Fifty Shades Trilogy 03 - Fifty Shades Freed

Despite the fact that I’m going out this evening with Kate, I feel like a chunk of me is missing. At the moment, it’s thirty-five thousand feet somewhere above the Midwest en route to New York. I didn’t know I would feel this unsettled and anxious just because Christian’s away. Surely over time I won’t feel this loss and uncertainty, will I? I let out a heavy sigh and continue with my work.
    Around lunchtime, I start manically checking my e-mail and my BlackBerry for a text. Where is he? Has he landed safely? Hannah asks if I want lunch, but I’m too apprehensive and wave her away. I know it’s irrational, but I need to be sure he’s arrived safely.
    My office phone rings, startling me. “Ana St—Grey.”
    “Hi.” Christian’s voice is warm with a trace of amusement. Relief floods through me.
    “Hi.” I’m grinning from ear to ear. “How was your flight?”
    “Long. What are you doing with Kate?”
    Oh no. “We’re just going out for a quiet drink.”
    Christian says nothing.
    “Sawyer and the new woman—Prescott—are coming to watch over us,” I offer, trying to placate him.
    “I thought Kate was coming to the apartment.”
    “She is after a quick drink.” Please let me go out!
    Christian sighs heavily. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he says quietly. Too quietly.
    I mentally kick myself. “Christian, we’ll be fine. I have Ryan, Sawyer, and Prescott here. It’s only a quick drink.”
    Christian remains resolutely silent, and I know he’s not happy. “I’ve only seen her a few times since you and I met. Please. She’s my best friend.”
    “Ana, I don’t want to keep you from your friends. But I thought she was coming back to the apartment.”
    “Okay,” I acquiesce. “We’ll stay in.”
    “Only while this lunatic is out there. Please.”
    “I’ve said okay,” I mutter in exasperation, rolling my eyes.
    Christian snorts softly down the phone. “I always know when you’re rolling your eyes at me.”
    I scowl at the receiver. “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I’ll tell Kate.”
    “Good,” he breathes, his relief evident. I feel guilty for worrying him.
    “Where are you?”
    “On the tarmac at JFK.”
    “Oh, so you just landed.”
    “Yes. You asked me to call the moment I landed.”
    I smile. My subconscious glares at me. See? He does what he says he’s going to do.
    “Well, Mr. Grey, I’m glad one of us is punctilious.”
    He laughs. “Mrs. Grey, your gift for hyperbole knows no bounds. What am I going to do with you?”
    “I am sure you’ll think of something imaginative. You usually do.”
    “Are you flirting with me?”
    “Yes.”
    I sense his grin. “I’d better go. Ana, do as you’re told, please. The security team knows what they’re doing.”
    “Yes, Christian, I will.” I sound exasperated again. Jeez, I get the message .
    “I’ll see you tomorrow evening. I’ll call you later.”
    “To check up on me?”
    “Yes.”
    “Oh, Christian!” I scold him.
    “ Au revoir , Mrs. Grey.”
    “ Au revoir , Christian. I love you.”
    He inhales sharply. “And I you, Ana.”
    Neither of us hangs up.
    “Hang up, Christian,” I whisper.
    “You’re a bossy little thing, aren’t you?”
    “Your bossy little thing.”
    “Mine,” he breathes. “Do as you’re told. Hang up.”
    “Yes, Sir.” I hang up and grin stupidly at the phone.
    A few moments later, an e-mail appears in my inbox.

    From: Christian Grey
    Subject: Twitching Palms
    Date: August 25, 2011 13:42 EDT
    To: Anastasia Grey
    Mrs. Grey
You are as entertaining as ever on the phone.
I mean it. Do as you’re told.
I need to know you’re safe.
I love you.
    Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
    Honestly, he’s the bossy one. But one phone call and all my anxiety has disappeared. He’s arrived safely and he’s fussing about me as usual. I hug myself momentarily. God, I love that man. Hannah knocks on my door, distracting me, and brings me back to the now.
    Kate looks gorgeous. In her tight white jeans and red camisole, she’s ready to rock the town. She’s chatting animatedly with Claire in reception when I make my entrance.
    “Ana!” she cries, scooping me up in a Kate hug. She holds me at arm’s length.
    “Don’t you look the mogul’s wife? Who would have thought, little Ana Steele? You look so . . . sophisticated!” She grins. I roll my eyes at her. I’m wearing a pale cream shift dress with a navy belt and navy pumps.
    “It’s