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TITLE: A Thousand Glimpses
SERIES: All My Children
AUTHOR:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Bianca/Reese. Breeze.
SUMMARY: Reese Williams had experienced a thousand glimpses of the life she always wanted but until she met Bianca Montgomery she never thought she could have it for herself.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my rediscovered love of Ryan Lavery.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is just plot development but future chapters will have a little more substance to them, I promise. In the meantime, music!
The song that Sofie plays is Far Far by Yael Naim and just for the heck of it here's a great cover of the song Toxic by Yael Naim.
A Thousand Glimpses
By: Dreiser
Nineteen
Friday, August 10th, was Audrey's fortieth birthday as everyone in their office was well aware. That's why two weeks before this date and just past quitting time the entire staff of Durand Williams, minus Audrey Durand, were gathered into their largest conference room brainstorming on ideas for the massive birthday party they intended to throw for her. Standing in front of the room, Reese directed the flow of discussion, while Audrey's assistant, Claude, took notes on her laptop computer which were handily projected onto the wall behind them for all to see.
They had finally narrowed down their choice of locations to several different clubs they knew Audrey was fond of and six staff members had volunteered to phone the clubs to try and find out the likely hood of renting them as a venue. In the meantime, they were debating on what caterer to use based on the variety of food samples that Maurice supplied which included several types of possible birthday cakes.
Reese had just cut into a slice of the Marquise au Chocolat when the conference door opened and revealed a smiling Danielle followed closely behind by Bianca and Sofie Rousseau. Putting her fork down, Reese greeted Bianca with a hug and a kiss then put an arm around the brunette's waist and said hello to Sofie with a smile. Focusing back on Bianca, she wore a slight frown and asked, "Was I supposed to meet you? I didn't forget, did I?"
"No," said Bianca with a laugh, shaking her head. "We were just heading back to the house and Sofie insisted on visiting you. I didn't really think you'd still be at the office though." She looked at the crowded conference room, taking in the piles of food on the table, and remarked, "Did we interrupt a dinner meeting?"
"Taste testing is more like it," Reese replied. "We're trying to pick out what caterer to hire for Audrey's birthday." Peering around Bianca to her curious employees who instantly tried to look as if they hadn't been staring at the couple, she announced, "Remember to write down on the index cards we gave you what food you like best and whatever gets the most votes is what we'll use for the party, okay?"
There was a variety of affirming responses then Maurice appeared at Reese's side, his eyes narrowed and he had that same troublesome look on his features, the one he wore on first meeting Bianca, then he pointed at Sofie and declared, "Henriette from Les Femmes Savantes!" Before Sofie could respond, he continued, "I saw you perform opening night at Comédie-Francaise. You were most ingenious in the role."
"Thank you," said Sofie, smiling and looking like this was the only reaction that could have possibly existed to seeing her on stage. "I'm always pleased to discover someone enjoyed one of my performances. Particularly those who spend money on tickets."
"And once again, the ego is appeased by her adoring public," Bianca whispered in Reese's ear, a playful tone in her voice, causing the blonde to chuckle and lean into her.
Moving into Bianca's arms, further into her embrace, was so natural that Reese didn't even think about her employees watching this until she noticed several interested gazes. Her unhappiness during the engagement to Simon and her avoidance of her mother was well known about the office, particularly since some of her friendlier workers had helped her avoid both of them, but she suspected her romance with Bianca hadn't made the gossip rounds. She couldn't help the sudden bout of nerves she experienced, wondering what they all thought of her, being with someone so soon after ending her engagement. Then a funny thing happened, Reese was struck by the realization that it didn't matter. Despite how much she loved her employees and wanted their respect she could care less what they thought about her relationship with Bianca because ultimately it didn't matter. The only opinions that mattered when it came to their romance were hers and Bianca's and then to a lesser extent, Miranda's, because Reese couldn't see Bianca ever being with someone that the little girl was uncomfortable with or somehow disliked. Which made her quite glad to know that Miranda seemed to like her.
