Blame it on the Christmas Tree

by

Ava LeBeau

Chapter 14 – Apple pie à la mode

"Are you always running away like this?" his words were forming a small, misty cloud in the crisp winter air.

"Running?"

"Last night. The club."

"That wasn't running, Christian. Just me being realistic. Confused perhaps...," she side-glanced at him, walking beside him.

"At two in the morning?"

"It was necessary."

"Call it whatever you want. Realistic. Confused... necessary. Why?"

"I wanted to go home. Sleep."

"You could've told Sawyer. He's supposed to make sure you feel well and safe at all times."

"Sawyer's not in trouble because of all this?"

"He isn't, Ana."

"Look at me and promise me you won't fire him."

Christian laughed and stopped to look at her, "Promised. Taylor will go over some of the security protocols with him. More briefings..."

"Does that involve the whole bathroom discussion?"

"That would involve a female security officer," he grinned.

Anastasia rolled her eyes.

Christian wrapped his arm around her shoulder, walking on.

"It wasn't his fault."

"I just want to make sure it won't happen again..."

"It was me who got him in trouble, Christian. It was not his fault."

"Yeah, I think he mentioned that you are kind of... uhm, stubborn? Yes, stubborn, I think that's what he said."

"Wait. What?" Anastasia let out a bewildered laugh.

"Yes. Stubborn," out of the corner of her eye she could see him grinning.

"Anyway, you running, Ana."

"I wasn't running, Christian..."

"Remember the night I gave you a lift home?"

"Christian, that was a whole different situation."

"Want me to blame this on the Christmas tree?" he arched his eyebrow, glancing at her, "Anyway, let me put it this way... just my perception, okay? No offense, but the minute you feel uncomfortable you up and run, am I right? Why is that?"

"Okay, that's not fair. I wasn't running."

For a moment, they walked in silence, the sound of snow crunching under the soles of their boots filling the wintery air.

"Kate said you felt ignored last night. Is that true? I'm really sorry if I or any of the other guests made you feel that way. I promise, I didn't mean to. If that was the reason why you-"

"I wasn't..."

"Running...?"

"Right."

Christian stopped to look at her, taking both her hands in his.

"When I was a boy my family spent the summer holidays here."

"Oh? I wasn't aware that this is your parents' house."

"It's not. Theirs is a little uphill from here."

"Uphill, right. Two houses in Aspen," she tilted her head, one corner of her mouth twitching up, "Hm."

"Plus the apartment downtown. My grandparents, you know," he gave a half-shrug.

"How could I forget," she let out a small chuckle.

"Sorry," those puppy dog eyes seemed real, "Anyway, one afternoon I took off. Without telling anyone."

"Okay," Anastasia turned to walk, giving his hand a gentle tug to pull him with her.

"My parents sent out a search team to find me and when I got home, an hour later, blissfully unaware of all the distress I had caused, being the young ten-year-old I was, my mother was in tears. I've never seen her so upset again. I wasn't aware of how much fear and worry I had caused. They thought I'd had an accident. Probably dead, fallen from a tree or some rocks."

"I'm really sorry."

"I never want to see anybody close to me so upset again, Ana. Friends or family."

"I'm sure she still had her sleepless nights after that incident...," Anastasia looked at him and chuckled.

"True, Elliot and I were boys after all," he laughed, "But nothing that bad, except for Elliot's Bali trip perhaps," Christian let out a snort.

He cleared his throat, his voice sounding stern now, "Anyway, Ana, I was worried last night. A lot."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..."

"See, that's why I want you to consult Sawyer whenever there's something wrong or you feel uncomfortable. Can you do that for me?"

"Is that really- I mean, I'm not used to all this."

"I'd just like to make sure that you are well and safe at all times. I don't want you to feel stifled or anything, just safe."

Anastasia nodded quickly.

"But I can also tell that there was something else upsetting you last night, Ana."

"Don't mention it. It's okay."

"I don't think that's the way this works, Ana. You've gotta tell me. Okay?"

