The Golden Lyre
Beca Mitchell slammed her hand on the alarm clock next to her head. She was not a morning person, especially on the weekend, but she had plans that Saturday.
Around a month ago, the beginning of April, a new café had opened on the corner of her block, a five minute walk from her New York City apartment. Always on the lookout for coffee joints, she had hurried to try the new Golden Lyre, surprised to see it was more than a café. Yes, when she stopped in before work, it was like any other coffee shop, full of coffee, espresso, and pastries.
But the first time she stopped after work, she found it quite different. The lighting was dimmer, and in addition to serving caffeine, they had a bar for those who needed an after work drink.
Beca had made the Golden Lyre her regular morning coffee spot. The second week they were open, there was a new redheaded morning barista, whose nametag said “Chloe.” Beca had been all but transfixed when she’d been served that morning, stuttering out her order as the redhead’s smile branded itself in her mind. Beca soon realized Chloe worked four mornings a week, with Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday off.
After that first morning, she looked forward to seeing Chloe on those four days, taking the opportunity to chat with her while she worked on those drinks that took longer to make. They had quickly gotten on a first name basis, and now, a month later, Beca was making her move. That night was the café’s first karaoke night, and she intended to ask Chloe to go with her to check it out.
Climbing out of bed, Beca checked the time. It was 7, so she had three hours to get down the block. She pulled on jeans, a black sleeveless shirt, and a plaid short-sleeved shirt left unbuttoned over top. After a quick look in the mirror, she went to finish getting ready before lacing on her sneakers and heading out. It didn’t take long to walk the half clock to the café, and it was less busy than any given week day. When she walked in, there were a few people at tables in addition to Chloe, another barista named Stacie, and the manager, whose name tag labelled her as Aubrey.
Chloe saw her enter, and greeted her with a smile and wave from the counter. Beca returned the gestures as she approached. “Morning, Chloe. How’s today treating you?” She felt Aubrey’s and Stacie’s eyes on her, but she ignored them as she ordered a caramel latte.
“Pretty good, how about you?” Chloe replied as she started making her drink. She had noticed Beca flirting with her for a few weeks now. She returned it as best she could while working, but she wished they could hang out when she was off the clock.
“So far, so good. Hey, are you working for karaoke night?” Beca asked as she pointed out a danish for breakfast.
Chloe reached into the display case for the pastry. “No. I don’t have plans at all after work today.”
Beca leapt at her chance. Pulling out her wallet, she ran her credit card for breakfast, then pulled out a business card. She held it out to the ginger barista. “Why don’t you call me after work and we’ll make plans? I live just down the block, so I can meet you here whenever.”
Chloe looked at the card with a small smile. “Okay, then. I’ll call in a few hours and you can tell me what you have in mind. And Beca?” She held up the card. “Thanks.”
Beca smiled and ducked her head in an awkward nod, taking her latte and Danish before she could blush any brighter.
Stacie wandered over to Chloe after Beca was gone. “How did you manage to get her number? She’s our hottest regular.”
Chloe smiled. “Maybe because I treat her like a person and not a trophy to win.” She put the card in her pocket and set about cleaning and restocking. She’d seen Stacie make passes at Beca, who had always gently declined. The small brunette with the expressive deep blue eyes had always focused her attention on Chloe.
The ginger was glad Beca had made a move first; she hadn’t been able to figure out how to do so herself. She thought back to the business card. Beca was apparently a music producer and artist, which made her all the more intriguing to Chloe, who lived for music. Smiling, she hummed her way through the rest of her shift.
***
Beca was in her home office looking over some sheet music when her phone rang at 11. “Hello?” she answered the unfamiliar number.
“Hi, Beca. It’s Chloe.”
Beca jumped; she hadn’t realized she’d been working that long. “Hey, Chloe. I’m glad you called.”
She heard an adorable chuckle over the background noise of the city sidewalk. “Did you have anything in mind for today?”
“Well, I have an evening plan, but we can figure out the afternoon together.” She closed the folder in front of her so she could concentrate. “I was wondering if you’d check out karaoke night with me later, if you’re interested.”
