Total pages in book: 262
Estimated words: 268603 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1343(@200wpm)___ 1074(@250wpm)___ 895(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 268603 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1343(@200wpm)___ 1074(@250wpm)___ 895(@300wpm)
“That reminds me,” I change the subject.
“What?” Ana sounds sulky. She takes the chair and turns it so it faces the sinks. “Sit,” she orders.
My bossy wife.
I do as I’m told, trying to hide my amusement.
See. I can behave.
“I was thinking we could convert the rooms over the garages for them at the new place,” I say. “Make it a home. Then maybe Taylor’s daughter could stay with him more often.” I watch Ana’s reaction in the mirror as she combs my hair.
She frowns. “Why doesn’t she stay here?”
“Taylor’s never asked me.”
“Perhaps you should offer. But we’d have to behave ourselves.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” Kids. They ruin all the fun.
“Perhaps that’s why Taylor hasn’t asked. Have you met her?”
“Yes. She’s a sweet thing. Shy. Very pretty. I pay for her schooling.”
Ana stops combing my hair, and our eyes meet in the mirror. “I had no idea.”
I shrug it off. “Seemed the least I could do. Also, it means he won’t quit.”
“I’m sure he likes working for you.”
“I don’t know.”
“I think he’s very fond of you, Christian.” She runs the comb through my hair again. It feels nice.
“You think?” I ask. It’s never crossed my mind.
“Yes. I do.”
Well, how about that? I have enormous respect for Taylor. I’d like him to stay working for me—for us, indefinitely. I trust him. “Good. Will you talk to Gia about the rooms over the garage?”
“Yes, of course.” Her lips curl in a secret smile, and I wonder what she’s thinking about. She glances at me in the mirror. “You sure about this? Your last chance to bail.”
“Do your worst, Mrs. Grey. I don’t have to look at me, you do.”
Her smile illuminates the room. “Christian, I could look at you all day.”
I shake my head. “It’s just a pretty face, baby.”
“And behind it is a very pretty man.” She kisses my temple. “My man.”
Her man.
I like that.
I sit still and let her work. Her tongue escapes between her teeth while she concentrates. It’s cute and arousing, so I close my eyes, and think back to our honeymoon, enjoying the many memories we made. Occasionally, I crack open an eyelid to take a quick peek at her.
“Finished,” she announces. I open my eyes and check her handiwork.
It’s a haircut. And it looks fine.
“Great job, Mrs. Grey.” I pull her to me and nuzzle her belly. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” She gives me a quick kiss.
“It’s late. Bed.” I smack her behind, because she’s waving it in front of me and it’s too tempting.
“Ah! I should clean up in here,” she exclaims.
There are small clumps of my hair all over the floor. “Okay, I’ll get the broom,” I mutter, and stand up. “I don’t want you embarrassing the staff with your lack of appropriate attire.”
“Do you know where the broom is?”
I stare at Ana. “Um, no.”
She laughs. “I’ll go.” And with a quick grin, she sashays out of the bathroom.
How do I not know where the broom is?
I turn to the sink and check my hair again. Ana’s done a good job. It looks fine. Smiling, impressed by her handiwork, I reach for my toothbrush.
Ana is laughing to herself when I join her in bed.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing. Just an idea.”
“What idea?” I turn on my side and watch her.
“Christian, I don’t think I want to run a company.”
I shift onto my elbow. “Why do you say that?”
“Because it’s not something that has ever appealed to me.”
“You’re more than capable, Anastasia.”
“I like to read books, Christian. Running a company will take me away from that.”
“You could be the creative head.”
She looks pensive, and I don’t know if she hates the idea or is considering it. I persist. “You see, running a successful company is all about embracing the talent of the individuals you have at your disposal. If that’s where your talents and your interests lie, then you structure the company to enable that. Don’t dismiss it out of hand, Anastasia. You’re a very capable woman. I think you could do anything you wanted if you put your mind to it.”
She’s not convinced. “I’m also worried it will take up too much of my time.”
I hadn’t considered that.
“Time I could devote to you,” she murmurs.
I see your game, Mrs. Grey. “I know what you’re doing.”
“What?”
“You’re trying to distract me from the issue at hand. You always do that. Just don’t dismiss the idea, Ana. Think about it. That’s all I ask.” I plant a swift kiss on her lips and run my thumb down her cheek.
You are so lovely.
You are more than capable.
“Can I ask you something?” Ana says.
“Of course.”
“Earlier today you said if I was angry with you, I should take it out on you in bed. What did you mean?”
“What did you think I meant?” I ask.
“That you wanted me to tie you up.”
What? “Um…no. That’s not what I meant at all.” I just want some…resistance in bed.