Author's Note:
This chapter is 75% plot and 25% spice. So if that's not your thing, here's your warning.
... ...
"Your phone keeps ringing," Toby's silhouette appeared in the bathroom doorway. He held Emily's buzzing phone in his outstretched hand, an expression of annoyance and concern on his face. Emily met his gaze, toothbrush still in her mouth, she took the phone with a thankful nod.
Balancing the phone in one hand, Emily managed to unlock it and open her recent notifications. Three new messages were waiting for her, two from Alison and one from Paige. Emily continued brushing her teeth and in the mirror she noticed Toby was still standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame watching her. Since their argument in the kitchen about Alison and GLOW, Toby hadn't missed an opportunity to remind her that she could still accept Kenny's offer at the YMCA. Emily knew she was in for another lecture as she rinsed her mouth out.
"Go ahead, say whatever it is you're thinking," She told him.
"You stayed at work really late last night, the night before too, and you're not complaining about it anymore," Toby prodded.
"Mhm," Emily replied, reaching for the mouthwash. If Toby was going to insinuate she was sleeping with her boss, he needed to be more direct about it. "What are you trying to say, Officer Cavanaugh?"
"The same thing I've been saying, whatever is going on over there isn't going to end well for you. You're going to end up getting hurt."
Emily swished and spit before responding, "There's nothing going on between Alison and me."
The two of them had stayed at the office late working on the New York Liberty sponsorship. Alison wanted to expand upon Emily's idea and coincide the sponsorship with an overhaul of GLOW's approach to sports journalism. Occasionally Emily would rest her head against Alison while she read over something, or Alison would rest a hand on her back when Emily reached across the desk. Emily had even found herself sitting on the desk last night suggesting that Alison get a couch for the office, she'd laughed at the suggestion saying that a couch would imply she wanted people to get comfortable or worse, stay.
The touching meant nothing, Emily told herself, they were just starting to relax around one another. It pained Emily to admit it but Toby had been right about her trading one unhealthy relationship for another, so there was nothing going on between her and Alison and there never would be. Paige on the other hand was nice and made it clear she was interested in getting to know her.
"So you coming home at 2 in the morning?..." Toby trailed off.
"Is just work and will probably continue, we're working on a new project together." Emily watched Toby's expression soften a bit in the mirror. "If it makes you feel better, I have a date tomorrow. Her name's Paige." Emily turned her eyes to her phone opening the new messages.
Toby's shoulders relaxed, "You haven't really dated anyone besides Maya, have you?"
"Nope. I never had eyes for anyone else. So maybe you can lay off a little while I figure out what I'm doing?" Emily asked while opening Paige's text thread.
"I just care about you, Em. But you're right I've been a dick." Toby put his hands up in surrender, "I'll stop giving you crap about GLOW." He stepped out of the doorway and headed in the direction of the living room.
Good Morning, I'm up for my morning meditation and can't stop thinking about seeing you tomorrow. ;)
Paige's message was a simple and sweet good morning that she finished with a winking smiley. She and Emily had been texting since their car ride, It was nice keeping the line of communication between them open leading up to their run tomorrow. Emily hoped it would help reduce any first date awkwardness. She tapped out a quick reply.
Meditation, huh? That suits you. I'm looking forward to tomorrow too.
Emily scrolled up and opened the unread messages from Alison.
I need that list of sports journalists we spoke about on my desk with my breakfast. Only your top picks that you believe would make a good fit for GLOW, narrow it down to 5 max. - A
None of my usuals for breakfast today. I'm in the mood for something sweet, surprise me. - A
The first message was straightforward, she and Alison had spoken about GLOW hiring a new Sports Editor and her wanting Emily to create a shortlist for the position. Emily smiled at the second message, she knew just the thing.
… …
"Aht, aht, aht, you have to pick one," Emily taunted playfully, holding the two pastry boxes out of Alison's reach.
"Without seeing inside? Emily, I asked for breakfast, not a guessing game." Alison swiftly reached out to snatch one of the boxes catching Emily off guard, but she skillfully prevented her from getting hold of either box.
"You're fast," Emily smiled holding the boxes behind her back, "Ok, Strawberry or Matcha?"
"Strawberry," Alison decided after thinking it over for a few seconds.
Emily presented one of the boxes to Alison, who took it eagerly, opening it up. "It's a Croffle, have you had one before?" Emily asked opening the second box containing a Matcha Croffle, she'd keep that one for herself.
