Chapter 109 (1/2)

Her lips part in shock and her expression transforms, from stunned to impressed and exasperated in equal measure. “We’ve already made serious misuse of your company’s aviation fleet. I wouldn’t want to do it again,” she says nonchalantly.

“It’s my company, it’s my jet.”

She shakes her head. “Thank you for the offer. But I’d be happier taking a scheduled flight.”

Surely most women would jump at the opportunity of taking a private jet, but it seems material wealth really doesn’t impress this girl—or she doesn’t like to feel indebted to me. I’m not sure which. Either way, she’s a stubborn creature.

“As you wish.” I sigh. “Do you have much preparation to do for your interview?”

“No.”

“Good.” I ask but she still won’t tell me which of the publishing houses she’s seeing. Instead she gives me a sphinxlike smile. There’s no way she’s divulging this secret.

“I’m a man of means, Miss Steele.”

“I’m fully aware of that, Mr. Grey. Are you going to track my phone?”

Trust her to remember that. “Actually, I’ll be quite busy this afternoon, so I’ll have to get someone else to do it,” I answer, smirking.

“If you can spare someone to do that, you’re obviously overstaffed.”

Oh, she’s sassy today.

“I’ll send an e-mail to the head of human resources and have her look into our head count.” This is what I like: our banter. It’s refreshing and fun, and unlike anything I’ve known before.

Mrs. Jones serves us breakfast, and I’m pleased to see Ana relishing her food. When Mrs. Jones leaves the kitchen Ana peers up at me.

“What is it, Anastasia?”

“You know, you never did tell me why you don’t like to be touched.”

Not this again!

“I’ve told you more than I’ve ever told anybody.” My voice is low to conceal my frustration. Why does she persist with these questions? She eats another couple of mouthfuls of her pancakes.

“Will you think about our arrangement while you’re away?” I ask.

“Yes.” She’s earnest.

“Will you miss me?”

Grey!

She turns to face me, as surprised as I am by the question. “Yes,” she says after a moment, her expression open and honest. I was expecting a smart remark, yet I get the truth. And strangely, I find her admission comforting.

“I’ll miss you, too,” I mutter. “More than you know.” My apartment will be a little quieter without her, and a little emptier. I stroke her cheek and kiss her. She gives me a sweet smile before returning to her breakfast.

“I’ll brush my teeth, then I should go,” she announces, once she’s finished.

“So soon. I thought you might stay longer.”

She’s taken aback. Did she think I’d kick her out?

“I’ve prevailed upon you and taken up your time for long enough, Mr. Grey. Besides, don’t you have an empire to run?”

“I can play hooky.” Hope swells in my chest and my voice. And I’ve just cleared my morning.