"It's fine, really," Anastasia, glancing at him, tried to convince him, "Are-are you angry with me? It's okay, I swear."

"Me?" Christian let out a husky laugh, "No, I'm not angry, Ana. Just disappointed."

"Gosh, that's even worse than angry," Anastasia furrowed her brow.

"Disappointed that I wasn't more considerate last night. You have every right to be mad at me, Ana. I'm sorry."

"I'm not angry either. Embarrassed more like, for making such a fuss."

"No need to play it down... I should've been more thoughtful...," he looked at Anastasia, "But I got carried away, kinda stupid of me, I know. It... it wasn't my intention to make you feel uneasy, unseen or even ignored. To be honest, I thought you were fine.," he side-glanced at her, "... But I guess, I was wrong. Too long of a day after pulling an all-nighter the day before... Too much work," he wouldn't elaborate further, "And I'm not saying this excuses anything."

"Christian, I...," Anastasia stopped again, chewing on her lip she was looking up at him, "it's true, at some point I got upset last night and I'm really sorry this had you worried. I didn't mean to... it's just... bad memories, awful memories. I had an uncle who..."

Christian furrowed his brow, his gaze searching he reached up to caress her cheek.

"... he used to drink. A lot," Anastasia's voice sounded choked.

"I see," Christian nodded and while his features softened, realization caused that line to form between his eyebrows again.

"That's the reason...," Ana's chin dipped down when she spoke, "...w-why I don't feel overly comfortable when everybody around me is boozing like crazy...," she gave a half-shrug.

"Point taken," Christian nodded, "I'm sorry, I wasn't aware."

"I never told you, so, no need to apologize. I should've told you. Kate knew and she didn't care."

"Now I know. As for Kate... I really like her, you know. A lot. She's a good influence on Elliot... But she can be a wild child sometimes," he laughed, trying to lighten the mood, "I'm sure it wasn't about you, Ana."

Anastasia agreed before she continued to confess, worried about his reaction, "I'm not much of a party person, to be honest."

"That's not a bad thing, Ana."

"Probably proof I am uptight and don't know how to have fun, I guess?"

"What?" Christian's eyes narrowed and his expression hardened.

"Also the- your..."

He tilted his head, looking at her, "Tiffany? Alec? He can be quite the loud mouth, I know. I'm sorry if they made you feel uncomfortable."

"All the money, houses and stuff," she mumbled.

"Well then, is this what is making you uncomfortable? I'm afraid it's what I'd bring to the table."

Anastasia stopped again to look at him, "I-I'm not sure you understand. What I... what I'm tryin' to say is... I'm afraid I can't..."

Christian drew his eyebrows together, his steely gray gaze boring into her, "What?"

"... keep up. It's not like I'm poor or something but I've only got an entry level job at SIP, graduated only months ago. No villas or jets...," she looked down at her feet, "... how am I supposed to...," Anastasia's lower lip quivered, "... to keep up?"

"Hey, hey," Christian inched closer, gently tilting her chin up to make her look at him, "So, that's what you're worried about?"

Anastasia nodded, tears were welling up in her eyes.

"Christ, Ana," Christian pulled her into a tight hug, she tried to blink away her tears, inhaling the smell of his cologne while he kissed her hair. She slid her arms around him, wishing he would never let go.

When he did, he stroked a strand of hair out of Anastasia's face, tugged it behind her ear. Looking bewildered, he whispered, "Hey, it's okay," intently studying her features.

Anastasia bowed her head quietly, leaning into his touch when he cupped her cheek with his gloved hand, trying to avoid his gaze.

"Why?...uhm, how?... I mean... What makes you think..." he said, but Anastasia shook her head.

She could feel embarrassment creeping up into her cheeks, tingeing them crimson, she hoped he would think the cold was to blame, but who was she fooling here.

"It might not be much, but I have worked... worked really hard for everything I-I have," she let out a sob.

"But so have I."

"That's not the same, Christian," she inhaled deeply, her nostrils flaring.

"I'm sorry, but do you really believe I would think less of you just because you don't have a private jet or yacht or whatever?"

