Envision Records
Work seemed to drag for Beca on Tuesday. That morning, she had texted with Chloe to confirm their plans. She had the address and had agreed to be there for dinner at 6, giving her time to run home and change. By 5, she was out the door and on her way. She had laid out her change of clothes and managed to make it to Chloe’s by 5:45.
She sat in the car, calming herself down so she wouldn’t seem so worked up when she went upstairs. She had seen the ginger at the café Monday morning for a few minutes, but she was craving more time with her. They would see more of each other if her plan worked, but that would take some time.
Taking one more deep breath, Beca went upstairs and knocked on the door to 2C. Chloe soon answered with a smile. “Hey, there. Come on in.” She stood aside and closed the door behind Beca. Before Beca could say anything, Chloe had her face in her hands for a breathtaking kiss. “I’ve missed you,” she whispered against her lips.
“I missed you, too, Chlo.” So she wasn’t the only one feeling it; Chloe had missed her, apparently at least as much as Beca had missed Chloe. She felt validated by that, and drew Chloe into another kiss.
“If we’re not careful, we’ll get too busy to eat and go out,” Chloe murmured, her forehead on Beca’s shoulder.
Beca nodded. “Yeah. What were your dinner plans?”
Chloe lifted her head. “I want thinking of ordering burgers, unless you want something else.”
“Burgers sound great, babe.”
Chloe smiled and took her hand, leading her into the living room. They got comfortable on the couch and Chloe called in their order. That done, she asked Beca about work. The producer explained her current project, happy to find out Chloe understood more of her job than the average person.
“I should have it done by the end of the week,” she finished, and Chloe nodded.
Chloe looked down at their joined hands, tracing random designs on the back of Beca’s with one gentle finger. “I listened to more of your playlist today. I could hear you singing backup on some of them. You’re incredible, babe.”
Beca blushed a bit. “I wondered if you’d catch that. I generally do more production than singing, but the label assures me I’ll get my time in the booth eventually.” She got a sudden idea. “Hey, if you come by the office tomorrow, I can show you around.”
Chloe looked up. “Are you sure? I know you have stuff to get done; I don’t want to hold you up.”
Beca waved it off. “I’ll take a long lunch. We can do the tour, then grab some food. If you’re interested. I also have some friends I’d like you to meet eventually.”
Chloe smiled. Beca already wanted to introduce her to the people in her life. She accepted the offer just as there was a knock at the door. Chloe pointed Beca in the direction of the kitchen and went to collect dinner.
As they pushed their plates away and sat back to finish their beer, Beca asked, “So where exactly are we going?”
“A bar called the Jaded Spade. The whole place is done in shades of green and decorated with playing cards. There’s a jukebox of classic rock in the corner with the pool tables. It shouldn’t be crowded tonight.” Chloe finished her drink. “I’m gonna change to go. I’ll be right back.” With a kiss on top of Beca’s head, Chloe headed for the bedroom.
Beca watched her walk away, eyeing her swaying hips and perfect ass. She bit her lip; the things she could do to her if they were staying in. But she wanted more than sex from Chloe, and for them to know each other better and move through the world together, they had to go do things and have conversations. So she focused on finishing her beer while Chloe got ready.
Shortly, Chloe emerged in a royal blue blouse that made her eyes exponentially brighter and a tight black skirt that fell to her mid-thigh. A pair of practical flats completed the outfit, and Beca couldn’t help but grin when she stood. “You’re gorgeous, Chloe. Should I be ready to fend off everyone else in the bar?”
Chloe chuckled. “No one else at the bar has a chance, so I wouldn’t worry about it. I know who I’m leaving with.”
The producer took her by the hips and pulled her close for a lingering kiss. “Come on. Let’s go before I have you back out of those clothes.”
Beca drove, following Chloe’s directions and parking in the lot across the street. The sign out front was embellished with an emerald green ace of spades. Beca chuckled as they approached. “They take their name seriously, huh?”
The ginger laughed. “Yeah, wait till we get inside.” Sure enough, the décor was every shade of green Beca could imagine and there were spade playing cards everywhere. Even the coasters had green spades on them. Beca thought it had more charm and personality than any other bar she’d seen.
Chloe led her to the bar first, then to the far corner that was home to three pool tables, all unoccupied for the moment. Chloe claimed the table closest to the jukebox. “Set up a few songs while I get us ready?” she asked. Beca nodded and fed a few dollars to the machine, choosing some well-known songs from the large selection. She grabbed a cue off the wall and moved to stand next to Chloe.
“So, do you come here a lot?” she asked as Chloe finished racking the balls.
