AN: My thanks to my wonderful beta, Weez. The mistakes are mine, as always. And again, I'm just borrowing the characters, not mine, just dancing with them for a brief time.
I need a name for the band. Send me some suggestions, please. It just might go into the epilogue.
Unexpected Grace – Chapter 9
Andy paused and watched the taillights of the town car disappear into the night through the glass door of La Nuit Sombre. She squared her shoulders and turned, wiped the moisture from her eyes, and moved back into the restaurant.
Nigel, Serena and Emily were talking as they stood close to the table where they had been seated. Emily did a double-take when she saw Andy approaching. She hissed, "What? What the hell are you doing here? Why aren't you with her?" Serena quickly placed a hand on her arm, soothing and quieting her.
Andy spoke quietly, calmly. "This was my plan. It was never my intention to have some incredibly hot and ultimately sad little tryst in the back of her car or to trap her into this. I talked with Nigel about exactly this the same night he asked us to play. I know without any doubt that she has to be the one to come to me, Emily. That's how it absolutely has happen. Otherwise, we both lose. I've put my heart on the line in front of way too many people tonight. Now, she has to give me hers, freely."
That calm wavered. "This is either the bravest or the stupidest thing I have ever done. It's definitely one of the hardest things, to let her go. But…I love her…it's gotta be this way….." Her voice wandered off distractedly. ….Though my fingers are still tingling from the feel of those lips against them…velvet, pure velvet.
She shook herself back into the present. "And I'll take the blame for this conspiracy tonight. She doesn't have to know of all the parts you played. Though Nigel, you're more visible in this. I can claim that you didn't know what I intended and that you'd just invited the band to play."
"Andy, you don't need to do that. Besides, she'll figure it out." He laughed softly. "It's Miranda Priestly after all. And… I can brave that fire."
He continued, "We all have such pride in working for Runway. Everyone admires and respects Miranda for all that she's done. The ways in which she demands and brings out excellence in all of us may be a challenge at times but she has always only asked of us what she gives of herself, her best. We're the cream of the crop, raised to the top. Right, Emily?"
"Yes, Nigel, exactly right. She may scare my nickers off at times. But she's ours."
Serena picked up on the note. "I'd love to see her happy. There was a moment tonight when she seemed so relaxed and trying to reach out. I want to know that Miranda. Can you imagine her when she's really in love?"
All eyes turned to looked at Andy. Serena continued with a straight face, "You've got your work cut out for you. We're counting on you." She ended with a smirk. "No pressure or anything."
Emily threw in, "Plus, your band is going to have to play at the Christmas party every year from now on."
"Oh, that's just great. I'm responsible for everyone's happiness at Runway, now. Thanks a lot, guys!" The laughter eased the edge of tension she had been feeling.
"And really, thank you all for everything. Nigel, you opened the door to this happening and conducted it all brilliantly. Emily and Serena, you were the greatest watchdogs and beauty team ever."
They were interrupted by the return of Roy, whom Andy had pulled into her plans. Andy gave him a huge hug and wistfully asked, "Thanks for the message letting us know she was arriving. It helped…..she got home ok?" They had developed an easy going relationship during the time she had worked for Miranda.
"Yes, she did. Her voice was a little shaky when she thanked me and she looked a little wobbly but she made it up the stairs just fine. I'll be there tomorrow morning, waiting for her. And Andy, I hope I'll be driving her to your apartment. I'll message you when we leave." He hesitated before saying, "If she's not there, I'll have to force myself to not go in there and bodily carry her out to the car. But…I promise….I won't do that. I'll just glower a lot and drive slowly all day since that thrills her sooooo much."
Andy laughed softly, "It'll be ok, Roy, just thanks." It was clear to her that Miranda had no idea of how many people cared about her. This was beyond loyalty. It hit her how much approval and support of their possible pairing surrounded them. It almost seemed taken for granted. How surprising. I wish I could share this with Miranda, now.
"Well, I'm starving and thirsty and I need to try and let this go for a little while, if I can. This is a celebration in case we've forgotten it. How about we all go mingle and have a good time?"
As the group dispersed, Andy headed for the food, picking a few choice mouthfuls, knowing she had to eat something. Leaving the table, she ran into Jacques and Marie. She thanked them profusely for putting Miranda at ease with the wine and their warm attentive welcome. "Marie, the petits fours were such a fun idea. Nigel slipped me a copy of the one you had on her table and I wove it into the introductions." And the private invitation she received….
"Andy…l'amour, what can we say? Romance, love is everything. Nigel explained what was going to happen. How could we not help? You two make a striking couple. She couldn't take her eyes off of you. We hope that you will come back together to La Nuit Sombre many times in the years to come. " Marie added, "We're thinking of adding the petit fours with the fortunes on our dessert menu. We've had so many compliments about them. Now, enjoy the food, please and we will see you before you go."
She made her way to the booth where Doug and Michael were sitting and winding down, each holding a glass of wine. Hands trembling from leftover adrenaline, she carefully placed her plate on the table and sat. She leaned back and closed her eyes for a second, grateful for the slight privacy of the booth.
Opening her eyes, she looked at them both. "You two got me through this. You had my back and kept the music moving all the way through. There were no breaks where she could stand and leave. I couldn't have done this without you. There aren't enough words to express my thanks."
"Andy, if this doesn't work, I'm still up for the kidnapping. I've got family experienced in this kind of thing, knee caps, bribery; you tell me what you need." Michael winked.