“I love karaoke. I hope you don’t mind if I sing.”
“Not at all,” Beca assured her, a smile evident in her tone. “I imagine I’ll enjoy that.”
“Now that that’s decided, what about lunch? I know a great deli not far from here, and we could eat in the park and hang out.”
Beca grinned. “Sounds perfect to me. I can come meet you at the café in about 10 minutes.”
“I’ll be out front. And I’ll bring coffee for us, too.”
Hanging up, Beca pulled her sneakers back on and took a moment in her bedroom to check her hair before leaving to meet the barista. She walked with hands in pockets to hide the slight nervous tremble. Beca really wanted today to go well and hoped she wouldn’t trip all over herself and end up too embarrassed to frequent the Golden Lyre.
She easily spotted the ginger at a table on the sidewalk, two cups in front of her. “Hey, there,” she said as she approached.
Chloe smiled brightly and picked up a cup. “Caramel latte. I just went with today’s order.” She held it out, not letting on that she noticed the shake in Beca’s hand.
“Thanks. More coffee is almost always good.” She glanced around, not noticing Stacie watching them from the café window. “Are we ready to eat?”
Chloe stood. “Absolutely. This way.” She headed around the corner, Beca beside her, as she walked to the deli. “So, you’re in music. According to your card, anyway.”
Beca smiled. “Yeah. Lifelong dream, really. I’ve always, always wanted to make music.”
“I’m surprised you’d be interested in a karaoke night when you work with professionals all the time.” Chloe sipped her own latte as she glanced Beca’s direction.
Beca shrugged. “Karaoke is different. You aren’t worried about perfection because it’s for fun. At work, everything is about money. Tonight will be people singing just to sing.”
Chloe nodded. “I’ve never thought of it that way, but it makes sense.” They arrived at the deli, and put their conversation on hold while they ordered sandwiches and stocked up on soda and snacks. Back outside, Chloe turned them toward the park. “I adore music. When I was little, I drove my parents crazy singing all the time. But eventually, I decided I probably wasn’t good enough to do it professionally.”
Beca glanced at her. So they had music in common, at least. “I’m looking forward to hearing you. You don’t have to be trained or recorded to sound good.”
The redhead smiled as they turned into the park and claimed a picnic table away from the kids on the playground. She had a feeling music would be their strongest common thread, and doubted things would progress very far if they didn’t have that thread. And she was definitely interested in progress. She had noticed the producer in the crowded café her first day of work and could still remember the blinding smile she had been graced with as she rang up the order. Every work day, she looked forward to Beca’s arrival and any interaction they could managed while she waited for her coffee.
They talked more about themselves as they ate, sharing stories and interesting facts as they sat in the early May sun. Chloe had moved to the city about 6 months prior, her parents agreeing to help until she got settled with full time work. She was at the Golden Lyre until she found something that would support her. “I actually really like working there. If I could, I wouldn’t leave.”
“Any idea what kind of work you’re looking for?” Beca finished her latte and opened a soda.
Chloe shrugged, and Beca thought she sensed some sadness in the gesture. “Not really, since I can’t do what I want.”
“Music?” Beca guessed. Chloe nodded, and Beca’s brain went into problem-solving mode as they talked. She’d been at Envision Records for a few years and had made connections throughout the company.
By 1, lunch was done and they were down to soda and snacks. Beca wasn’t sure what else to suggest they do, but fortunately, Chloe seemed up for whatever. The kids had disappeared from the playground, and Chloe gave her a mischievous smirk as she gestured at the swings with her head. “Remember how those work?”
The brunette laughed and followed when Chloe headed for the swing set. Rather than swing next to her, Beca stood behind her to push. The more time she spent with Chloe, the more she wanted to spend with her. She wanted to know everything and wanted Chloe to know about her.
For her part, Chloe found Beca intriguing. There seemed to be a lot of personality behind the quiet sarcasm and charming demeanor. Plus, she was hot as hell. Chloe couldn’t remember the last person she’d seen who held her attention so thoroughly. As Beca steadily pushed her on the swing, she wracked her brain for how to make the afternoon last. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet.
