Chapter 17:
Just thinking about their first time made Ana blush. She could still feel the power in his body as he hovered over her. Their union had been breathtaking. Making love to Christian was exhilarating. Even now, just a few hours after their encounter, her skin was still flushed, she found herself breathing hard and she wanted him more and more.
The memory of the night before played repeatedly in Christian's mind making it hard to pay attention to his second-in-command, Roz Bailey. He heard a few words such as profit projection, insurance liability, and something about the bottom line. Business was the last thing on his mind. All he could think about was Ana in his arms and calling out his name as passion washed over her. He looked down at his phone hoping to see a message from her, but there was nothing. He was half tempted to call her and see how her morning was. He smiled. He looked up to see Roz staring at him in bewilderment.
"Are you with us, Christian?" She leaned toward him to ask. He shook his head which only made her chuckle.
"Let's shelf this proposal for awhile until we get more intel." Roz stood causing the other suits to follow suit. "Thank you all." She waited until all the businesspeople had left the room then turned to the boss. "So, I assume that you and Ana …"
"She is living with me in every sense of the word, and she wants a dog." He began to laugh.
"A dog? What kind?"
With a roll of his eyes. "A Great Dane." Roz lost it and fell back into the chair laughing imaging little ole Ana walking a giant of a beast. Well, at least she was prepared for it. She had Grey on a leash!
After a few weeks of living together, Ana approached Christian about the house on The Sound and presented her thoughts. Just as Elliot predicted, Christian was not going to hear of her putting any money down. It was his responsibility to obtain their home. She remained calm, letting him plead his case, and to his shock agreed with him. If he still wanted to purchase the house, she would gladly live there with him. She would make them a home. Christian was shocked into silence. He was expecting an argument and maybe a few days of silence. Once again, Ana Steele kept him off balance. She was learning to pick her fights.
It took another few weeks for the sell of the house to be finished. Ana did not relish the idea of sitting down with the over-heated realtor who conveniently forgot that Ana was even in the room. The woman was brazened. Once again, Ana kept her temper in check until Christian had to take a phone call leaving the women alone. Ana gave Olga a cold smile.
"I am getting used to women like you throwing themselves at Christian. However, it does make me sad to think how pathetic women such as yourself truly are." She leaned forward. "Get it through your blonde head, he isn't interested in you."
"Are we feeling threaten?" Olga countered.
"No, as I said, I am feeling sad that a strong, abled body woman would try so hard to snarl a man who wouldn't give them the time of day." She picked at a pretend piece of lint on her sleeve. "So very sad."
Olga stared hard at the young woman. How dare this upstart pity her? She was an accomplished woman in business. She was the highest rated realtor in the Seattle area … with the worst reputation though. "Miss Steele, I have no intention…"
"Save it. Just accept the fact that Christian is mine, and I don't share. So, if you want this sale to continue and you can reap your big, fat commission, I suggest you keep yourself contained and act like a lady instead of a bitch dog in heat." Ana gave her sweetest smile which only unnerved the realtor. The sound of Christian's Italian leather loafers echoed through the office. Ana remained relaxed, but Olga was stiff.
"There won't be any problems with me." She quietly and quickly promised the young woman.
"So, everything has been signed and we can take possession of the property today?"
"Yes, Mr. Grey. All the papers are signed and will be sent to the courts for filing." She placed the keys to the mansion on the table and scooted them toward Ana. "Congratulations on the purchase of your new home. I hope you will be happy there for many, many years."
As Christian walked his beautiful woman out to the car he was laughing. "I pay shitloads of money for security every year and you are more effective than any of my paid men."
"What in the world are you talking about?"
"Before I left the room, I thought that woman was going to eat me alive. I came back and she became a professional lady of business. Whatever did you say to her?"
As Taylor opened the car door for her, Ana only chuckled. "I just gave her something to think about."
Christian laughed as he gently shut her door. "I bet you did." He walked around the back of the car and slid into the seat beside her as Taylor closed his door. "Let's go see our new home and get Elliot working on any changes that we will want."
Elliot estimated a six-to-eight-month work window to bring the house on The Sound up to code and energy efficient. He determined that the house was structurally sound and just needed some cosmetic therapy to give it life. Ana oversaw choosing paint colors, fabrics for drapes and furniture, and Christian had ideas for the boathouse. He also decided to use the upstairs of the garage as residences for the security staff. Taylor along with Welch and Barney, were in charge for the security overhaul of the newest Grey residence.