"Boss," Eddie Lisiewicz, one of the few Americans working at the firm, entered the conference room followed by his other coworkers that had volunteered to phone the venues they were interested in holding the party at. "We got hold of everybody but Le Topierre. They must not have anyone in the office yet but I left a message asking them to call my cell phone about the possibility of renting the place out. Do you want me to text you with the price if they get back to me tonight?"
"That would be great, Eddie," said Reese warmly, giving him a smile. Moving away from Bianca she walked over to the other employees to ask about the other venues, seeing which ones were available for rent at what price. As she did this, Reese saw Bianca conferring with Sofie who was finished talking with an admiring Maurice and pulled out her cell phone. Sofie waved her hand carelessly at Bianca who made a humorous face at her friend and, out of curiosity, Reese moved over to the pair, putting an arm around Bianca's waist as she asked, "What's up?"
"Sofie apparently knows the owner of Le Topierre," said Bianca, turning to Reese. "She's calling him for you."
"No kidding?" said Reese, her eyes going wide.
"Sofie knows a lot of people," Bianca remarked with wry humor. "She's like a member of the gay mafia with all her connections."
"Do not disparage my connections, you might need them yourself someday, Bianca," pronounced Sofie in lofty tones, arching an eyebrow.
"Right, right," said Bianca sardonically, focusing back on Reese. "When did you need to rent the club, honey?"
"August 10th, the party would start at eight o'clock and go until, well," Reese trailed off, looking around at her employees who were all studying them in the midst of their food eating. "What do you guys say? The party goes until closing time?" A loud series of agreements and Reese chuckled. "I guess that's our answer."
"Merci, Patrice," Sofie murmured, an altogether pleased and rather smug look on her face. "For the mere cost of a promise of free tickets to five of my next performances you may rent Le Topierre for the incredibly affordable price of four thousand euros."
"You're serious?" asked Reese, her eyes becoming wider than ever.
"Bianca do tell your paramour I am always serious except on the rare occasions when I am not," Sofie drawled.
"She's serious," said Bianca laughing fondly and giving Reese a kiss to the cheek. "Looks like you have your party venue."
Feeling a bit stunned but altogether grateful, Reese turned to Sofie and said, "Thank you, so much. Is there anything--"
"An invitation to the party and a demand to share dinner with you at Bianca's tonight," interrupted Sofie smoothly. "If I'm granted these requests then I believe we may call it even."
"You've got an invitation to the party," said Reese happily and she looked to Bianca, silently asking her to answer the request involving dinner, not really sure it was her place to agree to that or not.
"Of course you can come to dinner," Bianca responded for Reese, forming a sweet smile. "We're having Ratatouille."
"Now that we've settled that, why don't you both help us choose the best caterer," Reese suggested. Gesturing towards the conference table full of food, she said, "We've got more than enough to share."
"As long as we don't spoil our appetite for dinner," said Bianca, an apparent motherly instinct kicking in, blushing darkly when she realized this. Turning to Sofie who was already wearing a supremely amused expression, she lifted up her index finger and said in warning tones, "Not one word."
Blowing Bianca an exaggerated kiss, Sofie pranced around the table to have a bite of the Raspberry Mont Blanc and listen to several more of Reese's employees compliment her on her various acting performances they'd seen throughout the years. Reese and Bianca watched her for a moment, with matching bemused expressions on their faces, then Reese tugged the brunette over to the table, feeding her bits and pieces of food, feeling for the first time in years as if the two parts of her life, work and personal, were finally equal in the satisfaction they brought her.
---
Madame Trotter cooked a perfectly delicious Ratatouille but Sofie was greatly entertained by the fact that Miranda, the perpetually picky eater, was reluctant to eat her food until Reese made a show of how good it tasted. This entertainment increased as they shared a desert of Miranda's favorite chocolate, banana, and whipped cream crepe where the little girl insisted that Reese, not Bianca, cut up the food for her.
After dinner, Miranda took Sofie by the hand, wanting the woman to act out one of her favorite bedtime stories, Sofie gave the couple a humorously pleading look that had Bianca and Reese laughing as they trailed after the pair. An hour passed when the three adults completed a satisfactory performance of The Lorax according to Miranda and Bianca declared it was bedtime.
