“I can’t wait to see her.”
“I have the registration ready, and I’m wondering if you want me to take her up for a test flight, or if you’d like to do that.”
“No. Take her up. Let me know how she handles.”
“I’d be delighted to. When can we expect you?”
“I’ll try and get up there this weekend. I’ll let you know.”
“Okay. I’ll get back to her. I don’t like to leave a lady waiting.” He chuckles, hangs up, and I laugh.
Me neither, Darius, unless she’s misbehaved…
I sigh. Perhaps Ana and I can go soaring this weekend.
Ana is subdued during dinner, picking at her risotto.
Maybe she’s having second thoughts?
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Nothing. It was just a long day.”
My anxiety simmers. There’s something she’s not telling me. “Sawyer told me there were paparazzi outside your building,” I prompt.
“We left via the loading bay. We managed to avoid them.”
So, it’s not the continual harassment from the fourth estate that’s bugging her. What is it? I try a different tack. “What did you do today?”
She snorts. “I spent most of the day on the phone with authors, trying to soften the blow of the news.”
I almost spit out my food. What the hell!
She laughs at my expression, her reaction immediately lifting my spirits.
“Yes, big business exploiting artistic endeavor,” she clarifies.
“Ah.”
“Roach called the senior editorial team together this morning to give us all the news of your takeover. Of course, I knew already, when everyone else was in the dark. It was strange. It set me apart…you know.”
“I see.” Surely that’s a good thing—knowledge is power.
“Christian.” Her eyes are full of misgiving, and her words pour out in a steady torrent. “My fiancé owns the company I work for. Roach stared at me a few times during the meeting and I didn’t know what he was thinking. I remember he went a little crazy when he found out we were getting married. The whole meeting was odd. I felt uncomfortable and self-conscious.”
Shit!
“You didn’t tell me he went a little crazy.” Asshole.
“That was a while ago, when he found out we were engaged.”
“Did he make you feel uncomfortable?”
I’ll fire him if he did.
She studies me, her face serious, as if considering my question. “A little. Maybe. Maybe not. Or maybe I’m projecting. I don’t know. Anyway, he confirmed my position as editor.”
“Today?”
“This afternoon.”
Hmm. I’ve not yet removed the moratorium on hiring new staff.
Wily old bastard.
Reaching over, I grasp her hand. “Congratulations. We should celebrate. Were you worried about telling me?”
“I thought you knew and you hadn’t said anything.” Her voice trails off.
I laugh. “No, I didn’t. But it’s great news.”
She looks relieved. Is this why she’s been so quiet? “Don’t sweat it, Ana. To hell with what your colleagues think and what Roach thinks. I hope everyone at the company was reassured by the press release. I’m not planning any changes in the immediate future. And I’m sure your authors were delighted to hear from you.”
“Some yes. Some no. There are a few who still miss Jack.”
“Really? That amazes me.”
“He took a gamble on a couple. They’re loyal. I suspect they’ll move with him when he finds another job.”
He’s never going to find another job if I have my way.
She tightens her fingers around mine.
“Anyway, thank you,” she says.
“What for?”
“Listening.” Her brow furrows once again, and I wonder if she wants to say more.
What, Ana? Tell me.
“Are you ready for the wedding planner?” she asks.
“Of course. Better finish up.” I look pointedly at her food. And to my relief she scoops up a large bite of risotto and pops it into her mouth. I slowly unwind; she just wanted to tell me about her promotion and expected me to know about it.
For fuck’s sake, Grey.
Relax.
“All that remains is to decide what you’ll do after the wedding reception.” Alondra Gutierrez has an easy smile.
“We haven’t discussed that yet.” Ana turns to me.
“It’s in hand,” I tell Ms. Gutierrez, and Ana looks surprised.
Oh, baby. I’ve got this.
“I’ll take this up with you separately, Alondra.”
“Very good, Mr. Grey. I can’t wait to hear!”
“Neither can I,” Ana says.
“You’ll have to wait until the big day.” I smile.
I hope you enjoy what I have planned.
Ana pushes out her bottom lip in the semblance of a pout, but there’s humor in her expression and something else…something darker, more sensual, that speaks to my dick.
Fuck.
Alondra gathers her things, letting us know that we can still make last-minute changes as we thank her for all that she’s done.
We all rise as Taylor appears at the entrance to the living room and Alondra takes her leave. We both watch her depart, and once she’s out of earshot I turn to Ana.
“She’s got it all in hand.”
“Alondra’s good at her job,” she says.
“She is,” I agree. “Now what do you want to do?” I add in a whisper.