TEN
Brenda spent the rest of the day, after getting back to Seattle in bed.
She was tired from the two days in New York.
She had a wonderful time though.
She had a little hiccup when she got a little emotional about how things went with Sonny, but at some point she had to move on from that.
She had her whole life ahead of her.
Her phone rang and she answered it.
It was Lois.
"Bren, where have you been?!"
"I went to New York."
"With your gorgeous sugar daddy?"
"Yep. I had so much fun, Lois."
"I'm glad. I would prefer it if you were working towards a more serious relationship, but you sound ok, so I'm ok."
"No, this is just what I need. I don't need anything too heavy. The whole thing with Sonny has exhausted me."
"I know you loved him, but if you give yourself a chance, you can get over it."
"I'm going to really try. Sonny is never going to leave his pregnant wife. I don't even know if I would even want that. As much as I hate Lily, the child is innocent. It's just hard to believe it is over."
"Has he called?"
"No, I don't want him to."
"It is for the best. I tell you what, you and your sugar daddy have amazing chemistry. I watched you two at the Quartermaine's."
"I am attracted to him, if that's what you mean. Look at him and he is so smart. We have fun. Check this out, he invited me to Aspen for the holidays. I'm going because I just can't come to Port Charles. I don't want to risk running into Sonny and frog face."
Lois giggled. "Be nice, Bren."
"I don't know how to, especially when it comes to that wolf in sheep's clothing."
"Forget about them. Mr. Grey must really like you. Asking someone to spend the holidays with you is major. "
"I know. I'm looking forward to it."
"I don't know, Bren. This one might end up rocking your world."
"He already does."
Lois screamed. "Tell me more!"
"A lady never tells."
"Oh Bren, you're no fun…"
After Brenda got off the phone with Lois, she received another call from her agent in Seattle, she had booked another job.
Her work was steady but she was desperate to book a big time gig, but that would never happen in Seattle.
Christian was right.
She needed a bigger agent in a place like New York or LA.
Also, this thing with Christian was not going to last forever.
She knew how these things worked.
This wasn't like Pretty Woman, there would be no falling in love, and she didn't even totally believe that ending, as much as she liked the movie.
At least, she'd been careful with her money.
He paid for everything, so she didn't have to spend too much of it.
The condo was paid for, the Audi was paid for.
He purchased all of her clothes.
Most of the money he gave her, just sat in the bank.
She still did not know how she got so lucky, because it really didn't seem like work.
It was a world that she had no clue about until him.
She had learned so much, and she was more in touch with her sexuality than she had ever been.
She didn't feel dirty or anything, which in the beginning she was worried about.
She would never tell any of her friends, because she doubt they would understand.
And what she did in bed was always her business and it would remain that way.
This time was no different.
About six that evening her doorbell rang.
She wasn't expecting anyone.
Her plan was just to spend that day and night lounging.
She looked out the peephole, it was Christian.
She quickly unlocked the door. "This is unexpected."
He smiled. "Hello."
He followed her inside.
She was really curious as to why he came over.
It was so unlike him.
She never saw him during the week.
He wasted no time telling her. "I just had to tell you this in person. The Cox agency in New York would like to represent you."
She covered her mouth. "What?!"
It was one of the biggest model agencies in the world.
"How...Christian? I don't understand."
"You met one of their people at the party, Anna Franklin."
Brenda knew who that was.
They spent about twenty minutes talking.
"Oh my God, Christian! Are you serious?!"
"I am."
"How did it happen?"
"I spoke to her at the party and told her you were a model. I pointed you out and she thought you were gorgeous."
"That's why she came to talk to me. We didn't talk about modeling though."
"Well apparently she liked what she saw. She forgot to get your contact information. So, they contacted my people. This is all up to you though."
"Of course, I want to do it!"
She jumped into his arms and threw her arms around his neck.
He also let her know that they would be calling tomorrow.
She kissed his cheek. "Thank you!"
She released him and jumped on the sofa.
He laughed. "I knew you'd be happy but I wasn't expecting this."
"I was just thinking I needed an agent in a larger city and enter the man with the plan!"
She plopped down on the sofa. "Wow. Christian, you just keep changing my life. Thank you."
He sat down next to her. "You're welcome. They'll set up a time to meet with you. You can take my jet."
"Oh my God, this is huge."
"Your career is about to take off. Are you ready?"
"I've been ready. None of this would have happened if I hadn't left Port Charles."
"They say everything happens for a reason."
She squealed. "I'm so excited. We should celebrate."
"You want to go out?"
"No, let's celebrate here."
"I can order dinner. Have you eaten?"
"I was going to eat cereal."
"Goddammit, Brenda. You need to eat food."
"It was one night, Christian. I wasn't going to die."
"What would you like?"
"I don't care. Order what you like."
He whipped out his phone, scrolled through his contact list, and settled on a place.
He called and ordered a ton of food.
He sent Taylor to pick it up…
They are sitting on the couch eating.