“Depends. Ideally, one night a week, but plans don’t always work out.” She put the rack aside and motioned for Beca to break.
The first game went fast. Beca was out of practice compared to Chloe, who easily won. The next few got progressively closer, and Beca even managed to win one. They kept the music playing steadily, occasionally singing along for a few lines or a chorus. They took turns going to the bar, thought they only had a couple drinks each.
After the fourth game, they found a table to take a break. “Did you play a lot before you moved here?” Beca asked. “That looked like more than 6 months of experience.”
Chloe took her hand and smiled. “My dad taught me when I was kid. We had a table in the basement and we’d play for pennies. In high school, he used it to help with my geometry homework. And I kept playing.” She shrugged.
Beca grinned. “Explains how you’re so good. We should do this regularly.”
Chloe’s eyes lit up in the dim room. “Really? You’d come back with me?”
“Absolutely, baby.” Beca leaned close for a kiss. “Besides being fun, your ass looks fantastic when you’re taking a shot.”
The redhead blushed. She knew she looked good, but having Beca make comments to that effect made her feel sexy and desirable. She kissed Beca again. “You, Beca Mitchell, have a distinct knack for say thing exact right thing. How did I get so lucky?”
Beca smiled. “I’m every bit as lucky, babe.” She finished her soda. “Do you want to give me a lesson, or would you rather head home?”
“We can head out. To where is up to you.” Beca gave her a questioning look, but Chloe stood and took her hand, taking them outside before saying anything. “We have options, depending on what you wanna do. We can go to my place, and you can stay if you want. We can go to your place, and I can stay if you want. Or we can go elsewhere and do whatever you want.” She met Beca’s eyes. “I just want to spend time with you. And wherever we end up, I’d like to spend the night with you, too.” She reached up and tucked a lock of hair behind Beca’s ear gently.
Beca gazed into sky blue eyes as she considered. “I think my place tonight, so I can dress for work in the morning. We’ll stay at your place next time. But since we’re already out, do you want to grab anything from home before we head to mine?”
“I should grab some clothes to come to work with you tomorrow, at least.” She leaned close to whisper, “I don’t expect to wear much once we get to your place.”
Beca shivered at the implications of that statement and drew Chloe into a long, deep kiss. “Once the door closes, you don’t have to wear anything,” she murmured, a spark of desire igniting in her gut. “But I’d like to help you get out of those clothes, whether or not you put something else on.”
Chloe smirked. “We should start moving or we’ll stand here kissing all night.”
“I’ve had much worse night,” Beca chuckled as she reclaimed Chloe’s hand to walk to the car.
The traffic was light on the way back to Chloe’s, and Beca drove with one hand in Chloe’s, glancing over at her when she could. Even in the harsh red glow of a traffic light, Chloe was radiant, and Beca wanted nothing more than to see that radiance up close and unblocked by clothing. At her apartment, Chloe gave her a kiss and told her to wait, as she’d only be a few minutes.
When she returned, she had an overnight bag that she tossed in the back seat before getting in. “Alright, that’s done. How fast can we get me to your bed?” Laughing, Beca put it in drive and headed home.
As soon as the elevator door closed, Chloe dropped her bag and pinned Beca to the wall for a fiery, needy kiss that lasted the several floor ride. When the doors opened, Beca grabbed Chloe’s bag in one hand, leading her down the hall by the other.
Inside, Beca dropped the bag and hooked her hand around Chloe’s hip to pull her close for akiss that was more aggressive than any prior. Chloe leaned into it, draping her arms over Beca’s shoulders and tangling one hand in her hair. She pulled just enough to entice, and Beca groaned quietly into the kiss. She could feel how much Beca was restraining herself, as though there were things she wanted by didn’t dare ask for.
“Don’t hold back, Becs. Lose control with me,” she murmured against her lips. “I want all of you.” Beca growled lightly just before scooping Chloe up in her arms and striding to the bedroom purposefully. The ginger loved feeling the strength hidden in Beca’s arms, and she rather hoped she’d feel more of it.
Setting Chloe on her feet, Beca captured her lips again as her hands worked the buttons of Chloe’s blouse rapidly till she could push it off her shoulders. The rest of her clothes followed just as fast. Before she knew it, Beca had her pinned to the wall by her wrists as she assailed her neck and shoulder with kisses and bites, eliciting a quiet moan. She instinctively tried to reach for Beca, but the producer’s grip held her hands firmly in place. She felt a denim-clad thigh press up against her core, drawing a whimper from her. She moved her hips, seeking more pressure, but Beca lowered her leg.