"Um, thanks, Michael." At this point she was not sure if he was kidding or not. "I'm sure that won't be necessary."
Doug rolled his eyes. "He's a vegan, nonviolent activist, who's addicted to running besides being a crazy guitarist. Don't believe a word he tells you."
She smiled, "We did good, guys. We sounded great. I'm proud to play music with you. You make me sound good."
"You'd be good singing anywhere you choose to Andy. I mean, jeez, we used to do this together in college but you've taken it to a whole other level." He pulled a couple of business cards out of his pocket. "In fact, we have offers to play another party, a wedding for 500, and there's a bar owner who wants us two weeks from now for his opening. He specifically mentioned the sexy brunette with the killer voice."
Michael threw two more cards on the table. "This is from a woman who's a manager and wants to talk to us before we talk to anyone else. She was a bit aggressive. I kinda liked her. And last but not least, this guy is a music publisher. Nigel introduced us to him. Call him. He wants to hear the rest of your songs, Andy."
Doug eased out of the booth and stood. "We'll have to talk about all of this. C'mon Michael, let's start breaking down so we can load out of here easily. Andy, you guitar is safely packed away in the back."
"Thanks guys, and hey, we need a name. Let's start thinking about that."
The party was still going on with small groups of people chatting away while upbeat music played through the sound system. Andy sat by herself and managed to eat a few tidbits. She pushed the plate away and took one of petit fours. She pulled the fortune from the center and read, "Love is everything." She stared at the slip of paper before tucking it away. Yes, love is everything…..yeah…...
She took a sip of wine from the glass Doug had left. As she sat by herself, the evening began to catch up with her. She could see the entire evening like a video, freezing the frames as she zoomed in on Miranda. The soft blues of the stage washed over her giving the silvery gray sweater just a tinge of color. It had looked so soft draping over her breasts and hips. And the way the silver in her hair had gleamed with the lights, so beautiful. Her eyes had gone a deep blue and yes, she was watching me, every move, every glance. Her lips would part and she'd bite her lower lipsor lick them with the tip of her tongue. I saw that little shift in her core, knew there was desire sparking in those eyes. I hope she heard how much I want her. That, I will have to show her… I gotta keep my mind off this, nothing I can do right now…
Andy rose and moved back to the stage to help her band mates. Midnight had come and gone. The combination of adrenaline, arousal and sheer fatigue had her wired. The party was still going on as she wandered through the room, saying her last goodbyes and final thanks while the guys started loading a cab to get them home.
Nigel walked her to the door. "Remember, Andy, magic and mystery. Trust it. You've done everything you could. And you're ready for her…..try and get some sleep."
It didn't take long to get home. Andy was quiet, gazing out the window at the city streets, ignoring the banter between Michael and Doug. Arriving at her apartment, she bid them good night and climbed the stairs to her apartment. She looked around wondering what it might look like to Miranda. It felt like she'd been on a long, long journey and had not seen the place in months.
Marie had thrust a bag in her hand as she left with croissants and the restaurant's exclusive coffee blend for the morning. She took the gift into the kitchen and put the offerings away. She washed a last few dishes and straightened things restlessly. Her tension was slowly growing. She made herself some more tea, lit a few candles and sat, thinking to herself.
What if Miranda didn't show up in the morning? Her gut clenched at the thought. I guess I'd take my shattered heart and write a lot of sad songs and try to go on with my life. ….cry oceans of tears and wonder all my life how to fill that void. God, that would hurt. More than it already has. That ever-present tiny edge of almost hope would be gone. And I promised Doug I would let go…..
I have to stop thinking like this or I'll make myself crazy.
She opened the guitar case and took out the guitar and started playing the opening chords of Unexpected Grace, sending the music out into in the world. She hoped it would lead Miranda to her.
Miranda sat in the back of the car, calm and collected externally. Internally she fidgeted, her mind mulling over and over the things she planned to say to Andréa. She had barely slept at all though without any dreams that she could remember. She showered and dressed, fixed her hair and makeup. She chose her clothes carefully, a simple silk ivory blouse over gray slacks, low heels, sexy minimalist ivory laced panties and bra… casual chic, barriered but with a softness to the clothes.
She'd watched Roy hit a button on his phone. Her eyes narrowed, "What was that you just sent?"
"A message to Andy that you are on your way."
Her eyes caught his in the mirror. She asked pointedly. "And now, you do her bidding?"
He held her eyes, the tiniest smile on his lips, "In this case, Miranda, yes….I do."
She looked away out the window, with a low "Hmmmph."
They arrived crosstown shortly. Roy exited the car and handed her out to the street. She looked up at the building apprehensively.
"I'll call for you to pick me up, Roy. Don't go too far. I may not be long"
"Yes, Miranda. Call when you're ready."
With that, she mounted the stairs and swept into the building.
The buzz of her phone woke Andy with Roy's incoming message. She'd had fallen asleep on the couch in the wee hours before dawn as she watched the clock tick toward the light of morning. She was still wearing what she had on from the performance the last night. She jumped up and hit the bathroom, scrubbing sleep from her face. She caught her eyes in the mirror. Now…it's now…whatever happens, she's accepted my invitation…she's almost here. She hurriedly made a pot of coffee with Marie's blend, filling the apartment with the rich aroma of perfectly roasted beans.
