Part 6
Miranda had the bad habit of attacking Andrea every time her fears overwhelmed her. The fashion icon knew she needed to find a better way to deal with her insecurities. Her defensive offensive, the way she attacked when feeling exposed, might drive the wonderful creature away. Miranda could not fathom living life without her now. She had meant to leave Andrea after their disagreement but could not when she had heard the sobs coming from the kitchen. Although before last night Miranda might have believed it kinder to let Andrea walk away while believing she did not care, the fashion diva knew today she was a changed woman. And infinitely better with Andrea in her life.
Hearing her cell phone signaling an incoming text, Miranda smiled. That must be Andrea with her contact information. The editor had some plans to make. Calling out to Emily, she waited impatiently. "Make reservations for two tonight at that place with the wonderful salads—7:30 sharp. Arrange for Roy to pick me up from here at 6:30. Get me copies of all the proposed feature articles for the next issue. That's all."
Miranda indulged in the memories of how Andrea had worshipped her body so completely last night. Andrea had covered Miranda's body with her own, exploring every area as if she'd had all the time in the world. Whispering words of devotion and affection, the girl had effortlessly reduced Miranda to begging and promising if only she could continue to feel the girl's magical hands. At one point tears had escaped Miranda's tightly closed eyes as Andrea's full lips had kissed them away. The way Andrea had made love to her had scared the older woman more than she cared to admit. She could see herself getting too used to such tender care, too used to awakening to Andrea's soft exhalations and curvaceous body, too used to needing all that the lovely girl offered so freely.
Even though her fears loudly demanded she distance herself from the bewitching girl, her heart reminded her how Andrea had sounded when she climaxed and the plans Miranda's mind had spun as their desires had played themselves out. It really was a useless battle, though. Miranda was well aware that she could never turn the girl away. Not now. Even during their earlier argument, Miranda had struck out half-heartedly. It was a pointless exercise. If she had just taken a moment to think before attacking her, Miranda would have recognized how slim the chance was that Stephen could successfully mount a case against her, even knowing she and Andrea were now together.
Well, then. It seemed Miranda would need to indulge in some more groveling; it was time to revert back to Operation Groveling for Forgiveness Without Discussing Anything. Miranda sighed in resignation.
Viewing the apartment building where Andrea resided, Miranda sucked in her breath. Deplorable. Certainly not worthy of her lover. Andrea deserved better. Miranda understood the financial constraints inherent with Andrea's career choice, but she still chafed at this reality. If she had her wish, she'd demand Andrea move in with her immediately. After all, Andrea had proclaimed that she would not leave. Miranda certainly had no intention of letting her go. She was a woman who made decisions quickly and changed her mind slowly. However, that action was not a practical one. Not so soon. In addition, Miranda couldn't help but think that Andrea would resent Miranda's feelings concerning her abode, regardless of how warranted they were. Miranda sighed. She was getting ahead of herself. Again.
Watching as Andrea practically skipped down the stairs, Miranda lost her breath. What a vision. Her haired flowed behind her as if held up by fairies while her eyes glowed with happiness. Her cheeks were flushed in the evening air stirring desire in the editor's belly. Miranda hadn't admitted to herself just how much she had longed to see the girl all day. Now the truth stared her in the face daring her to deny it. As soon as Andrea entered the car, Miranda reached for her hand. Pressing it, she raised her other hand to cup the girl's cheek.
"Andrea," she greeted as she took a moment to enjoy the reporter's appearance.
"Miranda," the girl replied returning the gaze as an unrestrained smile spread across her face. Miranda could do nothing but smile in return.
Miranda was sorely tempted to demand they return to the townhouse so she could feast on her lovely companion, but she refrained. Instead they enjoyed a leisurely meal where Andrea actually succeeded in making the normally unflappable woman laugh several times. Over coffee, Miranda presented her offer to her increasingly stunned lover.
"How would you feel about writing some freelance articles for Runway? It would expose your name to a much larger audience and attract other magazines toward your writing. It will also encourage your paper to give you better assignments." Miranda waited for Andrea to pick her jaw up off the floor, amused by the girl's obvious surprise.
When a frown marred Andrea's face, Miranda became perplexed. What could be bothering her?
"Miranda," Andrea began leaning forward. "I don't want you to do this for me just because we are together—"
"No, no." Miranda interrupted. "I've monitored your progress. Ask Emily if you must. I've had your paper delivered to the office since you got that job." Now Miranda leaned forward, intent on making her point. "No matter what our relationship is, I wouldn't make this offer if your writing was substandard. It would do the magazine and you a disservice." Sipping her coffee and making a face at the lukewarm temperature, Miranda refocused on Andrea. "So, no more excuses. Do you want the job or not?" she demanded imperially.
"Yes. Of course I want it." The startled girl squeaked.
"Good. Be forewarned that I won't go easy on you. You, just like any of our writers, must meet my expectations." Miranda felt it only fair to remind Andrea just how demanding she could be when it came to her magazine. After all, the silly girl hadn't worked for her in quite awhile. Thankfully, the bright journalist seemed to expect nothing less.
Operation Groveling for Forgiveness Without Discussing Anything was once more a success. She could create a manual on the best ways to placate a lover without resorting to senseless drivel. Miranda smiled, well-pleased.
Soon after their conversation they returned to the empty townhouse. Her girls were with their father this weekend. Although she missed them, she also welcomed the resulting privacy she and Andrea had been enjoying. It would not do to have an audience as they felt their way around trying to become comfortable with the changes in their relationship. This morning proved the perfect example of how not to act after a night of passion. Miranda rather likened her efforts to a bull navigating through a china shop or an orangutan dancing in a tutu—hard to imagine and worse to witness.
