Chapter 5
Sunday came with a layer of snow, and Andy groused while tromping around Manhattan, trying not to slip. She supposed if she were sitting in her home, wrapped in a blanket and sipping a hot beverage, she might view the snow as beautiful, a perfect reminder of the ensuing holiday. Instead Andy was doing errands, which included finding the perfect gifts for Caroline and Cassidy Priestly. At least I know what to get. Entering a bookstore, Andy walked toward the back where a large display of Harry Potter merchandise was showcased. Once she purchased their gifts, Andy returned home to wrap the gifts and get ready for her dinner date at the Priestly residence.
As soon as she opened the apartment door, she felt a wave of warmth envelop her. She took off her winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves, and boots before looking around for Lily. She saw her in the kitchen, a mug in her hand as she looked at something on her laptop.
"Hey," Andy greeted her, sitting down.
"Hey. Did you find what you needed?"
"Yup. I'm going to wrap everything in a few minutes. What are you up to tonight?"
"I'm Doug's plus one for his company's holiday party. Wish me luck with getting a good White Elephant gift."
"Good luck. I'm gonna get ready."
Rising, Andy took the bags she'd dropped beside her and left, hearing Lily yell after her, "Wear something sexy, but not slutty, since her daughters will be there. And wear something Christmasy, red or green or white or maybe velvety. But not that winter sweater your mom gave you last year. That's hideous."
"Thank you," Andy sing-songed, knowing Lily would keep going. She made quick work of wrapping the gifts before taking a shower. After finishing her ablutions, she looked in her closet for inspiration. She had a few options.
After deliberating, she decided on the winter-blue velvet dress. It had long sleeves and a fitted bodice. Falling to her knees, it wasn't particularly sexy, but it did show her curves. The color made her eyes pop, and her skin glow. She paired the dress with matching blue velvet shoes.
Once she was ready, she met Lily, who wore a sparkling, silver cocktail dress, in the living room. "You look dazzling," Andy said with a smile.
"Thank you. That dress looks fantastic on you. Miranda will love it."
"I hope so. Have fun tonight." Andy pulled on her coat and got ready to brave the weather.
"You, too. Let me know if you decide to stay over so I won't worry."
"As if. This is a dinner. I'll be ecstatic if we share a kiss."
"Oh, I'm pretty sure she wants to do a lot more. Don't let your insecurities get the better of you. She's interested. You're interested. See where it goes. It might be to her dragon's lair." Lily wiggled her eyebrows. They both giggled.
With a wave, Andy was out the door. She caught a cab, not wanting to be late, and before she was quite ready, Andy stood outside Miranda's townhouse. She took a deep breath to settle her nerves before pressing the doorbell. While she waited, she listened to the bustle of the city that infiltrated the quiet street. The wet swish of snow being pushed by tires sounded behind her. She shivered, as the wind tried to remove her hat. She clamped a hand on her head just as the door opened. Although the person was backlit by the indoor illumination, Andy knew it was Miranda.
"Come in." Miranda turned aside to allow Andy entrance, closing the door behind her.
Andy followed Miranda further into her home until they stopped near the very table where she used to place the Book each night. "May I take your coat?"
Nodding, Andy shucked off her outerwear and handed everything to Miranda. Once she turned around, Andy got a good look at Miranda's outfit and grabbed the table to keep from swooning. Heat traveled to her face, embarrassment filling her. She hazarded a glance to determine whether Miranda had seen her Victorian response, only to stall on a flushed face and darkened eyes. "Miranda?"
"You look stunning, Andrea." Miranda stood with her hands clasped in front of her body, and Andy could see how tight her grip was. Andy watched her breathe in deeply and exhale, and she struggled to move her eyes away before Miranda noticed them stalled on her décolletage.
Miranda wore a beautiful deep-red wool sheath tailored to her body. It showed off her curves without being too form-fitting. She looked elegant and untouchable, and Andy wanted nothing more than to touch her. Or at least stare at her. Being able to stare at her for the last two weeks was a great gift, one she would always treasure, but now she felt bereft, knowing she no longer had that opportunity.