Just then, she heard a soft knock on the door. Barefooted, her heart racing, Andy hurried to the door and stopped, her hand resting on the doorknob. She leaned her forehead against the door and closed her eyes, taking a huge breath to steady herself. She opened the door to find Miranda waiting on her doorstep. They looked at each other silently for a moment.
"May I come in, Andréa?" Miranda asked with some ice in her voice, using that veneer of vocal control to assert herself.
"Yes, of course, Miranda, please…..come in." Andy ushered her through the door with a slight sweeping motion. "Welcome to my apartment and thank you for coming."
Miranda turned quickly, speaking waspishly, "Thank you for coming? Is that what you have to say to me after all that last night? Whatever were you thinking? And now…..thank you for coming?" Gods, she's still wearing that leather…that vest and those pants.
Andy stepped quickly into her space, meeting the challenge, "I have a lot to say to you, Miranda. Thanking you is just the beginning. And you're here, aren't you?" Brown eyes scanned blues that had quickly dilated with her step forward. Her voice darkened as she slowly scanned Miranda's face, and she spoke slowly and deliberately. So, yes...thank you...for coming."
"Let me…" Andy lifted her hands, sliding them over the lapels of Miranda's coat, skirting the silky edge of her blouse. "…take your coat." Not waiting for a response, she slid her hands across Miranda's upper chest and down her shoulders, sweeping the coat off and moving her body in even closer, almost embracing, her eyes gazing down as she did. She placed the coat on the chair besides them, her eyes never leaving Miranda's.
So close she could feel the heat off Andy's skin, Miranda gulped and took a step back, placing a hand flat against Andy's chest, resting on the softness of the leather vest. She could not help but give the smallest stroke to that buttery soft leather. Andy cocked her head sideways as she felt that small caress. Miranda could feel Andy's heartbeat pulsing through that second skin into her fingertips. Her eyes fell, focusing on her hand where it rested as she fought the urge to clench and hold on. I just want to keep that hand right there on her heart where it belongs. She steeled herself and looked back up to those dark pools, and spoke a single word, "No."
"No, Andréa, I can't do this. I just can't. I can't be with you." She watched as Andy's eyes shuttered and took her own step back, Miranda's hand falling away as the distance between them increased. "I've come to be honest with you, more honest than I was capable of in Paris. I owe you at least that. I hurt you. I never realized just how much until last night. It was never my intention. I'm trying to have the courage I need to do this right this time."
Despite having expected this from Miranda, Andy felt the immediate visceral reaction of hurt and rejection flash through her. She quickly squashed it. I knew she would say this but it's hard to hear. Time to move this to the next level…..
"Miranda…" Andy sighed and took that step forward again, "If you did not want to be here with me…" she stepped in again, forcing Miranda to back a step. "…you would not be here…," again another step forward. Miranda's answering step put her back against the door as her eyes widened. "…..with me…" Andy paused searching those eyes. "…now." She slowly raised her hand to cup Miranda's check and the edge of her jawline, the ball of her thumb resting over Miranda's lips, "But… here you are." Her thumb skimmed over those enticing lips.
Andy's eyes slowly moved over the face of the woman in front of her, memorizing, drinking in all of her. Her voice was so low she barely breathed the words. "And right now… I am going to kiss you…..Miranda." She closed the distance, her hand sliding through silver hair to the back of Miranda's neck, resting there, weaving into the shorter hair at the nape.
Miranda watched, hypnotized as slightly parted lips descended toward hers, brown soulful eyes fixed on her lips. She softly inhaled, preparing, all her excuses falling by the wayside in that moment. If only this once… She felt like a planet pulled into the orbit of some rogue sun and let herself go.
Andy paused just before her lips found Miranda's, retreating a fraction of an inch. Come to me, Miranda, come to me…your choice. In that pause, Miranda moved forward that fraction and pressed into that kiss.
Softly their lips met, velvet brushing against velvet before pulling away. Eyes searched the others, before lips found each other again. Andy's hand drew Miranda closer with gentle cradling pressure behind her head. Miranda's hand returned to its place above Andy's heart, the fingers fisting into the leather vest, drawing her closer, while the other arm slid around her slender waist.
All the old sayings of time slowing down proved true. With aching tenderness, Andy explored the warmth of Miranda's lips as a deluge of feelings poured through her. Magic and mystery ...and such wonder to have her in my arms at last. Her teeth gently tugged at Miranda's lower lip, nipping softly, hearing a gasp and feeling herself pulled even closer by the fist embedding itself in leather. The parting lips let her tongue run just inside the warm, wet, inside surface feeling Miranda's tongue find hers, barely touching. That tongue slowly pressed forward into Andy's mouth, seeking deeper heat.
Andy's hand came up flat against the door as her body pressed forward, feeling an answering arch of hips to her own, her other hand pulling Miranda's closer. Miranda lost her desperate grasp and slid that hand around Andy's waist, both hands grabbing the low waistband of her pants and tugging as bodies sank into each other, losing boundaries. Tongues explored and wound, moving between their mouths, sucked gently, savoring and tasting, mouths widening to accommodate and consume.
It was Andy who broke the kiss, laying a line of featherlike kisses across Miranda's cheek until her head rested next to hers as she pulled her away from the door and deeper into her arms, gathering her close. "Oh, Miranda."
She felt Miranda turn her head, resting it in the crook of Andy's neck. Andy's arms tightened as she heard whispered words, feeling breath over her skin. "Andréa, I can't…I just….I don't know how to do this. I don't, please…there are so many, many reasons."