Beca claimed a deep, demanding kiss. “Tell me to stop and I will. Okay?” Her voice was rough with barely-restrained desire. Chloe had told her to lose control and she wanted nothing more. When Chloe nodded her understanding, she released one wrist to reach up and pull her hair hard. Chloe gasped and gripped her shoulder with her nails. Beca began a slow, deliberate trail of kisses and nips, down her throat and beyond, until she released the other hand to kneel in front of Chloe.
Chloe gasped and buried her hands in Beca’s hair as she felt the first gentle stroke of her tongue. The brunette took her time, letting the pleasure build gradually as Chloe groaned and pulled her hair. “Jesus, baby… I need…” the barista pleaded desperately, her voice trailing off into a long, low moan as she felt Beca’s fingers. “Yes, god, fuck me, Becs.” Beca obliged, still taking her time, her thrusts slow and hard. With a ragged cry, Chloe shuddered hard as she came, her body clenching around Beca’s fingers as her knees tried to give out.
Beca stood and drew Chloe into her arms, where she panted and shook. Scooping her up again, Beca laid her gently in the bed, quickly undressing before joining her. She leaned down for a deep kiss as her fingers found and teased one hardened peak, making Chloe gasp in both surprise and arousal. “Becs…”
“I’m nowhere near done with you, unless you are.”
Chloe shivered at the intensity in Beca’s eyes. “Don’t stop,” she whispered.
***
When Beca’s alarm got them up Wednesday, Chloe stretched and realized she had a few sore muscles from the night’s exertions. She wasn’t sure how Beca would be able to work; she had expended a lot of time and energy losing control with Chloe, all without allowing any reciprocity. She wouldn’t be surprised if Beca called out of work just to sleep in.
But Beca seemed none the worse for wear as she got up and threw on a t-shirt to get ready for work. In the kitchen, she started a pot of coffee before addressing food. “I don’t really have time to cook breakfast during the week, so I have cereal, bagels, or a few muffins.” They both opted for bagels, and Beca had them ready just as the coffee sputtered to a stop. She turned on a dime to pour it and bring it to the table. Breakfast was a quiet affair as they allowed the coffee to start working.
As she cleared the table, Beca said, “I was thinking about today. It’s up to you if you wanna hang with me at work all day. I don’t know how entertaining it will be. If you do, we can get drinks with my friends after work.”
Chloe smiled. “That sounds like a plan, babe. It’s sweet that you already want to introduce me to your friends. Have you mentioned me yet, or will this be completely new to them?”
Beca walked over and kissed her forehead. “I’ve been talking about you since day one, Chlo. They can’t wait to meet you.”
Chloe blushed. “You’re a romantic at heart, aren’t you? I feel like I’m in a movie. And I don’t…”
“Don’t what, baby?”
“I don’t want it to end,” Chloe finished quietly. She knew that, now. She wanted to be with Beca forever, or at least as long as Beca wanted her around. Reality hit her like a brick: she was in love with Beca Mitchell.
“It doesn’t have to.” Beca lifted Chloe’s face to meet her eyes. “I want to be around you all the time. If it weren’t for work, babe…” She gazed down into sky blue eyes, then crouched so they were face to face. “Music has always been my life. Nothing else has ever competed. But you… you give music a run for its money. Chloe, I…”
Chloe interrupted her with a kiss. “Me, too,” she whispered. “But, later, okay? Not in a rush before work. Later, when things are relaxed and we’ve thought some more.”
Beca nodded and stood. “I’ll be ready in a few, just have to shower.” She kissed Chloe’s cheek and padded out of the kitchen.
Chloe retrieved her bag from next to the front door and took in to the bedroom to dress before sitting for another cup of coffee. She knew what Beca had been about to say, had been happy about it. But she wanted the romance she knew Beca was capable of. She also knew everything was happening very quickly, but she didn’t care. She knew how she felt, and she would follow that as far as it took her.
Beca reappeared dressed for work, and Chloe finished her coffee. “Ready when you are,” the ginger said. Beca nodded, and they headed out.
***
Chloe pulled Beca up short just before they went into the building, suddenly nervous. “Do you think they’ll like me? Like, for real?”
Beca moved to stand in front of her, taking her hands. “I do, but we don’t have to do it today if you’re not ready. I’ll call out now and we’ll just stay in.”
The ginger saw her sincerity in her eyes; Beca was offering to choose her over music, at least for the day. But she couldn’t have that, not with someone as musically talented as Beca. “no, babe. It’s fine, we can do this.” She smiled brightly and squeezed Beca’s hands.