Stepping forward, Andy pulled Miranda into a hug. Although stiff at first, Miranda sank into Andy's embrace with a sigh and nuzzled the side of Andy's neck. Andy hummed her delight, tightening her grip around Miranda's back. After a few moments of indulgence, Andy pulled back enough to place her lips beside Miranda's ear to whisper, "You're breathtaking, Miranda." She felt Miranda shiver and wondered at the effect she was having on the editor. "Thank you for inviting me here."
With great reluctance, Andy dropped her arms, allowing them to fall to her sides. Miranda surprised her by holding on.
"Darling, please forgive me if I'm overstepping, but…" Miranda paused.
"What?" Andy stared into Miranda's hooded gaze, wondering how to interpret the flow of emotions crossing her face. Nervous, Andy wet her lower lip before biting it, becoming breathless when she realized Miranda was tracking her movements with a hungry look. "Miranda," she whispered. It looked like Miranda wanted to kiss her, but Andy feared she was projecting her desires. Andy wound one arm around Miranda's waist while cupping her cheek. Taking a leap of faith, Andy said, "You're not overstepping if I want it, too."
That's all it took for Miranda to move her hands to either side of Andy's face and pull her forward. Their eyes connected for one timeless moment before Miranda brushed her lips against Andy's mouth once, twice. Andy couldn't hold back a low, long moan, and as her lips parted, Miranda took Andy's lower lip between her teeth and nibbled with such gentle attention, Andy felt her body flush. She was having a hard time processing the fact that Miranda was kissing her.
"Andrea," Miranda's voice was as gentle as the hands still framing Andy's face.
It wasn't until Andy felt Miranda's thumbs wiping away her tears that she realized she was weeping. She wasn't sad. Of course she wasn't sad. How could she be when Miranda was kissing her? Holding her? Showing her that her feelings weren't unrequited? Andy sipped air, taking a few moments to calm her breathing before attempting to allay the concern shining through Miranda's bright eyes.
"I'm not upset. Just overwhelmed. I've wanted this for so long, Miranda, and I'm so thankful." Andy smiled, loving the shy look taking over Miranda's face. "I've waited all my life for that kiss," Andy whispered.
"Oh, darling."
This time Andy kissed Miranda, focusing on the texture of her lips and the catch in her breath. She loved the whimper that escaped Miranda's mouth when she moved her lips around the slope of Miranda's jaw to her ear, where Andy stalled to suck on the lobe before apply the barest pressure with her teeth. The resulting hiss seemed to travel from Miranda's mouth to Andy's sex, and Andy wanted nothing more than to elicit more sensual sounds. Before she could, though, she heard a high-pitched voice calling from upstairs.
"Mom, is Andy here?"
Andy pulled away with reluctance, smoothing down her dress. A quick glance at Miranda showed her patting her hair and touching her lips, a soft look in her eyes. "Yes, Bobbsey. Andrea is here."
What sounded like an army storming the line was actually two prepubescent girls running down three flights of stairs to get to them. Andy couldn't help but smile when she saw how excited they were. Amid shouts of "Andy!" and gangly arms wrapping around her, Andy hugged them, laughing at their exuberant welcome.
"You monkeys! Look how much you've grown." She pulled back to make a show of inspecting them. "So tall!"
"Soon we'll be taller than Mom."
"Well, when she doesn't have high heels on."
"Not too soon, Bobbseys."
"But at least we'll be able to hang more Christmas ornaments on the tree."
"Yeah, we won't even have to use a step-ladder."
"Just how tall do you think you're going to get?" Andy asked. "Planning to try out for the basketball team?"
"I'm horrible at basketball," Caroline scoffed. "Cass is good at it, though."
"But basketball isn't a big sport at school. Maybe you'd like lacrosse, Caro," Cassidy said.