"Christian, why don't you stay the night?"
"Where would I sleep?"
"Anywhere you want. With me, in my guest room...wherever. I won't keep you up too late."
"OK."
He picked up his phone and sent a quick text to Taylor.
"I can't believe you are actually staying over."
"Why can't you believe it? All you had to do was ask."
He poured her another glass of wine.
She looked at him proudly. "You are my first sleepover."
"Are we going to do each other's hair?"
She grinned. "Only if you want."
They are sitting on the sofa, eating, and making small talk.
"I bet you were popular in high school."
"I was popular, but I wasn't exactly the nicest girl. Well, I wasn't the nicest to some people. Just boy stuff."
Christian leaned back on the sofa. "Ask me if I'm shocked."
She pushed him. "That's not funny. I like being in love. It's the best feeling in the world."
"It doesn't seem like it."
"Ha, ha. You just love making jokes about my broken heart. You have never been even a little close to loving someone?"
He shook his head. "No one besides my family."
"If you ever fall in love, it is going to change your life. I think you would be a great spouse, as long as you can give up a little control. You can be a little bossy, Grey. Even outside of the bedroom."
He didn't deny it.
She continued. "But you are a good person. I like you, even though I feel like I hardly know you."
"Brenda, you can ask me anything."
"It's not that, because I know you'll answer any question. I feel like you keep me at arm's length. I think that's just how you are wired."
"Maybe so, because it isn't on purpose."
"Or maybe you do it so your submissive won't fall in love with you."
"I'm not worried about that with you, because you have a...what did you call him? The love of your life."
"Please stop making fun of me."
"You are too young to have a love of your life."
"No, I am not. I don't need to be old to know when it is right."
"Brenda, It is not right. You are just obsessed with trying to make it right."
"You just didn't see us when we were together. We were great together."
"I'm sure there were good times, but you just don't marry someone else if it is so perfect."
"We had our problems. His profession was one of them."
"What were you planning on doing, Brenda? Wear a bulletproof vest for the rest of your life? If you married him, it would not have lasted long. So, tell me, what were you planning? Did you even think that far ahead?"
"I...I just-"
She didn't know what to say.
"Maybe he is where he needs to be and so are you. I don't mean here with me, but away from that situation. You would be signing your kids up for that shit too."
She knew what he was saying was true.
She thought about that a lot when she found out what Sonny actually did for a living.
"Brenda, one day and I don't know if we will still be in each other's life or not, but one day, you are going to realize, the best decision he made, for you, was marrying that other lady."
"I don't think I will ever think that."
"We'll see."
"Christian, you are such a buzzkill."
"Brenda, I just needed to tell you the truth. I'm sure some of your girlfriends are telling you to hang in there, you two love each other, and a whole bunch of other shit. At one point, I even told you people get divorced. It doesn't matter, it will never workout. That's just a fact."
"Can we please change the subject?"
He nodded. "Sure. I didn't mean to ruin your good mood."
"Christian, nothing could ruin my good mood. I mean, the Cox Agency would like to sign me. Me!"
She squealed. "I still can't believe it."
She jumped on him and started kissing him all over his face.
He laughed. "Ok, you have thanked me enough."
She returned to her place on the couch. "You don't like my kisses on your face?"
"Of course, but I prefer your sucking."
She picked up a throw pillow and hurled it at him.
He caught it and placed it beside him.
"Christian, you say the most awful things."
"I don't think it's awful. Just the truth."
"You can think it, just don't say it."
"Why not?" He looked around. "No one is here but us."
"It's just odd hearing it."
"You should be proud, Miss Barrett."
She burst into laughter. "I am, but still, don't talk about it."
Christian laughed.
Brenda shook her head and grinned "Christian, I have never met anyone like you. I know for a fact, I never will again. You are hilarious, you are good looking as hell, have the worst potty mouth of anyone I have ever met, and on top of that, you are amazing in bed."
"I know."
She smiled. "And you are so damn cocky."
"Not cocky, Baby. Just confident."
"You are cocky but at least you are not a man whore."
"I'm good with one. I'm easily satisfied."
She pretended to almost choke. "I don't know about that! But it's fun trying."
Christian pulled her legs into his lap, removed her socks, and started massaging her feet. "You should move into my place."
That caught her by surprise. "Where did that come from?"
"I feel like you'd like it there."
She looked fondly around her living room. "I like my condo."
"You don't have to sell it. You're not comfortable at my place?"
"Christian, your penthouse is sick. Of course, I would be comfortable there. What if we get tired of each other?"
"I don't think that would happen. We get along."
"We are still getting to know one another."
"If it doesn't work out, you can move back here."
She shrugged. "I don't know. Let me think about it."
"OK."
She leaned her head back.
He was still massaging her feet.
"Christian, what can't you do? That feels good."
He stopped and stood up.
She looked up at him. "Why did you stop?"
He pulled her to her feet. "I'm going to give you a full body massage. Let's take this upstairs."
