Fifty Shades Darker (book 5) novel Chapter 78

“Back again,” I say to Ana, and, as usual, I’m a little reluctant to leave The Grace.

“Thank you. That was a perfect afternoon.”

“I thought so, too. Perhaps we can enroll you in sailing school, so we can go out for a few days, just the two of us.”

Or we could sail around the world, Ana, just you and me.

“I’d love that. We can christen the bedroom again and again.”

I kiss her under her ear. “Hmm, I look forward to it, Anastasia.” She squirms with pleasure. “Come, the apartment is clean. We can go back.”

“What about our things at the hotel?”

“Taylor has collected them already. Earlier today, after he did a sweep of The Grace with his team.”

“Does that poor man ever sleep?”

“He sleeps. He’s just doing his job, Anastasia, which he’s very good at. Jason is a real find.”

“Jason?”

“Jason Taylor.”

Ana’s smile is tender.

“You’re fond of Taylor,” I observe.

“I suppose I am. I think Taylor looks after you very well. That’s why I like him. He seems kind, reliable, and loyal. He has an avuncular appeal to me.”

“Avuncular?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, avuncular.”

Ana laughs. “Oh, Christian, grow up, for heaven’s sake.”

What?

She’s scolding me.

Why?

Because I’m possessive? Maybe that’s childish.

Maybe. “I’m trying,” I respond.

“That you are. Very,” she says, looking toward the ceiling.

“What memories you evoke when you roll your eyes at me, Anastasia.”

“Well, if you behave yourself, maybe we can relive some of those memories.”

“Behave myself? Really, Miss Steele—what makes you think I want to relive them?”

“Probably the way your eyes lit up like Christmas when I said that.”

“You know me so well already,” I say.

“I’d like to know you better.”

“And I you, Anastasia. Come, let’s go.” Mac has lowered the gangplank, allowing me to lead Ana onto the dock. “Thanks, Mac.” I shake his hand.

“Always a pleasure, Mr. Grey, and good-bye. Ana, great to meet you.”

“Good day, Mac, and thank you,” Ana replies, and she looks a little shy.

Together Ana and I walk up to the promenade, leaving Mac on The Grace.

“Where’s Mac from?” Ana asks.

“Ireland. Northern Ireland.”

“Is he your friend?”

“Mac? He works for me. Helped build The Grace.”

“Do you have many friends?”