In her peripheral vision, Andy saw Miranda shudder. Shaking her head, Andy joked, "I think that might scar your mother. Maybe a different sport?"
"I like running," Cassidy admitted, her voice soft.
"Me, too. I run in Central Park. There are some great routes of varying distances and difficulty levels. Maybe when it gets warmer, if you want and your mom is okay with it, we can run together." Andy gauged the expression on Miranda's face, and when she saw the small upturn of her lips, took it as a good sign.
"Thanks, Andy. That sounds fun."
"You're welcome, Cass."
They made their way into the parlor, both girls taking a large pillow from the corner and flopping down on them. The gas fireplace was on, warming the room, and the lights were turned low. Andy sat on the Chesterfield-style sofa, settling into the corner and crossing one leg over the other. Its high, rolled arms and back and deep diamond tufts modernized the sofa, while the nailhead trim reflected the classic style. The pearl color of the sofa complemented the dark wooden floors and slate gray side chairs. She gazed around the room, curious to see what was exhibited in a room that she guessed was used for business-related gatherings. The room was formal and to some extent impersonal. The modern paintings used dark, bold colors to pull together the furniture pieces. In one corner on a high square table sat a well-known sculpture. Andy gasped.
"Is that Giacometti?" Andy jumped up and made her way to the glass display to get a closer look.
"Yes. I met him when I was fresh out of high school. A brilliant man. Many have tried to emulate his style, but few have succeeded."
Andy tilted her head, studying the bronze stick figure. The elongated form, her shoulders pulled back, seemed to challenge the world to try and shove her down.
"She's gorgeous." Andy gestured toward the sculpture while glancing at Miranda. "She reminds me of you. That strength and fortitude she reflects through her stance." Seeing Miranda's eyes soften made Andy's heart speed up. She took a deep breath to calm herself before retaking her seat on the sofa. Turning toward Caroline, Andy asked her, "So, if you aren't into basketball, what do you like?"
"Do you mean for exercise?"
Andy hummed. "Exercise or whatever you like to do in your spare time."
Miranda handed her a glass of red wine, and Andy smiled her thanks before refocusing on Caroline.
"I like to ice skate, and I'm starting to like playing the piano now that I'm good enough to play songs I hear on the radio."
"That's great. Maybe you can play me a song sometime. I used to play the clarinet, but I didn't keep up with it once I went to college."
"It doesn't surprise me that you are musical. Someone gifted in the arts tends to express it in various ways," Miranda said. Hearing her cell phone chime, Miranda rose. "Let me check on dinner."
Their dinner was simple and tasty—a prime rib roast, vegetables, and salad. Andy felt like she was eating a holiday dinner. Since this was the last time she'd see them before the holidays arrived, she supposed that was true. Once dinner was over they moved to the upstairs family room. In contrast to the downstairs parlor, this room was warm and cozy with a navy overstuffed couch, matching chairs, and thick Berber area rug.
Miranda lit the fireplace, and after a few minutes, the wood began popping as it burned.
"Please sit wherever you'd like, Andrea, while I make us some coffee."
Andy watched her stroll over to a small wet bar to make the beverage.
"Water, Bobbseys?"
"Yes, please. I'll get it," Caroline said, jumping up and joining her mother. "Cass, do you want one?" When she nodded, Caroline filled two glasses and made her way over to her sister.
Contentment stole over Andy. She gazed at the decorated Christmas tree in the corner of the room. The white lights were on, and she could see several homemade ornaments interspersed with more expensive ones. She liked how not everything was designer or expensive. Their dog, Patricia, walked over to Andy, her tail thumping against Andy's leg as she patted her. After a few more pats, Patricia went to her doggie bed and settled down with a big sigh. Andy wondered where the dog had been all evening.
"We place her in her crate until after dinner," Miranda offered. "Not that she begs, but it's good practice." Miranda brought over their coffee and sat next to Andy on the couch. "I'm glad you're here," she said, her voice soft.