He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. He handed her the glasses and picked up the wine bottle, before heading upstairs…
Brenda lit some candles.
Christian rolled up his sleeves. "Where are your moisturizers?"
She directed him towards the bathroom.
He told her to get undressed.
She removed everything, except her underwear.
He walked out of the bathroom. "Underwear too."
She removed them and laid flat on her stomach.
He kicked off his shoes and sat down next to her.
She felt his hands on her neck and shoulders.
She closed her eyes. "I hope I don't disappoint them."
Christian knew she was referring to the modeling agency. "You won't. Be confident. You never actually told me how you got into modeling."
"The head of a cosmetic company told me I should come in and do a test shoot. The rest is history."
"What happened to the cosmetics company?"
"I left town. I wasn't in a contract. Well, I was but it was up for renewal. And then the wedding happened."
Brenda sighed. "That feels so good."
He was straddling her now, sliding his hands up and down her back. "You left right after the wedding?"
"Yep, I packed my things and just drove."
"My luck you ended up in Seattle."
"Both of our luck. I was struggling before our arrangement."
"I think you would have landed on your feet, with or without me."
"Yeah, but I got there much quicker with you. It has been fun too."
He chuckled. "I'm glad you have been enjoying yourself."
He started massaging her rear.
She inhaled.
He didn't linger too long, he moved down to her legs.
Brenda was shocked and disappointed, but she didn't say anything.
He must have been in the mood to talk.
He asked her about her childhood.
There wasn't much to tell, her mother was crazy.
Her father didn't want her.
He sent money, but Brenda wanted his love.
"I have a trust fund."
Christian stopped briefly. "I'm assuming you can't access it."
"Not until I'm older. My sister could release it but she thinks I'll blow it. I haven't even thought about the money. Until...now."
"She hasn't spent it has she?"
"No, she doesn't need it. She couldn't if she wanted to."
"Your father had to care about you. He made sure you'd be taken care of."
"Or maybe my mom made him? I don't know."
She closed her eyes.
She felt so relaxed.
Christian wrapped it up by massaging her feet.
By the time that he'd finished, she was asleep.
He found a blanket and covered her up.
He left and went into the guest bedroom.
He brought a glass of wine with him.
He removed his clothes and sipped on the wine.
He was really tired from work.
He pulled his phone out and placed it on the nightstand.
He slipped in bed and closed his eyes….
Brenda woke up a few hours later.
She wrapped the blanket around her and got out of bed.
She walked to the guest bedroom.
Christian was asleep.
For a minute, she thought maybe he left.
She looked down at him.
He was so gorgeous and she couldn't get enough of him.
He was becoming an addiction.
She removed the blanket and got into bed with him.
She slipped her hand inside his boxers.
He opened his eyes and looked directly into hers.
"Brenda, are you working on your off days?"
"I would like to, unless you don't want to."
"I always want to."
She pulled the covers back…..
Brenda woke up the next morning.
Christian was not there.
She didn't expect him to be.
He had to go home and get ready for work.
They ended up sleeping in the guest bedroom.
He didn't make a move to leave and neither did she.
There was no cuddling.
Christian didn't cuddle.
He let her sleep on him, the night she was upset, but that wasn't cuddling.
She thought about leaving last night, but she could not move.
He was intense even without the playroom.
He had amazing stamina.
Her home phone started ringing.
She answered.
"Good morning."
It was Christian.
She stretched. "Morning."
"Are you still in bed?"
"Of course, my body hurts."
"Good."
She laughed. "Are you at work?"
"I'm working from home. I ordered breakfast for you, it should be arriving any minute now."
"What did I do to deserve that?"
"Your mouth deserves it."
She laughed.
"I want you to seriously consider moving in with me."
"Would I be on call?"
He laughed. "I think the schedule should stay the same. If we choose to be together outside of that, so be it."
"Grey, you know we will. I always want you."
That was news to him. "Always?"
She repeated herself. "Always."
"It's really too fucking bad I'm working."
She continued to stretch. "Not for me. I need the rest."
"You started it."
"I did. I can't help myself, I find you irresistible."
He chuckled. "Likewise."
"Christian, I think we should see how we get along during the Apen trip. And if it goes well, I'll move in. Have you ever moved anyone-"
He answered before she could finish. "No, and I never even thought about it."
"Wow. You must really like me."
He spun around in his chair and looked out the window. "I don't know if like is the correct word. It is too simple."
"Well, what is the correct word?"
"I'm not sure yet. When I figure it out, I'll let you know."
"I more than like you too, Grey, and when I figure it out, I'll let you know."
He laughed. "I'll be waiting. I'll talk to you later."
She sat up. "Later, as in today or Friday?"
"What?"
"Are you going to call me today?"
"If you want."
She got out of bed. "Call me."
"Ok, I'll talk to you later. Bye, Brenda."
"Bye, Christian."
She placed the receiver down and laughed.