Blame it on the Christmas Tree
by
Ava LeBeau
Chapter 9 – Prosciutto or Caviar?
"Wait... what? He called you and stopped by with take out, you guys watch a movie together, cuddling, getting all cozy. You ask him if he wants to stay the night and he prefers to sleep on the couch? You're shitting me, right?" Kate laughed. "That's so very unlike him, Ana."
"Yeah, but that's how it was..."
"But later on you guys ended up in bed together..."
Why did Kate always have to be so nosy?
"Not in the way you'd like to think..."
"I don't believe you, Ana. Not at all..." Kate laughed again, "And what's this about his gift for you? A necklace..."
"Well, he gave it to me and said that he wants me to wear it every day."
"Hm," Kate didn't sound convinced. "Well, are you coming to Aspen with us?"
"I really don't know, Kate."
"Why? I mean, you were in bed with him and you were..."
"Kate," Anastasia warned.
"Okay, but you have... uhm... seen him, I mean, bits and all...," Kate laughed, "and you don't want to come along? Why?"
"Well, first of all, I haven't seen his... bits..."
"Felt them?"
"Kate, stop it," Ana warned again, "...and second of all, I barely know him. It's just over a week, and I don't know yet what this is between us."
"...even though I'm sure you already have an idea of what you'd like it to be... Also, there's nothing wrong with a situationship, right? For now at least."
"Maybe, yes. Well, anyway... what am I supposed to do if it gets weird? I mean, being together 24/7 for days on end. Stuck in an unfamiliar surrounding, not to say in his domain. I don't even have an easy way out to get away from there if I want to."
"I'm sure Charlie Tango will be on standby."
"Charlie who?"
"Charlie Tango. His helicopter."
"He has a chopper and a private jet? Well, he should really look into buying a yacht then, right?" Anastasia felt a sudden heat rushing through her body.
"He owns a yacht, too," Kate said casually.
"Dear God, Kate, I don't know what I'm getting myself into here. All those riches, all the money. It's really scary. I'm just your girl next door. Driver, security people, yacht, plane, helicopter? Fast cars. Vacation homes all over the planet. Kate, this... this is so not me."
"Well, then why don't you enjoy it?"
"How can I when I'm totally self-conscious because I'm afraid of even so much as putting a toe out of line?"
"A slip-up? Won't happen, Ana."
"Well, I don't know how to act in these... these circles."
Why didn't Kate understand? Ana had to remind herself that Kate herself had lived a life like this so far. So, how on earth would she be able to empathize with Anastasia's qualms about the whole situation?
"Just be yourself and you'll be fine."
"Are you serious?"
"Dead serious."
"But I..."
"Just do it. Everything will end eventually, Ana, so, enjoy it while it lasts."
"Kate..."
"Yes, Ana. You are going to come to Aspen with us and you will have an awesome time there. Staying with the notorious Christian Grey. Maybe even sharing his bed with him. You know what? Other women would kill for this opportunity. Okay?"
"You're crazy."
Kate chuckled.
"All right, I'll come with you," Anastasia sighed, "Tell me... what am I supposed to wear when we're out there, socializing with the rich and famous?"
"Ugh, Ana," Kate sounded exasperated. "Outfits... well, just regular, nothing fancy. This is a family vacay, Ana."
"Family vacation?" Anastasia felt that heat rushing through her again, "So his parents will be there, too? Oh my gosh, Kate..."
"Bullshit, Ana. They won't be there, of course. They're off to Switzerland well into the new year."
After Kate had hung up, Anastasia had called Ray and told him that she'd be off to Aspen with friends for the week.
Then she'd texted Hannah and messaged Claire to get the time off work.
This was crazy. Just crazy.
Soon after, Anastasia was standing in the middle of her bedroom, unsure what to pack, heaps of clothes already piled up on the bed.
Her phone vibrated.
A message from him. Christian. What a welcome distraction.
Miss you already.
She smiled to herself and typed,
That's so sweet of you. I can't wait to see you again. x
She turned her attention back to the pile on her bed again and rolled her eyes. If it were up to her she would just wear blue jeans and sweaters all week. But this was different and she knew it was important to look her best at all times.
A challenging task. At least for her, Ana, the jeans, Chucks and T-shirt girl.
Running another load of laundry, Anastasia was in the bathroom when her phone rang and so she hurried to the bedroom to get it.
"Come to Aspen with me. Please."
"Coming straight to the point again, Christian?" she laughed, "Well, hello Mister, so glad you called."
