fifty-shades-of-grey

He smirks at me.“Ditto, baby,” he says softly as Taylor speeds into the night toward Bellevue.It is just before eight when the Audi draws into the driveway of a colonial-style mansion.It’s breathtaking, even down to the roses around the door. Picture-book perfect.“Are you ready for this?” Christian asks as Taylor pulls up outside the impressive frontdoor.I nod, and he gives my hand another reassuring squeeze.“First for me too,” he whispers, then smiles wickedly. “Bet you wish you were wearingyour underwear right now,” he teases.I flush. I’d forgotten my missing panties. Fortunately, Taylor has climbed out of thecar and is opening my door so he can’t hear our exchange. I scowl at Christian who grinsbroadly as I turn and climb out of the car.Dr. Grace Trevelyan-Grey is on the doorstep waiting for us. She looks elegantly sophisticatedin a pale blue silk dress; behind her stands Mr. Grey, I presume, tall, blond, andas handsome in his own way as Christian.“Anastasia, you’ve met my mother, Grace. This is my dad, Carrick.”“Mr. Grey, what a pleasure to meet you.” I smile and shake his outstretched hand.“The pleasure is all mine, Anastasia.”“Please call me, Ana.”His blue eyes are soft and gentle.“Ana, how lovely to see you again.” Grace wraps me in a warm hug. “Come in, mydear.”“Is she here?” I hear a screech from within the house. I glance nervously at Christian.“That would be Mia, my little sister,” he says almost irritably, but not quite.There’s an undercurrent of affection in his words, the way his voice grows softer andhis eyes crinkle as he mentions her name. Christian obviously adores her. It’s a revelation.And she comes barreling down the hall, raven haired, tall, and curvaceous. She’s aboutmy age.“Anastasia! I’ve heard so much about you.” She hugs me hard.Holy Cow. I can’t help but smile at her boundless enthusiasm.“Ana, please,” I murmur as she drags me into the large vestibule. It’s all dark woodfloors and antique rugs with a sweeping staircase to the second floor.“He’s never brought a girl home before,” says Mia, dark eyes bright with excitement.I glimpse Christian rolling his eyes, and I raise an eyebrow at him. He narrows hiseyes at me.“Mia, calm down,” Grace admonishes softly. “Hello, darling,” she says as she kissesChristian on both cheeks. He smiles down at her warmly, and then shakes hands with hisfather.We all turn and head into the living room. Mia has not let go of my hand. The room isspacious, tastefully furnished in creams, browns, and pale blue, comfortable, understated,and very stylish. Kate and Elliot are cuddled together on a couch, clutching champagneflutes. Kate bounces up to embrace me, and Mia finally releases my hand.