Chapter 10

APOV

We've been out on the water for a couple of hours now. It's a magnificent yacht, the weather is perfect for a day of sailing and I feel like I can breathe again, I was probably starting to develop cabin fever stuck at home. I'm thankful that Christian organised this outing today, I didn't realise how much I needed it, to feel normal, to not be fussed over.

I've found my spot on the most comfortable sun lounge and I'm not moving from here. Kate and Mia have taken turns keeping my company and keeping me supplied with delicious fruit mocktails. When we first arrived on the boat while Christian and Elliot set her out for sail, Mia showed us around and we settled in. I had on a simple green sundress over my red bikini. I thought about leaving it on being very self-conscious at first, not because of my body itself, I work hard to keep in shape but because of the visible scars that are still healing. That was until I realised how ridiculous I was being, I'm surrounded by doctors, a lawyer and Kate, like they're going to care about that. Tommy had taken the seat beside mine, jumping up and down with excitement as we made our way into open water. Christian showed up not long after, insisting on rubbing sunscreen on me so I don't get burnt. He also very delicately applied waterproof bandages on each of my incisions to protect them from the sun and salt water. His hands must have touched every inch of my skin, I know what he was trying to do, no one takes that long to put it on or linger, when he leaned over kissing my shoulder when he was finished telling me I look incredible in red I almost combusted on the spot.

It could be that he is a doctor or just that he grew up in a family of doctors but the incisions and scarring didn't even phase him. It seems as though I was worried for nothing.

We're currently anchored and God dammit the man has been walking around shirtless, in navy swimming shorts and bare feet. Is he torturing me on purpose? How much more can my body take before I attack the poor guy. I can't fault him, he's been so attentive towards me and both Christian and Elliot have been off entertaining Tommy. Earlier he ran up to me soaking wet, splashing me with the water dripping from his hair.

"This is the best day ever, Ana. We saw a pod of dolphins out in the water. There were like ten of them."

"That's amazing, I'm glad you're having fun, just listen to what Christian and Elliot tell you out on the water okay.'

He rolls his eyes at me.

"I am." And with that he was gone again.

How I wish I could dive into the ocean, it looks so inviting and cool. Pretty sure that diving is considered too strenuous of an activity for this point in my healing.

I spot the security boat in the distance which Sawyer is on board of, no doubt with binoculars out glued to his head spying on me. There's been no one else around to disturb us however better safe than sorry these days. I should get up and walk over to the diving plank, pretending to jump in just to give him a heart attack but I'm too comfortable to get up.

Kate who was laying on her stomach sun baking turns her body towards me and chuckles.

"Your eyes have been following the poor man around everywhere. No wonder Luke likes to give you shit about it."

"Can you blame me? His brother's cute." I say to her.

"He is. Poor guy gets all tongue tied when he tries to talk to me though. I won't bite, well not too hard anyway." Kate may come across as intimidating to men but once you get to know her she's not so scary.

"How can they both be so god-damn hot? Isn't their a maximum hotness quotient for one family? Even Mia is gorgeous and they are all so nice." Kate muses as her eyes follow Elliot, at least I'm not the only one smitten.

"You would think we were watching ping-pong with the way our eyes are following them?"

"I'm merely following your lead boss." We both let out a giggle because Kate never calls me boss unless she is being a smart ass.

"Did I tell you that he answered the Skype call in just a towel the other night. The way the towel hung perfectly at his abs where they form that beautiful V. He was still wet from his shower and the droplets were careening down his muscular body. I would have loved to lick them off. Just the thought of it." It gives me chills and makes parts of my body come alive that I never thought would happen.

"Yes, you have mentioned it a time or two. The way you look at him and they way his eyes are constantly following you. The unresolved sexual tension is palpable, a blind man could see it. I felt like I was reading one of those dirty novels with the hot guys on the cover while I listened to you speak. If it wasn't for Tommy and the rest of us I bet you would be up to giving the security boat a show."

"Stop it, Kate. We aren't that bad. Plus this baby has cabins downstairs. No need for a show." We both break out into a hysterical laugh that gets the guys attention. Maybe we should be more discreet but the eye candy on this boat is making it impossible.

Kate and I continue to talk and just relax. I didn't realize how much I needed this. I don't know when the last time either of us took a day off. We always have a tablet, phone and laptop by our side.

"Kate we need to make it a priority that we take a day off every month. Even if it is just a girl day where we go to a spa, maybe get a massage to help us unwind. A lunch where we can't talk about work. If the Grey siblings can make it a priority so can we."

"I am completely down for that." She agrees.

