Fifty Shades Darker(144)

Subject: Visitors from Sunny Climes.

Date: June 14, 2011: 14:55

To: Christian Grey

Dearest Completely & Utterly SS&S

Ethan is back, and he's coming here to collect keys to the apartment.

I'd really like to make sure he's settled in okay.

Why don't you collect me after work? We can go to the apartment then we can ALL go out for a meal maybe?

My treat?

Your

Ana x

Still SM&I

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Dinner Out

Date: June 14, 2011 15:05

To: Anastasia Steele

I approve of your plan. Except the part about you paying!

My treat.

I'll collect you at 6:00.

x

PS: Why aren't you using your Blackberry!!!

Christian Grey

Completely and Utterly Annoyed, CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Bossiness

Date: June 14, 2011: 15:11

To: Christian Grey

Oh, don't be so crusty and cross.

It's all in code.

I'll see you at 6:00.

Ana x

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Maddening Woman

Date: June 14, 2011 15:18

To: Anastasia Steele

Crusty and cross!

I'll give you crusty and cross.

And look forward to it.

Christian Grey

Completely and Utterly More Annoyed, but smiling for some unknown reason, CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Promises. Promises.

Date: June 14, 2011: 15:23

To: Christian Grey

Bring it on, Mr. Grey

I look forward to it too. ;D

Ana x

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP

He doesn't reply, but then I don't expect him to. I imagine him moaning about mixed signals, and the thought makes me smile. I daydream briefly about what he might do to me but find myself shifting about in my chair. My subconscious gazes at me disapprovingly over her half-moon specs - get on with your work.

A little later, my phone buzzes. It's Claire at reception.

"There's a real cute guy in reception to see you. We must go out for drinks sometime, Ana. You sure know some hunky guys," she hisses conspiratorially through the phone.

Ethan! Grabbing my keys from my purse, I hurry out to the foyer.

Holy shit - sun-bleached blond hair, a tan to die for, and glowing hazel eyes gaze up at me from the green leather couch. As soon as he sees me, his mouth drops open, and he's on his feet coming toward me.

"Wow, Ana." He frowns at me as he bends to give me hug.

"You look well." I grin up at him.

"You look... wow - different. Worldly, more sophisticated. What's happened? You changed your hair? Clothes? I don't know, Steele, but you look hot!"

I blush furiously. "Oh, Ethan. I'm just in my work clothes," I scold as Claire looks on with an arched eyebrow and a wry smile.

"How was Barbados?"

"Fun," he says.

"When's Kate back?"

"She and Elliot are flying back Friday. They're pretty damn serious about each other."

Ethan rolls his eyes.

"I've missed her."

"Yeah? How have you been doing with Mr. Mogul?"