Anastasia is fast asleep. The early morning light shimmers through the portholes skimming over her tousled hair so that it gleams, burnished and beautiful. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I place a cup of tea on the nightstand, as The Grace bobs gently on the water in Bowman Bay. I lean over and plant a tender kiss on her cheek.
“Wake up, sleepy head. I’m lonely.”
She groans, but her expression softens. I kiss her again and her eyes flutter open, and her face shines with a breathtaking smile. Reaching up, she caresses my cheek.
“Good morning, husband-to-be.”
“Good morning, wife-to-be. I’ve made you tea.”
She chuckles, in disbelief, I think. “You dear man,” she says. “This belongs on the list of firsts!”
“I believe it does.”
“And I can tell you’re very pleased with yourself.” Her grin mirrors mine.
“Miss Steele. I am. I make an excellent cup of tea.”
She sits up, and to my disappointment pulls up the covers to conceal her naked breasts. She can’t seem to stop grinning. “I’m so impressed. It’s such a complicated process.”
“Indeed, it is,” I reply. “I had to boil the water and everything.”
“And dip the tea bag. Mr. Grey, you are so competent.”
I laugh and narrow my eyes. “Are you belittling my tea-making skills?”
She gasps in mock horror and clutches imaginary pearls. “I wouldn’t dare,” she says and, reaching over, takes the cup.
“Just checking—”
A knock on my office door brings me back to the now. Andrea pops her head around the door. “Mr. Grey, your tailor is here.”
“Oh, great. Show him in.”
I need a new suit for the wedding.
Marco handles the company portfolio as well as our Mergers and Acquisitions. This morning he’s taking the senior team through GEH’s latest additions to our shareholdings. “We now own twenty-five percent of Blue Cee Tech, thirty-four percent of FifteenGenFour, and sixty-six percent of Lincoln Timber.” I’ve been listening with half an ear, but my attention is momentarily piqued by that last piece of news. This is a long-term project of mine, and I’m pleased we now own a majority stake in Lincoln Timber through one of our shell companies. Linc must need the money. Interesting.
Revenge is a dish…
Enough, Grey. Concentrate.
Marco moves on to his latest list of potential acquisitions. There are two companies that he is especially keen to pursue. He’s running through the pros while my mind strays to the weekend and Ana.
Ana is at the helm of The Grace as we glide over the sparkling ocean, past Admiralty Head on Whidbey Island. Her hair is flying in the wind and glinting in the sun. Her smile could melt the hardest of hearts.
It thawed mine.
She looks beautiful. Relaxed. Free.
“Hold her steady,” I shout over the rush of the sea.
“Aye-aye, Captain. I mean, Sir.” Ana bites her lip, and I know she’s teasing me, as usual. She salutes when I give her a bogus scowl, and I go back to tightening the bowline, unable to hide my smile.
Marco mentions a solar energy company that’s struggling to find investment.
An enticing aroma of batter and bacon welcomes me with open arms as I enter the galley. My girl is making pancakes. She’s dressed in a T-shirt and far-too-short denim shorts, and her hair is in pigtails.
“Good morning.” I wrap my arms around her, pressing her back to my front, and skim my lips down her neck. She smells so good, of soap and warmth and sweet, sweet Ana.
“Good morning, Mr. Grey.” She angles her head, giving me better access to her throat.
“This takes me back,” I murmur against her skin, and tug one of her pigtails.
She giggles. “That seems a lifetime ago. These, however, are not cherry-popped-by-would-be-Dominant pancakes. These are Independence Day pancakes. Happy Fourth of July.”
“There’s no other way I’d like to celebrate than with pancakes.” I kiss her beneath her earlobe. “Well, I can think of one way.” I gently tug her pigtail once more. “You always get an A.”
“Christian,” Ros says, her tone abrupt. Seven pairs of eyes are all directed at me. Shit. I stare blankly back at Ros, ignoring everyone else, and tilt my head to one side.
“What do you think?” She’s barely disguising her irritation, and I assume this is not the first time she’s asked.
Come clean, Grey. “I’m sorry, I was miles away.”
Her lips form a thin line and she glances at Marco, who gives me a warm smile and proceeds to give me an executive summary of what he’s just outlined.
“Okay,” I respond when he’s finished. “Let’s go after Geolumara. They could be a worthwhile addition to the energy division. We need to widen our footprint in green energy.”
“The others?”
I shake my head. “We should consolidate. Let’s concentrate on Geolumara. Send me all the details.”
“Will do.”
“We need a decision on the Taiwan shipyard. They are eager for a response from us.” Ros looks pointedly at me.