Another home was built on the compound for Taylor and his daughter. While Christian and Ana were working through their problems, Taylor had won custody of his daughter from a neglectful ex-wife. Gail would also be living there since she and Taylor had married in quiet before the custody hearing.
Life was going well. Grace and Agnes kept a close eye on Elena's situation in the Prison Psychiatric Hospital. It seemed day by day the old pedophile sunk deeper into her madness. She would have fits of hysteria lashing out at nurses and doctors, then her eyes would go blank, and she would sit in complete silence. She refused to speak to her court appointed lawyers or the doctors. She was declared insane by the courts and would spend the rest of her days in confinement since she was a danger to society as well as herself. Her madness would be furthered by care packages that would contain newspapers and magazines reporting on the life of the Christian Grey, his lovely girlfriend, and the rest of the Grey family.
xxxXXXxxx
Ana laughed as she was thrown onto their bed and Christian covered her with his own body. They kissed softly at first then their kisses grew urgent as the fire of desire overtook them. Within a few seconds, they both were naked, caressing each other's bodies. Ana smiled up at Christian as she lightly traced the strong angles of his face.
"I want a son that looks like you with your ginger hair and gray eyes." She declared. Christian caught his breath. A baby!
"What about a little girl with your big blue eyes and soft brunette waves?"
"I am shocked." Ana declared with a laugh. "I thought you would bug out over a baby."
"Oh, Miss Steele, haven't you realized that I have grown up in the last year or so?" He kissed her forehead then her little nose then found her lips. "Will two children be enough?"
Ana laughed as her hands traveled over his body to find him very ready for her. She stroked him lightly. "I'll let you know." Boldly she threw her legs about his waist and pulled him into her. The act of joining was always a joy to them both. Being together transcended all earthly happiness. It was a spiritual experience. They belonged together. "I love you, Christian. For always."
His head bowed to kiss the shallow of her neck as he strained to contain the raw feelings that overcame him. She had spoke those words before but now he felt them in his soul. She LOVED him! Only him! He began to move slowly enjoying every mew that came from her. She clung to him. "Ana, my beautiful angel. I love you." He pulled back then pushed harder and further into her. "It's always been you. Always."
The ring sat in his safe for another few weeks before Christian retrieved it. He sat in his Escala office staring at it. The diamond sparkled with fire. It was the perfect ring for his angel. Big enough to see but not so big to be considered gaudy. Now, where to proposal? When he first commissioned the ring, he thought of the Seattle Public Library. However, he was leaning toward the newly purchased house on The Sound. There he could control any publicity and their privacy would be protected. He was assuming that after the proposal and hopefully, she said yes, she would want to tell her father, Kate, and the rest of the family. Now, he needed a little bit of help.
"Gail!" He yelled as he came out of his office. He found her in the laundry room. "There you are… I need your help."
With a smile Gail nodded. "What can I do to help you, sir."
xxxXXXxxx
Ana drove up the long driveway to where she would be living soon. Christian had asked her to meet him after work to inspect and discuss the work Grey Construction had done in the last few months. The house was reinsulated, new energy efficient windows and doors were installed, except for the front door that Ana jokingly called their "Young Frankenstein" door. It was taken off, stripped of the old wood stain, and refurbished with new stain and many coats of polyurethane. The large brass doorknockers were highly polished. Ana planned a giant wreath of pinecones and evergreen adorning the door to welcome their guests.
Ana walked into the grand foyer and was pleasantly more than happy to see a finished project. The walls gleamed with warm wood and the marble floors showed her reflection. The house had a fresh lemon oil smell. She walked into the front large parlor which was their formal living room. The room was decorated with soft muted blues and greys with two identical sofas sitting across from each other with a dark maple coffee table between them. Fresh flowers were already arranged on the table. She smiled, knowing that Gail had added her own touches.
"Christian, are you in here?" She walked down the hall pass the smaller parlor which was their television viewing room full of comfy furniture and decorated in earth tones. She stepped into Christian's office to find him standing in front of the floor to ceiling windows. As usual he was on his cellphone. She smiled at him which he returned. He held his long forefinger to his lips to ask for silence.