"Maybe... after all, I'm not sure what you're looking for," Anastasia's voice sounded challenging now.

"Bullshit," Christian waved his hand dismissively, regretting it the moment the word had left his lips.

Anastasia had crossed her arms in front of her chest, still eyeing him fixedly.

He lifted his hands in an attempt to placate her only to talk himself into more trouble, "All right, listen, if I wanted to get hitched with... with someone like Tiff... or Kate for that matter... I guess I wouldn't even have to make an effort... my parents would-"

"Seriously, Christian?" Anastasia stared at him.

"Geez, Ana," he raked his fingers through his hair, his forehead furrowed when he tried again, "Look, I-I never had to... never wanted to... all I know is that-that I enjoy your presence...," that muscle in his jaw twitched, "...and I would love to spend more time with you. I don't care how much you make. Not at all. That's ridiculous," he reached up to rub the back of his neck, head bowed a little.

"Okay...," Anastasia pulled her lower lip between her teeth, her eyes glossy.

"You know what?" he pursed his lips, "...tell me, no, slap me if I ever make you feel less than. That is... if you want to stay."

"I guess Taylor would have his-his... means to prevent that," she laughed weakly, a tear running down her cheek.

"True," Christian let out a shaky laughter, gently wiping away the tear with his thumb, "You've got me there."

He inched closer and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, "Please don't cry."

Anastasia let out a sob, nodding slowly, closing her eyes when he kissed her forehead again.

"Can... can you just hold me again?"

"Of course," Christian wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a tender embrace, stroking her back while she was curling her fingers into the front of his woolen coat, still sobbing.

"Shh," he whispered, kissing her hair.

"I've told you before there's this Christian smiling back at you from the covers of the magazines... it's just part of the package. I'm not my money. And I'd truly understand if you're unwilling to stay because of all this... if you'd rather pursue your own goals instead, focus on your career and family, fine," he mumbled against her hair, Anastasia's heart was skipping a beat, and another, "... and I know I'm probably not the most affectionate guy out there. But... I mean I," Anastasia could tell he was searching for the right words, "... I would be... it's safe to say that I... really would be... happy if you were in for this. If you- wanted to try. With me."

Anastasia closed her eyes, nodding against his chest.

"But I don't want you feeling less than, kept or something... And I need you to tell me if there's something wrong. Like, always... I don't ever want you to feel uncomfortable."

Anastasia slipped out of their embrace to look up at him, his eyes were flickering and a darker shade of gray now.

Raising up on her toes, she craned her neck to kiss Christian softly, her hand caressing his stubbly jaw.

"Do you trust me?" he whispered against her lips, their gazes meeting when she nodded quietly. Christian closed his eyes and kissed her again, gently so.

Somewhere behind, it sounded like a horse had started galloping.

Anastasia pulled away, both turning to see where the sound was coming from. It was Taylor, sat high on a horse, slowing down now, seeking the gaze of his principal.

"This fuckin' guy," Anastasia mumbled, "Honestly, is there anything he's not good at?"

"Wouldn't be my head of security if he were... but according to Gail he's not much of a dancer. Much to her dismay," Christian laughed huskily while Taylor drew nearer, reigning the horse in.

"Gail?"

"My housekeeper in Seattle, you've yet to meet her... that is... if you like."

Anastasia smiled.

"Everything arranged as planned, Taylor?" Christian asked and Taylor gave him a thumbs up.

"Thank you, Taylor."

The man nodded and turned. Both watched the horse galloping off again.

"What was that?" Anastasia asked.

"Him doing his job," Christian said casually, giving her hand in his a gentle squeeze, "Let's go back to the house."


"Where are we goin'?"

"Down valley, there's something else I want to show you. You in?"

"Sure," Anastasia smiled and took Christian's hand.

"Might not be what you've expected for tonight but I guess we'll see..."

"Okay," Anastasia said, curious now what was in stall for her.