"I am, too." Andy sipped her coffee, listening to the twins talk about some of the activities they wanted to do over break.
"I take a few days off during their break to spend with them. In no time at all they'll want to spend all their spare time with their friends."
Sliding her hand across the couch, Andy squeezed Miranda's arm. They shared a smile. She looked over at the girls and saw them watching. Andy dropped her arm and clapped her hands. "So, I have presents for you."
The girls cheered with delight.
"Let me go grab them."
Andy made her way to the coat closet on the first floor where she'd left the bag of gifts. Returning to the family room, she reclaimed her place on the sofa. Andy looked to Miranda for permission to give out the gifts, and when she nodded, Andy reached in the bag.
"Caroline, this one's for you," Andy said, handing it over, "and Cassidy, this is yours."
She kept Miranda's gift in the bag, wanting to see their reactions before focusing on the editor.
"Andy, this is great!" Caroline squealed. Andy got her a Harry Potter horcrux bookmark collection. All seven bookmarks were in the shape of a different horcrux.
"Oh, wow!" Cassidy said, as she stared at the gift Andy gave her. It was a time turner in a display case with a miniature hourglass and inner rings that rotated, similar to the one Hermione used in her third year at Hogwarts.
Both girls jumped up and engulfed Andy in a hug. She laughed, hugging them back. "I'm glad you like the presents. I was afraid you might have grown out of Harry Potter."
"No way. We can't wait until the next movie comes out."
"Me, too," Andy agreed. As the twins settled back in their seats, gifts in hand, Andy turned to Miranda. "I have something for you, too." Andy reached in the bag and pulled out the gift. "I hope you like it." Andy watched Miranda open the gift, butterflies wreaking havoc in her belly. She couldn't afford to get Miranda anything expensive, so she opted to make her gift.
"Oh, Andrea. This is priceless." Miranda's eyes glistened, but their brightness paled in comparison to her smile. It made Andy tremble.
The girls got up to see what Miranda held, oohing and aahing once they were leaning against their mom. Andy had drawn the girls, both sitting at a table with a partly-finished puzzle between them. Andy made sure to include their subtle differences—Caroline's extra dusting of freckles and Cassidy's redder hair—while maintaining their identical features. The completed part of the puzzle showed their mother's face, her blue eyes blazing and head tilted, as well as the left bottom of the puzzle where the word, "Happy" appeared with the partially completed "Holidays" next to it. On the bottom right she'd signed her name and noted the year. Andy had even memorialized Patricia by drawing her head resting on Caroline's knee.
Miranda placed it on the coffee table in front of them before reaching over and drawing Andy in for a hug.
Pleasure swept through Andy at the realization that she'd made Miranda happy with the gift. "I'm so glad you like it," Andy whispered.
"I love it, Andrea. It's the most thoughtful gift I've ever received. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Andy smiled brightly as she drew back.
"Andy, we have something for you," Caroline said. She brought over a large box, and Andy pulled away from Miranda's arms so that the present could be placed on her lap. Her eyes widened at the size and weight. "You're gonna love it," Caroline said with confidence.
"I'm sure you're right." Andy grinned before ripping the paper away to reveal a suitcase-sized wooden box. She opened it and found colored pencils, charcoal, markers, oil paints, and various paintbrushes. Andy felt her eyes widen. She couldn't wait to try them out. Underneath the box were two large pads of sketch paper, the quality much better than what she used. She wondered whether it would make a difference with her drawings. Under that was a leather portfolio with designated areas to store drawing tools and paper. It was perfect. All of it. The leather was a fine brushed brandy color with her initials embossed on the top.
Taking a minute to gather herself, Andy looked up while blinking several times. She didn't want to cry, but she was blown away by the thought placed into the gifts. In a hushed voice, Andy said, "Thank you. These are magnificent. I can assure you I'll make good use of them." She sniffled, swiping at her eyes. "I love them."
"We knew you would. You're really good at drawing," Cassidy said.