Since they spent a significant amount of time play acting Bianca convinced Miranda to overlook her traditional bedtime story and instead allow herself to be sung to sleep. The lights were dimmed in the little girl's room and Reese hovered by the doorway, not really aware of Sofie's presence, she was so focused on mother and daughter. This was the first time she heard Bianca's singing and she was captured by the gentle quality of the brunette's voice, how the love for her daughter was clear in every note she sang, and it affected her more than she could ever say.
Watching Bianca kiss Miranda on the forehead then begin a soft murmuring conversation with the child, Reese pushed off the doorframe with a smile, walking into the living room where Sofie crouched in front of the stereo, going through Bianca's collection of cds. Looking up at the blonde, she quirked an eyebrow and questioned, "Did you enjoy my performance?"
"You were ingenious as The Lorax," Reese replied playfully, echoing Maurice's compliments from earlier in the day.
"I'm pleased you think so," said Sofie magnanimously. Deciding on a cd, she removed it from the case and soon the air was filled with a melancholy song. Rising to her feet, the actress looked around the living room and she said in a clever observation, "I haven't been a frequent visitor to Bianca's home, despite my attempts to change this, but I can see pieces of you throughout this house. You are here often, aren't you?"
"Yes," said Reese and feeling rather wary, her eyes narrowed and she gained a stiffer stance. Though she didn't want to think a close friend of Bianca's would oppose their developing relationship, the deepening of her connection to Bianca and Miranda, especially considering how Sofie appeared to support them at the start, she wasn't naïve enough to think that it couldn't happen. Just the thought that Sofie might be insinuating it might not be for the best that she and Bianca were getting closer automatically put her on edge. Maybe it was because she still had that persistent fear, though she tried desperately to rid herself of it, that she was somehow going to lose Bianca. "Is that a problem?"
A barely discernable laugh then Sofie was in front of her, green eyes sharp and shining as she said, "There is no need to be guarded. I was merely commenting on the obvious changes in scenery. I never said I found it unfavorable."
"But do you?" asked Reese in a quiet demand, a strange protective streak and a mild feeling of anger at the slight suspicion that the actress might be interfering with her and Bianca's relationship.
She had never felt this way before, never had such a sudden and fierce emotion take hold of her and it was almost shocking to Reese but she let it come out all the same, just because she couldn't bear the idea of another person, someone on the outside, affecting the thing that brought her the most happiness in her life. That simply wasn't acceptable.
"You are so forward," Sofie noted with humorous delight. "It is most refreshing and no, I do not find it unfavorable. In fact, I would say it is a very good sign indeed that things are progressing nicely."
Her cheeks heating in slight embarrassment, Reese released a puff of air, running her fingers through her hair in an agitated movement and said somewhat sheepishly, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come off defensive. It's just that I've never had this before." Reese turned to the actress with a plaintive expression, opening herself up enough that Sofie could see the sincerity behind her words. "I've never cared for anyone as much as I care for Bianca. There's this connection I have with her and Miranda and even though it hasn't been that long since I met them, they're already so important to me."
"How important?" questioned Sofie and her voice was unusually considerate in its inquiry.
Knowing this wasn't the time to hide, to protect, Reese met Sofie's gaze then said strong and firm, "They're the most important thing in my life." Feeling freer than she had in years and unable to help herself, Reese went on, "Being with Bianca and Miranda has made me happier than I've been in a very long time. I mean that."
Silence and Sofie studied Reese, her eyes lidded, then she said, "I believe you do." A bright smile formed on her features and she tilted her head to one side as Bianca entered the room then said warmly, "Miranda is asleep and Bianca has returned and so I will take my leave." She walked over to Bianca, kissing her cheeks and hugging her briefly, dipping her head at Reese and winking at the blonde mischievously as she headed out the door.
Once they were alone, Bianca stood behind Reese, wrapping her arms around the other woman. They swayed to the sound of the soft music that continued to play and Reese sighed happily, relaxing in Bianca's embrace and feeling utterly at peace with the world. Bianca pressed a light kiss onto Reese's neck, nuzzling her skin, and the architect murmured in contentment, exposing more of her neck as a slow smile moved across her features.
