Fifty Shades of Grey, Chp. 5

This chapter is packed full of good stuff...

Ana awakes in Christian's suite at the Heathman Hotel. She's mortified as the memories of the previous night slowly come back to her:  the drinking, the phone call -- the vomiting... She can barely believe what's transpired. Even worse, she finds herself dressed in only her t-shirt, bra and panties.  How did THAT happen?

She's grateful for the OJ and Advil left at the bedside. Someone thinks of everything.  And now that someone is knocking at the door...

I love how Ana describes feeling like a two-year-old -- that by just closing her eyes everything will go away like she's not even there. Oh but she is...

Ana's humiliation grows when she discovers it was Christian who undressed her, but relieved to learn nothing "happened" between them. "I like my women sentient and receptive" he explains.  Ana is suddenly defensive, scolding him for his James Bond-like ways of tracking her.  Grey points out that she should would very likely be waking up in the photographer, Jose's, bed if he hadn't. Something she didn't seem to keen on when he'd arrived. "from what I can remember, you weren't overly enthused about him pressing his suit," he says acidly.  He's scolding her but his old world vernacular makes her giggle and she can't help but tease, "Which medieval chronicle did you escape from? You sound like a courtly knight."   His mood visibly shifts. His eyes soften and his expression warms, and there's a trace of a smile on his lips. "Anastasia, I don't think so. Dark knight, maybe." <--- this makes me SO sad!

Christian really does think of everything -- not only has he ordered breakfast, he's sent her clothes to the hotel laundry and sent his man, Taylor, out to buy her some new ones. He's rich. He can do that.

"Why should you buy these for me?"

"Because I can." His eyes flash with a wicked gleam. 

When asked, Christian explains his gift of the books were, in part, a warning to stay away from him.  "Anastasia, I'm not the hearts and flowers kind of man ... I don't do romance."  He warns her she should stay away, but admits he's finding it difficult to do so.

Over the course of conversation Ana returns to her nervous habit of chewing her bottom lip. A habit Mr. Grey finds extremely erotic. "I'd like to bite that lip," he whispers darkly.  Just his tone - his look, leaves her a quivering mess.  She surprises herself with her challenge, "Why don't you?"

But he vows not to touch her...not until she's signed on the dotted line. Literally. (That's for you X!) He's quite certain she'll run for the hills once he fully enlightens her, and, not wanting to have her leave just yet, prolongs the inevitable by inviting Ana to his home in Seattle.  There he can show her fully what she's in for if she enters into a relationship with him.

It finally dawns on Ana to ask Christian where he slept. "In my bed." And she learns this is quite a novelty for him...seems our Mr. Grey has never shared his bed, sleeping or otherwise, with anyone.

Leaving the hotel, they once again find themselves in an elevator -- alone this time -- and the electricity between them is palpable.  Ana's breath hitches and she bites her lip.  "Oh, fuck the paperwork," he growls. Before she knows it he's got her pinned and helpless against the wall, kissing her like she's never been been kissed before...

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EL's chapters are a delight to read - she doesn't skimp on detail and it so well shapes her characters over the course of the series. I just love the little quirks and mannerisms she's given to these two...the way they look at each other, the way they tease -- the way they are so easily confounded by the other.

Side note: Anyone else as fascinated by EL James' use of words throughout this series. For the flack she gets about her writing, I've never had to use a Thesaurus (made easy with eBook format!) more than with these books. And I'm not talking the sex stuff!!  Profilgate from this chapter comes to mind, that was new for me. I'd like to know what she uses in her writing so I can use it with mine.

Fifty Shades of Grey, Chp. 4

Kiss me, damn it! I implore him, but I can’t move.  …I’m in your arms, kiss me please.

With a subtle shake of his head Christian answers Ana’s silent plea as if he can hear her thoughts.  “Anastasia, you should steer clear of me. I’m not the man for you.”   Needless to say, Ana is fairly crushed in that moment (as was I!). I so wanted them to kiss.  But this made Mr. Grey all the more mysterious to me and I loved him for it.  Ana, however, feels rejected and foolish and wants only to make a quick getaway.  She takes the spurned kiss moment hard.  It was the first time she’d ever put herself out there…and she was turned down.  Her self conscious reprimands her for allowing the tears and self pitying wallowing and before she knows it, she’s off…determined to put the encounter and Christian Damned Grey behind her.

Try as she might, she can’t shake the man from her thoughts and that night dreams of him again…in her somewhat nightmarish sleep, she’s not sure if she’s running towards something or away from it.

