What Love Gave Us
by
Ava LeBeau
Eleven
"I'd be really scared to be on a plane that needs to have an emergency landing, I mean… total loss of control, right?" Anastasia walked beside him, holding his hand, both were talking about their greatest fears.
"Don't you think it's scary?" she asked and side-glanced at him, loving how dapper he looked, that collar of his coat casually upturned, aviators on, she almost felt underdressed beside him but he didn't really seem to care.
"Well, actually I happen to have a license so I guess I could manage an emergency landing myself if needed," he stated dryly but Ana noticed that the corner of his mouth was twitching while he walked alongside her at a leisurely pace.
"Gosh, is there anything you're not good at?" She'd completely forgotten about the pilot's license.
"Singing?" He admitted flat out and poker-faced. Christian's confession made her chuckle, earning her a cheeky side-glance, he even lowered his glasses only to wink at her.
"We could go to a karaoke bar with Kate and Elliot next weekend. That would be so much fun," Anastasia suggested.
"A double date?" There was that notorious pout again and Christian moved to wrap his arm around Anastasia's shoulder to pull her closer to him, his move both loving and possessive.
"Don't you like them?" Ana snuggled up to him while they made their way down the path to the viewpoint.
"What? Double dates? Not really, no," he leaned closer to brush his lips against her temple in a fleeting kiss and Ana closed her eyes for a moment, wondering if this was all a dream, her and Christian taking a romantic walk before sunset in Kerry Park, overlooking the city. Ana was praying that she would never wake up.
"Why's that?" She asked, genuinely curious.
"Well, I'd prefer to have you all to myself," he grinned, not looking at her.
"Is that so?" Ana chuckled.
"Mhmm," he said, kissing her hair.
"Jealous much?" Anastasia teased, secretly loving his full attention.
"Definitely," he conceded unashamedly.
"Do you really think that that's a good thing in a relationship?"
"Relationship? You're not grillin' me, are you?" Christian laughed huskily and Ana joined in.
"No, not at all, just curious."
"Well… uhm," he seemed to weigh his words before he spoke, "I think that a healthy dose of jealousy is natural. At least for me."
"Oh?" Anastasia bit her lower lip.
"Not in a bad way," he tried to maneuver himself out of an answer to that question.
"What do you mean?" Ana bit back a chuckle, he was noticeably squirming.
"Well, if I don't feel jealous, I don't think I'm in love…," what a blatant statement and still Ana agreed.
They'd reached the viewpoint and Ana walked over to the wall, stopping right in front of it, savoring the view over Seattle and the Sound. The sun was setting slowly, tingeing the whole scene in a dramatic pinkish lavender.
Christian stepped up behind her and slid his arms around her waist. Ana leaned into him, her head resting against her shoulder. Contentment filled her heart and she really loved to be enveloped in his embrace, the feel of his strong arms around her made Anastasia feel so safe and protected and… loved.
The view was just as breathtaking, the sparkling lights over downtown glowing like a thousand diamonds, the Space Needle towering over everything while Puget Sound lay quietly at their feet.
"So, uhm, what are you scared of most?" Anastasia asked, reaching for his hands to interlace her fingers with his.
"That the people I love most get hurt," he said.
They'd stood there for a moment in silence but finally Anastasia turned around to face him, never slipping out of his embrace. Raising on her tiptoes she reached up to cup Christian's face in her hands and kissed him, gentle at first but soon enough Christian deepened their kiss hungrily, blissfully ignoring the people around them. When Anastasia let out a soft moan against his lips he pulled away, his anthracite gaze boring into her.
"Come on, let's go. Imma buy you a drink downtown," he said, his voice husky and dark, just as his eyes.
"I'd love that," Ana beamed up at him.
Yes, she could really get used to dating the notorious Christian Grey.
"Well…," standing outside her apartment building, Anastasia looked down at her feet for a second.
Christian had walked her home after two really delicious drinks at a cute little bar downtown Seattle.
She felt kind of tipsy and smiled up at him.
"So…," Christian said and grinned, "Thank you for this lovely evening, Ana."
"Want to come upstairs?" The words left her lips before she could give them a second thought.
A line appeared between Christian's brows and he tilted his head a little, licking his lips, he said, "Are you sure?"
"Mhmm," Anastasia beamed up at him and took his large hand in hers, pulling him with her.
She was sure in every possible way. She wanted him there, with her. All of him.
"Okay," he said, offering to help with the keys as she tried to open the door but Ana managed, letting them both in.
Giggling and laughing they walked up the creaky stairs and Anastasia pulled Christian right into a hug when they entered her tiny apartment, kissing him deeply, joy rushing through her when he pulled her even closer.
Soon enough they'd settled on her couch.
"Rom-com marathon?" Christian arched his eyebrow, fully aware that he'd never win this battle.