Andy tucked her closer, turning her head to kiss her forehead, the kiss lingering. "Miranda, there is only one reason for us to be together. That reason is love. That is all we need. I put my heart out there last night. You heard me. Is there some other way that I can tell you that I love you? If there is, you only need to tell me."
Miranda's jaw clenched. She sucked her kiss-swollen lower lip between her teeth as she stared at the wall and then up at Andy. Andy simply waited, holding her lightly.
"This is so hard for me. You know that it is. The only two people I have loved so fiercely are my children. Until you, Andréa…Yes, damn you, I love you ….but….." The pain of trying for so long to suppress these feelings flitted through her eyes.
"No buts, Miranda…come with me. We're not doing this standing here. As much as I might like to just take you right here and now up against this door…mmmmm…not happening." She shook herself and took Miranda's hand and led her to the couch. "Sit, please." Not letting go of that hand, she raised it to her lips, kissing the back before letting it go. She moved close, letting her other arm drape easily over the back of the couch just above Miranda's shoulders, not quite touching. Miranda leaned in, drawn in by the care and calm and repressed sexual energy radiating from Andy.
"Talk with me, Miranda." Andy sat back further into the corner of the couch and crossed her legs. She watched as Miranda followed each move, scanning the long length of her leather clad body hungrily.
Miranda took a deep breath, looked away from Andy and distractedly looked around. She noticed the eclectic collection of items and the warmth of Andy's apartment. How very much like her, so abundant with color and light, so warm and expressive.
She focused and reached for Andy's hand, anchoring herself for this conversation, clearing her throat. "Yes, Andréa, as you said last night, there is an Us but I have no idea what that means right now or if I can even do this. My track record in relationships is abysmal. You deserve so much more than I have to give. I do know I love you….I do….. despite all my attempts to bury those feelings. And…..I also know there are so many reasons why this cannot work. "
"Miranda, listen….listen to me. You say that there all these reasons. I know all your reasons, every single one. Loving another woman? The fashion industry is full of LGBT people. You are not homophobic or you could not function in this industry. And I've watched you watch me." A fingertip stroked Miranda's palm in small enticing circles. Her voice dropped lower, "I know you want me."
Miranda frowned slightly and dropped Andy's hand. "Andréa, I married men because it was the safe thing to do and I wanted children. I never felt for them what I feel for you. I don't think I have ever felt this in my life. It's not an issue."
"Your children?"
"I can't hurt them with this, Andréa. I can't allow that."
"You won't, Miranda. They always liked me, especially after the Harry Potter delivery. It's a modern world. Kids are educated about this stuff today and knowing you, they are sensitive to embracing differences. They will adjust. I am sure they would want their mother to be happy. They love you as much as you love them."
"The press? You're Miranda Priestly, for god's sake. You've weathered everything that has come your way. And they can't touch me. And my parents will support me in loving whomever I choose, eventually. I don't work for you anymore and it's been almost a year soon. There will be no skeletons in either of our closets that anyone can dig out. I am independent, have my own work, my writing, my music. I don't want or need your money."
"What else?"
Miranda's eyes filled with shadows before looking away. There was more. "Andréa, you are so much younger than I am. Your life is really just beginning and… I'm middle-aged. How long will you be attracted…..to this?" She made a gesture that swept down her body.
Now, Andy was the one to frown. "Yes, I'm younger. But if you think that I would give up a single minute of being with you for a promise of years, of a forever? I'm not that shallow. You're the most beautiful, interesting, intriguing woman I've ever known. I want you completely…all of you, your incredible mind, your heart, your body….." Andy's hungry look made Miranda shift in place. "Age will never matter to me, not that way."
"Besides, I'm an old soul. My mother used to drag me to this astrologer in Yellow Springs who did my natal chart. She told me that I was a very old soul who'd been on the wheel way too many times. It was time to learn my lessons and move on. She told me that this is my lifetime to do that. And I think you're a part of that. I keep having these dreams…..but…that's something for another time."
Andy felt a hand shift to rest on her thigh, beginning to pet the leather almost absentmindedly with small caresses. A dark shiver of want swept through her. I am not sure I can finish this if she keeps doing that. She reached and stilled those questing fingertips, entwining their fingers together.
"Did you know that there is research that shows that those exposed to luxury are often not concerned about or considerate of others, they focus on themselves, only themselves. How toxic that must be, to give away one's heart to such benign selfishness, to become so separate. I think you were starting to get lost in that, in Runway, Miranda and that breaks my heart."
She felt Miranda's hand clench as she took a ragged breath, moisture coming to her eyes. "Yes, I know that story, Andréa, all too well. I have felt so distant from people and yes ….so very lost. It's why I am leaving over time."
"I know your life is changing." Andy said carefully. "I want to be a part of that change. Miranda, I have seen your heart. I have seen your love. Selfish is not what you are. Yes, I know what you did in Paris. You reached beyond your own need and let me go because you cared, because you loved me. Never do that again. I want your shining strength right beside mine."
Miranda looked away, holding apart the last concern she had, not ready to disclose. Andy felt her settle against her, tucking her head against her shoulder, silvery hair teasing exposed skin. Andy shifted her arm to hold her closer.
"How did you ever become so wise? You know me almost better than I know myself, Andréa." Miranda's hand moved to play with the buttons of the vest, stroking the hem of the leather as her hand rested quiescent against Andy's breast.