"Yeah. We always look for your stuff online," Caroline added.
Andy caught Miranda rolling her eyes, a fond look in her eyes, and she giggled at Caroline's use of the catchall word. Andy touched each object in the case, her mind already envisioning future projects. Her fingers itched to draw, but she resisted. After one last graze of her fingers over each object, Andy closed the case and set it on the floor with her other gifts. She smiled at each Priestly before saying, "I'm looking forward to using those. They're perfect."
They sat in front of the fire, sipping their beverages and enjoying each other's company. Sometimes one would make a comment that would spur a conversation, but they shared silences, too. Andy didn't feel as if she were an intruder. She felt comfortable. Best of all, once she and Miranda finished their coffee, Miranda turned on some Christmas music and cuddled into Andy's side. She never would have believed that Miranda was demonstrative. Yet she seemed content to wrap her arms around Andy's waist and lay her head on her shoulder, a warm throw blanket pulled over their legs.
Warm lips on her collarbone roused Andy. She must have dozed off. A tongue pressed at the hollow of her throat before lips sucked on the bone, ripping a whimper from Andy as her eyes fluttered open.
"There's my sleeping beauty," Miranda murmured. She had a soft smile on her face, which melted Andy into a pile of goo. "The girls went to bed. You're welcome to stay. There's a guest room," Miranda said, licking the column of Andy's throat, "and there's my bedroom," she added, sucking behind Andy's ear before tonguing the ear canal. "I'm sure you can guess what my preference is," she whispered, nipping at Andy's earlobe, "but we can take this at whatever pace you want."
Sweeping a lock of hair from Miranda's face, Andy studied her face. She whispered, "I've been in love with you for so long. I'm finding it hard to believe that you want me, and I'm not inclined to throw away any opportunity to touch you."
Miranda sat up, gazing at Andy with a serious expression before taking Andy's hands and squeezing them. "Andrea, my feelings for you are not new. What we do or don't do tonight will not change the fact that I intend to spend more time with you. Much more. Please don't feel that this is a one-time opportunity. You know I'm a planner. It's part of being effective at Runway. We plan months ahead of time, painstakingly breaking down each page for the magazine to the most minute detail. That carries over into my personal life. And although I can be impulsive, when it comes to important decisions, it's rare." She cupped Andy's cheek. "You might as well have signed your name on my heart like you would on your finest drawings, for you've made it yours. Whether we make love tonight or some other time, I know it will be perfect."
Andy sat, hearing her heart pound as Miranda's words washed over her. The thought of touching Miranda and feeling her touch was exhilarating. She wanted it, and she refused to wait.
"Take me to bed, Miranda."
The gasp out of Miranda's mouth made Andy smile. She raised an eyebrow and cocked her head. "I have another gift for you to unwrap."
Miranda's sputtered out a laugh, her shocked expression morphing into a wolfish smile. "You do give the best gifts." She rose, extending a hand to Andy.
While Miranda banked the fire, Andy turned off the lights. They met at the door, sharing a smile as their hands interlaced as if they'd done so for years. They walked up a flight of stairs and entered the last door on the left. It opened up to a large bedroom where the bed captured Andy's attention. It was large—Andy guessed it was a king-sized mattress. The autumnal patterned pillows complemented the burnt orange color of the comforter. The entire room exuded comfort and warmth.
In front of the bed was a padded bench, and to the left two tan high-back chairs were separated by a round walnut table on which a small bouquet of white lilies sat. The gorgeous wood grain called for Andy's fingers to trace it, but tracing Miranda's skin would take precedence. On the other side of the room a tall matching armoire and dresser lined the wall. She could see through an entryway to an enormous en suite. A hand on her lower back prompted Andy to turn toward Miranda.
"Your room is beautiful."
"Thank you. It looks all the better with you in it."
"Sweet-talker."
"Not at all. When have I ever said something I didn't mean?"
