"Yes. The recovery team is on its way. She should be back at Boeing Field late tonight."
"Oh, good."
He gives me a tight smile. "Will that be all, ma'am?"
"Yes, yes of course." I flush... will I ever get used to Taylor calling me ma'am? It makes me feel so old, at least thirty.
He nods and heads out of the great room. Christian is still on the phone. I am waiting for the potatoes to boil. It gives me an idea. Fetching my purse, I fish out my Blackberry.
There's a text from Kate.
*C U this evening. Looking forward to a loooooong chat*
I text back.
*Same here*
It will be good to talk to Kate.
Calling up the e-mail program, I type a quick message to Christian.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Lunch
Date: June 18, 2011 13:12
To: Christian Grey
Dear Mr. Grey
I am e-mailing to inform you that your lunch is nearly ready.
And that I had some mind-blowing, kinky f**kery earlier today.
Birthday kinky f**kery is to be recommended.
And another thing - I love you.
A x
(Your fiancee)
I listen carefully for a reaction, but he's still on the phone. I shrug. Perhaps he's just too busy. My Blackberry vibrates.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Kinky Fuckery
Date: June 18, 2011 13:15
To: Anastasia Steele
What aspect was most mind-blowing?
I'm taking notes.
Christian Grey
Famished and Wasting Away After the Mornings Exertions CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
PS: I love your signature
PPS: What happened to the art of conversation?
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Famished?
Date: June 18, 2011 13:18
To: Christian Grey
Dear Mr. Grey
May I draw your attention to the first line of my previous e-mail informing you that your lunch is indeed almost ready... so none of this famished and wasting away nonsense.
With regard to the mind-blowing aspects of the kinky f**kery... frankly - all of it. I'd be interested in reading your notes. And I like my bracketed signature, too.
A x
(Your fiancee)
PS: Since when have you been so loquacious? And you're on the phone!
I press send and look up, and he's standing in front of me, smirking. Before I can say anything, he bounds around the kitchen island, sweeps me up in his arms, and kisses me soundly.
"That is all, Miss Steele," he says, releasing me, and he saunters - in his jeans, bare feet and untucked white shirt - back to his office, leaving me breathless.
I've made a watercress, cilantro, and sour cream dip to accompany the salmon, and I've set the breakfast bar. I hate interrupting him while he's working, but now I stand in the doorway of his office. He's still on the phone, all thoroughly f**ked hair and bright gray eyes - a visually nourishing feast. He looks up when he sees me and doesn't take his eyes off me. He frowns slightly, and I don't know if it's at me or because of his conversation.
"Just let them in and leave them alone. Do you understand, Mia?" he hisses and rolls his eyes. "Good."
I mime eating, and he grins at me and nods.
"I'll see you later." He hangs up. "One more call?" he asks.
"Sure."
"That dress is very short," he adds.
"You like it?" I give him a quick twirl. It's one of Caroline Acton's purchases. A soft turquoise sundress, probably more suitable for the beach, but it's such a lovely day on so many levels. He frowns and my face falls.
"You look fantastic in it, Ana. I just don't want anyone else to see you like that."
"Oh!" I scowl at him. "We're at home, Christian. No one but the staff."
His mouth twists, and either he's trying to hide his amusement or he really doesn't think that's funny. But eventually he nods, reassured. I shake my head at him - he's actually being serious? I head back to the kitchen.
Five minutes later, he's back in front of me, holding the phone.
"I have Ray for you," he murmurs, his eyes wary.
All the air leaves my body at once. I take the phone and cover the mouthpiece.
"You told him!" I hiss. Christian nods, and his eyes widen at my obvious look of distress. Shit! I take a deep breath. "Hi, Dad."
"Christian has just asked me if he can marry you," Ray says.
Oh Shit. The silence stretches between us as I desperately think what to say. Ray as usual stays silent, giving me no clue as to his reaction to this news.
"What did you say?" I crack first.
"I said I wanted to talk to you. It's kind of sudden, don't you think, Annie? You've not known him long. I mean, he's a nice guy, knows his fishing... but so soon?" His voice is calm and measured.
"Yes. It is sudden... hang on." Hastily, I leave the kitchen area away from Christian's anxious gaze and head toward the great window. The doors to the balcony are open, and I step out into the sunshine. I can't quite walk to the edge. It's just too far up.
"I know it's sudden and all - but... well, I love him. He loves me. He wants to marry me, and there'll never be anyone else for me." I flush thinking this is probably the most intimate conversation I have ever had with my stepfather.
Ray is silent on the other end of the phone.
"Have you told your mother?"
"No."
"Annie... I know he's all kinds of rich and eligible, but marriage? It's such a big step.
You're sure?"
"He's my happily ever after," I whisper.
"Whoa." Ray says after a moment, his tone softer.
"He's everything."
"Annie, Annie, Annie. You're such a headstrong young woman. I hope to God you know what you're doing. Hand me back to him, will you?"