Mary's World

Miranda pulled Andy out of the desk chair and led her over to the couch. Sitting down in the seat, she tugged Andy into her lap. They fit together beautifully and cuddled for a few moments before Miranda asked, “Do you trust me, Andrea?”

Andy immediately nodded. “Of course.”

“There is no ‘of course.’ I want you to think before you answer. I was not entirely pleasant as your boss and you probably have some lingering resentment of my treatment of you. On my side, however valid your reasons, you left me without notice at a very vulnerable time.”

Andy tried to speak but subsided when Miranda placed a finger on her lips. “Let me talk, darling. Even without those issues, we haven’t had any other contact than a smile and a wave since that day in Paris almost twenty-six months ago.”

“You know how many months ago it was?”

Miranda nestled her closer and rested her chin on top of Andy’s head. She whispered, “It was seven hundred and eighty four days ago.”

“Wow.” Andy felt her heart warm to know that Miranda had been as affected by her leaving as she had been. “I really missed you.”

“And I you. But, if we are to make a successful partnership, we need to clear the air of old issues and grievances. For example, I need to know that you won’t leave when the going gets tough.”

“I won’t. I’ve never regretted anything more in my life.” Andy swallowed. “When my parents talked about being soul sealed, it was scary but, on the other hand, it also felt so very right.”

Miranda dragged her fingernails up and fingertips down Andy’s upper thigh. “I agree. I like the idea of being bound to you and not just in the sense of fur lined cuffs.” She smiled to feel the shiver that traveled down Andy’s frame. “But part of being safe, sane and consensual is making sure our desire for gratification doesn’t cause either of us to lose our sense of perspective.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You’ve admitted you’re new to playing with power. I don’t want to steal your consent and have you submit to things because you think that is what I want.”

Andy wrinkled her forehead. “But that is what you want.”

“I want you to be present and willing even more.”

“Any where you are, and any thing you want, will be fine with me.”

“Thank you. I’m honored by your trust.” Her arms tightened around Andy. “There are plenty of things I disagree with Dan Savage about but his idea of the three G’s has merit.”

“Three G’s?”

“That lovers need to be good, giving and game. We need to find a safe place where we can be honest about our needs, our fantasies, our likes and our dislikes. We need to be willing to try to fulfill those of our partner.”

“I’d like that,” Andy murmured. “I’ve been reluctant in the past to ask for things because I didn’t want my lovers to think I was weird.”

“Good. We will start as we mean to go on.” Miranda placed a kiss on Andy’s forehead. “We also need to prioritize passion. There are endless forces working against intimacy. God knows my job has come between my husbands and me often enough. I don’t want the same thing to happen to us.”

“Me, neither. I don’t want to become another lesbian bed death statistic.”

Pulling away slightly, Miranda raised one eyebrow. “Have you ever been involved with a woman?” she asked.

“In college, before Nate. She broke up with me because she wanted something…someone more exciting.”

Miranda hugged her. “That won’t be a problem with us. I find you rather stimulating.”

Blushing, Andy ducked her head at the jolt of arousal she felt at Miranda’s words. She had never felt such a combination of safety and sexual stirrings as she did in Miranda’s arms.

They both drew strength and energy from their closeness. After a few more moments, Miranda roused and said, “I think we’ve been serious enough for a while. Why don’t we go in for some brunch?”

“Okay.”

“I’m also going to ask Emily to come by to pick up the Book.”

“Emily? I thought she had been promoted.”

“She was. She is now the Associate Editor for Accessories.” Miranda patted Andy’s butt to get her to stand up. “I figure if your parents are wrong about the wings being visible, it is better to have someone who knows you and who would be willing to keep your secret.”

“Okay. That’s smart.” Andy bit her lip. “But do you think Emily will do that? We didn’t part on the best of terms.”

“You gained her loyalty by gifting her those Parisian fashions. She wouldn’t let anyone badmouth you in her presence, despite her anger at how you did it.”

“I’m sorry about that. It was very unprofessional.”

Miranda reached out and pulled Andy into her arms. “I know. I now also have the benefit of knowing what was going on in your pretty little head when you did so. It makes it that much easier for me to forgive you.” Miranda kissed her gently before taking her hand and leading the way to kitchen. “Can you cook? I’m thinking French toast.”

“Carbs?” Andy squeaked.

“I’ve never advocated abstinence from carbohydrates. Only moderation.”

“Oh, goodie. I was so afraid being with you was going to mean going cold turkey on all the foods I love the most.” Smiling with happiness, Andy squeezed the hand holding hers. “Things are definitely looking up.”