It'd been a short drive down valley and Christian had been like when they'd first met. On their way they'd talked about favorite movies and music, Anastasia's goals with SIP and Christian probably working too much. They'd decided on going skiing again, and ice skating for that matter. By the time they'd reached their location she'd learned Christian hated anchovies and red onions with a vengeance. Recalling him grimacing with disgust made Ana chuckle. Surely, this was the 'other' Christian, the one only few people knew.

"Ready?" he asked, beaming at her, his eyes flickering with anticipation.

"Yes," Anastasia said, waiting for him to make his way around the Q7 to open the door for her. He took her hand to help her out of the black SUV.

She looked up at the building, reading the sign. "Christian, what...?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just..."

"Come," he smiled and turned to lead the way.


"Hi, my name is Darlene," the woman said and stretched out her hand, smiling.

"I'm Christian, and this is my... uh... good friend Ana," he smiled down at Anastasia, then back at the host, "nice to meet you, Darlene, and thank you for having us tonight."

"So glad to meet you two. Before we start... there's one thing I want you to remember," the woman said, "No matter what I'm going to ask of you tonight, remember it's having an impact. Doing the dishes? You're helping us make an impact. Taking out the trash for us? Big impact," she smiled at both of them.

"Now, how about you go help my husband Clive in the kitchen, Christian, while Ana and I prepare the tables? We have plenty of time but we want to be ready, don't we?"

Anastasia looked around, still wondering how she could be of any help, but Darlene was quick to hand her a pile of plates, while, judging by the name tag that said "Clive", her husband joined them.

"This way," the burly man said to Christian, Clive obviously being the chef tonight.

"You know, I'm not much of a cook. Actually I'm terrible at it," Christian admitted and laughed.

"Neither am I, it's usually Darlene who does all the cooking and she's really good at it. I mean, look at me," Clive playfully slapped his palms against his plaid-clad, rounded gut and laughed. Anastasia couldn't help but chuckle.

"But roles are reversed tonight, don't worry, I'll show you, son," Clive patted Christian's shoulder and led the way to the kitchen.

Christian shot one last glance over his shoulder, beaming at Ana, "You okay?"

"Mhmm," she nodded quickly, her cheeks crimson, "Later, Christian."

He winked at her and followed Clive into the kitchen while Anastasia took napkins and cutlery to lay the tables.


"So... Good friend, hm?" a smiling Anastasia rested her chin on her palm, watching Christian accurately chopping vegetables with a sizable knife, a grin ghosted across his features.

"Yeah... would you actually put it differently?" he didn't look up, concentrating on the carrot cubes... and the pointed knife, a rather sensible decision Anastasia thought.

"Word has it, it was 'girlfriend' the other night."

"Is that so?" the corner of his mouth twitched again.

"Mhmm," she smiled softly, but still he didn't look up at her, "Anyway, you're actually not bad at this... if you want to, I guess," she gestured towards several heaps of perfectly cubed vegetables.

He laughed, "Can't tell anyone, Ana, or else people will expect this from me all the time. Promise?"

Christian put the knife down and looked up, wiping off his hands on a towel.

"Of course," Anastasia said and bit her lower lip, studying his features for a moment. The whole situation had elevated his mood tremendously, he looked relaxed and calm.

"Ready?" Clive called before Christian could say anything, let alone steal a much longed for kiss.

"Yep," Christian took two bowls filled with vegetables and carried them over to the stove, Anastasia handed him the third bowl. Christian looked at her when their fingers touched and Ana held her breath.

But Darlene called and Anastasia left the kitchen.

"Cut the pies, Ana, we're opening in twenty minutes," Darlene arranged several chairs around one of the tables and fetched more napkins.

"Sure," Anastasia nodded, only just realizing dessert were three apple pies, suspiciously looking like the ones Ms. Scott had baked earlier today back at Christian's house.

An hour later, there was only standing room left in the dining hall, laughter and happy chatter filled the room. Darlene and Anastasia had their hands full with refills and cleaning tables. For a second Ana thought she'd spotted Taylor in the crowd but she wasn't sure.