"Mhmm," Ana piped, glancing up at him, snuggled up against him while he grumbled, eliciting a chuckle.
"Hate that too?"
"Not much of a romantic, so, not really my thing," he grinned, busying himself with the buttons on Ana's shirt.
"Don't," she nagged, kissing his cheek.
"What?" He teased, trying to steal a kiss, eager to avert her attention from the movie, expertly undoing two of the buttons, making her giggle.
"I hate rom-coms," he mumbled against her lips, pulling her right on top of him, claiming her lips in yet another kiss.
"Strong, mature men can cope," Ana whispered against his pout, trying not to chuckle, "and rom-coms are cute."
"Not as cute as you are," he said, his eyes dark as he kissed her again.
Last night was so amazing. Thinking of you.
Christian glanced down at the display of his phone. It'd been amazing indeed and whenever her name popped up on his phone's display he grinned like an idiot.
I wish you were here with me right now, he replied.
He drew in a deep breath and started typing on the keyboard again, grimly determined to finish the damn second report. It was due after all and his father had already asked for it.
Miss me?
A lot
Where are you?
Work. Any plans for tomorrow?
Not really
Want to get coffee?
"I can't decide between the three of them. Which one do you like best?"
Christian pushed the tablet across the small table towards Anastasia, who'd inclined her head and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, her hands wrapped around her mug filled with English breakfast tea even though it was already early afternoon.
She could feel his eyes on her and glanced up at him, "They're all great in their own way."
"I know," he said, resting his arms on the table, leaning closer, watching her as her fingertips glided across the glossy display of his tablet, swiping back and forth between the three images.
"We already have images regarding their housing situation for some sort of a triptych," Christian continued and reached out to swipe to show her a galore of other photos.
Anastasia furrowed her brow, mumbling, "Hmm, difficult."
She took a sip from her tea, watching him over the rim of the cup. The images seemed to have drawn his attention for a moment and seeing him so intrigued filled her with great contentment and happiness.
"You could choose all three," she suggested, obviously dragging him out of his own musings.
"I guess we could," he took a sip of his Espresso and nodded.
"But I want it to boil it down to an essence actually. I want it to be very to the point. Stringent, you know," Christian drained his cup, licking his lip, all the while looking at her.
"I see. Well, in that case I think you should go for number three. It's really poignant. A great contrast to the ones for the triptych."
A small smile ghosted across Christian features and he nodded, "Great choice, Ana."
He pulled out his phone and typed something, probably sending a quick message to an assistant or something, but in no time Ana had his full attention again.
"I really wish you could join me at the gala," he said and reached across the table to take her hand.
"I don't think I'd feel comfortable," Anastasia mumbled, pressing her lips together, "I wouldn't even know what to wear to such- such… an event."
She toyed with the tea bag's envelope.
A gala in New York. She'd never even been to New York, let alone a gala there.
"I'm sure you'd do just great. And look awesome," Christian gave her hand a soft squeeze.
"When's the gala?"
"Next Saturday," he said and smiled at her, "I'm gonna miss you."
"Oh?" She teased, making him grin.
"Mhmm."
"How much?"
"A lot."
"D'aww," she mocked, taking another sip from her tea.
"You could come to New York with me," he suggested.
"Christian I don't have the money to buy a—"
"We would take the private jet."
"Private jet. Of course," Anastasia toyed with the tea spoon, losing herself in a swirl of self-consciousness and inadequacy.
It had been a quiet evening.
With Christian at New York for the charity's gala, Anastasia had made good use of the time alone and finished another chapter of the project report.
Jack had been eager to complete it before the new year and she'd given her best to round up most of the chapters in order to please him. He'd distanced himself from her ever since Christian had shown up at S.I.P. and their relationship had changed quite dramatically. Ana dreaded the day she would have to tell him that she was seeing Christian on a regular basis. And while they hadn't had The Talk yet she was pretty sure where this was headed for her and Christian. Jack would go berserk at the news, that much was sure.
She'd gone to bed early, not without checking her phone for any messages from him again before she turned off the bedside lamp and curled up under the sheets, soon enough drifting off to a light slumber.
When the doorbell rang Ana woke with a start. It was still dark outside and it seemed as if she'd only slept for an hour, maybe two.
She felt around for her phone on the nightstand and glanced at the display. It was almost six thirty in the morning and she wondered who'd show up at her place at this time of night.
Clad only in a sleep shirt, she got up from the bed and reached for the bathrobe before she made her way across the apartment to the door.
Another ring.
"Hello?" Her voice was still heavy with sleep.
"Ana, it's me."
"Christian?"
She was quick to unlock the door, "What are you doin' here?"
