“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?”
“Maybe a little. You know what I don’t understand is why you have this place.”
“What do you mean?” I kiss her hair.
“You have the boat, which I get, you have the place in New York for business—but why here? It’s not like you shared it with anyone.”
“I was waiting for you.”
“That’s…that’s such a lovely thing to say,” she whispers; bright blue eyes meet mine.
“It’s true. I didn’t know it at the time.”
“I’m glad you waited.”
“You are worth waiting for, Mrs. Grey.” I run my finger beneath her jaw, tip her lips toward mine, and kiss her.
“So are you.” She smiles. “Though I feel like I cheated. I didn’t have to wait long for you at all.”
I grin in disbelief. “Am I that much of a prize?”
“Christian, you are the state lottery, the cure for cancer, and the three wishes from Aladdin’s lamp all rolled into one.”
What? Even after yesterday?
I still, trying to wrap my head around her compliment.
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