She could hear voices in the background.
"I missed you, Ana. Aspen...," he urged again and she chuckled.
"Already packin'," was her reply.
"You're in?"
"Mhmm," Ana smiled to herself, he sounded excited.
"All right, Taylor will pick you up at noon tomorrow. I'm glad you've made up your mind."
"Okay, thank you. Are you still over at your parents' house?"
'Christian', Anastasia could hear a woman's voice and she supposed she had her answer. 'Desert's served.'
"Sorry, gotta go, Ana," he stated the obvious, "Mia's asked me to say hello. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow. Bye."
The ride to the airport had been uneventful and relaxed.
Mr. Taylor had carried her bags to the car and stowed them away. All this was still very new for her but, as Kate had told her to, Anastasia had tried to enjoy the moment, tried to savor the luxury of it all.
To her surprise Christian had not been in the car.
"Mr. Grey'll meet you at the airport, Ms. Steele," Taylor had said, opening the car door to the rear seat for her.
Once they had cleared security, which had been quick compared to commercial security at the airport, Ana was chauffeured directly to Christian's jet
Now, the black limousine was driving along designated paths toward the jet that was ready to fly Christian, his brother, Kate and her to Aspen. As the limo approached the plane, she could see that it was light gray and had the words GREY ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS Inc. emblazoned across the fuselage.
Intimidating.
Biting her bottom lip, she wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans before she got ready, reaching for her coat and purse.
The car had stopped on the tarmac and Taylor had opened the door for her, acknowledging her with a courteous 'Ms. Steele'.
Outside, Christian, dressed casually, walked over to the Audi, "I'm so glad you're here, Ana."
He leaned in for a quick kiss, cupping her face in his hands.
"Thank you again for the invitation, Christian." Anastasia said while Taylor busied himself with her baggage.
"How are you?"
"A little nervous," she admitted, managing a small smile.
"Oh, I wasn't aware... We could've taken the car if I'd known... Don't worry, it's perfectly safe. Both pilots are very experienced-" Christian smiled one of his flawless smiles.
"It's not about the plane, Christian," Ana fidgeted.
"Okay...," Christian furrowed his brow, the smile on his face had faded. His hand came to rest against the small of her back while he studied her features, "Do you want to talk about it? We could sit in the car for a moment if you like."
His eyes narrowed slightly, Christian glanced back at the jet, the crew had started the APU and it was getting noisy on the tarmac standing so close to the plane.
Anastasia shrugged.
"You know, I'd love for you to come along, but you really don't have to if you don't want to..."
"Oh, no, no, I'm in, Christian, don't worry. I just don't know what... uhm... what to expect and that's why I'm nervous." Anastasia's mouth curved into a wry grin.
"I see. You'll be fine. Plus, I'm here with you. Okay?" he smiled again, looking relieved he reached out to caress her cheek.
"Ready?"
She nodded and took his hand, letting him lead the way to the jet.
Kate and Elliot had already been on board of the jet when Christian and Ana were greeted by both the pilots and the flight attendants.
Ana started fidgeting again as Christian engaged in small talk with the pilot and his first officer but Christian glanced at her and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Anastasia looked around, wondering where Mr. Taylor was but he was nowhere to be seen and she supposed that he had taken a seat in the staff area in the back of the jet. In fact, Anastasia was surprised just how spacious the jet really was, it even had a conference table.
Soon after they had taken their seats, too, and it was only moments later that the pilot announced over the PA, "Mister Grey, ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Our flight is ready for departure... Flight attendants, prepare doors for departure and cross check. Thank you."
Christian, who was seated opposite from her, had taken her hand and smiled, "Off we go," and up and away they went.
The glass of welcoming champagne had loosened Anastasia up tremendously and soon enough Christian and his guests were chatting animatedly about skiing, partying abroad and the pros of private jets while the stewardess was happy to fulfill their every wish.
During the flight, their pilot informed them that their journey would take about two and a half hours today and that the weather would be sunny in Aspen upon their arrival.
Of course, Kate had taken her sweet time to rave about the pendant that Christian had given Anastasia for Christmas, turning it between her fingers again and again, whispering, "Oh my God, it even has diamonds on it, Ana." Her eyes wide in mock surprise, mouthing "He lurves you, hun," she had made Anastasia giggle. But when Kate wouldn't stop Anastasia had started shifting in her seat, nodding quietly, chewing on her bottom lip, only too well aware of those bright gray eyes focused on both Kate and her, obviously monitoring their every move. Christian's expression had been unreadable for the most part of the flight, a fact that had made Ana even more nervous.