Smiling, Andy leaned in to kiss Miranda. Unlike the earlier kisses they shared, this one promised much more. She swallowed Miranda's moan and pulled her closer by her hips before allowing her tongue to taste Miranda's lips and delve between them. Andy explored Miranda's mouth, taking her time. She shivered as Miranda ran her hands up her back and rested them between Andy's shoulder blades. Andy explored Miranda's sides, allowing her thumbs to run over Miranda's ribs while they indulged in deep kisses, their tongues rubbing in a slow, sinful motion. She could feel Miranda trembling in her arms, and it made Andy feel powerful.
"Let me unwrap you, darling." Miranda grasped the zipper on Andy's dress and pulled the tab.
Andy cool feel each inch as air hit her revealed skin. Goosebumps erupted, and Andy hummed when she felt Miranda trace her spine with her fingers. Andy stepped back, allowing the dress to pool around her feet before stepping out. She wore a lacy navy-blue set of lingerie. The demi-cup bra didn't leave much to the imagination. Nor did the thong. She kicked off her shoes and turned her eyes toward Miranda.
"May I?" Andy asked, her eyes raking over Miranda's body. She could see the outline of hard peaks and wanted nothing more than to take them in her mouth. When Miranda nodded, Andy stepped forward once more and turned Miranda so she could reach the zipper. She held her breath while pulling the tab down, leaning in to deliver butterfly kisses as more skin was revealed. Miranda's red silk lingerie made Andy breathless, the color contrasting with her flawless, alabaster skin.
They lay down facing each other, hands exploring as they kissed. Andy knew she would never be the same. Miranda tasted like her future, and she was addicted. As she explored Miranda's mouth with singular intent, Andy recognized the feeling of rightness that pervaded her being.
Breaking their kiss, Miranda maneuvered Andy on to her back and removed Andy's bra. The way she sat on her haunches and gazed at her made Andy self-conscious, but Miranda's smile was so genuine she felt reassured. A manicured hand ran down Andy's torso, sweeping over her hip and playing with her panty line. "You're exquisite. I want you so much."
The words enflamed Andy. She sat up, pulling Miranda in for a tight hug. "I'm yours."
She could feel Miranda's thighs on either side of her hips, and the closeness was exhilarating. She removed Miranda's bra and pulled her into another hug. She loved how Miranda's breasts rubbed against hers, and Andy took pleasure running her hands over Miranda's back, exploring every dip and curve. Miranda's hands slipped around her shoulders, sinking into Andy's hair. Andy groaned, her eyes closing at the feel of nails lightly scratching her scalp.
When Miranda tipped her pelvis forward and rocked against her, Andy slipped a hand inside the back of Miranda's panties and pulled her forward as much as possible, kneading her backside. She ducked to envelop a pointed peak with her mouth, already addicted to the mewling noises Miranda emitted as she sucked on a nipple, hollowing out her cheeks and lashing it with her tongue.
"Andrea. Oh, Andrea."
Switching to the other breast, Andy kept one hand on Miranda's buttock, massaging a cheek while she used her other hand to squeeze and pull at the other nipple. It was red and swollen and sensitive and Miranda's breathing was coming in faster bursts as her body moved against her.
"Oh, darling. I need…I need…"
"I know," Andy murmured, guiding Miranda on her back and pulling down her panties.
Miranda kicked them off while reaching over to remove Andy's thong. Once the last barriers were removed, Andy stretched out on top of her, resting on her elbows. Miranda's eyes were so dark only a small rim of blue remained. When Miranda opened her legs for Andy to rest between them, Andy began moving against her, taking care not to crush her.
"I won't break, darling." Miranda wrapped her arms around Andy's waist, pressing at the small of her back each time Andy thrust against her.
Andy found a rhythm that worked for them, their clitorises rubbing against each other as she rocked against Miranda. Andy felt as if she were on fire, her body singing. She could feel her body tightening, readying for release. She wanted to kiss Miranda, but her movements made that too much of a challenge. Andy whined, moving one leg to the outside of Miranda's thigh and riding it. She moved her other knee against Miranda's core, gratified to hear her raspy moan.
