“Did you know she had a fling with Elliot?”
I pause for a second, wondering what I should tell her. She knows nothing of Elliot’s dissolute habits. I sigh. “Elliot’s fucked most of Seattle, Ana.”
She gasps.
“Mainly women, I understand.” I shrug and hide my amusement at her shocked expression.
“No!”
“It’s none of my business.” I hold up my palms; I don’t really want to discuss this.
“I don’t think Kate knows,” Ana squeaks, appalled.
“I’m not sure he broadcasts that information. Kate seems to be holding her own.” He’s discreet, so that’s a plus. Her eyes are on mine, and I’m trying to work out what she’s thinking. “This can’t just be about Gia’s or Elliot’s promiscuity,” I whisper.
“I know. I’m sorry. After all that’s happened this week, it’s just…” She lifts her shoulder as tears well in her eyes.
No. Ana. Don’t cry. I fold her into my embrace. “I know,” I murmur into her hair. “I’m sorry, too. Let’s relax and enjoy ourselves, okay? You can stay here and read, watch godawful TV, shop, go hiking—fishing, even. Whatever you want to do. And forget what I said about Elliot. That was indiscreet of me.”
“Goes some way to explain why he’s always teasing you,” she says, her cheek against my chest.
“He really has no idea about my past. I told you, my family assumed I was gay. Celibate, but gay.”
She giggles. “I thought you were celibate. How wrong I was.” She draws me closer, and I sense her smile.
“Mrs. Grey, are you smirking at me?”
a little. You know what I don’t understand
do you mean?” I kiss her
have the place in New
was waiting for
to say,”
didn’t know it at
“I’m glad you waited.”
finger beneath her jaw, tip
I cheated. I didn’t have to wait long for
I that much
you are the state lottery, the cure for cancer, and the three wishes from Aladdin’s lamp all rolled into
What? Even after yesterday?
still, trying to wrap my head
She waves an arm at the view. “I mean in here.” She rests her hand on my heart while I flounder for something to say. “Believe me, Christian, please.” Holding my face, she brings my lips to hers, and we’re soon lost in a healing, searing kiss, her tongue
to christen
we can’t.
how strong she is and how much she could wound me if she chose to…by
Don’t go there, Grey.
going to get it through your exceptionally
I swallow. “One day.”
some lunch—the others will be wondering where we are. We
laid out for us, we decide on an afternoon walk. But as we finish up, the room darkens.
Elliot says,
go into town,”
weather for