“You can’t,” she grumbles, and makes a feeble effort to fight me off. “Let me go.”
I pout and she grins. Outlining my lips with her finger, she smiles, leans up, and kisses me. I close my eyes and enjoy the feel of her lips on mine.
I release her. She needs to go. “Taylor will take you. Quicker than finding somewhere to park. He’s waiting outside the building.”
“Okay. Thank you,” she says. “Enjoy your lazy morning, Mr. Grey. I wish I could stay, but the man who owns the company I work for would not approve of his staff ditching just for hot sex.” She picks up her purse.
“Personally, Miss Steele, I have no doubt that he would approve. In fact, he might insist on it.”
“Why are you staying in bed? It’s not like you.”
Crossing my hands behind my head, I lean back and give her a broad smile. “Because I can, Miss Steele.”
She shakes her head in mock disgust. “Laters, baby.” She blows me a kiss and hurries out the door. I hear her footsteps clatter down the hallway and then all is quiet.
Ana’s left for the day.
And I miss her already.
I grab my phone with the intention of writing an e-mail to her. But what should I say? I told her so much last night—I don’t want to frighten her off with any more…revelations.
Keep it simple, Grey.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Missing you
Date: June 15 2011 09:05
To: Anastasia Steele
Please use your BlackBerry.
x
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I look around my bedroom and ponder how empty it feels without her. I type an e-mail to her personal account. I need to make sure she’s using her phone, because I don’t want anyone at SIP reading our e-mails.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Missing you
Date: June 15 2011 09:06
To: Anastasia Steele
My bed is too big without you.
Looks like I’ll have to go to work after all.
Even megalomaniac CEOs need something to do.
x
Christian Grey
Twiddling His Thumbs CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I hope that will elicit a smile. I press send, then call Flynn’s office. I leave a message. If Ana wants to see Flynn, she should see Flynn. With that done, I climb out of bed and head into the bathroom. After all, I do have a meeting with the mayor today.
I’M RAVENOUS AFTER YESTERDAY evening’s events. I never ate dinner. Mrs. Jones has prepared a full breakfast for me—eggs, bacon, ham, hash browns, waffles, and toast. Gail has gone to town; she’s in her element. While I’m eating, I get a response from Ana. Her work e-mail!
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: All Right for Some
Date: June 15 2011 09:27
To: Christian Grey
My boss is mad.
I blame you for keeping me up late with your…shenanigans.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor, SIP
Oh, Ana, I’m more ashamed of myself than you will ever know.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Shenaniwhatagans?
Date: June 15 2011 09:32
To: Anastasia Steele
You don’t have to work, Anastasia.
You have no idea how appalled I am at my shenanigans.
But I like keeping you up late ;)
Please use your BlackBerry.
Oh, and marry me, please.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
Mrs. Jones is hovering about in the background while I eat my breakfast.
“More coffee, Mr. Grey?”
“Please.”
Ana’s response comes through on my phone.
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Living to make
Date: June 15 2011 09:35
To: Christian Grey
I know your natural inclination is toward nagging, but just stop.
I need to talk to your shrink.
Only then will I give you my answer.
I am not opposed to living in sin.
Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Editor, SIP
For fuck’s sake, Ana!
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: BLACKBERRY
Date: June 15 2011 09:40
To: Anastasia Steele
Anastasia, if you are going to start discussing Dr. Flynn, then USE YOUR BLACKBERRY.
This is not a request.
Christian Grey
Now Pissed CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
My phone rings, and it’s Flynn’s PA. He can see me tomorrow evening at 7:00. I ask her to have Flynn call me; I’ll need to ask him about bringing Ana to the session.
“I’ll see if I can schedule a call later.”
“Thanks, Janet.”
I also want to know how Leila is this morning.
I send another e-mail to Ana’s account. This time my tone is a little softer.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Discretion
Date: June 15 2011 09:50
To: Anastasia Steele
Is the better part of valor.
Please use discretion…your work e-mails are monitored.
HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU THIS?
Yes. Shouty capitals as you say. USE YOUR BLACKBERRY.
Dr. Flynn can see us tomorrow evening.
x
Christian Grey
Still Pissed CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I hope that will please her.
“Two for dinner?” Gail asks.
“Yes. Mrs. Jones. Thanks.”
I take a last swig of coffee and set my cup down. I like bantering with Ana over breakfast. If she marries me, she could be here every morning.
Marriage. A wife.
Grey, what were you thinking?
What changes will I need to make if she agrees to marry me? I get up and stroll to the bathroom. I stop by the stairway to the upper floor. On impulse, I head up the stairs to the playroom. Unlocking the door, I step inside.