Balancing on one arm, Andy circled Miranda's bundle of nerves with her thumb, brushing it every few strokes. That's all it took for Miranda to cry out, her body arching into Andy with enough force to push Andy into her own climax.
They moved together with jerky movements, and when Andy began to slow down, she felt Miranda's fingers move to her weeping opening. When she felt Miranda hesitate, Andy said, "Please. I want to feel you inside of me."
A moment later, Andy felt Miranda enter her. "Oohhhh." Andy thrust against Miranda, widening her legs to give her more room to maneuver. She could feel the burn, and her focus narrowed to how good it felt to be filled by Miranda. She pushed up onto her hands, her breasts swaying and perspiration beading at the small of her back. She sped up her movements, feeling Miranda prop up her knee to reinforce her thrusts.
When Miranda's thumb began brushing against her engorged nub, Andy felt as if her body was erupting. She tucked her face into the crook of Miranda's neck to smother her cries as she came again. She could hear Miranda whispering, but her body was so overloaded she couldn't make sense of anything. Andy sighed, her body slowing as the waves of ecstasy lessened to a pleasant buzzing of her nerve endings. She went to move to Miranda's side, but Miranda held her with a strong grip.
"Not yet. Let me feel you against me." With those words, Andy stilled, sinking into Miranda. She felt Miranda remove her fingers, and again Andy tried to move away. "No, no. Stay a little longer, darling." As their bodies calmed, lethargy swept through Andy, and she realized she was becoming chilled. As if hearing her thoughts, Miranda said, "Let's get under the covers."
Andy cuddled against Miranda under the thick comforter, mumbling, "I want to do so much more."
"And you shall, but for now, let's rest."
Soft lips delivered a chaste kiss to her forehead, gentle fingers combed through her hair, and a warm body curled around her. Andy was in heaven. "Love you," Andy whispered. She tried to stay awake, but it was a losing battle. And although Miranda whispered something back, Andy was unable to stay awake long enough to comprehend what it was.
The first thing Andy noticed when she awoke was how warm she was. She was used to wearing wool socks and fleece pajamas during the winter months, but this morning she realized pretty quickly that she was nude. Looking around the room, barely lit by the winter's morning light, Andy noticed that at some point Miranda must have turned off the lights. She glanced down to find the source of her warmth: a human blanket. Miranda was resting on her chest, their legs intertwined. Andy was gratified to see that Miranda hadn't donned any clothes. She could feel each breath Miranda exhaled, and Andy grinned. She wrapped her arms around the sleeping woman and sighed. This was the best morning of her life.
When she next opened her eyes, the room was much brighter. She lay listening, but she didn't hear anyone stirring. She heard a light pattering against the window and guessed it was snowing out. Miranda had moved off her, and she lay on her back, her face relaxed. She wanted to touch her. Explore her. Discover her.
Does she like morning sex? Will she be angry if I wake her? Will she want anything more than what we shared last night? There was only one way for her to find out. Andy pulled back the blankets and leaned over to kiss in between Miranda's breasts. She took her time, tracing the area with light finger strokes before licking tightening peaks several times. She could feel the low rumble of pleasure beneath her lips and knew Miranda was coming back to consciousness. After a few more delicious tastes of now hardened nubs, Andy slid her lips down the middle of Miranda's torso, stalling to nibble at her bellybutton. She grinned when she heard a long moan and nipped at her belly before veering to the side to taste in between each rib.
Hands sifted through Andy's disheveled locks, urging her to continue her ministrations. With such tacit approval, Andy moved down the bed, nibbling and sucking on Miranda's thighs. She could smell Miranda's arousal, see the proof glistening between her legs. Like the most beautiful flower she ever saw, Miranda's sex opened for her, and Andy could think of nothing better than feasting on such a bounty. She moved her kisses higher and higher, as Miranda opened her legs in obvious invitation.