Andy teasingly offered, "How do you think I ever survived that job? Though I am not sure I will survive this conversation with your hand resting where it is."
Andy heard the murmur of a breathy laugh. The fingertips moved more deliberately, undoing the top button of the vest. They traced the hem of the V where it lay against pale skin, following it down, caressing the soft upper curve of exposed breasts and the black lacy edge of Andy's bra.
Miranda, murmured to herself, "So soft, so very soft….." Andy sipped in air quickly, feeling the immediate response of her nipples tightening to that roaming touch as another button opened to inquisitive fingertips.
One hand moved to cup a full leather clad breast, a thumb brushing over the pebbled nipple. Miranda's head lowered, her cheeks nuzzling soft warm curves, lips leaving lingering kisses. Andy closed her eyes, feeling waves rippling from the touch of Miranda's lips on her skin. Her hand came up to stroke through Miranda's hair. Miranda turned her head and rested it against the soft swells of warm flesh, just breathing in the moment, hearing Andy's heart beating so close beneath her ear.
As Miranda's fingers found the third button, Andy moaned softly and spoke. "Gods, love. Before you turn me into a puddle on this couch, I have this perfectly good bed and we are not doing this here." She stood quickly, looking down at Miranda, with eyes too bright, and skin flushed with arousal.
"Come….come with me." Another choice, perhaps the last….She took a step back and held out her hand, palm up, waiting.
Miranda looked up at her feeling a tiny shadow of sorrow pass through her. How could I not love this woman? She has led me to this moment, despite my fears, so gently, with such love. And still she waits for me ...Miranda undid the buttons on the cuffs of her blouse as she stood. She reached forward and placed her hand in Andy's.
Andy walked backwards the few steps into the bedroom, leading them both to the foot of the bed, her eyes never leaving Miranda's. They stood facing each other as Miranda's hands came up to rest on either side of Andy's hips. Andy lifted her hand to run fingers through that forelock, pushing it back from the blue of darkening eyes. Miranda undid the last button of Andy's vest. It opened, falling to the sides as Andy slowly unbuttoned the silk buttons one by one of Miranda's blouse. She tugged the blouse out of her slacks, hands sliding beneath and up Miranda's back. Miranda shrugged her shoulders letting the silk fall away. The bend in her arm caught the blouse as her hands returned to Andy's hips.
Andy moved closer, lips descending to the smaller woman's. This kiss, a hungry one, pulled at the tides of longing both felt. Andy's hands glided up to the fastener of the bra and undid it. Her arms wound around Miranda, embracing so fully, it lifted her up on her toes. A flood of wet release tore through Miranda's body, sweeping from her center. Breathlessly, as the kiss ended, Andy gently pulled the lingerie off. Silk flowed to the floor in a forgotten ivory puddle, the bra going with it. Fighting a slight urge to cover, Miranda stood, raising her chin almost defiantly as Andy took her in.
"So very beautiful…..you are so lovely, Miranda."
Andy's gaze roamed over high breasts, hardly touched by gravity and childbearing; full handfuls, the rosy nipples peaked. Her palms came up to cup and press, feeling the soft weight fill her hands, her thumbs moving to brush and entice each nipple. She bent and kissed, letting her tongue glance across each one, followed by a soft breath of air, watching each nipple condense even harder.
She inhaled the fragrance pyramid that flowed from Miranda wherever she went, floral with base notes of amber mixed with the unique chemistry of purely Miranda. This scent had always driven Andy to distraction. She purred as that signature scent filled her senses. Hands clenched on her hips and she heard the softest moan. She looked up to find Miranda's eyes closed.
Those eyes snapped opened as her slacks were slowly unzipped. Andy dropped low to her knees in front of her, lifting each foot one by one, removing Miranda's heels as Miranda placed a hand lightly on her shoulder for balance. Fingers found the waistband and pulled Miranda's slacks down, delicate panties going with them, a damp patch of moisture darkening the silky fabric. She lifted each foot and removed the clothing, setting it on the floor beside her.
Miranda trembled slightly, her breath catching with the tenderness of Andy's touch. Hands moved up her body, starting at her feet in the longest, slowest strokes, moving up her calves, the back of her knees, the length of her thighs, scooting around to caress the crease of thigh and ass. Andy knelt up on her knees as she moved higher. Miranda felt her muscles quiver with the passing of Andy's hands, heat and moisture gathering.
As gentle hands came forward around her hips, Miranda moved to cover the faint silver lines of stretch marks over the small rounding of her belly. Andy gently caught her hands and held them away. Her mouth found each mark and kissed each one. "Life lines live everywhere on the body. These brought your children into the world. No shame….no hiding …..ever."
As she released Miranda's hands, Andy's arms went around her hips and she held on, pulling her close, almost rocking, overwhelmed by the depth of feelings that grabbed her, her cheek resting against the soft pillow of Miranda's belly. Miranda's hand went in to her hair, cradling her head, tears coming to her eyes as she looked down to the semi-clothed woman in front of her.
Andy felt a tear hit her skin and looked up. Miranda took that opportunity to tug her up and into her arms, muttering, "Too many clothes…up, come up here." The hands around her released and separated and she felt Andy turn her head and inhale, nuzzling trimmed silvered curls, planting a kiss among them before she rose.