Also, Anastasia wasn't too comfortable with getting so much unwanted attention and therefore she wished that Kate would just shut up.
When the plane had finally reached its parking position and they had bid their farewell, Christian took Anastasia's hand and led her to one of three SUVs that were standing nearby.
"Are they not coming with us?" Ana asked and looked back at Kate and Elliot. Kate was smiling and waving at her.
"And what about Mr. Taylor?" She hadn't seen him since she'd exited the limo to meet Christian and board the plane in Seattle.
"They'll meet us at the house, Ana."
"Okay. But what about my bags?"
"Don't worry, Taylor will take care of it."
Yes, this was still new to her and definitely so unlike commercial air travel.
"Why didn't they come with us?" Anastasia tried again later while Christian was steering the Q8 across the airport and onto the streets.
"I'm quite selfish, you know. I like to have you all to myself," Christian said, she could tell that he was trying to bite back a grin but he was failing miserably there.
"I bet you are," Anastasia rolled her eyes at him and laughed.
"Also, E tends to get car sick rather easily. So, he prefers to be the driver himself, especially with all these winding roads here," he added casually, his face impassive.
"Oh, I see."
"Mhmm."
Anastasia reached over to turn the radio on, surprised to find classical music blaring out of the speakers for a moment. Christian glanced at her and their hands met when he reached for the volume control.
"Sorry," Ana bit her lower lip, his touch sending a tingling sensation through her body.
"Well, you said you're nervous. What are you nervous about, Ana?" Christian inquired.
"All this, Christian. The jet, uhm... all these cars, your... your security staff. You own a house in Aspen. It's just... I'm not sure if I fit in."
"What makes you think that?"
Anastasia laughed, "Are you kidding?"
"No, tell me." Christian reached over to take her hand, his gaze focused on the street though.
"My family isn't wealthy, Christian, I... I had to work for everything I have, you know."
"But so have I," he let out a husky laugh.
"That's not the same, Christian. I don't know how to... to act around people like this. What to wear. What to say. It's—-"
"Hey, hey, stop. People... like this? What do you mean?" he side-glanced at her.
"There's no need to worry, okay? You're here with me and all I want is for you to be happy and to enjoy your days off, Ana. Preferably with me." There was that smirk again.
"But still...," Anastasia wouldn't cease.
"As I said, Ana, there's no need to worry. It's going to be a few days off with friends and family. I won't be hosting a banquet or anything fancy. Relax. Okay?"
"Are your parents...," Ana just wanted to make sure, drawing in a deep breath.
"... going to join us?" he finished her sentence, she could see that he was arching an eyebrow at her question.
"No, actually they're on their way to Switzerland with my grandparents as we speak."
"Switzerland. Nice." Anastasia pulled her lower lip between her teeth.
Money sure did make life easier.
"But if they were to join us...," he turned to look at her and for a moment Ana was worried as he was driving so fast, "...I wouldn't mind you meeting them, Ana. Not at all," Christian continued, focusing on the street again.
"Okay," Anastasia's voice trembled when she spoke, unsure what to make of this. So, he wanted her to meet his parents.
She looked down at her hand in his, their fingers interlaced, resting in her lap. Taking in the look of it, quiet contentment filled her heart but her cheeks felt like they were on fire and she was probably crimson by now.
No banquet.
No parents.
Whew!
A sudden flare of relief inside of her made her anxiety wane, at least a bit, only a little bit.
"If I heard you right, you haven't been skiing before," Christian's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
"I haven't been in years, no."
"That can be changed," he looked at her and winked, causing her to chuckle.
"But there are lots of other things to do if you'd rather not try it out this time."
"You said you wanted to go skiing so don't let me keep you, Christian. I can always go for coffee with Kate or something."
"Of course you can if you like. Any time. But I'd rather we spend some time together. If you don't mind, that is," he looked at her.
It was not the first time that Anastasia struggled with his sobering bluntness and so she nodded quietly, lost for words for a moment. Her heart, however, seemed to have skipped a beat at his confession only to fall into euphoria, pounding heavily filled with joy.
"I... I'd love to and thank you again for bringing me here, Christian," Anastasia stammered, giving his hand a little squeeze instead.
He'd understand regardless, wouldn't he?
"Don't mention it," Christian mumbled while massive private gates, giving way to an estate, came into view. Slowly, he pulled into the driveway which was lined with towering trees. It wasn't long before Anastasia caught a first glimpse of his house.