Alison shook her head no, reaching into the box and bringing the pastry to her mouth. Emily nervously awaited her reaction, watching her face carefully. She relaxed when she saw Alison's eyes widen momentarily and then close in appreciation.
"It's a croissant and waffle hybrid. Do you like it?" Emily asked watching Alison take another bite, she wanted confirmation.
"I do," Alison took her eyes off the pastry to look at Emily, "You did good."
The praise made Emily blush and she took a bite of her own Croffle before she could say something stupid, like that she wanted to make Alison happy. That would have been silly, true but silly, she'd keep the thought to herself. Alison leaned back to grab the list Emily left for her on her desk with one hand, the other still holding her pastry. The motion made Emily aware of the position they were in, Alison was pressed between her desk and Emily's body. They didn't need to be this close and originally they weren't, it had just happened naturally.
"I've been meaning to tell you something," Alison's eyes were fixed on the list in her hand rather than meeting Emily's, it was unusual but Emily just continued to eat her breakfast. "The things I said to you the other day, after the shoot...It was uncalled for."
Emily chewed slowly giving herself time to think, It sounded like an apology or at least apology adjacent. "Will it happen again?"
"Do you plan on yelling at me in public again?" Alison abandoned the list, dropping it back onto the desk, her eyes locking with Emily's.
"I didn't-" Emily stopped, taking stock of her own behavior, "I did yell at you, I'm sorry." Unlike Alison, Emily could say the words. "I'm also sorry about taking the ride from Paige, I only did it to upset you," Emily admitted and it felt good to get it off her chest. The thought of telling Alison about her date with Paige tomorrow crossed her mind, but she decided against it, not wanting to ruin the moment. "How about we just put all of it behind us?"
"We can…If you let me taste yours," Alison pulled Emily closer, staring at the pastry in her hand. Emily nodded but the sudden flushness of their bodies was distracting and she was slightly off aiming the treat into Alison's mouth. "Mm, it's good but now my mouth is all sticky."
It didn't have to mean anything. Plenty of people have office place flings and this wouldn't even count as a fling because they weren't having sex. It didn't have to amount to anything, Emily told herself as she leaned in to kiss the corner of Alison's mouth, "I can help with that."
It seemed Emily wouldn't get the chance to lick Alison's mouth clean, at least not at that moment because the sound of the glass door behind them opening made her still her movements, "Americano for my Americano!" CeCe sang as she entered the office and Emily quickly slipped out of Alison's grasp and started toward her desk. She saw the way Alison's eyes narrowed at her but she ignored it. "Oh, am I interrupting something?" CeCe asked.
"My breakfast," Alison retorted.
Emily grabbed a few of the napkins that came with the food from her desk and handed them to Alison before turning her attention to the shorter blonde, "Thank you, CeCe. This will go great with the rest of my Croffle." Their hands brushed as she accepted the coffee and Emily gave her a small smile.
"What do you want, CeCe? I'm busy." Alison asked her sister before taking an annoyed bite out of her breakfast.
"Yes, you look incredibly busy," CeCe smirked. "But I'm not here for you, I'm here to ask Emily for a favor."
"So this coffee has strings attached? Here I was thinking you missed me." It came out more flirty than Emily intended and she avoided whatever look Alison was throwing her way.
The atmosphere in the room changed as Emily found herself in the same room with both Alison and CeCe for the first time since the Garden Party. She took a cautious sip of her coffee as CeCe approached her, blue eyes sparkling as always. "How could I not miss you, pretty girl?" As much as Emily was growing to like the Americano nickname, the way pretty girl flowed from CeCe's lips left Emily flustered.
Emily tried subtly to hide her face behind her coffee cup, feeling Alison's gaze on her. She kept her focus on CeCe, "The... uh...the favor," Emily prompted, trying to steer the conversation back on track.
It worked and CeCe's attention shifted back to the matter she'd come in to discuss, "There's a photoshoot in Studio B, a friend of mine is the Creative Director and she's down a model. I want you to step in."
"Emily's not a model," Alison interjected with a laugh, her response cutting Emily off before she could even speak. "She's an assistant. My assistant."
"The photos you took at the Garden Party show potential, I want to see what you're capable of," CeCe ignored Alison's interruption, continuing to speak directly to Emily, "It'll only take an hour or two, and you'll be earning the $5,000 the original model would have made," CeCe explained.
Emily's eyes widened, she'd received her first paycheck that morning and it was for more than she anticipated. Between that and an additional $5,000, she could start looking for apartments. It was an appealing idea and CeCe seemed to believe she could do it.