As Miranda pulled Andy up and into her arms, her eager hands slid up her back and around, pulling the edges of the vest wide open, exposing the full cups of Andy's bra. Her hands moved to the front clasp and opened it, parting the lacy cups. Softly, Miranda began to talk as her hands explored. Andy stood, her hands resting on Miranda's shoulders.
"Beautiful, beautiful…so, so beautiful," Miranda licked her lips. "Andréa….do you know the legend of the selkies?" Andy shook her head with a quick gasp of pleasure as Miranda pulled the bra aside and her tongue traced a dusky rose areolae. "Well …" A warm mouth found the other breast, nuzzling and repeating that circle, feeling tender flesh wrinkle and tighten. "They have unearthly beauty with dark hair and eyes." Miranda laid a kiss on her sternum. "They're seals by day, men and women by night." She tugged the vest and bra from Andy's body. "You can keep one with you if you find their skin and hide it away so they can't return to the sea." Breathless, Andy's eyes widened at the hands possessively clutching her clothing. "You are my selkie, so sleek and so dark and daring in that leather."
Andy felt impatient hands, opening the clasp of the pants, unzipping and pulling them down her body, pressing Andy back to sit on the edge of bed, pulling the pants off completely. "You will not get these back, Andréa. They are mine, forever." She stroked the still warm material, lifting it to inhale the scent of woman and leather.
Beyond wordless, Andy leaned back on her arms, scooting back on the bed. "Here, come here…I need…..need you here.….." She watched Miranda drop the clothes and reach for the wisp of panties Andy wore, almost ripping them off before climbing above her, straddling her hips. Andy's hands rose, cupping Miranda's breasts, rolling peaked buds between thumb and forefinger, pinching and pulling, watching Miranda's head fall back with a shuddering inhale, breasts pressing forward as her hips opened, the heat of her core blazing.
Andy rose, partially sitting, an arm circling around to hold Miranda close where she straddled her hips. Her mouth found a hardened peak, teeth surrounding the nipple to firmly hold as her tongue flicked repeatedly, hummingbird fast, before releasing. Her lips surrounded and suckled, pulling deep into the warmth of her mouth, feeling the woman she held writhe against her with a low needy moan. Her other hand shimmied down the central line of Miranda's abdomen as her mouth found the other breast and played over it as she had the other. The fingers of her lower hand wove through damp curls, and she spread her thighs an inch or two more, opening Miranda's hips, spreading her for her touch.
"Wet, you are so very wet….mmmmmmmmmm. I can smell how much you want me." She hummed low in the back of her throat as she delicately teased those curls, looking up into Miranda's eyes. Miranda's hands clutched Andy's shoulders, her eyes dark, pupils dilated. Her hips undulated forward, as Andy slid two fingers slowly, one on each side of her clit, pressing and sliding a stroke or two, never directly touching. Those same two fingers slid back, gathering silken moisture and lifted. She delicately painted Miranda's lips before taking her into a deep kiss, licking and devouring her mouth, tasting. Breaking the kiss, she watched a delicate pink tongue swirl over heated lips. "You taste like… like the ocean, salt and life…and I want more of you, all of you….."
Miranda's skin tingled as blood sang through her veins. She was on fire and so ultimately sensitive. Each touch felt like tiny explosions flashing under the skin. Catching her breath, she dropped her head to Andy's shoulder, holding hard, trying to regain some sense of her own center.
"And you, Gods, Andréa ….you are a riptide that is pulling me out to a sea I've never known before…and hope to survive." Her lips nibbled their way up a long neck, to whisper, "Take me there…oh Gods, please…..take me there...make love to me…."
In response, Andy rolled them to the side so that Miranda was flat on her back. Her hands caressed, down arms, over shoulders, over chests and breast, over ribs and and sides, hips and thighs; memorizing every inch, mapping, learning Miranda. Her mouth planted kisses wherever she could reach, the heat and wet searing, teeth nibbling, setting Miranda writhing against her.
Her mouth found its way down as her body shifted, teasing through damp curls once again as she pressed thighs open and moved to settle between them. She kissed the soft insides of both thighs, rubbing her cheek against them like a cat marking her territory. She looked at the body splayed before her, with a feral smile. Fingertips moved to open gleaming lips, spreading them wide. Her tongue descended for one long delicate lick. Miranda's hips jerked up to meet her mouth. With a low growl, she flattened her tongue and began to drag it over the inner labia and clit, in slow building licks. She sucked each labium into her mouth, tugging gently before continuing. Her mouth descended to cover as much as she could as her tongue began to lave Miranda's clit, circling and flicking, rolling back the hood and pressing, driving her higher and higher. She felt desperate fingers bury in her hair as hips undulated to the accompaniment of guttural moans.
Moving lower, her tongue probed for entry, moving in as far as she could, pressing in and retreating. The fingers of one hand shifted, one fingertip circling that entrance, gathering moisture and slowly moving in, caressing tight walls, circling to relax and open. A second finger joined, starting to press in deeper and deeper with each stroke.
She gathered herself and moved up Miranda's body, her thumb moving to circle and tantalize the clit she had lovingly aroused. Hands clutched at her, anchoring, as her arm slid beneath Miranda's shoulders holding her.