“Alright, but we can head out whenever. Just let me know.” Kissing her softly, she led her inside and up to the third floor. “I have a buddy who works down here. She’s a singer-songwriter for the label.” Stopping in front of a door, she knocked. A moment later, the door opened to show a tall brunette with hazel eyes. “Hey, Becs. How…” Her eyes widened when she caught sight of Chloe. “Oh my god, is this her?! She’s gorgeous!” The songwriter opened the door all the way and motioned them in. “I’m Emily Junk. You must be Chloe. Jesus, no wonder Beca can’t shut up about you!”
Chloe blushed furiously as Beca mock-punched Emily in the arm. “You shut up. After we have lunch and drinks, you’ll fully understand.” She took Chloe’s hand and drew her close, almost protectively. Chloe’s heart melter at the way Beca was ready to defend her even against a friend. “She’s a lot more than beautiful, Em.”
Emily put her hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. I get it. Sorry, Becs.” She turned back to Chloe and extended a hand. “We’re mostly joking. But she really has been has been talking about you non-stop.”
Chloe shook her hand. “Glad to meet you. I hope we didn’t interrupt anything.”
“No, not at all. I’m not recording today, and when I’m not recording, I basically do what I want. Hell, the two of you can hide out down here all day.” She gestured at the chairs in the room, sitting on the piano bench.
Beca and Chloe sat, still holding hands. “Well, I have a few things to take care of, but we’ll see. I have to introduce her to Theo still. And I figured we could all do lunch, and drinks after work.” Beca glanced at Chloe to see if that was still okay, but she looked happy enough, so she figured they were good.
Emily grinned. “Works for me. How do you want to do lunch?” They discussed options and settled on sandwiches they would take up to the roof to eat.
“The view up there is fantastic, Chlo. Have you been up that high since moving?”
Chloe shook her head. “I worked at a different café for a bit when I first got here, so I didn’t really do any sightseeing.”
Beca smiled warmly and squeezed her hand. “I’ll take you to see anything you want.”
Emily mock groaned. “Ugh, you two are sweet enough together to give people cavities just watching you.”
Beca rolled her eyes, though she was still smiling. “We’re gonna head up to my office for the morning and see Theo. See you for lunch.” She stood up, Chloe following suit.
The building was huge, bigger than any Chloe had been in before, and they took the elevator up to the 15th floor. Various people they passed greeted Beca, not thinking twice about her walking around with someone in tow. “So no one cares that I’m up here?” she asked curiously.
Beca grinned. “Nah. Everyone brings people in for one reason or another. No one will bother us.” She opened a door with her name on it and led Chloe inside. There was a large desk with an office chair to the right, two chairs on the opposite side of the desk. Off to the left was a couch and a wood and glass coffee table. “Go ahead and get comfortable; I’m gonna get Theo in here. He’s my assistant as well as a good friend.”
Chloe smiled as she settled on the couch. She wasn’t really nervous anymore, and having Beca introduce her to her friends made her feel special, even treasured. She had been second-guessing her choice of jeans and a t-shirt, but Emily’s reaction to her had put her at ease about it.
A few minutes later, a thin man in a suit with a day’s growth of beard came in. She was surprised by his British accent when he looked to the desk and asked, “What’s up, boss?”
Beca grinned. “Theo, this is Chloe.” She gestured at the ginger, who smiled and waved when he looked over. His eyes widened.
“You mean… the Chloe? From the café?” He pushed the door closed behind him as Beca perched on the arm of the couch next to Chloe. He came over to shake her hand. “It’s good to finally meet you. I’ve been looking forward to it. Can I get you anything? Coffee, soda, something stronger?”
Chloe laughed at his offer. “Bit early for the strong stuff. Coffee is fine, thank you.” Theo nodded and headed back out. She looked up at Beca. “How often does someone ask for alcohol at 10 in the morning?”
Beca laughed. “It happens, but it’s usually artists. He was half joking.” Theo returned with coffee for both of them. Beca filled him in on their lunch plans, which he happily agreed to before going off to do whatever tasks Beca had set for him.
“An assistant, huh? You’re a big deal around here.” Chloe laid a hand on Beca’s knee.
Beca shrugged, covering Chloe’s hand with her own. “They keep me busy most of the time, so they obviously like my work. Theo takes care of whatever doesn’t need me directly so I can put my time into the music.” She kissed the top of Chloe’s head. “And I never take off, so I have a lot of vacation saved up. Plus, I can do a decent amount of my work from home when I want.” She smiled. “I want a summer making memories with you. SO never hesitate to let me know if there’s something you want to do.”
