bags as he put them down on one of the chairs around the tiny table that he had got hold of for them.

"A sweater."

"Neon green?" He laughed, furrowing his brow.

"Yeah," Anastasia didn't want to elaborate and he must have noticed.

"Anyway, what can I get you? Coffee? Tea? Something else?"

"Tea would be lovely, thank you."

She sank into her chair and beamed up at him, suddenly feeling exhausted from all the shopping.

"Sure. I'll be right back."

Anastasia caught herself watching him as he walked over to the bar, placing the order, engaging the barista in what seemed a casual chat, all the while smiling as he waited patiently.

She wondered if that was what having a boyfriend was like. Fun afternoons out and about town, going shopping with him gallantly carrying your bags, the two of you having coffee afterwards and such, but she pushed that thought away.

Anastasia glanced around, the small café was cozy and she really liked their table in the corner, so perfect for people-watching. Yet she was surprised to find that it was several other customers who were staring at her as Christian made his way back to their table with their order.

There was that compelling smile again which she gladly returned. Unlike back at the tree farm, there was nothing grumpy or rude about him today.

"Tea for the lady," he took the seat opposite from her and gently pushed the mug towards her.

"Thank you, Christian."

"Well..."

"What?" Anastasia pressed her lips together, clumsily trying to fish the tea bag out of the steaming hot water with a spoon. She could feel his eyes on her.

"It's good to see you again," Christian stated boldly.

Anastasia cleared her throat awkwardly while a sudden heat rose to her cheeks.

She moved to take a quick sip from her tea, hoping he wouldn't notice.

Eyeing him over the rim of her mug, she mumbled, "Mmhh, yes."

A moment of awkward silence ensued before Christian turned his attention to his blueberry muffin, starting a monologue on just how much he preferred chocolate cake over blueberry muffins.

"You're not following me around or something, are you?" Anastasia blurted out all of a sudden, a tingling sensation was creeping up the back of her neck.

Christian looked up at her, he was looking rather amused.

"No," he shook his head and laughed softly. "No, I don't."

"Coincidence," Anastasia nodded, suddenly feeling stupid. "Right."

"Exactly," he took a bite from the muffin, appraising her.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he asked, "So, why haven't I seen you around?"

"Because you hardly ever go shopping around here perhaps?" Anastasia tried to poke a little fun at his expense to lighten the mood even though she had not trusted her voice to sound convincing at all.

"Touché," he laughed, his eyes flickering.

Wrapping her hands around the mug, she looked at him, conceding, "Actually I just moved here a few months ago."

"I see," he sipped his coffee. "Why Seattle?"

"After graduation I landed a job at SIP. So I moved here. With my best friend...," Anastasia bit the inside of her cheek.

You barely know him!

"The guy from the tree farm?"

"No," not José, she added in her thoughts, studying Christian's features, wondering just why he had brought up José again.

"Okay," he said flatly, "Why publishing?"

"I've studied English Lit-"

"I know."

Anastasia nodded quickly, "... and I've always wanted to be a writer, so I thought that-"

"... going into publishing might be the perfect start?" he smirked.

"Yep," she shifted in her seat, unsure if she liked the tangent this conversation was taking. "Do- do you know SIP?"

"Actually, I do, mhmm." Another sip of coffee for him, his expression unreadable, "great choice, Anastasia. Great choice. You know, there are several good publishing houses in Seattle, but SIP are the best."

She nodded quietly, inspecting her cuticles for a moment.

"But today's your day off for Christmas shopping?" Changing the subject, he tugged at the sleeve again that was still dangling out of the shopping bag.

"Yes," Anastasia grinned. "You?"

"Same," he nodded. "But I didn't get something as fashionable as this."

Anastasia laughed, "It's for Dirty Santa."

"Dirty Santa?"

"Yes."

"Dirty as in naughty list?" He glanced at her rather challengingly.

"Um, w-what?" Her cheeks were probably crimson now.

"Nothin'."

"It's for a Christmas party at the office. My boss actually."

"Oh," Christian laughed, his eyes narrowing a little. "Jack Hyde?"

"Yes, how did you know?"

"Just wondering. The green will definitely suit him, he can be quite the grinch, you know," she wondered if there was the slightest hint of disdain in his voice.

"True," Anastasia laughed, surely it was not appropriate to tell on her boss like this, but, against better judgment, she decided to let it slip.

Again she reminded herself that she barely, if at all, knew Christian Grey, that was sitting opposite her, sipping his coffee whilst eyeing her curiously.

"Do you have a Christmas party at your office?" What a naive thing to ask, she thought, never one to fancy small talk.

"My staff has, yes," he toyed with the muffin wrap that now lay crumpled on the plate that the muffin had been served on.

"My assistants usually blackmail me into making an appearance at least," a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, he didn't look at her and it seemed as if he was rather smiling to himself.

"Sounds fun," was all Anastasia managed to say.

He looked somewhat uncomfortable and she wondered if it was best to save him a little privacy or whatever. After all he seemed like the type to treasure his privacy.

"No complaints so far," he shrugged, grinning.

Anastasia shifted in her seat again, finishing her cup. It was already dark outside and it was still snowing.

"Would you like some more?" he pointed at the mug in her hand.