"I heard what you said to Sofie," Bianca revealed, her voice a hush. Reese moved her head, looking at the brunette, somewhat alarmed and the anxiety must have been obvious because Bianca gave that familiar soothing sound, her hands moving in a circular caress over Reese's stomach, their touch comforting and tender. Resting her chin on the Reese's shoulder, she murmured, "I just wanted you to know I feel the same and I think it's safe to say that Miranda does too." A pause and Bianca shifted closer, holding Reese tighter, and the blonde leaned back into Bianca, wanting to get rid of the space between them. "I haven't had the best luck in romance. It's horrible to say this but when I think back on all the people I've been with, I know they cared for me, but one after the other they've done things that hurt me, each a little worse than the last. You're different though," Bianca said this thoughtfully as Reese turned in her arms, smiling as the blonde cupped her cheek, moving into her touch. "I know what you said to Sofie tonight was the truth and I know you're not like anyone I've been with. When we're together, I can see it on your face, how happy you are to be with me, to be with Miranda, and I've never doubted that you want me, not once."
"I do want to be with you," said Reese fervently, holding Bianca's face with both her hands, thumbs moving across silken skin in a faint caress. "I want it more than anything I've ever wanted my entire life."
"I know," said Bianca sweetly, her eyes wet with unshed tears. "I know you do." Laughing and wiping at her eyes, smiling when Reese gave a reassuring murmur and did it for her, she added, "I heard you say it, remember?"
Laughing along and returning Bianca's smile, Reese wiped away the last of Bianca's tears then rested her forehead against the brunette's and for a very long while, they remained like that. Wearing silly smiles, happiness exuding from them in waves then Reese dipped her head, kissing Bianca lazy and loving, murmuring against her lips that she was glad Bianca overheard what she said to Sofie. When they parted from the kiss, a smile still on her face, Reese ducked her head, whispering in Bianca's ear that she wanted the brunette to feel how much she wanted to be with her as well.
Something that caused Bianca's pale skin to darken in a manner that Reese found altogether charming. Then Bianca took Reese's hand and led her down the hall to her bedroom which was a sure sign that the brunette thoroughly endorsed this idea.
To be continued...
SERIES: All My Children
AUTHOR:
dreiserEMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Bianca/Reese. Breeze.
SUMMARY: Reese Williams had experienced a thousand glimpses of the life she always wanted but until she met Bianca Montgomery she never thought she could have it for herself.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my rediscovered love of Ryan Lavery.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is just plot development but future chapters will have a little more substance to them, I promise. In the meantime, music!
The song that Sofie plays is Far Far by Yael Naim and just for the heck of it here's a great cover of the song Toxic by Yael Naim.
A Thousand Glimpses
By: Dreiser
Nineteen
Friday, August 10th, was Audrey's fortieth birthday as everyone in their office was well aware. That's why two weeks before this date and just past quitting time the entire staff of Durand Williams, minus Audrey Durand, were gathered into their largest conference room brainstorming on ideas for the massive birthday party they intended to throw for her. Standing in front of the room, Reese directed the flow of discussion, while Audrey's assistant, Claude, took notes on her laptop computer which were handily projected onto the wall behind them for all to see.
They had finally narrowed down their choice of locations to several different clubs they knew Audrey was fond of and six staff members had volunteered to phone the clubs to try and find out the likely hood of renting them as a venue. In the meantime, they were debating on what caterer to use based on the variety of food samples that Maurice supplied which included several types of possible birthday cakes.
Reese had just cut into a slice of the Marquise au Chocolat when the conference door opened and revealed a smiling Danielle followed closely behind by Bianca and Sofie Rousseau. Putting her fork down, Reese greeted Bianca with a hug and a kiss then put an arm around the brunette's waist and said hello to Sofie with a smile. Focusing back on Bianca, she wore a slight frown and asked, "Was I supposed to meet you? I didn't forget, did I?"
"No," said Bianca with a laugh, shaking her head. "We were just heading back to the house and Sofie insisted on visiting you. I didn't really think you'd still be at the office though." She looked at the crowded conference room, taking in the piles of food on the table, and remarked, "Did we interrupt a dinner meeting?"