Christian was nowhere to be seen, probably back in the kitchen, still helping Clive to prepare second servings for the guests.

Anastasia was handing out plates with pieces of pie and ice cream when Christian joined her, his hand coming to rest against the small of her back his touch sent a tingling sensation down her spine.

"Hey," he leaned closer and kissed her cheek.

"Hi, you," she smiled softly, enjoying his display of affection, reaching for another plate, placing a piece of pie on it.

"It's one scoop for everyone," Darlene told Christian, nodding with her eyebrows raised, handing him the ice cream scoop.

When it was a lady's turn, who was waiting in line with her young son, the boy asked, "Can I have two scoops, sir?"

Adding another scoop of ice cream on top, Christian lowered his voice and winked, "It's our little secret, okay? Don't snitch on me, man."

The little boy shook his head and giggled before he moved on with his mother, who was beaming at Christian.

Anastasia, witnessing the whole scene, smiled, a flush of happiness rushing through her.

Darlene returned with two cups of coffee, "You two go and take a break. Mingle," she smiled at Anastasia.

Moments later both sat at different tables.

Now and then Anastasia caught a glimpse of Christian, smiling, talking animatedly with some of the guests, only before she herself got engrossed in conversation again, listening to accounts about hardship and the guests' hopes for the New Year.

"Got a sec?" Christian touched her shoulder and she looked up at him, smiling.

"Who's that handsome young man?" an old lady, sat next to Anastasia, inquired.

"Just a good friend," Ana said and stood, grinning cheekily at Christian, who, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, gave her upper arm a soft squeeze.

"Exactly," Christian said nonchalantly, beaming at the old lady, "I'm Christian, nice to meet you. Are you having a good time, ma'am?"

"Absolutely, I'm very grateful to be here tonight," the lady said, "They're taking good care of us. You should try the pie, it's delicious."

"Will do," Christian nodded and smiled.

"So, what's your New Year's resolution, Christian?" the woman continued.

"Well, Rhonda at the other table read me my horoscope and it said I would meet the love of my life next year. So, I guess, I'll keep my eyes open," he grinned wryly.

The old woman smiled again, "It all comes to you when the time is right, young man, the less you are looking the more it will show up. Take a step back and allow something beautiful to open up and come to you."

"I'll keep that in mind," he said, Ana glanced at Christian.

"Excuse us for a moment," Christian took Anastasia's hand and gently pulled her with him.

"Wasn't aware that you're into astrology, young man," Anastasia said and chuckled as he led the way to the back exit.

"Well, maybe tomorrow is my lucky day?" Christian laughed, "Anyway, thank you for helping out tonight," he said as they stepped outside.

"It was... different from what I'd expected," she smiled up at him, "But, I guess, thank you, I've never done this before."

For a moment none of them spoke.

"You know, Ana, I'm aware what a … uhm... privileged life I'm leading. That's why I want to give something back to the community," he leaned against the wall while Anastasia eyed him curiously.

"It hasn't always been that way and... my... uh... arrival and first few years in this world isn't something I have fond memories of. Quite the opposite is true actually."

"Christian...," Anastasia shifted from one foot to the other, slipping her hands in her pockets, studying his chiseled features.

"No, it's okay, really. I mean, I wanted to tell you. Thought you should know."

"Okay," Ana nodded quietly, staring at her feet now.

"Do you know what I like best about all this?"

"Hm?" Anastasia looked at him, resisting the urge to grab the front of his shirt and pull him to her to simply kiss him.

"Here, tonight, I'm only Christian. Nothing more, nothing less. So incredibly liberating... can you imagine? Nobody knows me, nobody cares how much money I make every fifteen minutes. It doesn't matter, they are all that matters. And I like seeing them fed and happy," for a moment his eyes were glossy.

"That's so sweet," Anastasia didn't know what to say but her heart was pounding with contentment and admiration for him.

"Listen, Ana, I know I can be a real asshole sometimes..."

"I know," Anastasia didn't look up at him, "repeat offender actually," a grin tucked at the corner of her mouth.