“Is there anywhere we can hang out till karaoke? I don’t… I don’t want to go home yet.” Chloe looked over her shoulder at Beca.
“There is, but it’s up to you. I don’t want to… rush anything.”
“Where’s that?”
“My apartment. We can just chill there, talk or listen to music or whatever. Then we’ll be close for karaoke.” Beca bit her lip, hoping Chloe wouldn’t make assumptions from her offer.
But the ginger grinned as she put her feet down to slow and stop the swing. “That’s perfect. And don’t stress things too much. Whatever happens, happens.” She wasn’t trying to rush things either, but there were a couple things she’d like to test before the end of the day. After they disposed of their garbage and gathered their things, she casually slipped her hand into Beca’s as they reversed the direction of their initial walk.
Stunned at first by the gesture, Beca quickly pulled it together as they walked sedately towards her building. This was turning out much better than she had dared hope for, and she twined their fingers for a more secure hold.
Upstairs in Beca’s spacious apartment, the producer turned on the radio in the living room before sitting on the couch next to Chloe, who promptly took her hand again as they kept talking. They sat like that till 4:30, both wanting to sing with the radio, but both wanting to wait for karaoke before showing the other what they could do.
Beca sat her soda aside and pulled out her phone. “Pizza? We should eat in case we drink later.” Chloe smiled and nodded. They settled on toppings and Beca called in the order. Just as she was hanging up, a slow song came on the radio, and Beca found a small surge of courage. Looking at Chloe, she asked quietly, “Would you dance with me?” At her nod, they stood and moved away from the couch, Beca resting one hand on the small of Chloe’s back lightly as they swayed to the music.
Chloe thought it was adorable the way Beca was so conscientious with her, polite but open, courteous but warm. She had a feeling there was a lot of Beca yet to be discovered. After a minute, she stepped a bit closer to the brunette, resting her cheek on her shoulder.
Without thinking, Beca softly kissed the top of her head. She told herself to be careful; she knew she could easily fall for the beautiful barista in her arms, but she didn’t want to be the only one falling. She could already envision her vague plans coming to fruition, but didn’t want to get her hopes too high.
Chloe smiled at the tender gesture, glad her position hid her blush. She liked how today was shaping up and expected it would only get better. At the end of the song, she lifted her head but stayed close. Her sky blue eyes met Beca’s deep blue, and in a moment, their lips met in a sweet, soft, lingering kiss. It wasn’t impassioned or urgent, but Chloe saw stars behind her eyelids nonetheless. The connection was instant and deep for all their attempts not to rush, and she would have given a great deal for more kisses.
But a knock at the door interrupted them. Beca gently stepped back with a shy smile to collect their dinner. She hadn’t planned the kiss, and wasn’t even certain who had initiated it. But, good god, was she glad it had happened! Her heart hammered as she answered the door and paid the delivery driver. Passing through the living room, she motioned with her head towards the kitchen.
Chloe followed happily, sitting at the table while Beca grabbed plates. “Soda or beer? Or another drink? I have plenty to choose from.”
“Beer is good, thanks.” Beca opened two bottles and served up dinner. They ate in companionable silence, both unobtrusively watching the other. There would be a couple hours between dinner and leaving for karaoke, and Beca wasn’t sure where things were headed at the moment. What she knew was she wanted to keep making a good impression on Chloe.
Chloe insisted on helping clean up. “It’s absolutely no trouble. I’d rather help than watch.” Beca nodded, and they were soon done with the second set of hands.
“So, um, we still have some time,” Beca commented, her hands in her back pocket as they stood in the living room. “Not sure what you wanna do.”
Chloe held out a hand, which Beca took, then sat, coaxing Beca down beside her. Turning in her seat a bit, she met Beca’s eyes again. “Can I ask something? And if not, it’s all good.”
Beca nodded. “You can ask anything and I’ll do my best to answer.”
Chloe’s eyes dropped to their joined hands, then came back up. “Would you kiss me again?” she asked quietly.