"Taste testing is more like it," Reese replied. "We're trying to pick out what caterer to hire for Audrey's birthday." Peering around Bianca to her curious employees who instantly tried to look as if they hadn't been staring at the couple, she announced, "Remember to write down on the index cards we gave you what food you like best and whatever gets the most votes is what we'll use for the party, okay?"
There was a variety of affirming responses then Maurice appeared at Reese's side, his eyes narrowed and he had that same troublesome look on his features, the one he wore on first meeting Bianca, then he pointed at Sofie and declared, "Henriette from Les Femmes Savantes!" Before Sofie could respond, he continued, "I saw you perform opening night at Comédie-Francaise. You were most ingenious in the role."
"Thank you," said Sofie, smiling and looking like this was the only reaction that could have possibly existed to seeing her on stage. "I'm always pleased to discover someone enjoyed one of my performances. Particularly those who spend money on tickets."
"And once again, the ego is appeased by her adoring public," Bianca whispered in Reese's ear, a playful tone in her voice, causing the blonde to chuckle and lean into her.
Moving into Bianca's arms, further into her embrace, was so natural that Reese didn't even think about her employees watching this until she noticed several interested gazes. Her unhappiness during the engagement to Simon and her avoidance of her mother was well known about the office, particularly since some of her friendlier workers had helped her avoid both of them, but she suspected her romance with Bianca hadn't made the gossip rounds. She couldn't help the sudden bout of nerves she experienced, wondering what they all thought of her, being with someone so soon after ending her engagement. Then a funny thing happened, Reese was struck by the realization that it didn't matter. Despite how much she loved her employees and wanted their respect she could care less what they thought about her relationship with Bianca because ultimately it didn't matter. The only opinions that mattered when it came to their romance were hers and Bianca's and then to a lesser extent, Miranda's, because Reese couldn't see Bianca ever being with someone that the little girl was uncomfortable with or somehow disliked. Which made her quite glad to know that Miranda seemed to like her.
"Boss," Eddie Lisiewicz, one of the few Americans working at the firm, entered the conference room followed by his other coworkers that had volunteered to phone the venues they were interested in holding the party at. "We got hold of everybody but Le Topierre. They must not have anyone in the office yet but I left a message asking them to call my cell phone about the possibility of renting the place out. Do you want me to text you with the price if they get back to me tonight?"
"That would be great, Eddie," said Reese warmly, giving him a smile. Moving away from Bianca she walked over to the other employees to ask about the other venues, seeing which ones were available for rent at what price. As she did this, Reese saw Bianca conferring with Sofie who was finished talking with an admiring Maurice and pulled out her cell phone. Sofie waved her hand carelessly at Bianca who made a humorous face at her friend and, out of curiosity, Reese moved over to the pair, putting an arm around Bianca's waist as she asked, "What's up?"
"Sofie apparently knows the owner of Le Topierre," said Bianca, turning to Reese. "She's calling him for you."
"No kidding?" said Reese, her eyes going wide.
"Sofie knows a lot of people," Bianca remarked with wry humor. "She's like a member of the gay mafia with all her connections."
"Do not disparage my connections, you might need them yourself someday, Bianca," pronounced Sofie in lofty tones, arching an eyebrow.
"Right, right," said Bianca sardonically, focusing back on Reese. "When did you need to rent the club, honey?"
"August 10th, the party would start at eight o'clock and go until, well," Reese trailed off, looking around at her employees who were all studying them in the midst of their food eating. "What do you guys say? The party goes until closing time?" A loud series of agreements and Reese chuckled. "I guess that's our answer."
"Merci, Patrice," Sofie murmured, an altogether pleased and rather smug look on her face. "For the mere cost of a promise of free tickets to five of my next performances you may rent Le Topierre for the incredibly affordable price of four thousand euros."
"You're serious?" asked Reese, her eyes becoming wider than ever.
"Bianca do tell your paramour I am always serious except on the rare occasions when I am not," Sofie drawled.
"She's serious," said Bianca laughing fondly and giving Reese a kiss to the cheek. "Looks like you have your party venue."
