Chapter 72 (1/2)

”I've been worried about you.”

”Worried, why?”

”Because you went home in that deathtrap you call a car.”

”WhatIt's not a deathtrap. It's fine. Jose regularly services it for me.”

”Jose, the photographer?” Christian's eyes narrow, his face frosting. Oh Crap.

”Yes, the Beetle used to belong to his mother.”

”Yes, and probably her mother and her mother before her. It's not safe.”

”I've been driving it for over three years. I'm sorry you were worried. Why didn't you call?” Jeez, he's completely over-reacting.

He takes a deep breath.

”Anastasia, I need an answer from you. This waiting around is driving me crazy.”

”Christian, I... look, I've left my stepdad on his own.”

”Tomorrow. I want an answer by tomorrow.”

”Okay. Tomorrow, I'll tell you then.” I blink at him.

He steps back, regarding me coolly, and his shoulders relax.

”Are you staying for drinks?” he asks.

”I don't know what Ray wants to do.”

”Your stepfatherI'd like to meet him.”

Oh no... why?

”I'm not sure that's a good idea.”

Christian unlocks the door, his mouth in a grim line.

”Are you ashamed of me?”

”No!” It's my turn to sound exasperated. ”Introduce you to my dad as what'This is the man who deflowered me and wants us to start a BDSM relationship'. You're not wearing running shoes.”

Christian glares down at me, and then his lips twitch up in a smile. And in spite of the fact I'm mad at him, my face is unwillingly pulled into an answering grin.

”Just so you know, I can run quite fast. Just tell him I'm your friend, Anastasia.”

He opens the door, and I head out. My mind is whirling. The Chancellor, the three Vice Chancellors, four professors, and Kate stare at me as I walk hastily past them. Holy crap. Leaving Christian with the faculty I go in search of Ray.

Tell him I'm your friend. Friend with benefits, my subconscious scowls. I know, I know. I shake the unpleasant thought away. How will I introduce him to RayThe hall is still at least half full, and Ray has not moved from his spot. He sees me, waves, and makes his way down.

”Hey, Annie. Congratulations.” He puts his arm around me.

”Would you like to come and have a drink in the marquee?”

”Sure. It's your day. Lead the way.”