"Yes, Mom, I understand. You would like us to come for lunch on Sunday. Yes, I know it's been a few weeks… Mom, we have busy with both our jobs. Yes, Mom, we will try." He motioned with his hand of his mom still yakking. Ana had to suppress her giggles. "Mom, I have no idea what Elliot has planned." He rolled his eyes. "You need to ask him, Mom. Listen, Mom, Ana just walked in. Let me talk to her and see how our schedules are and I will get back to you. Yes, I love you, too." Christian pressed end on his phone and went to the woman he adored. He kissed her softly. "You are a sight for sore eyes, baby."
"Well, then we better get your old eyes checked soon." She joked. She leaned into him and returned his kisses. "The house looks great. I see Gail brought in flowers already."
"I think she had a practice run of managing our new home." He held her close. "You know the bed was delivered today."
"Hmmm, and you want to go check it out?"
"Of course." He wiggled his eyebrows as his eyes danced in orneriness.
"I'm not saying no, but I thought we were meeting with Elliot."
"He called and cancelled, so we have all afternoon and evening." His hands softly massaged her shoulders, loving to touch her. "You game?"
"Always."
Their bed was a delight. It was bigger than a California King and made of light walnut to match the trim of the bedroom. The room was painted in a soft ivory with whisper blue drapes. This room was a place to relax and regroup. It was also a place made for Christian and Ana to make love in. She found herself upended onto the bed which made her laugh. Christian jumped onto the bed next to her.
"I could get used to this." He sighed as he began to start unbuttoning her blouse. "Have I told you how much I adore you?"
"A few times." She laughed as her fingers worked the buttons on his shirt and pulling on his tie. "I think we should move in. The main house is done."
"Are you sure?" Christian asked as his lips slid over her neck. He kissed over the lace of her bra finding the erect nipple and sucking on it through the material.
"The house is furnished. All we need is our clothes and other belongings." Her hand was working his belt buckle then unbuttoning his trousers. The sound of the zipper made them both smile at each other. "Don't get me wrong, I like Escala, but this home."
Christian reached for her skirt and pulled it up to expose her garter belt and stockings. The sight was delicious. "Oh, baby." He breathed. "I do like this. Silk stockings and your silky white thighs." He licked his lips in anticipation of sucking on her tender skin and kissing every inch of her legs. His finger slid underneath her silk panties and began to stroke her hot, wet core. "Let's stay tonight."
"What about supper?"
"Fuck supper, I'll eat you all night long."
Ana moaned as his fingers played her like a guitar. She only agreed and let him eat away!
They sat on the patio enjoying a glass of wine and a cheese and fruit plate. Ana surmised that Gail had prepared it for them at Christian's bequest. She was wearing his button-down shirt, and her hair was left unbound from the day's messy bun.
"This is nice." she softly said as her eyes scanned the gentle waves lapping the shore. Small lights lined the patio giving an airy almost mystical feel about the patio. She felt Christian take her hand and bring it to his lips. "The sunset is breathtaking."
"You are so beautiful." He kissed each fingertip and then her palm. He slid from his chair onto one knee. "I adore you, Anastasia. I know I don't deserve you, but I am the luckiest man alive because you love me. Baby, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
His softly spoken words shocked her. She knew that a proposal was coming, but she didn't expect it this night. "Christian."
He pulled a red velvet ring box from his sweatpants pocket. He opened it to reveal the most perfect ring she had ever seen. "Ana, will you marry me?"
"Yes."
"I know you probably think that this is too soon, but honey, we are good together. I love you so much…"
"Christian, I said yes."
He shook his head to clear the muddled conversation he was having in his head to convince her to be his wife. "Yes?" He questioned.
Ana giggled. "Yes, Christian, I will marry you."
Christian looked at her with soft eyes thinking that he was the luckiest bastard to ever live. He took the ring from the box and slide it onto her finger. "You said yes." He stood up slowly bringing her to her feet. He held her tenderly as they kissed under the lights. Somewhere music was playing, and it drifted over them, and they started to move. They swayed to the music, kissing to seal the promise they made to each other.
"I think we should move this back into our bedroom." Ana sighed between kisses. "Our first time as fiancés." She squealed as he picked her up bridal style and carried her back into their home.
Gail and Jason smiled at each as they picked up the forgotten glasses and dishes. They turned off the lights and locked up the house leaving Christian and Ana alone for the first night in their new home.