"Miranda, look at me…..be here with me… right here." She watched sea-blue eyes dragged open, sex-lost. "Yes, stay…." And she began to move again, holding her eyes, watching the storm gather there, starting to drive deeper, working with the rhythm of surging hips moving with her. Her fingers worked, massaging the flexible walls as she drove inside, pressing deeper, faster as her thumb spiraled, pressed and flicked across the swollen clit. Hands clenched as Miranda's back arched. Andy held her eyes, "Yes, come for me…let go…" Her hand twisted so the fingertips could massage that upper wall searching for that different texture. She hummed to herself as she found it and her fingers danced arpeggios, pulling pleasure from the clenching walls. She felt hips arch almost off the bed, pulling her deeper. Miranda seemed to freeze on a long indrawn breath, her head falling back, eyes closing, then released with long pulsating shudders that matched the rippling waves of the walls holding Andy's fingers. She heard her name moaned as Miranda came.
Andy gathered her close, feeling small ripples catch at her fingers as they slowed and gradually withdrew. Her hand cupped and held, feeling the racing pulse starting to slow. Her thigh came up to press gently, a full body embrace. "I've got you, close…safe…in my arms, love." She rocked gently, leaving kisses across Miranda's shoulders and neck. Her hand came up to turn Miranda's face towards her. She saw tears, and quickly kissed them away.
Miranda fought to catch her breath. "Just overwhelmed, you…..not a riptide….a bloody hurricane…you are….." The words trailed off as Miranda lifted a hand to cup her cheek, searching those dark eyes. "Unearthly, yes ….amazing…..you move me to tears."
Hands moved through Andy's hair, running through its length as she caught her breath. Miranda slowly turned, fitting her body to Andy's, one hand fisting in that dark cascade to pull her down into a long kiss, tasting herself on that hot mouth. Her thigh slid between Andy's legs pressing up to the junction of body and limbs, slipping against the copious wet gathered there. She began a slow sinuous glide, sliding a hand between them, cupping, and letting the pressure of her hips drive. "Have to have you….take you…"
She rolled, trapping Andy beneath her with a fast wriggle of hips and shoulders. Her hips arched into Andy's, spreading her legs wider. Miranda looked down at the woman beneath her, noting the flush spreading over her chest, the deep breaths, an almost visible charge of need coming off of her.
Her hands, circled Andy's wrists and she raised her hands, kissing each one, before placing them, the backs flat against the sheet, just above her head. "These stay here,…. no touching." Her fingers trailed down the soft underside of her arms.
Miranda sat up, straddling Andy's thigh, her own pressing against Andy's sex, slightly rocking, leaving a wet trail. Her eyes caressed, from top to bottom leaving a burning pathway, drinking in the sight of her aroused lover.
"You are exquisite, so beyond beautiful….a smoldering dark flame. I used to watch you, wanting you ….but you are so beyond anything I could ever imagine." She leaned forward supporting her weight on her arms, brushing her lips over Andy's. "I've wanted to kiss you for so long"….her tongue traced over swollen lips, …" so full, so luscious"…..
"Gods, Miranda, kiss me….take my mouth…..I'm begging…" She was interrupted by Miranda's mouth fitting to hers almost roughly, her tongue pressing deep, twining around Andy's, sliding over sensitized inner tissue, teasing and tantalizing. They finally parted, gasping. Miranda captured her lower lip with her teeth, pulling gently, and then releasing. "I want those lips aching from my kisses. I could kiss you for hours."
Andy's head fell back, inviting, her eyes closed. Miranda's mouth moved down the length of her neck. She breathed in the dark, oceanic scent that lingered there with edges of sandalwood, chypre and chalone blending with the oils of Andy's skin. "Delicious, alluring…." Skin was kissed, licked, gently sucked, evoking a low moan of pure pleasure at a spot that Miranda returned to, sucking blood to the surface, marking.
Miranda's hungry mouth found Andy's full breasts. Andy inhaled sharply, her body opening with an involuntary roll of hips, her chest rising, offering. She felt a small sun radiating from her core, sending waves of intense pleasure ripping through her body. Miranda rocked into her as her mouth so deliberately ravished, seeking that point of pleasure and almost pain with lips, teeth and tongue. She felt Andy begin to lift her hands, and immediately twined her fingers through them, pressing them back down, her message clear. She heard a whimpered, "Miranda, I can't …need to touch you…." She kissed those barely coherent lips, her eyes holding a warning. "No….stay, just like this….for me…..."
Andy tossed her head, as Miranda kissed her way down her body, leaving small sucking love bites as she went, taking Andy higher with each one. Loving her was like riding the fast moving rapids of a wild dark river. Finally, Miranda sat back, her back straight as her hips rocked against the lightly muscled thigh beneath her. She ran hands down her own body, feeling the tremble in them, trying to catch her breath from the sheer intensity.
As the light from the room fell over Andy's splayed form, Miranda had a sudden vision of a terrace, with pillared walls, high on a cliff, and the two of them exactly like this as sea breeze and sun held them. She blinked and the vision was gone.
Her hand slipped between them and found Andy's engorged, swollen clit, delicately dancing over it, not wanting to send her over that last turn too fast. She groaned softly as her fingers were immediately soaked.
Moving fast, she settled between warm thighs, her mouth attaching like a remora as her arms circled rising hips. She felt Andy's hands snap down from their position above her head and bury in her hair as Andy's body arched hard and she released an echoing cry as two fingers slowly slid inside of her.
"Miranda, …yesss…..oh, please…more… "
She added a third digit, letting her finger form a tight triad, rolling inside the ring of muscle at the opening, before pressing in firmly, retreating, and pressing again, repeating as her mouth matched the same rhythm as she consumed her.
