Book 2 - Page 153 (1/2)

c.r.a.p. How many people are here?

I scan the room quickly: all the Greys, Ethan with Mia, Dr. Flynn and his wife, I a.s.sume. There's Mac from the boat, a tall, handsome African American - I remember seeing him in Christian's office the first time I met Christian - Mia's b.i.t.c.hy friend Lily, two women I don't recognize at all, and... Oh no. My heart sinks. That woman... Mrs. Robinson.

Gretchen materializes with a tray of champagne. She's in a low-cut black dress, no pigtails but an updo, flus.h.i.+ng and fluttering her eyelashes at Christian. The applause dies down, and Christian squeezes my hand as all eyes turn to him expectantly.

”Thank you, everyone. Looks like I'll need one of these.” He grabs two drinks off Gretchen's tray and gives her a brief smile. I think Gretchen's going to expire or swoon.

He hands a gla.s.s to me.

Christian raises his gla.s.s to the rest of the room, and immediately everyone surges forward. Leading the charge is the evil woman in black. Does she ever wear any other color?

”Christian, I was so worried.” Elena gives him a brief hug and kisses both his cheeks.

He doesn't let me go despite the fact I try to free my hand.

”I'm good, Elena,” Christian mutters coolly.

”Why didn't you call me?” Her plea is desperate, her eyes searching his.

”I've been busy.”

”Didn't you get my messages?”

Christian s.h.i.+fts uncomfortably and pulls me closer, putting his arm around me. His face remains impa.s.sive as he regards Elena. She can no longer ignore me, so she nods politely in my direction.

”Ana,” she purrs. ”You look lovely, dear.”

”Elena,” I purr back. ”Thank you.”

I catch Grace's eye. She frowns, watching the three of us.

”Elena, I need to make an announcement,” Christian says, eyeing her dispa.s.sionately.

Her clear blue eyes cloud. ”Of course.” She fakes a smile and steps back.

”Everyone,” Christian calls. He waits for a moment until the buzz in the room dies down and all eyes are once more on him.

”Thank you for coming today. I have to say I was expecting a quiet family dinner, so this is a pleasant surprise.” He stares pointedly at Mia, who grins and gives him a little wave. Christian shakes his head in exasperation and continues.

”Ros and I” - he acknowledges the red-haired woman standing nearby with a small bubbly blonde - ”we had a close call yesterday.”

Oh, that's the Ros that works with him. She grins and raises her gla.s.s to him. He nods back at her.

”So I'm especially glad to be here today to share with all of you my very good news.

This beautiful woman” - he glances down at me - ”Miss Anastasia Rose Steele, has consented to be my wife, and I'd like you to be the first to know.”

There are general gasps of astonishment, the odd cheer, and then a round of applause!

Jeez - this is really happening. I think I am the color of Kate's dress. Christian grasps my chin, lifts my lips to his, and kisses me quickly.