Surprised but more than willing, Beca laid a hand along her jaw and leaned close for another kiss. Chloe slid a hand into her hair and leaned into it, tightening her grip on her hand as she poured intensity into the kiss.
Resting their foreheads together, Beca brushed her thumb lightly over the ginger’s lips, wanting more but afraid to push her luck.
Chloe nipped her thumb with a giggle, then pulled her into a long, deep kiss. Beca’s hand released hers and snaked around her to rest on her lower back to hold her closer. The ginger rested her hand on Beca’s shoulder, fisting her hand in the fabric of her plaid shirt.
Much of the time between dinner and their actual date was spent making out, the rest talking quietly. At 8, they finally parted enough to head back to the Golden Lyre hand in hand.
Stepping into the café-turned-bar, Beca saw Chloe’s manager, Aubrey, behind the counter giving them a suspicious look. Leaning close, she asked Chloe, “Does your manager not like me?”
Chloe looked at Aubrey, then shook her head. “She’s almost always like that. Just ignore her when you aren’t ordering.” Beca nodded and followed as they made their way to the counter.
“Back here off the clock, huh? Nowhere better to be?” Aubrey asked.
“We wanted to check out karaoke night,” Chloe answered cheerfully, not about to let the blonde’s grumpiness rub off on her.
Aubrey rolled her eyes. “What are you drinking?”
Chloe ordered a margarita and Beca ordered a whiskey neat. Aubrey soon served them and Beca insisted on paying. “Now we’re officially on the date I asked you for. I got this.”
The ginger blushed and kissed Beca’s cheek in thanks as they made their way to a table up front. Chester Holloway, the owner of the Golden Lyre, was running the event himself, as they discovered when he walked onto the low platform with a microphone to introduce himself and get things started.
“So, come choose your songs and get on the list, and we’ll start in about half an hour.”
Chloe tugged on Beca’s hand. “C’mon, let’s pick our first songs.” Beca chuckled, and they made their way to the binder of song selections and got on the list, though neither told the other what song they’d chosen. Reclaiming their table, they sat back to wait their turn, joined hands resting on the table between them.
Beca’s name was called first and she shot Chloe another of those adorable shy smiles as she went up front. She lowered the mic stand and nodded that she was ready. The music started, and Beca was soon singing “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramour without looking at the lyrics.
Chloe’s jaw dropped at Beca’s powerhouse voice. She had assumed she’d be good; she hadn’t anticipated just how good. She was sure she wouldn’t measure up, but hoped Beca would at least enjoy her performance a bit. When Beca finished and returned to the table amidst the applause, Chloe stood and kissed her soundly. “That was amazing, Beca. You’re fantastic.” They sat as Aubrey brought refills which Chloe had ordered while Beca sang.
Beca blushed at the compliments. She’d gone with a song she knew well so she would sound her best, so she was glad Chloe had liked it. She sipped her whiskey as Chloe’s name was called, and sat back to watch and listen. The ginger’s rendition of “Jar of Hearts” was powerful and moving, and Beca was thoroughly impressed. When Chloe returned, Beca tugged her to lean down for a kiss. “You’re pretty fantastic yourself,” she murmured against her lips. Despite the pizza, between the whiskey and kissing Chloe, Beca felt almost drunk already. This was turning out better than she had dared hope.
They each sang a couple more songs, and by 10 they were drunk and ready to go. Outside, Chloe looked up and down the street. “I should call a cab. I can’t walk that far drunk.”
Beca snorted. “You think I’m putting you in a cab drunk? I live half a block away and I can sleep on my perfectly comfortable couch. C’mon, let’s go back. I’ll drive you home in the morning.”
Chloe giggled and took Beca’s extended hand. “Okay, babe. Let’s go.” She was drunk enough that the cute pet name slipped out, but she didn’t care. She liked Beca, a lot, and could see things developing between them if they gave it a chance.
They leaned on each other as they walked, joking and laughing the whole way. Chloe could make Beca laugh in a way few could, and she appreciated Beca’s sarcastic wit, which was gratifying for the producer. As Beca fumbled with her keys outside her door, Chloe pressed up against her from behind to kiss the back of her neck several times, making it harder to find the right key.
