I get up, and before I know what I’m doing I’m outside, walking away from the conversation. The conversation about me.
I WALK THREE TIMES around the block and return to Flynn’s office. Janet says nothing as I stride past her, knock on the door, and enter.
Flynn gives me a benevolent smile. “Welcome back, Christian,” he says.
“I think time is up, John.”
“Nearly, Christian. Join us.”
I sit down beside Ana and place my hand on her knee. She gives nothing away, and that’s frustrating, but she doesn’t pull her knee out of my reach.
“Did you have any other questions, Ana?”
She shakes her head.
“Christian?”
“Not today, John.”
“It may be beneficial if you both come again. I’m sure Ana will have more questions.”
If that’s what she wants. If that’s what it takes. I clasp her hand and her eyes meet mine.
“Okay?” I ask gently.
She nods and gives me a reassuring smile. I hope the squeeze I give her hand lets her know how relieved I am. I turn to Flynn.
“How is she?” I ask him, and he knows I’m referring to Leila.
“She’ll get there,” he says.
“Good. Keep me updated as to her progress.”
“I will.”
I turn to Ana. “Should we go and celebrate your promotion?”
Her shy nod is a relief.
WITH MY HAND ON the small of her back, I escort Ana out of the office. I’m anxious to hear what was discussed. I need to know if he put her off.
“How was that?” I ask, aiming for nonchalance, as we walk out onto the street.
“It was good.”
And? I’m dying here, Ana.
She looks at me and I have no idea what she’s thinking. It’s unnerving, and annoying. I scowl.
“Mr. Grey. Please don’t look at me that way. Under doctor’s orders I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt.”
“What does that mean?”
“You’ll see.”
Will she marry me or not? Her winsome smile doesn’t give me any clues.
Hell. She’s not going to tell me. She’s leaving me hanging. “Get in the car,” I snap, and I open her door.
Her phone rings and she gives me a wary look before answering. “Hi,” she says enthusiastically.
Who is it?
“José,” she mouths at me, answering my unspoken question. “Sorry I haven’t called you. Is it about tomorrow?” she says to him, but without looking away from me. “Well, I’m actually staying with Christian right now, and if you want to, he says you can stay at his place.”
Oh yes. He’s delivering the stunning photographs of Ana, his love letters to her.
Embrace her friends, Grey.
She frowns and turns away, crossing the sidewalk to lean against the building.
Is she okay? I watch her carefully. Waiting.
“Yes. Serious,” she answers, her expression stern.
What’s serious?
“Yes,” she responds, and then she scoffs, indignant, “Of course I am…You could pick me up from work…I’ll text you the address…Six?” She grins. “Cool. I’ll see you then.” She hangs up and walks back toward the car.
“How’s your friend?” I ask.
“He’s well. He’ll pick me up from work, and I think we’ll go for a drink. Would you like to join us?”
“You don’t think he’ll try anything?”
“No!”
“Okay.” I hold my hands up. “You hang out with your friend, and I’ll see you later in the evening. See? I can be reasonable.”
She purses her lips—amused, I think. “Can I drive?”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
“Why, exactly?”
“Because I don’t like to be driven.”
“You managed this morning, and you seem to tolerate Taylor driving you.”
“I trust Taylor’s driving implicitly.”
“And not mine?” she exclaims, and puts her hands on her hips. “Honestly, your control-freakishness knows no bounds. I’ve been driving since I was fifteen.”
I shrug. I want to drive.
“Is this my car?”
“Of course it’s your car.”
“Then give me the keys, please. I’ve driven it twice, and only to and from work. Now you’re having all the fun.” She folds her arms, standing firm, stubborn as ever.
“But you don’t know where we’re going.”
“I’m sure you can enlighten me, Mr. Grey. You’ve done a great job of it so far.” And just like that she defuses the moment. She’s the most disarming person I’ve ever met. She won’t answer me. She’s left me hanging, and I want to live the rest of my life with her.
“Great job, eh?” I ask through my smile.
She flushes. “Mostly, yes.” And her eyes are alight with amusement.
“Well, in that case.” I hand her the keys and open the driver’s door for her.
I take a deep breath as she pulls into the traffic. “Where are we going?” she asks, and I have to remind myself that she hasn’t lived in Seattle long enough to know her way around.
“Continue along this street.”
“You’re not going to be more specific?” she asks.
I give her a slight smile.
Tit for tat, baby.
She narrows her eyes.
“At the light, turn right,” I say.
She stops rather too suddenly, throwing us both forward, then indicates and moves on.
“Steady. Ana!”
Her mouth sets in a grim line.