"Please, Andrea. I'm burning for you," Miranda said, her voice filled with need.
Once she heard Miranda's plea, Andy wasted no time placing Miranda's legs over her shoulders and taking a long slow lick. Although she'd never done this before, Andy knew what she liked and thought it was a good starting point while she learned Miranda's body. She sucked on Miranda's outer lips, pulling on them as Miranda squirmed. Miranda's excitement coated her chin, and Andy dipped her head to lick some of the viscous fluid from its source.
Miranda bucked, her hands tightening in Andy's hand. "God. You feel amazing."
"And you taste amazing," Andy said.
Licking from Miranda's opening to her clit, Andy lashed the engorged bundle of nerves each time while holding Miranda's thighs with a firm grip. She could tell how close Miranda was, and she began licking with stronger strokes. Miranda keened, her body undulating in a hypnotic rhythm. Andy watched with fascination, taking the pulsing bundle of nerves in her mouth and sucking until, with a cry, Miranda came, her body convulsing. Andy placed a hand on her belly, feeling Miranda's stomach muscles quiver while she rode out her orgasm. Andy delivered several light licks on her clit before cleaning up the proof of Miranda's pleasure. Miranda flopped back as the tremors abated, her legs sliding from Andy's shoulders and her flushed chest heaving.
"Come here." Miranda's voice was hoarse, and Andy loved that she'd caused it. She crawled up the bed, sinking into open arms. "That was a wonderful way to wake up, darling."
Andy chuckled, kissing her neck. She wanted to say something sexy, but her mind was consumed with images of Miranda in the throes of passion. Miranda ran her hands over Andy's back in nonsensical patterns, and Andy hummed, feeling content.
"I knew our paths would cross again."
If Andy were a dog, her ears would have perked up with those words. As it was, she lay with her arms around Miranda's waist, waiting for more.
"I don't necessarily believe in destiny or fate, but I believe in you. I believe in what you make me feel. I knew those feelings wouldn't have developed only for me to live the rest of my days pining away for what could not be."
"When things started to fall into place, it almost felt like I was getting a helping hand from, I don't know, something more powerful than me, something magical." Andy knew she sounded silly, but she was so grateful for the way things fell into place.
"Synchronicity. Kismet. Providence. Whatever it is, I will always be grateful. It wasn't until I saw your sketches that I began to hope, truly hope, you might return my feelings."
Andy leaned on her elbow, hovering over Miranda as their eyes met. She opened her mouth to respond, but Miranda placed a finger over her lips, stalling her.
"Andrea, I don't know what the future will bring, but I want you in my life. I want you in my girls' lives. We've changed over the last year, and I've learned the very painful lesson of what life is like without you in it." She ran her fingers over Andy's cheek before cupping her chin. "I love you. I love how you see me. I love how you make me feel. You've seen me during some of the worst times of my life. Will you let me show you how good life can be, too? Because I believe with you by my side, these will be the best years of my life."
Andy felt her eyes watering as Miranda's words swept over her. "Yes, Miranda. Of course. I want to spend as much time with you as you'll allow."
"Well, then. Let's not waste anymore. I know you're leaving for Ohio in a few days, but we have time between now and then, and perhaps we can ring in the New Year together?"
"That sounds perfect," Andy said, turning her head to kiss Miranda's thumb before jumping out of bed.
"And just where do you think you're going?" The twinkle in Miranda's eyes belied her imperious voice.
Jerking her thumb toward the master bathroom behind her, Andy said, "Gotta brush my teeth so I can kiss you." She was aware of Miranda's essence still coating her tongue, and although she found the taste addictive, she thought it rude to suppose Miranda would be okay with tasting herself.
"Hmm. Don't take too long, darling. I haven't had my breakfast, yet."
As Miranda's meaning filtered through Andy's brain, she ran to the bathroom to freshen up. She caught herself humming a Christmas tune and grinned. Miranda was the best Christmas gift she'd ever received, and she would cherish her, always.