fifty-shades-of-grey

Elliot laughs.“I’m dropping Anastasia off now.” Christian emphasizes my name. “Shall I pick youup?”“Sure.”“See you shortly.” Christian hangs up, and the music is back.“Why do you insist on calling me Anastasia?”“Because it’s your name.”“I prefer Ana.”“Do you now?” he murmurs.We are almost at my apartment. It’s not taken long.“Anastasia,” he muses. I scowl at him, but he ignores my expression. “What happenedin the elevator - it won’t happen again, well, not unless it’s premeditated.”He pulls up outside my duplex. I belatedly realize he’s not asked me where I live - yethe knows. But then he sent the books, of course he knows where I live. What able, cellphone-tracking,helicopter owning, stalker wouldn’t.Why won’t he kiss me again? I pout at the thought. I don’t understand. Honestly,his surname should be Cryptic, not Grey. He climbs out of the car, walking with easy,long-legged grace round to my side to open the door, ever the gentleman - except perhapsin rare, precious moments in elevators. I flush at the memory of his mouth on mine, andthe thought that I’d been unable to touch him enters my mind. I wanted to run my fingersthrough his decadent, untidy hair, but I’d been unable to move my hands. I am retrospectivelyfrustrated.“I liked what happened in the elevator,” I murmur as I climb out of the car. I’m not sureif I hear an audible gasp, but I choose to ignore it and head up the steps to the front door.Kate and Elliot are sitting at our dining table. The fourteen-thousand-dollar bookshave disappeared. Thank heavens. I have plans for them. She has the most un-Kate ridiculousgrin on her face, and she looks mussed up in a sexy kind of way. Christian follows meinto the living area, and in spite of her I’ve-been-having-a-good-time-all-night grin, Kateeyes him suspiciously.“Hi Ana.” She leaps up to hug me, then holds me at arm’s length so she can examineme. She frowns and turns to Christian.“Good morning, Christian,” she says, and her tone is a little hostile.“Miss Kavanagh,” he says in his stiff formal way.“Christian, her name is Kate,” Elliot grumbles.“Kate.” Christian gives her a polite nod and glares at Elliot who grins and rises to hugme too.“Hi, Ana,” he smiles, his blue eyes twinkling, and I like him immediately. He’s obviouslynothing like Christian, but then they’re adopted brothers.“Hi, Elliot,” I smile at him, and I’m aware that I’m biting my lip.“Elliot, we’d better go.” Christian says mildly.“Sure.” He turns to Kate and pulls her into his arms and gives her a long lingering kiss.Jeez… get a room. I stare at my feet, embarrassed. I glance up at Christian, and he’swatching me intently. I narrow my eyes at him. Why can’t you kiss me like that? Elliot