"Wine?" Miranda offered solicitously.
At Andrea's nod of affirmation, Miranda led her to the library. She pressed the button to start the gas fireplace, then proceeded to open a bottle of Vintage Port. Andrea looked comfortable with shoes kicked off and legs curled under her. Miranda sat down next to her, handing off one of the glasses. "To revelations," Miranda toasted. "I will always be grateful for your bravery in publishing your article, your courage in reentering my life, and your strength in dealing with my fears. Thank you, Andrea."
They sat silently, both lost in thought. It was getting colder out. Winter was just around the corner. "What are your plans for the holidays?" Miranda inquired.
"Hmm. A turkey sandwich from my favorite deli for Thanksgiving and a trip to my parents' home for Christmas. What about you?" Andrea looked at her, interest clear in her golden-hued eyes.
"Both here. Why don't you join us for Thanksgiving? I'd like you to be here." Recognizing Andrea's hesitation, Miranda tried not to read into it too much. Patting the girl's hand, Miranda quickly added, "Think about it and let me know me." Of course, Miranda would do everything she could to convince Andrea to join them. She simply would not allow the girl to remain alone on a holiday.
Modulating her voice, Miranda changed the topic. "Andrea, I am not very good at expressing my feelings." She stared at her lover, daring her to refute or to agree with her words. Neither would be tolerated while she bared her soul. "It doesn't help that I feel so ill-equipped to understand them." The fashion editor sighed, wondering where she was going with this spontaneous soliloquy. Still, she plowed on.
"But I do know this: you've granted me a gift, a beautiful, unexpected chance to be happy. I will try not to push you away, but I am counting on you to help me not sabotage this relationship." Miranda swallowed thickly, feeling tears choke her. "I'm not accustomed to feeling this way. I don't want to lose you again, Andrea." A hand over her heart stopped her painful confession.
"You are not going to lose me. It will get easier, I promise you. We'll make it work." Miranda clutched at the reassurance as if reaching for a life jacket while thrashing in churning water. Calmness settled over her. She felt a smile reach her eyes as their lips joined. Opening her mouth to welcome Andrea's tongue, Miranda whimpered her need.
Soon Miranda had disposed of the girl's clothes, relishing in how wanton she looked spread out before her. One lesson Andrea had taught her last night was just how willing she was to expose herself to Miranda. For some unfathomable reason, Andrea trusted her completely. It made Miranda feel all the worse for turning on her earlier.
Wanting to please her lover, Miranda painstakingly explored the supple body, seeking Andrea's pleasure points. She took the time to investigate each shudder and gasp, loving how responsive Andrea was to her ministrations. As Andrea became more vocal, reacting when Miranda licked her behind the knees and sucked at the base of the enticing woman's back, the editor felt her control slipping. Settling between toned legs, Miranda breathed in deeply, reveling in the heady knowledge that she had aroused Andrea to such an extent. Although Andrea squirmed, uttering senseless words as her fevered body sought release, Miranda continued relentlessly to deliver her special brand of torture.
Miranda licked ravenously at the wellspring created by her actions. Holding Andrea down, Miranda continued to feast, inserting her tongue inside as far as she could and wriggling while Andrea screamed her delight. Encouraged, Miranda thrust repeatedly as her hands pulled Andrea closer by grasping flexing buttocks. Rocking the aroused girl in time with her tongue, Miranda felt the tell-tale signs of Andrea's orgasm. Twitching her tongue more forcefully when she reentered Andrea's opening and tilted Andrea's pelvis upwards, Miranda felt victorious as the aroused girl shrieked. For long moments Andrea's body convulsed as ecstasy overtook her.
Giving her lover time to pull herself back together, Miranda slowly licked the entire area, not allowing one drop to escape her hungry mouth. As she felt Andrea begin to move in counterpoint to Miranda's attention, the older woman concentrated on the sensitive bundle of nerves. Miranda was nearly out of her mind; she felt she would explode soon. Ignoring her own needs, though, she chose to concentrate on bringing Andrea to another resounding climax. Sucking strongly, Miranda began to tap Andrea's clitoris with the tip of her tongue in random bursts. Soon Andrea lost control, keening, until finally pulling at Miranda's arms, urging her upward.
Not caring how frantic she appeared, particularly since, in fact, she was feeling rather desperate, Miranda slid up Andrea's body and whispered in her ear, "Your hand. Please."
Andrea quickly entered the enamored woman as she claimed a nipple with her lips. Miranda moaned as the dual sensations sent her careening out of control. Shouting Andrea's name into the night, Miranda lost track of everything except the wonderful sensations pushing her higher each moment. Instead of slowing down, Miranda found herself speeding up, grinding against Andrea as she felt a second orgasm take hold. In the wake of Andrea's name continuing to echo throughout the room, Miranda plopped down gracelessly. She lay motionless for long moments, loving the lethargy which had overtaken her. Feeling perspiration slide down her neck, Miranda delivered open-mouthed kisses to Andrea's chest. Leisurely, she licked the area, loving her lover's salty taste.
"I think I could get used to this," Miranda muttered, still overwhelmed by her body's response. She felt Andrea's body shake with laughter. Lifting her head, Miranda smiled as their eyes met.
"Tell me, Andrea," Miranda drawled. "How many times must I scream your name?" Miranda chuckled as she saw recognition alight bright eyes.
"Oh, Miranda," the quick girl answered with a wicked smile, "many, many more times, love. Certainly enough so you lose count." Andrea punctuated her statement with a resounding kiss.
"Hmmm," Miranda agreed, deciding she no longer minded repeating herself. Another revelation.