When they finally got to the living room, Beca dropped her keys on the coffee table and stuck her hands in her pockets. “I dunno if you wanna stay up or go to bed, but either is find with me. I have clothes you can sleep in, and…”
Chloe interrupted her with a tequila-flavored kiss. “Stay up with me? I’m not ready for sleep yet.”
“You bet. Want food or anything?”
“Nah, just you’re company.” Chloe sat on the couch, waving for Beca to join her. Leaning against Beca’s side, she smiled as she felt an arm drape around her shoulders.
“I had a great day with you, Chloe. I… I hope we can hang out again.” Beca shifted a bit closer to the barista.
“I can’t imagine not hanging with you again. I had a lot of fun.” She looked up at her. “Thanks for asking me out. I wasn’t sure how to ask you.”
Beca blinked. “Wait, you wanted to ask me, too?”
“Yeah, for a couple weeks now. I was trying to figure out how to give you my number without Aubrey noticing.” Chloe turned a bit so she could rest an arm around Beca’s midsection. The arm around her shoulders was warm and strong, which made her want more of this interesting, charming, talented musician who was sweeping her off her feet without trying too hard.
“I had no idea,” Beca said quietly. “I wasn’t even sure you would call this morning.”
Chloe chuckled in her ear. “Waiting those few hours was hard as hell. I almost clocked out early to call sooner.” She pulled her head back to meet Beca’s eyes. “Don’t sleep on the couch, Becs. There’s no need.”
Beca raised her brows a bit. “Really? You wouldn’t mind sharing so soon?”
Chloe’s eyes darkened a touch as she murmured, “I plan on sharing more than the bed.” She captured Beca’s lips for a slow, deep kiss.
Already drunk on whiskey, Chloe’s kiss broke through any resistance Beca may have put up. She pulled Chloe closer by the hip, kissing back passionately.
Chloe climbed into her lap without breaking the kiss. Beca tasted like whiskey, coffee, and freedom, and she couldn’t get enough. She’d never wanted someone this much before; part of her was afraid she’d get hurt, but most of her was set on having at least this night with Beca. “Take me to bed, babe,” she whispered against her lips, her hands already pushing the plaid button-up off the brunette’s shoulders.
Beca shrugged the shirt off. “Hold on tight,” she warned a second before standing with Chloe in her arms. With a startled yelp, Chloe clung to her shoulders with both hands as Beca carried her to the bedroom and set her carefully on her feet next to the bed. “Are you sure, Chlo?”
“Positive.” She pulled off her shirt before drawing Beca into another breathtaking kiss. Between them, they managed to get out of their clothes and climb into bed. Their hands roamed freely, if slowly, as they explored each other, finding which touches in which places garnered which reactions. Chloe gasped sharply as Beca’s thumb brushed over one taut peak softly. She groaned quietly at the second stroke, then brought her hand up to mirror Beca’s. The producer’s soft whimper hit her in the gut, and she knew she needed more of her.
Their exploration took on an air of urgency as each touch heightened their anticipation. When Beca reached between Chloe’s thighs to stroke and circle gently. Chloe bit her lip on a loud moan. “No,” Beca whispered, “let me hear. And see. Don’t hold back.” Chloe voiced a guttural moan before seeking to reciprocate. Beca’s quiet growl at Chloe’s touch spurred her on. Beca nibbled lightly at Chloe’s ear and neck, delighting in every sound, tremor, and shiver she caused. When Chloe cried out and clutched at her back, Beca came undone as well, and they both laid there shaking and breathless.
“Christ, Beca, that was…” Chloe panted against her neck.
“I know. I don’t have the word either.” Beca pressed a soft kiss to Chloe’s temple as she held her tight. Drunk and spent, they soon fell asleep holding on to each other.
Fortunately, Beca’s alarm wasn’t set for Sundays, and she was able to wake up on her own. It took a moment to recall the end of the night, and when she did, she grinned and blushed hard, glad Chloe was still asleep. She couldn’t have predicted that outcome in her wildest dreams. She supposed there were things to talk about later, but for now, she drew Chloe a bit closer in her arms and waited patiently for her to wake up.