Her fingers whirled, tattooing love words on the rippling walls as she murmured, "Come, Andréa, ….my beautiful Andréa...come….." Her free hand rose to interlace with one buried in her hair, feeling fingers clench desperately.
Andy felt herself flung to the stars as lights exploded behind her eyelids. She sipped air as if it was too cold and thin to fill needy lungs from such heights. The arch in her body collapsed as she folded in on herself, body jerking with the intensity of the tide grabbing her, a long cry released. Miranda's mouth gentled, staying with her, milking every bit of sensation from her. She felt Andy's pulse dance under her fingers so deep inside of her. She slowed, her mouth soft, painting Andy's sex with feathered kisses. Andy murmured shakily as her fingers clenched in that hand holding hers, "Too sensitive…Gods, woman …you'll be the death of me". Miranda left the lightest kiss on her clit, smiling at the responsive jerk and slowly slid her fingers away.
Andy's hands grabbed and pulled Miranda up into arms that surrounded her. Miranda kissed her thoroughly, disquieted as they both caught their breath, and twined together, skin damp and slippery. Miranda soothed, her fingers ran through dark tresses smoothing them back from Andy's face. Her eyes searched, gazing into eyes that held hers. Andy smiled languidly and kissed her, a question in her eyes at the seriousness of Miranda's expression.
Miranda cupped her cheek. "Never doubt that you are loved, Andréa. Never forget, no matter whatever happens. I do love you. I will always love you." Her fingertips grazed Andy's lips, stopping the words she was about to speak. "And I do know you love me, nothing is more clear to me. Now, just let me hold you."
Andy reached for a sheet at the foot of the bed, drawing its softness around them as she snuggled into Miranda's body with an audible purr of contentment. Miranda held her close, tucking her against her shoulder and chest, treasuring her in those moments. Lips against Andy's forehead left lingering kisses. She felt the body next to her gradually relax, the hands around her loosening as Andy faded into sleep. Reluctant to let go, Miranda watched the shadows shift across the wall as the sun continued in its orbit and the day moved on.
She felt cast loose from all that chained her and overwhelmed by the power of this experience, stripped down to a vulnerable shell of self. That stripping down to the bone let her fears pour back in with a vengeance from the walls she had forced behind. Andrea had asked, "What else?" There was more and Miranda had not shared it. It was her deepest shame, her fear of abandonment. It had grown over time to become this monstrous insecurity, planting seeds of self-doubt coupled to an overwhelming feeling of being unlovable. Normally, she was able to bury this demon. But the possibility of love brought it out of the deep hole where she locked it away.
If Andréa does not care about age, I do. She should be with someone…someone younger….someone who deserves her. She will leave me as everyone one I have ever cared about leaves. Eventually, they all disappear, hating me…why wouldn't they? Why would this be any different? Why would she be any different? She already left once, she will again. She felt progressive waves of anxiety start to roll through her gut and catch her deep in its convoluted circular thinking. I can't survive that. It would destroy me. Now…even more than a few hours ago. Her panic was winning. All the reasoning that Andy had shared drifted away as that protective cloud of fear descended.
Did I tell myself, just this once…. with that first kiss? Oh Gods, what have I done to myself, to her? Miranda slowly extracted herself from Andy's hold hoping not to wake her. Almost free, she heard a sleepy, "M'ran….what? Where're you goin'?" as hands tightened around her. She carefully pulled herself free with a murmured, "Bathroom…," and kissed a sleep-warmed cheek, "Go back to sleep, Andréa."
She grabbed her clothes with shaking hands and quickly dressed in the bathroom. She quietly returned to the bedroom, drinking in the sprawled figure half on her stomach, nude from the waist down, her hair tumbling down her back and shoulders to barely cover one breast. She felt her cell phone in her pocket and guiltily took it out and snapped a picture.
Miranda stared, sadness filling her, trying to force her panic down. Why did I let this happen? Oh Andréa, how can I leave you? How can I do this thing that I must do…for both of us? Part of her just wanted to crawl back under the covers and just hold on, love this woman who had embedded herself in her heart. Losing that battle, she turned to run.
Out of the corner of her eye saw the leather clothes lying at the foot of the bed. Her only thought was, Mine….. She scooped them up and quietly moved from the room, her heels in her hand. At the door, she shrugged into her coat and heels and in one long step crossed the threshold, easing the door closed behind her with the softest click. She ran down the stairs and to the corner, phoning Roy to pick her up.
In the car, she sat numbly, avoiding the fleeting glance Roy gave her in the mirror. He left her at the townhouse, sadly watching her climb the stairs and enter, the door closing firmly behind her
XXXXX
Andy woke, blinking in the late afternoon sun. She reached out; hands searched for a warm body and found an empty cold spot next to her. Confused, she pushed herself halfway up and quietly called, "Miranda?" and again a little louder, "Miranda, where are you?" Not hearing a response she stood, wrapping the sheet around her, peeking into the bathroom first, and then checking the main room, a pit opening in her stomach. The coat and bag were not on the chair by the door.
She stumbled back into the bedroom, her eyes scanning the room. Miranda's clothes and shoes were gone. Andy sank down on the edge of the bed with a shuddering breath. Her arms wrapped around her body, clenching the sheet, hanging on desperately as she began to rock. "She's gone, she's chosen….," she whispered to the empty room.
The tears would come.
Gads, before people start hunting me down, no, this story is not done! but ...please review.
