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"Oh, I fully intend to, Mr. Steele."
They shake hands. I feel sick. Ray has no idea how Christian intends to look after me. Christian takes my hand and raises it to his lips and kisses my knuckles tenderly, his scorching eyes intent on mine.
"Later, Miss Steele," he breathes, his voice full of promise.
My belly curls at the thought... oh my. Hang on... later?
Ray takes my elbow and leads me toward the entrance to the tent.
"Seems a solid young man. Well-off too. You could do a lot worse, Annie. Though why I had to hear about him from Katherine," he scolds.
I shrug apologetically.
"Well, any man who likes and knows his fly-fishing is okay with me."
Holy cow - Ray approves. If only he knew.
Ray drops me back at the house at dusk.
"Call your mom," he says.
"I will. Thanks for coming, Dad."
"Wouldn't have missed it for the world, Annie. You make me so proud."
Oh no. I'm not going to get emotional. A huge lump forms in my throat, and I hug him, hard. He puts his arms around me, bemused, and I can't help it - tears pool in my eyes."Hey, Annie, sweetheart," Ray croons. "Big old day... ehWant me to come in and make you some tea?"
I laugh, in spite of my tears. Tea is always the answer according to Ray. I remember my mother complaining about him, saying that when it came to tea and sympathy, he was always good at the tea, not so hot on the sympathy.
"No, Dad, I'm good. It's been so great to see you. I'll visit real soon once I'm settled in Seattle."
"Good luck with the interviews. Let me know how they go."
"Sure thing, Dad."
"Love you, Annie."
"Love you too, Dad."
He smiles, his brown eyes warm, glowing, and he climbs back into his car. I wave him off as he drives into the dusk, and I wander listlessly back into the apartment.
First thing I do is check my cell phone. It needs recharging, so I have to hunt down the charger and plug it in before I can collect my messages. Four missed calls, one voice message, and two texts. Three missed calls from Christian... no messages. One missed call from Jose and a voice mail from him wishing me all the best for graduation.
I open the texts.
*Are you home safe*
*Call me*
They are both from Christian, why didn't he call the houseI head into my bedroom and fire up the mean machine.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Tonight
Date: May 25 2011 23:58
To: Anastasia Steele
I hope you made it home in that car of yours.
Let me know if you're okay.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
Jeez... why is he so worried about my Beetle. It has given me three years of loyal service, and Jose has always been on hand to maintain it for me. Christian's next email is from today.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Soft Limits
Date: May 26 2011 17:22
To: Anastasia Steele
What can I say that I haven't already?
Happy to talk these through anytime.
You looked beautiful today.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
I want to see him. I hit reply
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Soft Limits
Date: May 26 2011 19:23
To: Christian Grey
I can come over this evening to discuss if you'd like.
Ana
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Soft Limits
Date: May 26 2011 19:27
To: Anastasia Steele
I'll come to you. I meant it when I said I wasn't happy about you driving that car.
I'll be with you shortly.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
Holy crap... he's coming over now. I have to get one thing ready for him - the first edition Thomas Hardy books are still on the shelves in the living room. I cannot keep them. I wrap them in brown paper, and I scrawl on the wrapping a direct quote from Tess from the book:
Chapter Fifteen
"Hi." I feel unbearably shy when I open the door. Christian is standing on the porch in his jeans and leather jacket.
"Hi," he says, and his face lights up with his radiant smile. I take a moment to admire the pretty. Oh my, he's hot in leather.
"Come in."
"If I may," he says amused. He holds up a bottle of champagne as he walks in. "I thought we'd celebrate your graduation. Nothing beats a good Bollinger."
"Interesting choice of words," I comment dryly.
He grins.
"Oh, I like your ready wit, Anastasia."
"We only have teacups. We've packed all the glasses."
"TeacupsSounds good to me."
I head into the kitchen. Nervous, butterflies flooding my stomach, it's like having a panther or mountain lion all unpredictable and predatory in my living room.
"Do you want saucers as well?"
"Teacups will be fine, Anastasia," Christian calls distractedly from the living room.
When I return, he's staring at the brown parcel of books. I place the cups on the table.
"That's for you," I murmur anxiously.
Crap... this is probably going to be a fight.
"Hmm, I figured as much. Very apt quote." His long index finger absently traces the writing. "I thought I was D'Urberville, not Angel. You decided on the debasement." He gives me a brief wolfish smile. "Trust you to find something that resonates so appropriately."
"It's also a plea," I whisper. Why am I so nervous My mouth is dry.
"A pleaFor me to go easy on you?"
I nod.
"I bought these for you," he says quietly his gaze impassive. "I'll go easier on you if you accept them."
I swallow convulsively.
"Christian, I can't accept them, they're just too much."