Twenty minutes later, Chloe yawned as she started waking up. She felt Beca’s arms around her and snuggled close. “Morning,” she murmured against her shoulder.
“Morning, beautiful.” Beca kissed her temple. “How do you feel?”
“Hmm, because of the margaritas? Or…”
Beca chuckled. “Both, to be honest.”
“Well, I don’t feel very hungover, though I need something to drink. As for the other…” She lifted her head for a soft, lingering kiss. “I feel like a million bucks. What about you, babe?”
The producer kissed her again. “Loving you calling me that, for one. For two, well, I had the best night I’ve had in a long time.”
Chloe grinned. “Good to hear. Though, coffee and food may be in order before we go too far down that road.”
Beca nodded. “Believe it or not, we can do coffee and food without going out. I do have a coffee maker, and I can cook. So, whenever you’re ready, we can move to the kitchen.”
“Ah, she cooks. How much more impressed can I expect to be today?” Chloe laced fingers with her, kissing each knuckle on Beca’s hand.
Beca blushed. “I didn’t realize I had been impressive at all yet.”
Chloe smiled. “Well, you were very impressive on stage. And you can literally pick me up and carry me. And you can…”
“Okay,” Beca jumped in, blushing even harder. “It’s good to hear I made a good impression.”
Chloe took mercy on her, kissing her softly. “Alright, babe. Let’s do coffee and breakfast.”
Beca smirked as she got up and pulled on a t-shirt. “Breakfast after the first date. This is a good sign, right?” She pulled another shirt from the dresser for Chloe.
“I rather think so.” Chloe took Beca’s proffered hand and followed her to the kitchen, where Beca started the coffee maker.
“I usually do pancakes after drinking. Does that work?” Beca glanced at Chloe, sitting at the table in her favorite college t-shirt, trying not to get distracted.
“Pancakes rock. Go for it,” Chloe replied, openly watching Beca move around the kitchen in just an oversized shirt. After yesterday, especially last night, she saw no reason to hide her appreciation. She could tell Beca wasn’t immune to her, either. She caught the glances, the small fumbles, the occasional trip over words.
Beca was rather glad when the pancakes were ready, so she could stop dropping spoons and dripping batter on the floor in her attempt not to give in to temptation and drag Chloe back to bed. She turned the radio on before sitting, which provided a quiet background to their meal.
“Do you have radios everywhere?” Chloe asked.
Beca nodded. “At least one music source in each room. I can’t bear total silence most of the time, and music is a pretty big part of my life.”
“That makes sense,” Chloe agreed easily She knew how important music was to her, and could only imagine it would be moreso for Beca.
After breakfast, Beca cleared the table and poured them fresh coffee before starting a second pot. Resuming her seat, she cleared her throat. “So. We, uh, have some conversations to have,” she offered as a starting point.
Chloe smiled and reached to cover Beca’s hand with her own. “This doesn’t have to be hard, babe. Do you want us to date? Be a couple?”
“Yes to both. If you do. This is a two-way street.” Beca sipped her coffee. She hadn’t had a steady girlfriend since college, just a few flings and some one-night stands. She wasn’t sure how all this worked.
“I do. I wouldn’t have initiated last night, let alone stayed, if I wasn’t serious.” Chloe had done her share of dating, though nothing since moving to New York.
Beca tilted her head. “What if I had initiated?”
Chloe shrugged. “I would have gone with it. I wanted to, I just didn’t know if you were looking for a girlfriend or a hook up. Usually, I wait till I find out first, but I couldn’t resist. I had to have you at least once.” She sipped her coffee, and moved to pull her hand back.
Beca caught it, twining their fingers. “I want a girlfriend. A relationship. Something steady with someone reliable. I’m tired of a few weeks here and there. And it’s totally fine if that’s too much; I just need to know what to expect from here on out.”
Chloe met Beca’s deep blue gaze, full of hopeful sincerity and something she couldn’t identify. “Steady and reliable. I’m both of those. How much do you travel?”