"No, thanks. I guess I'll better get going now," she glanced at her watch, then reached for her purse.

"Sure," he seemed surprised at her sudden rush to leave and got up.

"I can see you to your car, if you like," he reached out to help Anastasia with her coat.

Ana turned to him as she buttoned up her coat, "I'm fine, thanks."

"I don't mind, really," he took his jacket.

"Actually I'm going to take the bus, I-"

"Are you kidding? I'm gonna drive you home," he moved to gather the bags and boxes.

"You don't have to..."

"I insist," he nodded sternly.

"All right, fine," she gave in.

She could feel his hand against the small of her back again as he gently pushed her towards the exit, laden with their bags and boxes.

By the door a man stepped up to them.

"Sir."

Christian, who seemed to know him, handed the man their bags.

Out of the corner of her eye Anastasia tried to size up the man.

He reminded her of Ray. Surely ex-military. Athletic built, buzz cut, steely blue gaze that seemed to bore right into your soul. He was dressed immaculately in what seemed to be a tailored suit.

She wondered how the man managed to open the door for them being packed with all those bags.

Uttering a quick Thank you! she stepped outside, Christian was right by her side again.

The air was cold and she reached for her gloves.

"Are you okay?" Christian stopped to make sure she was fine.

"Yes," a small smile.

"This way," Christian moved to lead the way to the car, the mysterious man right at their heels.

"Who is he?"

"Taylor?" Christian grinned as they walked towards the car park. "My driver."

"Oh?"

"Mhmm."

Folding her arms in front of her chest, Anastasia walked alongside Christian Grey, somewhat puzzled by the perks of being wealthy.

His car's lights flashed as he unlocked it, quick to open the passenger door for her.

It was a flashy sports car, German-built, and not exactly what she had expected at this time of the year. Also it seemed to be only two-seat and she wondered what the driver was needed for.

"Yours?"

"Mine," Christian nodded.

"What about Taylor?"

"He's going to be right behind us," he pointed over his shoulder and at a black SUV. She could see Taylor taking care of their purchases and moved to slide into the passenger seat of this rich boys' toy.

Neatly placing her purse on her lap she looked around, holding her breath.

She'd never sat in a car like this, let alone driven one.

"Ready?" Christian smiled at her as he climbed into the driver's seat.

"Yep," she nodded, pressing her lips together when the sports car's engine roared, turning several heads outside.

Soon, Christian pulled onto the highway for their quick drive back to her home.

"It was really nice seeing you again," Christian said casually, not looking at her, focused on the traffic instead.

Yes, it had been really nice indeed.

She was reluctant to admit to herself that she had somehow hoped to meet him again. Thinking it would never happen. Their worlds surely were way too different. And the chances of meeting him again were definitely slim, or at least that's what she had told herself.

"Thank you, it really was," she said as they reached Pike Place Market.

"I'd love to see you again," he continued, still focusing on the street as the sports car glided through the crowded downtown district. Her cheeks were crimson again.

Was he asking her out on a date or something?

Surely, this was out of the question with him having a wife and everything.

Oh how she wished that things were different. Then, she told herself, she would gladly go on a date with him. More than that.

Shifting in her seat, worried that her voice would tremble, she said, "I don't think that's a good idea, Christian."

Out of the corner of her eye she could see that a muscle in his chiseled jaw was twitching.

"Okay," his voice sounded cold. She was glad that he was not pushing for answers.

"Also, I'd like to say thank you again. For the tea. And the tree," she started chewing on her lower lip, not sure what else to say. It was still two blocks until they would reach her apartment.

"Don't mention it. We would've thrown it away otherwise anyway."

She gasped, "You- what?"

"Trashed it, yeah. It was below standard, you know," he said snidely.

There it was again, that high-handedness she had first been graced with at the tree farm.

Bewildered by his sudden coldness, she uttered, "All right, wait, so … what you're trying to tell me here is that- that you came to offload your... your trash at my place the other day? Some hand-me-down accessory that this- this woman deemed no longer worthy all of a sudden?"

"Yeah, I guess you could put it that way."

"Fine, let me out," she tried the door handle, the traffic lights had sprung to green.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Christian grabbed her arm, she had managed to open the door while he had taken off at the green light.

"Let me the fuck out! RIGHT NOW!"

He slammed the brakes, bringing the car to an abrupt halt, causing a cacophony of honking to crescendo behind them.

All she wanted was to get out of here. Without looking back, Anastasia got out of the car and stormed towards the SUV.

Taylor raised his hands, obviously trying to calm her down.

"My bags," she ordered angrily and brushed past him and towards the trunk of the car.

"Of course, Ma'am."

"Anastasia, get back here!"

She ignored Christian's calls and opened the trunk. Taylor was already by her side. The traffic jam behind them growing by the minute.

"Thank you, Mr. Taylor," she managed a smile and grabbed the bags and boxes, eager to take off.

"Anastasia, please," Christian had reached the SUV.

"Goodbye, Christian."

With that she turned to leave, hot tears stinging her eyes, scolding herself for her naiveté to even think that he was genuinely interested in her.

Her, some English Lit graduate with a measly job at a publishing firm.

Walking faster she turned a corner, wishing she had taken Wanda to the mall today.