He was still wearing his tuxedo pants and a white shirt, but had lost the tux and bowtie, a respectable five o'clock shadow was gracing his square jaw.
"I needed to see you," he said as if it were the most natural thing.
She'd expected him to spend the night in New York but here he was in all his glory. Right on her doorstep.
Anastasia bit her lower lip and tried to flatten her hair in vain.
"Come," she said and took his hand, closing the door behind him.
"Did I wake you up?" He followed her to the living room.
"Uhm, no, not really," she lied and was sure that he'd see right through her, "Can I get you something? Coffee?"
"No, thanks, I had some during the flight."
"Okay," she shrugged, folding her arms in front of her chest, "You must be tired…"
"Actually, I slept on the plane."
"I see," she glanced at him while he buried his hands in the pockets of his pants for a moment.
"Sure you don't want anything to eat?" Anastasia walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge to scan its contents, "I could make you some pancakes if you like."
She glanced back at him, surprised when Christian stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her, leaning in to kiss her neck.
"Christian," Ana chuckled, trying to gloss over the fact that she had missed him and craved his touch and kisses, all the while melting into his arms like putty.
"Way too much carbs, plus I'm not really hungry," he nipped the soft skin on her neck, his voice hot and moist against it, "I left right after the midnight snacks."
"You did?" was all she managed to say and her eyes fluttered shut as she savored his gentle kisses.
"Mhmm, did you know I really hate anchovy canapés?"
"You do? Poor thing," Anastasia teased, earning herself another nipping kiss from him that made her skin tingle.
"I want you," Christian said, his voice low and raspy, as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, his kisses there tickling her.
"I'd never have guessed that," she laughed while his nimble fingers busied themselves with the belt of her bathrobe, expertly undoing it to gain better access.
"Bedroom," she whispered when he slid his hands around her waist to lift her up into his arms.
Ana wrapped her legs around his hips, kissing him as Christian made his way out of her kitching, carrying her straight to her bedroom.
Her head rested against his bare shoulder while he'd wrapped his arm around her, lying back beside her.
Ana's fingertips traced the fuzzy line of hair below his belly button, slowly inching lower.
Christian turned his head to press a kiss against her temple, "You're insatiable."
She chuckled.
"I barely get to see you lately."
"This week was crazy, I'm really sorry, Ana. I'll make it up to you," he shifted slightly underneath her touch.
"I hope so," she teased and craned her neck to steal a kiss.
"You could stay," Ana continued, her hand advancing even lower.
"Nah," he said, reaching down to stop her hand in its train.
"Why?" she looked up at him, brushing her lips against his stubbled jaw.
"Meeting in one hour and I still have to get changed."
"On a Sunday? What's so importa—"
"E and I are meeting an investor. We're going to play golf."
"Sounds boring," Ana kissed his lips again, her hand slipping out of his grip only to let her fingertips idly dance across his shredded abs once more.
"You could cancel," she suggested sneakily.
"I'm afraid I can't," he turned onto his side, his gray gaze meeting hers before he kissed her, gently at first, his arm snaking around her waist to pull her in to him, his hand wandering southwards.
"Why?"
"We want to finally close that deal and E wanted to talk to me about something," he gave her behind a cheeky squeeze, making her giggle.
"About something?" Anastasia asked, brushing her lips against his in a fleeting kiss.
"He's planning to propose to Kate over Christmas," Christian said, holding Ana's gaze.
"He… what?" Anastasia gasped and stared at Christian, "You're kidding, right?"
"Not at all. What's so unbelievable about this?" he shifted closer and him pulling her flush against his hips elicited another gasp from her.
"Nothing really, it's just… I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon."
Christian ran his hand down the side of her thigh, lifting it up when he'd reached her knee to drape her leg over his side.
"What are your thoughts on marriage?" Ana asked bluntly, scanning his chiseled features for any hint of surprise or opposition.
"Well, if I ever were to marry it wouldn't be because she's beautiful or something equally superficial but because we're soulmates, best friends.
Ana kissed him, cupping his cheek in her free hand, "How would you know?" she whispered against his lips, her gaze meeting his again.
"Well, clearly she would understand me and support my plans and projects," he snagged a quick kiss before he continued, "And I would know by the way I feel for her, how I love her and I would always love her… with all my heart."
"Always? How can you say that? Times change, you know."
"Time wouldn't change this for me."
A low groan escaped him and Ana let out a sigh when he swiftly entered her, mumbling against her lips, "... nor this."
"Predictably, Seattle's whizz kid, heartthrob Christian Grey debuted at one of the major events in New York this year, making an appearance at the Coping Together Charity's benefit gala red carpet on Saturday along with Senator Miller and his wife as well as several selected celebrities.