“I’ve been with Envision for three years and I’ve taken two long weekend work trips. So, not a lot, at least right now. But if that changes, I can make sure you travel with me, if you want. You won’t have to be alone for weeks if you don’t want to.”
Chloe nodded. “I like the sound of that. So, yes, I’m in this if you are.” She chuckled as Beca leaned over to grip her in a tight hug.
When Beca poured their third cups, she asked Chloe to take them into the living room. “I’m gonna grab something from the office I want to show you.”
Chloe carried the mugs, settling on the couch as she wondered what a music producer kept in a home office. She smiled into her mug as she went over their conversation. She’d been drawn to Beca from the first latte and now they were together. She had hoped, but hadn’t expected that dream to come true.
Beca soon emerged with a laptop and thumb drive. She gave Chloe one of her shy smiles as she set up the computer. With a few clicks, she started a playlist. “I, uh, I produced all of these. I figured it might show you something about me. If that makes sense.” She turned away to sip her coffee.
“Hey, Becs.” Chloe reached out to turn her head back and leaned forward for a lingering kiss. “It makes sense. Music says a lot about the people involved in its creation.” Leaning back, she gestured for Beca to sit leaning against her as she listened with intent purpose.
After a handful of songs, Beca paused the list. “You don’t have to absorb it all at once, baby. I’ll make you a copy to take with you.” She set her coffee down, then gently took Chloe’s as well. Chloe raised a brow quizzically, and Beca smirked. Leaning close, she whispered in her ear, “If you hadn’t started it last night, I would have. But I also knew once wouldn’t be enough.” Before Chloe could respond, Beca drew her into an intense, deep kiss.
Chloe gripped her arms, leaning into the kiss with her own urgency. Beca was right; once wouldn’t have been enough. Beca’s touch seared her through the well-worn t-shirt, setting her nerves on fire before she even reached her skin. No one had affected her like Beca Mitchell did, and she thought she may well be addicted to her touch already.
Beca slid her hands under the hem of the shirt and pulled it up and off. Lowering her head, she caught one pebbled bud in her lips, teasing lightly with her tongue as Chloe fisted her hands in her shirt and groaned loudly. Beca coasted her hand up Chloe’s thigh softly, making her tense and shiver with anticipation until she whimpered as Beca stroked gently.
Chloe grabbed Beca’s face and pulled her into a needy, desperate kiss. “Please, babe… I need…” she pleaded, trailing into a low moan as she felt Beca’s fingers inside her. Beca nibbled her ear and neck as she thrust, Chloe lifting her hips to meet her hand.
“Come for me, baby,” Beca murmured quietly, nipping the soft flesh beneath her ear. In moments, Chloe was clutching at her as she writhed and whimpered. Beca wrapped her arms around her, carefully shifting them to lie down.
Chloe panted against her neck, still clinging tightly. She closed her eyes as she tried to think straight again. “Jesus fuck,” she breathed against the soft skin before her.
Beca kissed her forehead and stroked her hair softly. Somehow, lying on the couch with Chloe in her arms, she was happier than she could remember being. She tightened her grip around her. She hadn’t dared hope for this much, this soon. But there was an undeniable pull between them, and honestly, she didn’t want to deny it. Not when Chloe was acknowledging it as well.
The ginger kissed Beca’s neck tenderly. “I could lie here all day with you,” she said wistfully.
“I don’t see why you can’t, unless you have plans. I don’t want you to cancel anything because of me.”
Chloe smiled and traced Beca’s jaw with one gentle finger. “I don’t have plans today. I can totally stay. But I can’t get used to having you all day. We both work.” She put a finger to Beca’s lips before she could speak. “I’ll stay till this evening. But you have work tomorrow and so do I. Before I leave, we’ll make arrangements, okay? I promise.”
Beca nodded. “Okay, Chlo.” She kissed Chloe’s forehead again, snuggling into the couch and adjusting her hold on Chloe. It wasn’t long before Beca was singing quietly as she ran her hand through red locks.
