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Communicate and compromise.

She shrugs, and I have no idea what she’s thinking. About Leila? Maybe Ana needs reassuring. “I’m keeping tabs on her,” I say, “checking that she stays on her side of the continent. She’s better, Ana. Flynn has referred her to a shrink in New Haven, and all the reports are very positive. She’s always been interested in art, so…” I stop, trying to find a clue in Ana’s face as to what she’s thinking. “Don’t sweat this, Anastasia.” I squeeze her hand, and I’m heartened when she returns the gesture.

“Nice haircut, Mr. Grey.” Barry is effusive as he opens the glass door to Grey House.

“Er, thank you, Barry.”

Well, that’s a first.

“How’s your boy?” I ask.

“He’s great, sir. Doing well at school.” Barry glows with paternal pride.

I can’t help my smile. “Good to hear it.”

Ros and Sam are in the elevator.

“Haircut?” Ros asks.

“Yes. Thanks.”

“Looks good.”

“Yes,” says Sam.

“Thanks.”

What the hell has gotten into my staff?

After my update with Barney on the tablet prototype, I send an e-mail to Ana. I take a gamble that she’s managed to have her e-mail name changed.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Flattery

Date: August 23 2011 09:54

To: Anastasia Grey

Mrs. Grey

I have received three compliments on my new haircut. Compliments from my staff are new. It must be the ridiculous smile I’m wearing whenever I think about last night. You are indeed a wonderful, talented, beautiful woman.

And all mine.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

I’m delighted when it doesn’t bounce, though I don’t get an immediate answer.

I’m between meetings when her response arrives.

From: Anastasia Grey

Subject: Trying to Concentrate Here

Date: August 23 2011 10:48

To: Christian Grey

Mr. Grey

I am trying to work and don’t want to be distracted by delicious memories.

Is now the time to confess that I used to cut Ray’s hair regularly? I had no idea it would be such useful training.

And yes, I am yours and you, my dear, overbearing husband who refuses to exercise his constitutional right under the Second Amendment to bear arms, are mine. But don’t worry because I shall protect you. Always.

Anastasia Grey

Editor, SIP

She used to cut Ray’s hair. Well, damn it, that’s why she did such a good job. And she’s going to protect me.

Of course, she is. I turn to my computer and Google “gun phobia.”

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Annie Oakley

Date: August 23 2011 10:53

To: Anastasia Grey

Mrs. Grey

I am delighted to see you have spoken to the IT dept and changed your name. :D

I shall sleep safe in my bed knowing that my gun-toting wife sleeps beside me.

Christian Grey

CEO & Hoplophobe, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Anastasia Grey

Subject: Long Words

Date: August 23 2011 10:58

To: Christian Grey

Mr. Grey

Once more you dazzle me with your linguistic prowess.

In fact, your prowess in general, and I think you know what I’m referring to.

Anastasia Grey

Editor, SIP

Her reply makes me grin.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Gasp!

Date: August 23 2011 11:01

To: Anastasia Grey

Mrs. Grey

Are you flirting with me?

Christian Grey

Shocked CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Anastasia Grey

Subject: Would you rather…

Date: August 23 2011 11:04

To: Christian Grey

I flirted with someone else?

Anastasia Grey

Brave Editor, SIP

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Grrrrr

Date: August 23 2011 11:09

To: Anastasia Grey

NO!

Christian Grey

Possessive CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Anastasia Grey

Subject: Wow…

Date: August 23 2011 11:14

To: Christian Grey

Are you growling at me? ’Cause that’s kinda hot.

Anastasia Grey

Squirming (in a good way) Editor, SIP

I love making her squirm via e-mail.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Beware

Date: August 23 2011 11:16

To: Anastasia Grey

Flirting and toying with me, Mrs. Grey?

I may pay you a visit this afternoon.

Christian Grey

Priapic CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Anastasia Grey

Subject: Oh No!

Date: August 23 2011 11:20

To: Christian Grey

I’ll behave. I wouldn’t want my boss’s boss’s boss getting on top of me at work. ;)

Now let me get on with my job. My boss’s boss’s boss may fire my ass.

Anastasia Grey

Editor, SIP

From: Christian Grey

Subject: &*%$&*&*

Date: August 23 2011 11:23

To: Anastasia Grey

Believe me when I say there are a great many things he’d like to do to your ass right now. Firing you is not one of them.

Christian Grey

CEO & Ass man, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Anastasia Grey

Subject: Go Away!

Date: August 23 2011 11:26

To: Christian Grey

Don’t you have an empire to run?

Stop bothering me.

My next appointment is here.

I thought you were a breast man…

Think about my ass, and I’ll think about yours…

ILY x

Anastasia Grey

Now Moist Editor, SIP

Moist? There’s that word again. I shake my head. I like her wet. Moist doesn’t do it for me, at all. But sadly, I must cease, as my meeting with Marco and his team starts in four minutes.

It’s a great meeting. Marco has gone aggressively after Geolumara and our bid has been successful. This acquisition will take us into a new area of green energy, via a cheaper and easier-to-manufacture solar panel.

It’s also looking likely that either I’ll have to go to Taiwan or the shipyard owners will come to us. But first they want a phone conference. Ros is arranging a time.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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