Feeling a bit stunned but altogether grateful, Reese turned to Sofie and said, "Thank you, so much. Is there anything--"
"An invitation to the party and a demand to share dinner with you at Bianca's tonight," interrupted Sofie smoothly. "If I'm granted these requests then I believe we may call it even."
"You've got an invitation to the party," said Reese happily and she looked to Bianca, silently asking her to answer the request involving dinner, not really sure it was her place to agree to that or not.
"Of course you can come to dinner," Bianca responded for Reese, forming a sweet smile. "We're having Ratatouille."
"Now that we've settled that, why don't you both help us choose the best caterer," Reese suggested. Gesturing towards the conference table full of food, she said, "We've got more than enough to share."
"As long as we don't spoil our appetite for dinner," said Bianca, an apparent motherly instinct kicking in, blushing darkly when she realized this. Turning to Sofie who was already wearing a supremely amused expression, she lifted up her index finger and said in warning tones, "Not one word."
Blowing Bianca an exaggerated kiss, Sofie pranced around the table to have a bite of the Raspberry Mont Blanc and listen to several more of Reese's employees compliment her on her various acting performances they'd seen throughout the years. Reese and Bianca watched her for a moment, with matching bemused expressions on their faces, then Reese tugged the brunette over to the table, feeding her bits and pieces of food, feeling for the first time in years as if the two parts of her life, work and personal, were finally equal in the satisfaction they brought her.
---
Madame Trotter cooked a perfectly delicious Ratatouille but Sofie was greatly entertained by the fact that Miranda, the perpetually picky eater, was reluctant to eat her food until Reese made a show of how good it tasted. This entertainment increased as they shared a desert of Miranda's favorite chocolate, banana, and whipped cream crepe where the little girl insisted that Reese, not Bianca, cut up the food for her.
After dinner, Miranda took Sofie by the hand, wanting the woman to act out one of her favorite bedtime stories, Sofie gave the couple a humorously pleading look that had Bianca and Reese laughing as they trailed after the pair. An hour passed when the three adults completed a satisfactory performance of The Lorax according to Miranda and Bianca declared it was bedtime.
Since they spent a significant amount of time play acting Bianca convinced Miranda to overlook her traditional bedtime story and instead allow herself to be sung to sleep. The lights were dimmed in the little girl's room and Reese hovered by the doorway, not really aware of Sofie's presence, she was so focused on mother and daughter. This was the first time she heard Bianca's singing and she was captured by the gentle quality of the brunette's voice, how the love for her daughter was clear in every note she sang, and it affected her more than she could ever say.
Watching Bianca kiss Miranda on the forehead then begin a soft murmuring conversation with the child, Reese pushed off the doorframe with a smile, walking into the living room where Sofie crouched in front of the stereo, going through Bianca's collection of cds. Looking up at the blonde, she quirked an eyebrow and questioned, "Did you enjoy my performance?"
"You were ingenious as The Lorax," Reese replied playfully, echoing Maurice's compliments from earlier in the day.
"I'm pleased you think so," said Sofie magnanimously. Deciding on a cd, she removed it from the case and soon the air was filled with a melancholy song. Rising to her feet, the actress looked around the living room and she said in a clever observation, "I haven't been a frequent visitor to Bianca's home, despite my attempts to change this, but I can see pieces of you throughout this house. You are here often, aren't you?"
"Yes," said Reese and feeling rather wary, her eyes narrowed and she gained a stiffer stance. Though she didn't want to think a close friend of Bianca's would oppose their developing relationship, the deepening of her connection to Bianca and Miranda, especially considering how Sofie appeared to support them at the start, she wasn't naïve enough to think that it couldn't happen. Just the thought that Sofie might be insinuating it might not be for the best that she and Bianca were getting closer automatically put her on edge. Maybe it was because she still had that persistent fear, though she tried desperately to rid herself of it, that she was somehow going to lose Bianca. "Is that a problem?"
A barely discernable laugh then Sofie was in front of her, green eyes sharp and shining as she said, "There is no need to be guarded. I was merely commenting on the obvious changes in scenery. I never said I found it unfavorable."
"But do you?" asked Reese in a quiet demand, a strange protective streak and a mild feeling of anger at the slight suspicion that the actress might be interfering with her and Bianca's relationship.