"The shoot in studio B is for Fleur du Mal. You can't just throw some nobody into an edit that big, it's ridiculous," Alison argued. The word nobody struck a nerve with Emily, the EIC was truly careless with her words.
CeCe was undeterred, turning to her sister, "It's not a GLOW ad. It's for Harmony. So, Alison, your opinion on what's ridiculous doesn't really hold weight here."
Alison and CeCe continued their exchange, with Alison expressing her doubts about the idea. Neither of them paid attention to Emily anymore, they were too wrapped up in their verbal sparring.
"I want to do it," Emily asserted, waiting for both of the sisters to look at her before she continued, "But I am your assistant and I am on the clock, so it's up to you." She looked at Alison, waiting for a response.
Alison hesitated for a long moment, her eyes shifting between CeCe and Emily. Finally, she retrieved her bag from her desk. "We have some time this morning. Let's see what you can do."
… …
Arriving at the studio, Alison noticed the surprise and concern on Emily's face when she learned that the shoot was for a lingerie brand. The dazed look brought a grin to Alison's lips and she shook her head slightly, Emily was in over her head. The shoot was practically ready to begin and that meant Emily had no time for second thoughts, she was rushed into hair and makeup before she could voice any hesitations.
Alison surveyed the set and pieced together a rough idea of what was about to happen. The photographer was prepared for a combination of group and solo shots. As CeCe had been kind enough to remind her, this wasn't a GLOW shoot, so Alison positioned herself off to the side where she could watch everything unfold.
When Emily emerged she had undergone quite a transformation. She was wearing an enticing black silk and mesh bodysuit, and her hair had been expertly pulled back into a bun with two tendrils framing her face. The shimmering brown smoky eye makeup and nude lip complimented her already gorgeous skin. It wasn't just an outward transformation, as the photographer and creative director explained their vision and gave direction, Emily listened attentively exuding confidence and sophistication that wasn't there before.
Alison noticed CeCe approaching her side, a satisfied smile on her lips. "You underestimate her," CeCe said in a hushed tone.
"I guess we'll see," The moment of truth was here and they were about to witness whether CeCe's experiment would produce the desired results.
Models usually needed some warming up during a shoot, even if they were experienced. There was often an awkward beginning phase that lasted about ten minutes, but this wasn't the case for Emily. The cameras turned on and Emily turned on, it was like a flip had been switched and Alison watched as her assistant moved gracefully and fluidly between poses as if she'd been doing it for years. Emily translated the instructions she received into the exact shots the photographer wanted with minimal guidance.
About thirty minutes into the shoot when Emily was whisked away for a wardrobe change, Alison realized she misjudged her, Emily was a natural. The camera loved her and Emily reciprocated that love with ease. A soft chuckle emerged from CeCe, still standing next to her. She could practically hear the 'I told you so' and couldn't fight back the eye roll. Alison hadn't hoped Emily would fail, she just didn't anticipate her taking to everything so effortlessly.
"...it's just the two of you, ignore everyone else. You've just come home to each other after a long day, let's see the passion…" The photographer instructed Emily and the male model she would be paired with for the upcoming shots. The model was muscular, much taller than Emily, and handsome, he wore a navy silk pajama top and pant set that complimented the robe Emily'd been changed into.
CeCe and Alison laughed at that moment and Alison wondered if they both had the same thought. The townhouse might have felt too big and even lonely at times, but Alison had never imagined coming home to someone. Though as her eyes settled on Emily, in the short cream robe she was wearing, the idea seemed tempting. Lately, Emily was the focal point of a lot of Alison's thoughts. Sometimes she thought about finishing what they'd started in her car a few nights ago, other times she just wanted to understand Emily better. She'd made a promise to herself and to Spencer to shut down whatever it was between her and Emily, and despite being very good at pushing people away, Emily was only burrowing further under her skin.
"Emily, you can drop the robe now…" The photographer directed and Emily shrugged out of the satin robe handing it off to a nearby intern.
There were some other directions being given but Alison wasn't listening. Skin, there was so much skin. The lace navy blue lingerie set Emily stripped down to was making her brain buzz. She watched as Emily took control, pushing the male model onto the prop leather sofa and arching her back in a way that both showed off the lingerie and made for a very enticing photo.
"What is that?" CeCe looked around.
"What?" Alison responded still fully focused on the scene in front of her.
