And So I Ran - Complete

Chapter 21

"Good morning," I said a little shyly, watching as Christian came out of the bathroom toweling off and gloriously naked. "You look happy?"

"I am happy," Christian confirmed, giving me one of his boyish, panty-dropping smiles. "Last night was wonderful. Thank you, baby."

"My pleasure," I smirked, taking in Christian's bare, sexy body and wondering if we had time for a quickie before work. What was coming over me? A few days of good loving and I was insatiable!

"No looking at me that way, Miss Steele," he ordered, wagging a finger at me in admonishment as he covered himself with a pair of briefs and started dressing. "I have an early meeting to attend! Join me for breakfast?"

I nodded, climbing out of bed, throwing on a bathrobe, and accompanying Christian to the kitchen where Gail had set out our breakfast. I started in on my granola and cup of tea, but I was really fancying a piece of bacon. And maybe some eggs, too.

"Is everything all right? Can I get you anything else?" Gail asked, noticing my lackluster efforts with the granola.

"Would some bacon and eggs be too much trouble?" I asked hopefully. Usually, I preferred a light breakfast, but this morning I was ravenous.

"No trouble at all, Miss Steele," Gail replied. I mentally rolled my eyes at Christian's approving expression. That man and food!

"Did you work up an appetite last night?" Christian asked suggestively as Mrs. Jones turned away, busying herself at the fridge.

"I must have," I muttered, blushing and hoping to God that Gail couldn't overhear our whispered words. "Ethan Kavanagh is arriving today to stay at the unit," I reminded Christian in a louder voice, hoping to divert his prurient thoughts.

"He's coming to SIP to collect the keys?"

"That's the plan. He'll be here for a few days. Until Kate gets back, I think?"

"When are Kate and my brother due back?" Christian asked curiously.

"On Monday, last I was told." I'd only heard from Kate a couple of times since she'd been away, which was unusual. However, I got the impression ninety-nine percent of her time was being taken up by the elder Grey brother. I dared even to think it, but maybe this time Kate had met her match?!

"So, I have you to myself for the weekend," Christian grinned, his eyes darkening as a suggestive grin spread across his face. "Other than car shopping, is there anything you fancy doing?"

I did have something in mind, although I'm not sure how much Christian would like it.

"I thought maybe on Saturday afternoon I might go see Dad in Montesano and stay the night? The whole New York thing scared him, and I know he'd like to see me to make sure I'm ok." As I'd anticipated, Christian's jaw tightened.

"You'd like to go alone?"

"Only if you don't want to come with me? I know Ray won't mind you staying," I offered, sure of my invitation since I'd raised the idea with Dad when I'd called him yesterday. "We could go down on Saturday afternoon, stay the night, and come back on Sunday? Maybe we could take the R8?" I suggested, referring to Christian's sports car in the hope that it might sweeten the deal.

"That sounds great, baby," he said, a smile on his lips. "I'd love to see Ray again. That reminds me. I had my office contact the gallery in Portland to discuss delivery of your photographs. When he found out I was the purchaser, the photographer offered to deliver and install them himself - I suspect in the hope he'd see you. Did you want to see him, or shall I have him drop them off at security downstairs?"