«No, sweetheart, I want to get home. Now that I know you’re safe.»
Christian reluctantly eases me onto the couch and stands. Grace hugs him once more, presses her head against his chest and closes her eyes, content. He wraps his arms around her.
«I was so worried, darling,” she whispers.
«I’m okay, Mom.»
She leans back and studies him intently while he holds her. «Yes. I think you are,” she says slowly, glances at me, and smiles. I flush.
We follow Carrick and Grace as they make their way to the foyer. Behind me, I’m aware that Mia and Ethan are having a heated whispered conversation, but I can’t hear it.
Mia is smiling shyly at Ethan, and he’s gaping at her and shaking his head. Suddenly, she folds her arms and turns on her heel. He rubs his forehead with one hand, obviously frustrated.
«Mom, Dad—wait for me,” Mia calls sullenly. Perhaps she’s as mercurial as her brother.
Kate hugs me hard. «I can tell some serious shit’s been going down while I’ve been blissfully ignorant in Barbados. It’s kind of obvious you two are nuts about each other. I’m glad he’s safe. Not just for him, Ana—for you, too.»
«Thank you, Kate,” I whisper.
«Yeah. Who knew we’d find love at the same time?» She grins. Wow. She’s admitted it.
«With brothers!» I giggle.
«We could end up sisters–in–law,” she quips.
I tense, then mentally kick myself as Kate stands back to gaze at me with her what–aren’t–you–telling–me–Steele look. I flush. Damn, should I tell her he’s asked me?
«Come on, baby,” Elliot summons her from the elevator.
«Let’s talk tomorrow, Ana. You must be exhausted.»
I am reprieved. «Sure. You, too, Kate—you’ve traveled long distance today.»
We hug once more, then she and Elliot follow the Greys into the elevator. Ethan shakes Christian’s hand and gives me a quick hug. He looks distracted, but he follows them into the elevator and the doors close.
José is hovering in the hallway as we come out of the foyer.
«Look. I’ll turn in… leave you guys,” he says.
I blush. Jeez, why is this awkward?
«Do you know where to go?» Christian asks.
José nods.
«Yeah, the housekeeper—”
«Mrs. Jones,” I prompt.
«Yeah, Mrs. Jones, she showed me earlier. Quite a place you have here, Christian.»
«Thank you,” Christian says politely as he comes to stand beside me, placing his arm around my shoulders. Leaning over, he kisses my hair.
«I’m going to eat whatever Mrs. Jones has put out for me. Goodnight, José.» Christian wanders back into the great room, leaving José and me at the entrance.
Wow! Left alone with José.
«Well, goodnight.» José looks uncomfortable all of a sudden.
«Goodnight, José, and thank you for staying.»
«Sure, Ana. Any time your rich, hotshot boyfriend goes missing—I’ll be there.»
«José!» I admonish him.
«Only kidding. Don’t get mad. I’ll be leaving early in the morning—I’ll see you sometime, yeah? I’ve missed you.»
«Sure, José. Soon I hope. Sorry tonight was so… shitty.» I smirk apologetically.
«Yeah.» He grins. «Shitty.» He hugs me. «Seriously, Ana, I’m glad you’re happy, but I’m here if you need me.»
I gaze up at him. «Thank you.»
He flashes me a sad, bittersweet smile, and then he goes upstairs.
I turn back to the great room. Christian stands beside the couch, watching me with an unreadable expression on his face. We’re finally alone and we gaze at each other.
«He’s still got it bad, you know,” he murmurs.
«And how would you know that, Mr. Grey?»
«I recognize the symptoms, Miss Steele. I believe I have the same affliction.»
«I thought I’d never see you again,” I whisper. There—the words are out. All my worst fears packaged neatly in one short sentence now exorcised.
«It wasn’t as bad as it sounds.»
I pick up his suit jacket and shoes from where they lie on the floor and move toward him.
«I’ll take that,” he whispers, reaching for his jacket.
Christian gazes down at me as if I’m his reason for living and mirrors my look, I’m sure. He is here, really here. He pulls me into his arms and wraps himself around me.
«Christian,” I gasp, and my tears start anew.
«Hush,” he soothes, kissing my hair. «You know… in the few seconds of sheer terror before I landed, all my thoughts were of you. You’re my talisman, Ana.»
«I thought I’d lost you,” I breathe. We stand, holding each other, reconnecting and reassuring each other. As I tighten my arms around him, I realize I’m still holding his shoes. I drop them noisily to the floor.
«Come and shower with me,” he murmurs.
«Okay.» I glance up at him. I don’t want to let go. Reaching down he tilts my chin up with his fingers.
«You know even tear–stained, you are beautiful, Ana Steele.» He leans down and kisses me gently. «And your lips are so soft.» He kisses me again, deepening it.
Oh my… and to think, I could have lost… no… I stop thinking and surrender myself.
«I need to put my jacket down,” he murmurs.
«Drop it,” I murmur against his lips.
«I can’t.»
I lean back to gaze up at him, puzzled.