Kate had told her that the region where his house was located was called Billionaire Mountain and now she knew why they would call it that.
"Oh my, it's beautiful, Christian," Anastasia gasped, she had expected some sort of mountain lodge but this was more like a mansion.
"Glad you like it," he replied and pulled up in front of the main entrance.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Grey, good to see you again. Have you had a pleasant flight, Sir?" a voice came from somewhere behind the car when Anastasia slipped out of her seat.
A woman, blonde and in her mid-forties, stood by the front door and beamed at them. Ana supposed that she was a member of his staff.
"Hello Ms. Scott," Christian reached out to shake her hand. "It's good to be back. Ana, this is Ms. Scott, she's spoiling me rotten and she sure makes the best hot chocolate in Red Mountain after a long day out off-piste."
The woman laughed, "Now, you're making me blush, Mr. Grey. There's nothing wrong with a little self-indulgence here and there, right?"
"You have a point there. Anyway, Ms. Scott, may I introduce you to Ms. Steele."
"Welcome to Aspen, Ms. Steele. So nice to meet you," the housekeeper smiled warmly and shook her hand.
"The pleasure's all mine, Ms. Scott."
"Come on in," the woman ushered the two into the house.
"Can I get you something while you cozy up in front of the fireplace? Or would you rather show Ms. Steele the house, Sir?"
"The latter," Christian said.
"Very well then, enjoy your stay, Ms. Steele. I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything, Mr. Grey."
The house was huge but Christian had decided to keep the tour short and simple.
He'd shown her around the first floor downstairs where there was a state-of-the-art gym, a sauna and a swimming pool that would give every spa a good run for their money.
But there was also a home theater and, much to Anastasia's delight, a library of considerable means. She pictured herself spending her afternoons there, losing herself in the narrations of the Brontë sisters or maybe Hardy. Pure bliss, she thought.
Christian seemed to have other plans, though. As things turned out you also had access to the garden and a spacious terrace from the first floor, the latter fully equipped with an outdoor kitchen, BBQ and whatnot.
The living area on the second floor was mostly open-space and what Anastasia liked most about it was that, while everything exuded an air of luxury, it still felt and looked very cozy.
Up on the next floor were several guest rooms with adjacent bathrooms, all of them in a different, yet tasteful design, one of them designated for Anastasia during their stay.
Christian was quick to point out that he himself had chosen the room for her, it was the room with the best view over the valley he maintained and that he liked it best.
The top floor held what you could call the master suite. Christian, leading her into his spacious bedroom, being his usual upfront self, did not hide the fact that he would love to have her stay with him.
Figures, Anastasia thought to herself, biting back a grin as she stood in front of the king-size bed in the middle of the room.
On the wall behind it there was a huge painting on display.
"Original," he pointed out and Anastasia had no doubt at all.
Yet her gaze darted to the nightstand. Several books were on display, business literature mostly, she noticed and folded her arms in front of her chest.
After Christian had shown her the entire suite, yes, he even had his own gym and a video conference room up here, they walked back down to the guest quarters.
"Not gonna lie... I'd love for you to join me upstairs, Ana. But it's all right with me if you prefer to stay in your own room."
Anastasia nodded.
"Come," he continued and opened the door to the guest suite, "take a few moments for yourself. I'll be downstairs," he smiled, "the others should be here any minute now."
"Thank you, Christian. I won't be long," Anastasia rose up onto her toes to kiss his lips, her hand caressing his cheek, loving the feel of his strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against his torso.
Reluctantly, she slipped out of his embrace, also glad to be afforded the chance to take a short breather as well as a quick shower before dinner was ready.
Closing the door behind her, all by herself now, Anastasia looked around and drew in a deep breath.
The view was indeed breathtaking, slowly, she walked over to the desk by the window, admiring the rose bouquet on it. It had a note pinned to it, obviously written with a fountain pen. Anastasia reached out to take and read it, she was loving the elegant handwriting and brushed the pad of her thumb over the meticulous strokes.
Looking forward to an awesome week with you, Ana.
C.
Smiling to herself, still holding his note in her hand, she walked over to the bed. Just like upstairs in his bedroom, the nightstand had several books stacked on it. Anastasia let her fingertips run across their spines, English literature, some of the books first editions.
His pick for her? She bit her lip and moved on.
When Anastasia entered the adjacent walk-in closet, she was surprised to find that her baggage had been brought to her room and been unpacked, her clothes neatly hung up or folded.
