Fifty Shades Darker (book 5) novel Chapter 16

Fred’s revised proposal for Kavanagh Media is open on my desktop, but I’m preoccupied and finding it hard to concentrate. Time is moving on and I’ve not heard from Anastasia; as ever, I’m waiting for Miss Steele. I check my e-mail once more.

Nothing.

I check my phone for texts.

Nothing.

What’s keeping her? I hope it’s not her boss.

There’s a knock on my door.

What now?

“Come in.”

Andrea’s replacement pokes her head around the door and, ping, there’s an e-mail, but it’s not from Ana.

“What?” I bark, trying to remember the woman’s name.

She’s unfazed. “I’m just about to leave, Mr. Grey. Mr. Taylor left this for you.” She holds up an envelope.

“Just leave it on the console there.”

“Do you need me for anything else?”

“No. Go. Thanks.” I give her a thin smile.

“Have a good weekend then, sir,” she offers, simpering.

Oh, I fully intend to.

I dismiss her, but she doesn’t leave. She pauses for a moment, and I realize she’s expecting something from me.

What?

“I’ll see you Monday,” she says with an annoying, nervous giggle.

“Yes. Monday. Shut the door behind you.”

Looking a little crestfallen, she does as she’s told.

What was that about?

I pick up the envelope from the console. It’s the key to Ana’s Audi, and written in Taylor’s tidy hand are the words: Parked in allocated parking space at rear of apartment building.

Back at my desk, I turn my attention to my e-mails, and finally there’s one from Ana. I grin like the Cheshire Cat.

* * *

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: You’ll Fit Right In

Date: June 10 2011 17:36

To: Christian Grey

We are going to a bar called Fifty’s.

The rich seam of humor that I could mine from this is endless.

I look forward to seeing you there, Mr. Grey.

A. x

Is this a reference to fifty shades?

Weird. Is she making fun of me?

Okay. Let’s have some fun with this.

* * *

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Hazards

Date: June 10 2011 17:38

To: Anastasia Steele

Mining is a very, very dangerous occupation.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

Let’s see what she makes of that.

* * *

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Hazards?

Date: June 10 2011 17:40

To: Christian Grey

And your point is?

So obtuse, Anastasia? That’s not like you. But I don’t want to fight.

* * *

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Merely…

Date: June 10 2011 17:42

To: Anastasia Steele

Making an observation, Miss Steele.

I’ll see you shortly.

Sooners rather than laters, baby.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.