The younger son of Carrick and Grace Grey, founders and patrons of Coping Together, appeared to be solo at the event, wearing a sharp black tuxedo, bow tie and his notorious smirk. Daily Celeb is still undecided whether to still label him boyishly handsome or finally manly good-looking, so take the poll down below and let us know what you think!
As celebrities raised more than $30 million for children struggling with poverty, the 26-year-old was later spotted giving interviews with Lily Van Houten by his side, who is rumored to be his fiancée after being a childhood friend and a long on-and-off relationship with Grey. The heiress to the Van Houten diamond empire was seen hugging and kissing Christian Grey coyly on the cheek, with her having only just returned from Africa. She is said to be behind the pictures exhibited at the gala last night in New York city."
Anastasia glanced down at the pictures and videos that were interwoven with the tabloid's article.
Christian was beaming, his arm wrapped around who must be Lily's waist, both posing up a storm for the paparazzi, while another photograph showed him with a young woman, dressed up to the nines in a glittering black dress which exposed her midriff, the captions saying, 'Christian Grey was seen at the Coping Together Benefit in New York City with his glamorous fiancée Lily Van Houten and sister Mia Trevelyan-Grey'.
Ana continued to read, "Grey, whose parents were absent due to a scheduling issue, said he was 'impressed' by all the press coverage the gala got and made sure to promote the charity's cause further.
'I don't want to say I got overwhelmed, because that's probably too dramatic but after seeing some of the photos, I knew immediately that we should continue our way of supporting children in need. I'm aware of the fact that a lot of charities and others are already focussing on this issue but still I think you probably could get away with yet another charity,' he said.
And while at first their project had seemed to have got stuck it soon enough exceeded expectations with more and more contributors supporting the charity's cause.
'Don't get me wrong, I always knew it would be an experience, but, I don't know, it's right, in a way, we got humbled and had to realize that okay, it's not perfect. But we managed and I made sure that it wouldn't be coming from a place where my ego was getting in the way. It's hard to accept that things are not always perfect. It's just a reality of life.'
Regarding the images exhibited last night he added, 'I had help from a very good friend, who's very dear to me, when it came to the selection of the images for tonight. Unfortunately, she can't be here tonight but I'm sure she would be just as pleased as I am with the outcome.'
After he had declared the midnight buffet open, Christian Grey, usually known to be a party animal and for his wild ways, was seen sharing a brief exchange with Van Houten before they parted ways.
Coping Together was founded by Seattle's top lawyer and financier Carrick Grey's wife, Grace, several years ago. Grey's 72-year-old mother Jacklyn is on the Coping Together's board of directors.'
Anastasia closed the article on her laptop.
Supposed fiancée?
Anger started boiling inside of her, her stomach in knots already.
Had Christian lied to her? Had he used her, just like he had used so many before her, while he'd taken his relationship to the next level with Lily?
"Ana?"
"Are you with her? Is that why you couldn't stay with me?"
"Ana? Are you okay? Who's her?"
"Your supposed fiancée… who looked glamorous last night…," Ana's voice was laced with a venomous melange of anger and sarcasm.
"Alright, Ana, what's the matter? I'm with Elliot. Who are you talking about?"
"Lily Van Houten. Is she there with you? She is, isn't she?"
"Lily," she could hear him let out a mirthless laughter, "No, she's not, Ana. And you know that she is not my fiancée–"
"I don't know anything at all. Who you really are and who you're with when you're not here with me," she fought back the lump that was forming deep in her throat, making her voice tremble while her eyes started to well up.
"Ana, I'm not with her," she could hear him talking to somebody in the background, "Hold on for a second…"
"Ana?" all of a sudden it was Elliot on the phone.
"Hi, how are you?"
"Doin' alright," Elliot said, "Lily's not here with us, she's back in New York."
"Has he told you to tell me this?"
"No, I wanted to tell you that he's not with her and they're not dating or anything."
"Whatever…"
"Ana…"
"Yes?"
"You trust him, don't you?"
"I-I'm not sure," Anastasia wanted to trust him, those walls that she'd built inside of her had been tumbling down days ago and had left her feeling vulnerable.
"He's got a big crush on you, you know," Elliot said and Ana's heart skipped a beat. Christian had always been considerate and affectionate but very sparing with any declarations regarding his true feelings.
A grumbled "Ouch!" from Elliot dragged her out of her thoughts.
"You okay?"
"Kinda, Chris here is anything but pleased about my remark," Elliot laughed.
"Anyway, Kate's home alone if you want to stop by our place. Gotta go now. Bye."
"Thank you, E. Bye," she hung up, well aware that Christian was probably fuming.
A/N: As always I would like to thank you for bearing with me and reading my latest chapter. Thank you for taking the time and your ongoing support, your reviews and feedback really keep me going.
Anyway, what do you think? Is Christian toying with her or is he really falling in love with Ana?