fifty-shades-of-grey

I clamber out of bed feeling stiff, and for want of a better expression, well-used. Yes,that would be all the sex then. My subconscious purses her lips in disapproval. I roll myeyes at her, grateful that a certain twitchy-palmed control freak is not in the room, andresolve to ask him about the personal trainer. That’s if I sign. My inner goddess glares atme in desperation. Of course you’ll sign. I ignore them both, and after a quick trip to thebathroom, I go in search of Christian.He’s not in the art gallery, but an elegant middle-aged woman is cleaning in the kitchenarea. The sight of her stops me in my tracks. She has short blonde hair and clear blue eyes;she wears a plain white tailored shirt and a navy blue pencil skirt. She smiles broadly whenshe sees me.“Good morning, Miss Steele. Would you like some breakfast?” Her tone is warmbut business like, and I am stunned. Who is this attractive blonde in Christian’s kitchen?I’m only wearing Christian’s t-shirt. I feel self-conscious and embarrassed by my lack ofclothing.“I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage.” My voice is quiet, unable to hide theanxiety in my voice.“Oh, I’m terribly sorry – I’m Mrs. Jones, Mr. Grey’s housekeeper.”Oh.“How do you do?” I manage.“Would you like some breakfast, ma’am?”Ma’am!“Just some tea would be lovely, thank you. Do you know where Mr. Grey is?”“In his study.”“Thank you.”I scuttle off toward the study, mortified. Why does Christian only have attractiveblondes working for him? And a nasty thought comes involuntarily into my mind – Arethey all ex-subs? I refuse to entertain that hideous idea. I poke my head shyly round thedoor. He’s on the phone, facing the window, in black pants and a white shirt. His hair isstill wet from the shower, and I’m completely distracted from my negative thoughts.“Unless that company’s P&L improves, I’m not interested, Ros. We’re not carryingdead weight… I don’t need any more lame excuses… Have Marco call me, it’s shit or busttime... Yes, tell Barney that the prototype looks good, though I’m not sure about the interface…No, it’s just missing something… I want to meet him this afternoon to discuss…In fact, him and his team, we can brainstorm…. Okay. Transfer me back to Andrea… ” Hewaits, staring out of the window, master of his universe, staring down at the little peoplebelow from this castle in the sky. “Andrea… ”Glancing up, he notices me at the door. A slow, sexy smile spreads across his beautifulface, and I’m rendered speechless as my insides melt. He is without a doubt the mostbeautiful man on the planet, too beautiful for the little people below, too beautiful for me.No my inner goddess scowls at me, not too beautiful for me. He is sort of mine, for now.The idea sends a thrill through my blood and dispels my irrational self-doubt.He continues his conversation, his eyes never leaving mine.“Clear my schedule this morning, but get Bill to call me. I’ll be in at two. I need totalk to Marco this afternoon, that will need at least half an hour… Schedule Barney and his