"Hey!" Christian let out a husky chuckle.

"What? You said you're an asshole," she laughed, giving a mocking half-shrug.

"And you confirmed that...," the corners of his eyes wrinkled for a moment.

"So?" Anastasia looked at him and bit her lower lip to refrain from grinning, he arched an eyebrow and she shook her head, "Whatever, go on..."

"'Kay," Christian cleared his throat, bowing his head a little, she stopped herself from reaching up to push back the strand of hair that had fallen into his face.

"I... just wanted to let you know I'm fully aware of the fact that there are things money can't buy. Trust and integrity are two things I care a lot about and true love," he looked at her, holding her gaze so intensely that she could feel a flush creeping up into her cheeks, "... well, true love is something, where money can't fill the void."

Christian took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

The heavy door to the kitchen creaked open, Anastasia gasped.

"There you are. You guys are gonna miss the countdown, you should come out front, watch the firework. I've even secured you a piece of pie."

Christian glanced back at the amateur chef, "Thanks, Clive. Just a sec, okay?"

Clive nodded and shut the door again.

Christian cleared his throat, "This is not something I normally like to do and I think I've tried this afternoon, but you seemed not too inclined to…," that muscle in his jaw jumped, "...I really want this, Ana. I want you. In any way I can have you. And... I'm really scared I'll miss you otherwise."

Anastasia's forehead creased, she was staring at him, chewing on the inside of her cheek while Christian was probably praying she would say something. Anything.

"Mm, I guess I'm just going to keep talking if you don't shut me up soon," his gaze darted to her lips before he drew in a deep breath, "Listen, we... we don't have to go... quick if you feel uncomfortable. I just need to know that this...," he looked down at Anastasia's hand in his, mumbling, "... is moving somewhere. "

"Christian...," she whispered.

"Shh, it's okay, really... I'm sorry, you take your time, Ana. I'll stop telling you. Just know it's how I feel."

"Thank you," Anastasia said quietly and inched closer, craning her neck to kiss him.

"You think it's a bad thing if we missed the countdown?" he mumbled against her lips, his smile reaching the corners of his eyes.

Anastasia laughed and reached up to caress his cheek before she took a hesitant step back to slip out of his embrace, "Don't think so, Christian," she beamed up at him before she leaned closer to kiss him again, "Now, let's go and watch the firework."

Smiling, Anastasia took his hand and pulled him with her.

Outside the crowd had already gathered, counting down the seconds to New Year.

… 6 ...

"Anastasia," the lady from earlier joined them again, "there you are. Do you have New Year's resolutions, too?"

… 5 ...

"I do indeed," Anastasia replied, Christian had wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

… 4 ...

"I intend to become the love of their life for somebody. And I hope they become the same for me," Ana beamed at the old lady, who was glancing at Christian.

… 3 ...

"What a lovely plan for the New Year," the lady stated, "Do you have someone particular in mind?"

… 2 …

"I do," Anastasia smiled again, "It's someone I trust and with whom I... I seem to be falling more in love every day..."

… 1 …

The crowd cheered and the firework started.

Christian, who'd listened closely, ignored the cheering people surrounding them but instead hugged Anastasia to him. He kissed her tentatively and pulled away again. His searching gaze met hers and Anastasia wondered if he was seeking reassurance.

She nodded slowly, smiling softly before she whispered, "Happy New Year, Christian."

Curling her fingers into the front of his jacket, Anastasia pulled him to her to kiss him once more and this time, neither of them were testing the waters.

"My lucky day, I guess," Christian let out a shaky laugh, reaching up to cup her cheeks and kiss her again.


A/N:

Thank you again for all the love, support, encouraging messages and loads of reviews and concrit you've been sending me throughout the whole fanfic. It really kept me going.

I enjoy all your comments and suggestions and hope you found answers to your questions in this chapter.

I have one last question for you: Epilogue or not? Let me know in your reviews, if you'd like to read more.

As always I love hearing from you. Thank you for taking your time and giving me this gift.

Take care, Ava x