I've beginning to doze off from the heat of the sun, as I close my eyes I think about the kiss Christian gave me earlier today, it wasn't really a proper kiss and my stupid Dr Grey obsessed mind can't help but wonder what it would feel like to have those lips devour my mouth and run down my body. Will I get the opportunity to find out? Thinking back to my conversation with Gail yesterday, take a chance she said, put myself out there. What's the worst that can happen? I guess we're going to find out.

CPOV

It's mid-afternoon with the sun high in the sky and I can't remember the last time I let myself unwind like this, we're all relaxed and I'm enjoying the time spent with everyone, away from the hospital but most importantly time with Ana.

Tommy and I are standing at the far end of the boat fishing. The kid has had a ball and he's fun to be around. I took him out on the jet ski with me earlier, even letting him take control and drive for a couple of minutes, he was shouting with glee.

Ana fell asleep under the shade on her sun lounger about half an hour ago so Tommy and I have been fishing and chatting for the last twenty minutes but not a single bite from the fish so far. He's a smart kid and knows all sorts of information regarding soccer and his favourite team. If Ana agrees, I would like to take him to a game, I'm sure he'll love it.

"Do you like my sister?" He asks me seriously, point blank while holding his rod tightly and looking out to sea.

Before heading out for the day Ray pulled me aside and warned me to not only watch out for Ana today to ensure she doesn't overdo it but to also give me the fatherly hurt her and I will hurt you speech, but perhaps it's her little brother I should be afraid of.

"I do, I think she's special, smart and an amazing person." He considers what I say for a moment then turns to face me.

"Does that mean you're going to get married?"

His child like thoughts obviously go automatically to marriage but how do I answer this question.

"I honestly can't answer that. I mean I really like your sister but we haven't known each other very long and you need to love the person you're going to spend the rest of your life with. We need to spend more time together to get to know each other better, anything can happen in the future."

"She likes you." He tells me winding his fishing line up.

"How do you know that?" I enquire.

He shrugs his shoulders

"Because I just do." Well how do you argue with that logic? "So have you ever touched someone's heart?" Just like that the conversation moves on.

XXXX

Mia has taken Tommy inside the cabin to the kitchen to eat something as he was hungry again, that kid can eat, he packed the sandwiches and fruit away, now not two hours later he's starving again, but that's a growing boy for you, meanwhile Elliot and Kate have gone for a quick swim. I have never seen my brother so smitten before, I really hope Kate makes him work for it.

I took the empty chair next to Ana as she continued to sleep, flicking through on of the medical journals Mia brought along with her when I see Ana begin to stir slightly, she's slowly waking and opening up her eyes. I move across to her chair and lean over her body blocking out the sun. She looked so peaceful, and her body needed to rest, I know she wants to heal as quickly as possible but she can't stress her body out too much too fast.

"Hi."

"Hey." She smiles up at me. I reach out and tuck her hair behind her ear.

"Good nap?"

"The best." She yawns.

"Are you sore, do you need anything, feeling dizzy at all?"

"No I'm fine, I promise." She takes hold of my hand and interlocks our fingers.

"Are you hungry?"

"No."

She looks down at our hands, observing them.

"I love your hands, they're like magic, you heal with them, you can comfort someone with a small touch, these hands saved my life."

I'm speechless. How do I respond to that?

"Thanks but they're only hands, baby."

"Don't be so modest, I think they're kind of special."

I look up around us, we're all alone for the time being and I want to spend time with her away from prying eyes.

"Come with me."

I lift Ana up in my arms, she squeals wrapping her arms around my neck as I carry her over towards the jacuzzi with me at the other end of the boat, just the two of us. I step in and slowly lower myself into the warm water, the bubbles surrounding us, not letting go of Ana I settle her in my lap. I am now very happy that I thought ahead to protect her healing scars.

"Have you been enjoying yourself today?"

"Yes, thank you for today, I needed the change of scenery more than I thought. Has Tommy tired you out yet?"

"No, he's actually a great kid."

Ana's eyes sparkle when she talks about Tommy. It is obvious they are close. It is like the connection that Elliot, Mia and myself have.

"Yeah he is pretty great."

"You know this bikini is very tiny." My hand moves up her back where I gently flick the strap of her top. She's been driving me crazy all day lounging around in this thing. On more than one occasion I've had to adjust myself or walk away from her brother. Hopefully security didn't notice because I don't want that reported back to Ray.

"Blame Kate, she's the one who chose it."

"I should thank her instead, you look incredible in it." I nuzzle my nose against her throat.

Her blush spreads down to her chest.

"You do." I repeat.

"This is an incredible boat. I don't know how anyone could ever leave it." She changes the subject quickly.