Arriving home after taking her final exams, Kate tells Ana a package has been delivered for her.  She opens the parcel to find a leather box with 3 mint condition first edition volumes from Tess of the d’Urbervilles and a card:  Why didn’t you tell me there was danger? Why didn’t you warn me? Ladies know what to guard against, because they read novels that tell them of these tricks…   Ana recognizes the quote from Tess and is stunned – she’s just spent hours writing of the works of Thomas Hardy during her final exam.  Realizing the value of the gift, she knows immediately who sent them.  Kate is ecstatic for her friend but Ana knows she cannot accept such an extravagant gift.

To celebrate the end of final exams and their future move to Seattle, Ana and Kate head to the local club for drinks with friend Jose.  Ana indulges too much, and in a mischievous, drunken not-quite-stupor, decides to call Christian from the bar.  She wants to know why he sent the books -- He wants to know why she is drunk and how she is getting home.  “Anastasia, where are you? Tell me now.”  I love demanding Christian. <3 

Ana refuses to tell him and abruptly ends the call.  But Christian is a man of means.  He calls her back just long enough to say he’s coming for her before hanging up again.  No expecting him at all – how would he know where to find her? She briefly returns to her friends before heading out for some air.  “You’re such a lightweight” Kate tells her.

Outside, Ana is joined by Jose. Why can’t she see he has a crush on her?  He’s a bit drunk himself and decides to plant one on her.  Ana tries to fend him off, but Jose is a wall of muscle. Her repeated “no’s” are met with sloppy determination.

“I think the lady said no,” a voice in the dark says quietly.  Christian Grey to the rescue!!  Jose releases Ana and she immediately vomits spectacularly on the ground, sending Jose back several steps.  Mr. Grey steps forward to hold her long hair, leading her to the azaleas to hurl in the shadows.  Ana is appalled, but unable to control her heaving stomach.  She’s also amazed Mr. Grey is there – how did he find her? And why is staying after witnessing her losing her lunch?

Christian informs Ana that he’ll take her home.  They return to the bar to collect her things and tell Kate she’s leaving.  Kate is having a wonderful time with Christian’s brother ,Elliot, who apparently came along for the ride.  But before Grey can even get Ana from the club she passes out in his arms…

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Fifty Shades of Grey, Chp. 3

Ana arranges for her friend Jose to take the photos of Mr. Grey at his hotel in downtown Portland.  Mr. Grey arrives in his signature white shirt and gray flannel pants that hang 'in that way'.  He's accompanied by Taylor, his ever present body guard, driver and all around right-hand man.

After the photoshoot, Christian asks Ana to join him for coffee.

I love this chapter because we start to see inside Christian just a bit... the way he immediately calls on Taylor  to drive people home when Ana says she needs to take them back.  "There.  Now can you join me for coffee?" Grey smiles as if it's a done deal.  He's seemingly so self confident.  We know better.

And then there's the brief elevator ride (their first!!) where they happen upon a love struck couple in a heated kiss.  Ana notices the smirk on Mr. Grey's lips and is quite surprised when he takes her hand, leading her out. "What is it about elevators?" he mutters.  Indeed.

I love how Ana is reminding herself to stay calm and to "be cool." She's really quite taken with the man who has a grip on her.

They sit down to coffee -- Ana has tea. Christian gets right to the point asking her about Jose and Paul, wondering if either is her boyfriend. He's anxious to know her thoughts but she keeps quiet, admitting she finds him intimidating. They talk about family -- mostly hers, books and travel. Ana's dream is to visit England one day, where she can walk the grounds of her favorite authors.

Christian insists on walking Ana back to the parking garage where she left her car.  Along the way she surprises herself with her bluntness asking him if he has a girlfriend. "No, Anastasia. I don't do the girlfriend thing," he says softly.

Pondering this reply Ana, clumsy as ever, trips and falls into the roadway, right in front of a "cyclist" I'll assume that's British for motorcycle, otherwise -- not so harrowing an ordeal.  Grey saves her, pulling her into his arms, holding her close against his chest. The way he holds her, one arm wrapped around her, the other hand softly traces her face, gently brushing her lip with his thumb.

For the first time 21 years, Anastasia wants to be kissed.  Badly.

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Fifty Shades of Grey, Chp. 2

Chapter 2 opens with Ana a wreck after meeting Christian. He's affected her deeply but she's not sure why.  She finds him strikingly attractive, commanding and confident... but also arrogant, autocratic and cold.   She feels utterly foolish and internally cringes each time she recalls asking him Kate's question on his sexual preference.

Ana scolds Kate for not prepping her better for the interview and, when questioned, describes her subject as "focused and intense; courteous, formal, slightly stuffy -- like he's old before his time."  Suspecting an attraction, Kate's  inquisitive nature tires to dig deeper and discern Ana's true feelings but she's fairly unsuccessful, learning only that Ana finds  Mr. Grey "fascinating."

They spend the evening in, Kate working her story, Ana, an essay on Tess of the d'Urbervilles. That night she dreams of gray eyes.

