fifty-shades-of-grey

I frown, trying to process his words.“Hey, stop this,” he commands softly, cupping my chin again and pulling at it gently soI release my lower lip from my teeth. “There is nothing about you that is cheap, Anastasia.I won’t have you thinking that. I just bought you some old books that I thought might meansomething to you, that’s all. Have some champagne.” His eyes warm and soften, and Ismile tentatively back up at him. “That’s better,” he murmurs. He picks up the champagne,takes off the foil top and cage, twists the bottle rather than the cork, and opens it with asmall pop and a practiced flourish that doesn’t spill a drop. He half fills the cups.“It’s pink,” I murmur, surprised.“Bollinger Grande Année Rosé 1999, an excellent vintage,” he says with relish.“In teacups.”He grins.“In teacups. Congratulations on your degree, Anastasia.” We clink cups, and he takesa drink, but I can’t help thinking this is really about my capitulation.“Thank you,” I murmur and take a sip. Of course it’s delicious. “Shall we go throughthe soft limits?”He smiles, and I blush.“Always so eager.” Christian takes my hand and leads me to the couch where he sitsand tugs me down beside him.“You’re stepfather’s a very taciturn man.”Oh… not soft limits then. I just want to get this out of the way; the anxiety is gnawingat me.“You managed to have him eating out of your hand.” I pout.Christian laughs softly.“Only because I know how to fish.”“How do you know he liked fishing?”“You told me. When we went for coffee.”“Oh… did I?” I take another sip. Wow he has a memory for detail. Hmm… this champagnereally is very good. “Did you try the wine at the reception?”Christian makes a face.“Yes. It was foul.”“I thought of you when I tasted it. How did you get to be so knowledgeable aboutwine?”“I’m not knowledgeable, Anastasia, I just know what I like.” His gray eyes shine,almost silver, and it makes me flush. “Some more?” he asks, referring to the champagne.“Please.”Christian rises gracefully and collects the bottle. He fills my cup. Is he getting metipsy? I eye him suspiciously.“This place looks pretty bare, are you ready for the move?”“More or less.”“Are you working tomorrow?”“Yes, my last day at Clayton’s”“I’d help you move, but I promised to meet my sister at the airport.”Oh… this is news.