I explain that it was an anniversary gift for my parents which leads to us swapping stories about our parents. It's not something I've ever considered before but my parents are lucky to have each other, to have found their other half to journey through life with. Anastasia makes me feels things I never have before or wanted to experience before. Could she be my other half? I really want the chance to find out.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Let me take you on a proper first date. Please."

She stares into my eyes, placing a hand on my cheek.

"Okay, a date." She agrees.

I am so excited that Ana has said yes but I need to play it cool. "What would your dream date be?"

"Contrary to popular belief I am not high maintenance. I would be fine with dinner at a quaint restaurant. I know it is cheesy but maybe a walk along the beach and a homemade picnic in the sand. Well when I can walk that is. I don't need all the bells and whistles. I want to spend an evening with someone real that isn't usuing me, a womanizer or a lying sleazeball."

I know she is speaking about her ex but it still stings. People have called me a womanizer. It doesn't matter that I am upfront about it being a one-off. I am determined to be better.

"I am sorry you have had to go through that. I promise you that I would never betray you. Not just because Sawyer, your father and Tommy would kill me but because I already care about you. I really like you. You make me want to be better. I am not going to lie and say I have been a Boy Scout but I have never cheated. Playing several women at the same time holds no appeal."

I can tell that she is contemplating my words. I'm not sure what she is thinking but she looks troubled. I gently lean in and run my nose against hers. When she looks up her eyes look troubled and it isn't the same worried expression she had this morning while she was looking at her healing scars. This is a deeper memory and it is heartbreaking.

"What's wrong baby? Are you in pain? Let's get out."

"No, I'm fine. We can stay in. I um.. I like being in your arms."

I am not fighting that feeling. I gently tighten my arms around her waist being careful about her healing scars.

"What is it then?" After a moment she starts to speak. Gone is the tough as nails CEO. She is quiet as a mouse.

"My birth mother is a piece of work to put it nicely. She was never there for me. It is hard for me to trust. Most of the people I do trust have been in my life since I was a teen. Please give me time."

"Time I can do. I have a past, we can learn about each other. I have been told that is what dating is for."

Taking me by surprise Ana runs her hand up my shoulder and tugs on the fine hairs on the nape of my neck. It is like she has the hardline to my groin. With her sitting on my lap I have no way of adjusting. She doesn't appear to be bothered by my bodies reaction to her beautiful body. She leans in and gives me a small kiss on my neck. She is nibbling her way up towards my ear. The quick kiss in her room has had me aching for her all day but I refuse to rush it. The next kiss is on her. As her lips slowly tease my chin my body feels like it will explode. I continue to move my hands up and down her back and sides. Just as she gets tantalizing close the horn from the security boat goes off. We pull away from each other thinking it is the paparazzi or a security risk just as Tommy jumps into the jacuzzi.

"Hi!" He chirps as Ana tries to move off of my lap. I hold her in place and it takes her a moment to realize that I don't want to give Tommy a show. The shade of pink that graces her body from head to toe is beautiful.

"Hey buddy, how was your snack?"

"It was so good. I had chocolate chip cookies, a cup of milk and a banana."

Where is this kid putting it all?

"Did you bring any for us?" Ana asks her brother while tickling his arms and chest.

"No, I think I ate them all."

"What? We can't have that." I gently move Ana off my lap now that my problem has deflated. I pick up Tommy and hold him by his ankles.

"Christian, what are you doing?" Elliot questions athough his voice is playful.

"He ate all of the cookies. We need to get them back. Grab his arms." We swing Tommy a few times while pretending to throw him overboard. After a few swings we start our second water fight of the day. Sometimes you just need to act like a kid. Having Ana and Tommy around has definitely made this outing much more exciting.

"Who wants to go on the blowup water slide?" Mia asks and that has Elliot and Tommy racing off to see who can be first.

I walk back over to Ana who is once again on the lounge chair. "Sorry I left you in the jacuzzi."

"Don't worry about it. Mia and Kate helped me out. Water wars are serious business."

"Don't I know it. I plan on getting your brother and my brother back. I can't believe they teamed up on me. Next time you will need to be my partner."

"I like the sound of that." She says but her voice is husky. Neither of us are talking about the water fight anymore. She is leaning in. I can feel it we are about to have that kiss when over the boats sound system we hear.

"Ana and Christian sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage."

"I am going to kill those two. They are two peas in a pod." I groan.

Ana leans her body up to give me a small peck on the cheek and this just makes Elliot and Tommy laugh even harder.

"Come on let's go see this slide." For good measure I kiss her on both cheeks once I lift her into my arms.