The fact that somebody, most certainly Ms. Scott, had had to rummage through her hastily packed baggage made her blush. And so Anastasia took a mental note to be more diligent next time when it came to packing her bags. Just in case.
Back in the bedroom she changed into the fluffy bathrobe that had been laid out for her on the bed. Smiling, she entered the bathroom, her body yearning for a nice hot shower.
Yes, old habits die hard, so, Anastasia left her room to head downstairs with her hair up in a messy bun and dressed comfortably.
She was surprised that she hadn't noticed the piano music back in her room. Walking into the living room, she found Christian sitting at the grand piano, playing a familiar tune.
"Didn't know you played," she smiled and walked up behind him, gently resting her hands on his shoulders, glancing at the sheets of music.
"I guess there are a lot of things you don't know about me yet, Ana," Christian smiled and played on, leaning back into her ever so slightly.
"True," Anastasia stated, watching his nimble, slender fingers dance across the ivory.
"Thank you for the flowers, Christian. They're beautiful," she leaned closer to kiss his cheek.
A small gasp escaped her and she pulled away when Taylor entered the room but the bodyguard seemed unfazed by the scene and said,
"Sir? Unless you need anything...," the buff man paused, seemingly waiting for an answer that didn't come, "...Sawyer has you covered for tonight."
"Thank you, Taylor. Good work today," Christian had stopped playing, instead reaching up to take Ana's hands.
"Good night, Sir," Taylor squared his shoulders and nodded, a quick glance at Anastasia, another nod, "Ms. Steele."
Mr. Taylor's polished manners amused her at times but she supposed that was simply how security staff handled themselves around their boss.
"Thank you. Good night, Taylor," Christian, still sitting by the piano, pulled Anastasia to him and onto his lap while Taylor left the living room.
"Kate and E are upstairs, getting ready. Dinner will be served soon," Christian stroked a strand of hair out of Ana's face. He inched closer to steal a kiss. And another.
"How about an aperitif for starters?" he waggled his eyebrows and grinned.
Anastasia chuckled.
"Champagne?"
"Yes, please."
"Be right back. Stay where you are," he grinned mischievously, making Anastasia giggle again.
A few moments later he returned with two glasses. Ms. Scott, dressed smartly, was following him, carrying a champagne cooler, an opened bottle of Bollinger in it, and a serving plate with appetizers.
"To you and me," Christian clinked glasses with Ana and took a sip, eyeing her over the rim of his champagne flute.
"To you and me," Anastasia repeated and smiled before she took a sip herself.
Glancing at the platter, Christian asked, "Prosciutto and mozzarella or rather caviar and cucumber?"
Smiling, he looked at her, waiting for her to make her choice.
"I think I'll go for the mozzarella," Ana took another sip, stepping closer to the table.
"Great choice," he handed her one of the napkins and swiftly placed one of the desired appetizers on it before he helped himself to a caviar cucumber canapé.
"There they are, Katie!" Elliot's mocking voice came. "I thought you guys were outside, making out on the balcony," he quipped and patted his brother's shoulder.
Christian looked at Anastasia, a wry grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Hate to disappoint you, E."
Kate had hugged Anastasia to her, kissing her cheek.
"Champagne. Appetizers. Help yourself, please," Christian pointed at the nearby table. "Dinner will be ready soon."
A drink in his left, Elliot gently wrapped his arm around Anastasia's shoulder, suggesting, "You should really step out on the balcony for a moment and enjoy the view, Ana. From here you can overlook the whole city."
Ana nodded, mumbling, "Sounds nice." Her gaze was searching Christian's.
"Come, I'll show you," the younger of the brothers held out his hand for her.
The view was breathtaking indeed, the whole city of Aspen, now beautifully illuminated, seemingly at their feet.
"It's so nice to have you here with me," Christian used the chance and pulled her to him. His kiss was tender while his arms slid around her waist, enveloping in an embrace.
"Dinner's ready, Sir," Ms. Scott announced.
Christian's voice sounded husky when he pulled away, whispering "Bad timing" against Anastasia's lips. Smiling down at her before he licked his lips, Ana noticed that his gaze was a tinge darker than usual.
"But don't worry, we have plenty of time."
A/N:
Happy New Year, dear readers, and, to say it with the words of a dear fellow author whom I truly admire, may your year be filled with many HEAs!
Thank you for all your messages and reviews, the faves and follows. Your input and ongoing support mean a lot to me and your suggestions and questions are vital.
As always, I hope you enjoy my new chapter for you. Feel free to reach out, I love hearing from you. x