Freed (Fifty Shades as Told by Christian #3) - E.L. James Page 0,27

find investment.

An enticing aroma of batter and bacon welcomes me with open arms as I enter the galley. My girl is making pancakes. She’s dressed in a T-shirt and far-too-short denim shorts, and her hair is in pigtails.

“Good morning.” I wrap my arms around her, pressing her back to my front, and skim my lips down her neck. She smells so good, of soap and warmth and sweet, sweet Ana.

“Good morning, Mr. Grey.” She angles her head, giving me better access to her throat.

“This takes me back,” I murmur against her skin, and tug one of her pigtails.

She giggles. “That seems a lifetime ago. These, however, are not cherry-popped-by-would-be-Dominant pancakes. These are Independence Day pancakes. Happy Fourth of July.”

“There’s no other way I’d like to celebrate than with pancakes.” I kiss her beneath her earlobe. “Well, I can think of one way.” I gently tug her pigtail once more. “You always get an A.”

“Christian,” Ros says, her tone abrupt. Seven pairs of eyes are all directed at me. Shit. I stare blankly back at Ros, ignoring everyone else, and tilt my head to one side.

“What do you think?” She’s barely disguising her irritation, and I assume this is not the first time she’s asked.

Come clean, Grey. “I’m sorry, I was miles away.”

Her lips form a thin line and she glances at Marco, who gives me a warm smile and proceeds to give me an executive summary of what he’s just outlined.

“Okay,” I respond when he’s finished. “Let’s go after Geolumara. They could be a worthwhile addition to the energy division. We need to widen our footprint in green energy.”

“The others?”

I shake my head. “We should consolidate. Let’s concentrate on Geolumara. Send me all the details.”

“Will do.”

“We need a decision on the Taiwan shipyard. They are eager for a response from us.” Ros looks pointedly at me.

“I read the impact assessment.”

“And?”

“This is a gamble.”

“It is,” she acknowledges.

“But everything in life is a gamble, and at least as a joint venture we’ll share the risk and it might secure the future of the shipyard here.”

Ros and Marco nod.

“Let’s move this forward.”

“I’ll get the team on that,” Marco says.

“Good. I think that’s it. Thank you, everyone.”

They all rise, except for Ros. “Can I have a quick word?” she asks.

“Sure.”

She waits until everyone leaves.

“Well?” And I wait for her to chastise me for my daydreaming.

“Woods has withdrawn his legal threats. We’re all good.”

“That’s not what I was expecting you to say.”

“I know. Honestly, Christian, it’s like you’re on your honeymoon already.”

“Honeymoon? I haven’t even thought about a honeymoon.”

Shit. Something else to organize.

Ros scoffs. “You’d better get on it.” She shakes her head. “I know I’d whisk Gwen away to Europe.”

I’m surprised by Ros’s candor—she rarely discusses her home life, although I know she has a domestic partnership with Gwen. Frequent attempts to legalize gay marriage in Washington have been thwarted. I make a mental note to talk to Senator Blandino about this when we next meet; surely she can apply some pressure to the governor and help push this agenda? “I thought Ana and I might stay somewhere near Bellevue overnight. We’re both working.”

“Grey, you can do better than that.” Ros screws up her face in mock disgust as she starts to gather her papers together.

I laugh. “Yes, I can. And what’s more, I’ll have fun figuring out what to do. Europe, you say.”

Ana’s always wanted to see Europe. England especially.

Ros’s lips twitch into a benevolent smile as she stands. “Good luck with that.” Her parting words echo through the empty room, leaving me to contemplate where the hell I’m going to take the future Mrs. Grey for a honeymoon.

I hope she has a passport.

Back in my office I check my computer, and there’s an e-mail from Ana that she sent an hour ago.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Jibbing and Jibing. Bowlines and Halyards.

Date: July 5 2011 9:54

To: Christian Grey

My darling Mr. Grey

What a spectacular weekend! The best July 4th ever. Thank you.

I am also giving you advance notice that I will be staying at my apartment with Kate on Friday. I will be packing so I can move in with you on Saturday. But, I should warn you, this will be a girls-only evening, so your presence will not be required, but much missed.

Maybe you can write your vows?

Just an idea.

Laters, baby.

Axxx

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Abandoning ship.

Date: July 5 2011 11:03

To: Anastasia Steele

My darling fiancée

Thank YOU for the most relaxed July 4th I’ve ever experienced.

I will miss you on Friday.

But will help you move in on