Fifty Shades Darker (book 5) novel Chapter 113

“Christian, I’m really not hungry.”

I ignore her as I look through the contents of the fridge. “Cheese?” I offer.

“Not at this hour.”

“Pretzels?”

“In the fridge? No,” she says.

“You don’t like pretzels?”

“Not at eleven thirty. Christian, I’m going to bed. You can rummage around in your refrigerator for the rest of the night if you want. I’m tired, and I’ve had far too interesting a day. A day I’d like to forget.” She slides off the stool just as I find the dish Mrs. Jones prepared earlier this evening.

“Macaroni and cheese?” I hold it up.

Ana gives me a sideways look. “You like macaroni and cheese?” she asks.

Like? I love mac and cheese. “You want some?” I try and tempt her.

Her smile says all she needs to say.

I pop the bowl into the microwave and press heat.

“So, you know how to use the microwave, then?” Ana teases. She’s back on the barstool.

“If it’s in a packet, I can usually do something with it. It’s real food I have a problem with.”

I set up two place mats, plates, and cutlery.

“It’s very late,” Ana says.

“Don’t go to work tomorrow.”

“I have to go to work tomorrow. My boss is leaving for New York.”

“Do you want to go there this weekend?”

“I checked the weather forecast, and it looks like rain,” she says.

“Oh, so what do you want to do?”

The microwave pings. Our supper is ready.

“I just want to get through one day at a time right now. All this excitement is…tiring.”

Using a cloth, I remove the steaming bowl from the microwave and place it on the kitchen counter. It smells delicious, and I’m pleased that my appetite has returned. Ana dishes a spoonful onto each plate as I take my seat.

It’s staggering that she’s still with me, in spite of all I’ve told her. She’s so…strong. She never disappoints. Even when facing Leila, she kept her cool.

She takes a bite of her food, as do I. It’s exactly how I like it.

“Sorry about Leila,” I mutter.

“Why are you sorry?”

“It must have been a terrible shock for you, finding her in your apartment. Taylor swept through it earlier himself. He’s very upset.”

“I don’t blame Taylor.”

“Neither do I. He’s been out looking for you.”

“Really? Why?”

“I didn’t know where you were. You left your purse, your phone. I couldn’t even track you. Where did you go?”

“Ethan and I just went to a bar across the street. So I could watch what was happening.”