“Where’s Kate?” I ask, remembering that Ana does not live alone.

“She’s out with your brother.” She fills a vase with water.

“So we have the place to ourselves.” I shrug out of my jacket, take off my tie, and undo the top two buttons of my shirt.

“We do.” Ana holds up a notebook. “And I have listed everything we need to discuss for the wedding.”

“Can we take a rain check?”

“No. I know what your rain check will involve. And we need to do this, Christian. Council of war, remember?” She waves the book at me, raising that Steele chin in determination.

It’s a good look on Ana.

I know she’s been stressing about the wedding, though I don’t know why. Ms. Gutierrez seems competent and is handling all the arrangements in an unflappable and efficient manner; our discussion should not take long.

“Don’t pout,” she adds, with her familiar amused smile.

I laugh. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

An hour later we’re sitting on barstools at the kitchen counter and we’ve completed the application for a marriage license. Agreed on stationery. Color scheme. Menus. Cake design. And party favors.

Party favors!

“Christian, I don’t think we should have a registry.”

“Registry?”

“For wedding gifts.”

“God, no.”

“But if people want to give something, perhaps they could contribute something to your parents’ charity, Coping Together?”

I stare at her, amazed and humbled at once. “That’s genius.”

Ana nods. “I’m glad you like the idea.”

I lean forward and kiss her. “This is why I’m marrying you.”

“I thought it was for my cooking.”

I nod. “That, too.”

She laughs, and it’s a joyful sound.

“Okay, I’ve asked Kate to be my maid of honor,” Ana says.

“Makes sense.” I ignore my sinking feeling; Katherine is the most irritating woman I know. But she’s Ana’s best friend…so… Suck it up, Grey.

“I’m going to ask Mia to be my bridesmaid.”

“Mia would love that, I’m sure.”

“You’ll need to find a best man.”

“Best man?”

“Yes.”

Well, it can only be Elliot. I’ll have to ask him, and he’ll give me shit.

“You don’t really enjoy this, do you?” Ana fixes her gaze on me.

“I will enjoy being married to you.”

She cocks her head to one side, and I know that she’s not satisfied with my answer. I sigh. “No. I don’t. I have never enjoyed being the center of attention, which is one of the reasons I’m marrying you.”

Ana’s brow creases and I run a knuckle down her cheek, because I haven’t touched her in minutes. “You’ll be the center of attention.”

Ana rolls her eyes. “We’ll see about that. I’m sure you’ll look mighty fine in your wedding regalia, Mr. Grey.”

“Do you have a dress?”

“Kate’s mother is designing one for me.” She looks down at her fingers and adds, “I asked my dad to pay for it.”

“He’s happy with that?”

She nods. “I think he’s relieved he’s not footing the bill for the wedding, but he’s delighted he can contribute.”

I grin. “Anastasia Steele, you’re brilliant. I knew you’d find a compromise. You are such a good negotiator.” I lean over and give her a peck on her lips.

“Hungry?” she asks.

“Yes.”

“I’ll cook us some steaks.”

“So, the panic rooms, how will they work?” Ana asks as she slices into her filet mignon.

“There’s one going into Taylor’s office, and our bedroom closet will become one, too. Press a button and the doors will close and they’ll be impenetrable. There’ll be enough time for help to arrive. That’s the plan, anyway.”

“Oh.” Ana blanches.

I clutch her hand. “It’s merely a precaution. Here’s hoping we never have to use them.” I raise my glass of pinot noir and release her.

“I’ll drink to that.” She clinks my glass with hers.

“Don’t look so worried. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.”

“It’s not me I’m worried about, Christian. You know that. How…how is the investigation going?”

“Not fast enough, which is frustrating. But don’t think about it. My team is on it.” I don’t want to trouble Ana with our lack of progress. “That steak was delicious.” I put down my knife and fork.

“Thank you,” she says, and pushes her empty plate aside.

“What shall we do now?” I ask, and I pitch my voice low, hoping my intention is clear. We have the whole apartment to ourselves, something we don’t have at home.

Ana peers at me through her lashes. “I have an idea.” Her voice is soft and sultry, and arousing. She skims her tongue across her top lip, and places her hand on my knee. The air is almost crackling between us with my desire.

Ana.

She leans in, giving me a wonderful view of her cleavage, and she murmurs in my ear, “It will involve getting wet.”

Oh. She runs her thumb up the inside of my thigh.