The ginger laced their fingers. “You’re so good to me, Becs. I want to make memories, too. But we should do what you want, too, not just me. As long as we’re together, I’ll be happy.”
There was a light knock, before Theo stuck his head back in. “Just wanted to remind you about the trip to Atlanta for Residual Heat. They want to borrow you for a recording.”
“Goddammit, I forgot. When is it?”
“A week from Friday is your flight down. Meetings for Saturday then you fly home Monday.” He glanced at Chloe. “Should I arrange extra plane tickets?”
Beca looked to the barista. “It’s up to you, babe. Residual Heat is where I interned in college. You can absolutely come with me if you want.”
Chloe blinked. She hadn’t expected travel so soon. “Um, let me text Aubrey. I’ll let you know at lunch, okay?” Beca and Theo nodded and the latter pulled the door closed as he left. Chloe pulled out her phone and started texting with her manager. Beca moved to her desk chair and started weeding through emails, one eye on the clock for lunchtime.
Theo returned at noon for their lunch order. “I’ll wait for the delivery. You two head up, I’ll meet you there.”
“Thanks, Theo.” Beca grabbed two sweatshirts from the back of the office door, offering one to Chloe. “The breeze can be kinda chilly, even this time of year,” she explained.
Chloe smiled, pulled the sweatshirt on, and claimed a soft, lingering kiss. “You like taking care of me, don’t you?”
“I do. I hope you don’t mind. If I get too clingy or…”
Chloe rested a finger over Beca’s lips. “I don’t mind. I like feeling special and important to you.”
“You really are, Chloe,” Beca replied in a low, earnest tone. “Look, Emily and Theo are the closest I have to family. I wouldn’t have brought just anyone to meet them.”
Chloe looked into her deep blue eyes, seeing the as-yet-unspoken words in her eyes. “You are the sweetest, most thoughtful person I’ve ever met, Beca.” She took her hand. “Let’s go eat with your family.”
Emily was already waiting for them on the roof, tucked into a partially protected corner that still afforded an expansive view of the city from 25 stories up. They said hello, then Beca walked Chloe to the edge for a full view, standing behind her with her arms around her waist. “What do you think, babe?”
Chloe scanned the buildings and streets, even catching a distant gleam of sunlight on the Hudson. “This is spectacular, Becs. I never would have thought to get up high and look around like this.” She turned in Beca’s arms and draped her arms around her neck. “Thank you, Becs,” she said quietly.
Beca smiled and drew her into a kiss, ignoring Emily’s joking catcalls. They heard the door thump closed behind Theo as he arrived, and diverted their attention from each other to lunch.
***
Just after 5, Beca, Chloe, and Theo headed out together, meeting Emily out front. Leaving the cars, they walked a block to a bar called the Defiant Heart. It wasn’t terribly crowded yet, so they sat at the corner of the bar and ordered.
“So,” Emily said when they got their drinks. “How long have you lived in the city, Chloe?”
The ginger explained her move and situation, much as she had when telling Beca. “I already love it here. There’s always somewhere to go or something to do.”
“I hate to talk shop after hours, but are you going to Atlanta with Beca?” Theo asked.
“Oh, god, I’m sorry. I meant to tell you at lunch. Yes, my manager approved my time off. I hope it’s not too late.”
Theo chuckled. “No worries. I’ll book everything first thing in the morning.”
Beca gave Chloe the brightest smile she’d seen from her; she was glad Aubrey had given her the time. Sure, Beca would be busy with work that Saturday, but they’d have all day Sunday to spend together. She slipped her hand into Beca’s and leaned close for a lingering kiss, which garnered a loud, elongated, “Aww,” from Emily. Beca tossed a coaster at her friend, who batted it away with a laugh.
“She’ll stop being like that soon,” Beca told Chloe.
Chloe giggled and kissed her cheek. “Don’t worry about it. We are adorable.”
They stayed long enough for a second drink before scattering for the evening. Beca and Chloe took their time walking back to the car, talking about their upcoming trip. As they navigated traffic back to Beca’s apartment, the producer told a few stories from her intern days at Residual Heat.
At Beca’s they sat in the living room with beers, relaxing before dinner. Even with Chloe there, Beca had worked steadily, and she was starting to feel the short night and long day.
“My plan was to cook for you tonight,” Beca said, wrapping an arm around Chloe’s waist and holding her close. “Would delivery be terribly disappointing?”
Chloe kissed her temple. “Becs, I love how you want to take care of me, but you don’t have to run yourself ragged. Delivery is fine.” Beca nodded, and once they had decided on food, she called in their order