She had never felt this way before, never had such a sudden and fierce emotion take hold of her and it was almost shocking to Reese but she let it come out all the same, just because she couldn't bear the idea of another person, someone on the outside, affecting the thing that brought her the most happiness in her life. That simply wasn't acceptable.
"You are so forward," Sofie noted with humorous delight. "It is most refreshing and no, I do not find it unfavorable. In fact, I would say it is a very good sign indeed that things are progressing nicely."
Her cheeks heating in slight embarrassment, Reese released a puff of air, running her fingers through her hair in an agitated movement and said somewhat sheepishly, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come off defensive. It's just that I've never had this before." Reese turned to the actress with a plaintive expression, opening herself up enough that Sofie could see the sincerity behind her words. "I've never cared for anyone as much as I care for Bianca. There's this connection I have with her and Miranda and even though it hasn't been that long since I met them, they're already so important to me."
"How important?" questioned Sofie and her voice was unusually considerate in its inquiry.
Knowing this wasn't the time to hide, to protect, Reese met Sofie's gaze then said strong and firm, "They're the most important thing in my life." Feeling freer than she had in years and unable to help herself, Reese went on, "Being with Bianca and Miranda has made me happier than I've been in a very long time. I mean that."
Silence and Sofie studied Reese, her eyes lidded, then she said, "I believe you do." A bright smile formed on her features and she tilted her head to one side as Bianca entered the room then said warmly, "Miranda is asleep and Bianca has returned and so I will take my leave." She walked over to Bianca, kissing her cheeks and hugging her briefly, dipping her head at Reese and winking at the blonde mischievously as she headed out the door.
Once they were alone, Bianca stood behind Reese, wrapping her arms around the other woman. They swayed to the sound of the soft music that continued to play and Reese sighed happily, relaxing in Bianca's embrace and feeling utterly at peace with the world. Bianca pressed a light kiss onto Reese's neck, nuzzling her skin, and the architect murmured in contentment, exposing more of her neck as a slow smile moved across her features.
"I heard what you said to Sofie," Bianca revealed, her voice a hush. Reese moved her head, looking at the brunette, somewhat alarmed and the anxiety must have been obvious because Bianca gave that familiar soothing sound, her hands moving in a circular caress over Reese's stomach, their touch comforting and tender. Resting her chin on the Reese's shoulder, she murmured, "I just wanted you to know I feel the same and I think it's safe to say that Miranda does too." A pause and Bianca shifted closer, holding Reese tighter, and the blonde leaned back into Bianca, wanting to get rid of the space between them. "I haven't had the best luck in romance. It's horrible to say this but when I think back on all the people I've been with, I know they cared for me, but one after the other they've done things that hurt me, each a little worse than the last. You're different though," Bianca said this thoughtfully as Reese turned in her arms, smiling as the blonde cupped her cheek, moving into her touch. "I know what you said to Sofie tonight was the truth and I know you're not like anyone I've been with. When we're together, I can see it on your face, how happy you are to be with me, to be with Miranda, and I've never doubted that you want me, not once."
"I do want to be with you," said Reese fervently, holding Bianca's face with both her hands, thumbs moving across silken skin in a faint caress. "I want it more than anything I've ever wanted my entire life."
"I know," said Bianca sweetly, her eyes wet with unshed tears. "I know you do." Laughing and wiping at her eyes, smiling when Reese gave a reassuring murmur and did it for her, she added, "I heard you say it, remember?"
Laughing along and returning Bianca's smile, Reese wiped away the last of Bianca's tears then rested her forehead against the brunette's and for a very long while, they remained like that. Wearing silly smiles, happiness exuding from them in waves then Reese dipped her head, kissing Bianca lazy and loving, murmuring against her lips that she was glad Bianca overheard what she said to Sofie. When they parted from the kiss, a smile still on her face, Reese ducked her head, whispering in Bianca's ear that she wanted the brunette to feel how much she wanted to be with her as well.
Something that caused Bianca's pale skin to darken in a manner that Reese found altogether charming. Then Bianca took Reese's hand and led her down the hall to her bedroom which was a sure sign that the brunette thoroughly endorsed this idea.
To be continued...
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