Chloe leaned into her hand, loving the light graze of nails along her scalp. As Beca sang to her, she smiled, her heart fluttering in her chest at how romantic it was. After a few songs, Beca sat up a bit and reached over Chloe for a sip of coffee. When she laid back down, Chloe kissed her and said, “My turn,” before singing herself.
Beca listened to her clear, beautiful soprano voice, once again struck by how good she was. Beca decided she had some talking to do at work the next day. After Chloe had gone through a few songs and taken a drink, Beca gently drew her knuckles down Chloe’s cheek. “You’re a natural, Chlo. You have a raw talent that could carry you far, if you wanted.”
Chloe waved off the praise. “I’m no professional. Karaoke is likely the biggest stage I’ll ever command.”
Since she couldn’t make promises yet, Beca let it drop for the moment. “Is it too soon to start tossing around ideas for next time we hang out?” She wanted to know what to prepare for and how soon she had to be ready.
“Not at all. Did you have something in mind?”
“Not really. I figured we’d talk and decide together.” Beca laid a hand on Chloe’s hip to hold her closer.
Chloe pondered as she tried to ignore the heat of Beca’s hand on her bare skin and how close together they were pressed. “Do you play pool? I know a decent bar with a few pool tables. They aren’t usually busy during the week.”
“Pool sounds good. I’m not great, but it’s fun regardless. Is Tuesday night too soon?” She wanted to spend as much time as possible with Chloe, but she didn’t want to drive her away by being clingy or overbearing.
“Tuesday is perfect,” Chloe replied with a smile. She could see how cautious Beca was being and wanted to reassure her. “Beca, I like you. A lot. It’s gonna take a really good reason for me to change my mind about you.”
Beca blushed slightly. “I just don’t want you to get tired of me because we hang too much.”
Chloe ran a hand through Beca’s hair, bringing her palm to rest on her jaw. “So far, since we met, I have only wanted to see you more, not less.” She paused. “Will you still come get your coffee at the café?”
The producer chuckled. “Definitely. How could I resist starting my day by seeing you, even for a few minutes?”
It was Chloe’s turn to blush. Beca knew how to melt her heart already. Leaning forward, she claimed a long, deep kiss. God, she doubted she’d ever get tired of kissing Beca. The world fell away and nothing mattered but the two of them.
Beca rested her forehead against Chloe’s. Kissing Chloe made her feel alive in a way only music ever had. After a moment, she asked quietly, “So, shall I pick you up? Or am I meeting you somewhere?”
“Hmm, why don’t you pick me up? I’ll text the address later. It’s only fair you get to see my place. Though it’s nowhere near as nice as yours.” Chloe glided her fingertips lightly down Beca’s arm, raising goosebumps and making her shiver and bite her lip.
“Chlo…”
“I want you, babe. Let me touch you.” Chloe kissed her fiercely. Grabbing her shirt, Chloe rolled on her back, pulling Beca to kneel over her. “Shirt, Becs. Get rid.” Beca scrambled out of her shirt and descended for another kiss. Chloe buried her hands in chestnut hair, pulling a bit, experimentally. She grinned at Beca’s quiet groan into the kiss. Deciding on my exploration and discovery, she drew her nails up Beca’s back, hard enough to feel, but not enough to leave marks.
Beca arched against her as her nails traveled. “God, babe, that’s exquisite.” The ginger repeated herself, just a touch harder, and heard Beca’s breath hitch in her throat. “Please, Chlo…” she started to beg. She held her breath as she felt Chloe’s hand coasting slowly up her inner thigh, then moaned loudly as she felt the first stroke of a gentle finger.
As Beca’s breathing got heavier, Chloe pulled her into another kiss by the hair as she pressed her fingers inside her. Beca growled quietly against her lips, giving her the shivers at the barely-leashed, primal nature of it. “Ride me, baby. Let me watch you come for me.”
Beca felt Chloe’s words as a pang at her core, and she rocked her hips hard and slow against her hand. She growled louder as Chloe clawed her back again, and soon she was trembling as she cried out before fairly collapsing into Chloe’s arms, breathing hard.
Chloe kissed the tip of her head, rubbing her back gently. “You were right.”
“About?” Beca panted.
“Once never would have been enough.”