fifty-shades-of-grey

“Couple of weeks or so now,” he says smoothly. “We met when Anastasia came tointerview me for the student magazine.”“Didn’t know you worked on the student magazine, Ana.” Ray’s voice is a quiet admonishment,revealing his irritation. Shit.“Kate was ill,” I murmur. It’s all I can manage.“Fine speech you gave, Mr. Grey.”“Thank you, sir. I understand that you’re a keen fisherman.”Ray raises his eyebrows and smiles – a rare, genuine, bona fide Ray Steele smile – andoff they go, talking fish. In fact, I soon feel surplus to requirements. He’s charming thepants off my dad… like he did you, my subconscious snaps at me. His power knows nobounds. I excuse myself to go and find Kate.She’s talking to her parents, who are delightful as ever and greet me warmly. We exchangebrief pleasantries, mostly about their up and coming holiday to Barbados and aboutour move.“Kate, how could you out me to Ray?” I hiss at the first opportunity we won’t be overheard.“Because I knew you never would, and I want to help with Christian’s commitmentissues.” Kate smiles at me sweetly.I scowl. It’s me that won’t commit to him, silly!“He seems trés cool about it, Ana. Don’t sweat it. Look at him now – Christian cannottake his eyes off you.” I glance up, and both Ray and Christian are looking at me. “He’sbeen watching you like a hawk.”“I’d better go rescue Ray or Christian. I don’t know which. You haven’t heard the lastof this, Katherine Kavanagh!” I glare at her.“Ana, I did you a favor,” she calls after me.“Hi.” I smile at both of them on my return.They seem okay. Christian is enjoying some private joke, and my dad looks unbelievablyrelaxed given he’s in a social situation. What have they been discussing apart fromfish?“Ana, where are the restrooms?”“Back out front of the marquee and to the left.”“See you in a moment. You kids enjoy yourselves.”Ray heads out. I glance nervously up at Christian. We pause briefly as a photographertakes a picture of both of us.“Thank you, Mr. Grey.” The photographer scurries off. I blink from the flash.“So you’ve charmed my father as well?”“As well?” Christian’s gray eyes burn, and he raises a questioning eyebrow. I flush.He lifts his hand and traces my cheek with his fingers.“Oh, I wish I knew what you were thinking, Anastasia,” he whispers darkly, cuppingmy chin and raising my head so that we gaze intently into each other’s eyes.My breath hitches. How can he have this effect on me, even in this crowded tent?“Right now, I’m thinking, nice tie,” I breathe.He chuckles.“It’s recently become my favorite.”