The week is filled with school and work.  We get a bit of back story on Ana's family. Her father's deceased and her mother's remarried to husband no. 3.  Her mother's second husband, Ray (Steele), is the man Ana thinks of as her father and who she remains close with even after the divorce.  We also meet Jose.  (Why do I picture him to look like Taylor Lautner?) He's a dear friend and aspiring photographer who attends WSU with Ana and Kate.

That Saturday, Ana is once again working her part-time job at the local hardware store.  Looking up from her computer screen she finds herself staring into the 'bold gray gaze' of none other than Christian Grey.  He's looking much more casual in his sweater and jeans -- simply jaw-dropping gorgeous to Ana.  He's "in the area" visiting WSU and wishes to stock up on a few things. Can she help him?

He goes through his list...cable ties, masking tape, rope... All the while Ana is a nervous wreck feeling the Grey effect on her senses.  They banter a bit back and forth, innuendo in the air when Christian teasingly asks if she was ever in the Girl Scouts.

"Organized group activities aren't really my thing, Mr. Grey."
He arches a brow
"What is your thing, Anastasia?" he asks, his voice soft and his secret smile is back.  Ana's subconscious makes one of her first appearances here and it's when Ana answers "Books" that she is inwardly screaming YOU! You are my thing!    But Ana ignores her, filling him in on her love of British literature.

Mr. Grey offers to make himself available for a photo session so Kate can have picture to accompany her story. It also gives him an opportunity to give Ana his card.

A Co-worker, Paul, interrupts their conversation leaving Mr. Grey rather unhappy.  He's changed from the weirdly attentive customer to someone else -- someone cold and distant.  Ana finally returns to him and rings up his items but as he turns to leave he stops and pauses. "Oh - and Anastasia, I'm glad Miss Kavanagh couldn't do the interview." He smiles, then strides out of the store... leaving Ana a quivering mess.

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Chapter Questions:

1. What were some of your favorite moments from this chapter and did they change after reading a 2nd, 3rd or even fourth time?

2. Was there anything you didn't like or understand?

3. What particular chapter moment you're just dying to see on screen?

Fifty Shades of Grey, Chapter 1

Chapter one introduces us to Anastasia Steel and her roommate, Katherine Kavanagh. Katherine, a no-nonsense journalist for their University's student paper, finds herself down and out with the flu and asks Ana to fill her shoes for the day and meet with the mega-rich tycoon, Christian Grey, CEO of Grey Enterprise Holdings.  Ana's not very happy about this, she has no journalist experience but agrees to help out her friend.

Arriving GEH Headquarters, Ana immediately feels out of place, surrounded by opulence and beautiful blond women. Seems every female employee is a gorgeous blond.  Hmm....

Like Bella in Twilight (if you don't already know this the 50 Shades books began as Twilight fanficiton), Ana is a clumsy girl and quite literally falls into Mr. Grey's office after tripping over her own two feet.  Her very first introduction finds her on hands and knees in his office as 'gentle hands' are around her, helping her to stand.

Embarrassed, and shocked by Mr. Grey's striking good looks, Ana introduces herself and begins a rather awkward interview, clumsily fumbling with her digital recorder.  She and Mr. Grey seem at odds somehow and the process goes with excruciating unease for the bumbling Bella.  Ana.

She eyes some paintings of mundane objects on his office walls commenting how lovely they are by choice of display. "Raising the ordinary to the extraordinary." she says, and on first read of the books you would never realize the foreshadowing of that quote.

Christian Grey comes across intense and controlling and Ana finds him very unnerving.   We get small insights into his personality with quotes like "I'm very singular, driven. I like control -- of myself and those around me."

"So you want to possess things?"

"I want to deserve to possess them, but yes, bottom line, I do."

Throughout the interview they are both Mr. Grey and Miss Steele - with one exception.  When Ana reads her friend Kate's question from her prescribed list, asking Mr. Grey if he is gay. She is immediately embarrassed and he answers, "No, Anastasia, I'm not." He does not looked pleased.

At the end of the interview, Mr. Grey surprises Ana once again by suggesting his company's internship program to her. She just can't figure him out.  She then declines his offer to show her around, and, nearly as uneasily as she entered, leaves his office.

Mr. Grey sees her to the elevator, pressing the call button and waiting awkwardly at her side. Anastasia steps inside and just before the doors close they both use the other's given name as a brief means of farewell.

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Chapter Questions:

1. What were some of your favorite moments from this chapter and did they change after reading a 2nd, 3rd or even fourth time? (you know who you are) ;)

2. Was there anything you didn't like or understand?

3. Is there a particular chapter moment you're just dying to see on screen?

First Post

This is my first blog ever so please be patient with me. I'm trying to keep it simple, but fun and really just a place to delve deeper into our favorite Dom, Christian Grey.

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Laters, Baby!  ;)