"That buzzing noise,"
Paying closer attention, Alison realized the buzzing wasn't completely in her head. She glanced around for a moment, then remembered she agreed to look after Emily's purse. Reaching out to where she'd set it down Alison looked inside, fishing around until she found the right device. The screen lit up, displaying that Emily had three new messages from Paige McCullers. CeCe peered over her shoulder, frowning when she read the screen.
Alison was already swiping up on the notification when CeCe interjected, "You can't just go through a person's phone, Ali."
"Technically, it's her work phone, so I can. " Alison pivoted away from the set, just in case Emily looked over. CeCe, despite her initial objection, did the same.
"Well, in that case…" CeCe's voice trailed off with a sigh. Alison knew her sister well enough to know that CeCe wasn't going to protest too much. Even if she did it wouldn't matter, Alison needed to know why Paige was texting Emily so incessantly.
I'm sitting in my office thinking about where we should go for lunch tomorrow.
Are you a burger and fries kinda girl after a run? I know a place with great shakes.
Or we could get something else. Let me know what you like. :)
"They're going running together? How the fuck did that happen?" CeCe made her displeasure known.
Alison gritted her teeth, choosing not to answer CeCe's questions even though she knew exactly what led to this…development. Emily had told her she accepted the ride back to the office from Paige to upset her, which Alison understood, they'd both done and said things that day that it seemed they regretted. So If she wasn't going out with Paige to antagonize her, then that could only mean Emily was actually interested. She scrolled up the text thread, reading their previous exchanges, needing to confirm her suspicion.
After reading enough of Paige's sad attempts at flirting and Emily's willingness to overlook their obvious incompatibility, she returned the phone to Emily's bag. Conflicting emotions swirled within her, one side urged her to confront Paige directly, while the other pushed her to drag Emily off the set and demand answers as to why she was entertaining PigSkin. She couldn't give in to either side. Paige would enjoy getting a reaction out of Alison, and another argument with Emily would only push her further away.
"When she said she had plans tomorrow I didn't think they would include PigSkin," CeCe groaned, "It's fine though, burgers and fries won't compare to the rest of the weekend."
"What are you talking about?" Alison had only heard half of what CeCe said, she was too busy thinking of ways to make Paige's life miserable.
"I'm taking Emily to the Hamptons," CeCe said plainly offering no other context.
What was left of Alison's rationale turned to static, and she gave in to impulse. A few days ago Emily had straddled her lap and kissed her, and it was clear Emily was going to kiss her again this morning before they were interrupted, and now she was running off to the Hamptons with CeCe. Alison had indulged in her fair share of Hamptons getaways, it was perfect for short escapes, and with knowledge of CeCe's history and her own entanglements, she knew exactly how the weekend would go. She pushed Emily's bag into CeCe's hands, letting her know she was on bag duty, and headed toward the set. She stopped at the edge, leaning in to have a word with the Creative Director. Then she waited patiently for the photographer to get his last shots of Emily and the male model.
"Alright, everyone, it's break time. Hydrate, grab a bite, do whatever you need, but be back in 20," the command echoed through the studio, prompting the crew to disperse. "CeCe, let's go to your office and review the shots we have so far," the suggestion came from the Creative Director as she walked arm in arm with CeCe toward the exit.
After an array of compliments from the photographer, Emily approached where Alison stood. Her arms smoothly slid into the robe that Alison held open for her, "So, how did I do?...for a nobody."
The words prompted Alison to acknowledge her previous criticisms, "We both know you were incredible," she whispered into Emily's ear, gently turning the brunette to face her. "What you want to hear me say is that I was wrong." She pulled Emily close, something that was becoming a habit, in response Emily draped her arms around Alison's neck. "I can admit I was wrong about you."
A subtle smile formed on Emily's lips. "What I want is for you to think about me before you speak sometimes," The soft plea for consideration tugged at something in Alison and she almost complied but she remembered Emily's plans for the weekend.
There were still various crew and members of different departments lingering around, Alison needed privacy. She took Emily's hand and led her toward a dressing room. The door closed behind them, muffling the noises of the studio, and it was just the two of them again. Alison placed her hands on Emily's hips guiding her backward toward the dressing table in the room.
When they reached it Emily was happy to prop herself up onto the vanity with Alison's help. She kissed Alison first, placing a hand on either side of her face and bringing their lips together. It was warm, consuming, and, like everything else about Emily, distracting. Tugging Alison closer by her dress shirt, Emily pulled her deeper into their kiss, and Alison lost herself for a few minutes. Her hands roamed Emily's body, exploring every curve she wasn't able to the last time they were like this. Alison wanted to run her hands through Emily's perfect hair but it was still pulled tightly into a bun, disappointing, but maybe next time, she told herself. When they broke apart for air, Alison remembered why she'd pulled Emily into the room.
