chapter 1

I scowl with frustration at myself in the mirror. Damn my hair – it just won’t behave, yet here I am trying to brush my hair into submission. I must not sleep with it wet. I must not sleep with it wet.

Reciting this mantra several times, I attempt, once more, to bring it under control with the brush. I roll my eyes in exasperation and gaze at the pale, brown-haired girl with blue eyes too big for her face staring back at me, and give up. My only option is to restrain my wayward hair in a ponytail and hope that I look semi presentable.

today I have to drive a hundred and sixty-five miles to downtown Seattle in order to meet the enigmatic CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc. As an exceptional

entrepreneur and major benefactor of our University, his time is extraordinarily precious

– much more precious than mine

It took me nine months to get this interview. It will take another

six to reschedule,

Ohh!! I forgot to introduce me I'm Anna, and I live with my roommate kate. She’s articulate, strong, persuasive, argumentative,

beautiful – and she’s my dearest, dearest friend. The roads are clear as I set off from Vancouver, WA toward Portland and the I-5. It’s early,

and I don’t have to be in Seattle until two this afternoon. Fortunately, Kate’s lent me her

sporty Mercedes CLK. I’m not sure Wanda, my old VW Beetle, would make the journey in

time. Oh, the Merc is a fun drive, and the miles slip away as I floor the pedal to the metal.

My destination is the headquarters of Mr. Grey’s global enterprise. It’s a huge twenty story office building, all curved glass and steel, an architect’s utilitarian fantasy, with Grey House written discreetly in steel over the glass front doors. It’s a quarter to two when I

arrive, greatly relieved that I’m not late as I walk into the enormous – and frankly intimidating – glass, steel, and white sandstone lobby. A bolde girl came and said me to go inside I was nervous,my handshaking.“Mr. Grey will see you now, Miss Steele. Do go through,” Blonde Number Two says.

I stand rather shakily trying to suppress my nerves. Gathering up my satchel, I abandon my

glass of water and make my way to the partially open door.

“You don’t need to knock – just go in.” She smiles kindly

I push open the door and stumble through, tripping over my own feet, and falling head

first into the office.

Double crap – me and my two left feet! I am on my hands and knees in the doorway

to Mr. Grey’s office, and gentle hands are around me helping me to stand. I am so embarrassed, damn my clumsiness. I have to steel myself to glance up. Holy cow – he’s so

young, So young – and attractive, very attractive.

He’s tall, dressed in a fine gray suit, white shirt, and black tie with unruly dark copper colored hair and intense, bright gray eyes that

regard me shrewdly. It takes a moment for me to find my voice.

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