"Paige texted you," She ran her fingers down Emily's stomach, "Said she's thinking about where the two of you should go for lunch tomorrow. She wanted to know if you're a burgers and fries kinda girl."
"You went through my phone," Emily laughed breathlessly, her hands coming up to tangle themselves in Alison's hair. "I shouldn't be laughing. I should be appalled, or at least shocked." Emily leaned in to kiss her again but Alison tilted her head away.
Instead, she brought a hand to Emily's jaw, yanking her head to the side so she could slowly kiss down the length of her neck, listening for the spot that made Emily's breath hitch. When she found it, she sucked until Emily's grip on her hair tightened, and then she sucked at the sensitive skin a little harder. She was glad Emily wasn't upset about the phone, it meant they could skip that part. Alison lifted her head from Emily's neck, satisfied with the red mark she'd left on her skin.
"What do you see in her?" Alison trailed her lips down to the base of Emily's neck intent on leaving another mark, her hand cupping Emily's breast over the lace bra. When Emily moaned but didn't respond Alison paused her movements, "Answer me or I stop."
Emily whined, chocolate brown eyes fluttering open. As beautiful as she looked, she wasn't getting off the hook. Alison lowered her lips near the edge of Emily's bra and licked suggestively, encouraging a response, "I think…I think she could be good for me."
"Elaborate," Alison rolled her eyes before biting on the exposed skin of Emily's breast.
She continued working her way down Emily's body, teeth gently scraping along the way. Emily's hands had moved to Alison's back digging into her shoulders whenever Alison paid attention to a particular spot she liked. Alison was sure the silk shirt was ruined but it didn't matter. The sounds Emily made, and the way her body responded to the lightest of Alison's touches made her want to abandon the teasing altogether, but she'd started something and she planned on finishing it.
"She's interesting...I like the way she looks at me…I-" Listening to Emily struggle to explain her interest in Paige, Alison turned her attention to the dip of Emily's hips, licking, sucking, and biting the spot like she had the rest. "You're such a tease. I'm trying my best to answer your question, be nice to me." Emily pleaded, draping her legs over Alison's shoulders and locking her ankles. She rolled her hips bringing Alison's face dangerously close to where she needed it. Emily's begging and the smell of her arousal made Alison weak and she shut her eyes briefly, she needed to control herself.
Emily took advantage of the moment, sliding a hand up Alison's neck and resting it on her throat then she jerked her head upwards to look at her, the move both annoyed and excited Alison. No one had ever choked her before. Emily was full of surprises, "Why are you holding back?" The question came with a half smile that Alison had never seen on Emily before but she knew then it would be one of her favorite expressions.
Even if Alison was inclined to answer the question she wouldn't have. Emily was right, Alison could ruin her for Paige and her sister right then and there but something about fucking Emily on a vanity in a dressing room during a 20 minute break on the set of a shoot, didn't sit right with her. Though she didn't know why…so she'd settle for her original impulse. Emily unlocked her legs, pulling Alison up for a kiss. As far as kisses go it was one of their best, deep, and wanting, she could kiss Emily all day.
"I look a mess, don't I?" Emily whispered into Alison's lips.
Alison smirked, scooping the brunette up into her arms and helping her off the table. "I think it's some of my best work, but I don't think Paige or CeCe would appreciate it." She turned Emily to face the mirror.
Emily was covered in hickeys, bite marks, and Alison's red lipstick. The lipstick would wash away but the marks spanning from her neck to her hips would stay with Emily for the entire weekend, at the very least. Emily could keep her plans but there would be nothing happening after lunch with Paige, and there would be no romantic antics while she was away with CeCe in the Hamptons. Knowing that brought Alison an immense amount of calm and she could think clearly again.
"This one is for how quickly you jumped out of my arms when CeCe came into the office this morning," Alison poked a bite mark near Emily's naval.
Emily laughed, her body relaxing into Alison's arms, "I knew I would pay for that," That half smile appeared again while Alison laid gentle kisses on the back of Emily's shoulder, "Go on, tell me what I did to deserve the rest of them."
... ...
Author's Note:
I think it's safe to say Alison is jealous, even if she can't completely admit it to herself. Emily's going to have a hard time explaining those hickeys to Toby. Happy Friday, and I hope you enjoyed the update! Thank you to everyone who leaves reviews, I love reading them.
