4. Mia

To say Mia was elated was an understatement. She was ecstatic to have landed an investor as big as Genevieve Mitchell. She had initially thought their one-night stand would complicate things, but Genevieve wasn’t acting weird about it, so Mia was determined to do the same.

They toasted and each took a sip.

Genevieve was the first one to broach the subject. “I never imagined that the Illuven Archer spoke about would be you. I got quite a surprise, to say the least.”

“You and me both. I knew you were a CEO, but I had no idea you were running Wisdom Investments.”

“Yes, well, my tongue was somewhat occupied the last time we were together.”

Mia chuckled and almost choked on her sip of champagne. “Mine as well. How are we going to handle that?”

“We’re both adults. I’m sure we can keep the past in the past. It was just a one-night stand. It’s a weird coincidence that we’re now working together, but I don’t see why it should interfere with our business relationship.”

Mia was glad that Genevieve took that stance, but she did have a few concerns about her ability to hold up her end of that bargain. If she was being honest with herself, she was practically champing at the bit to get Genevieve back into bed.

Genevieve’s black pantsuit was cut perfectly around her body highlighting her curves in a way that meant Mia couldn’t take her eyes off them. She wore black Louboutin heels that were super sexy and her hair was an exquisite icy blonde bob. Her eyes were shimmering blue.

Of course, trying to proposition her new investor would be extremely inappropriate, even given their history. Still, Mia couldn’t help wondering whether Genevieve would be open to such a development.

The impression Mia got of her was that Genevieve was emotionally reserved, but she wasn’t opposed to connecting to others with sex. Mia wondered if Genevieve was only interested in one-night stands, or if she might be open to a more regular arrangement.

Genevieve’s voice brought her guiltily out of her thoughts. “I’d love to see where you work sometime—if you’re willing to show me, of course.”

“It’s nothing fancy. I just have a small studio in my house. You’re welcome to come and see it if you’d like.”

Right now. Naked. With me fucking you on the floor beneath one of my paintings.

Shut up, Mia! That is not the way to think in a business meeting.

This wasn’t technically a business meeting, but it was close enough. Mia needed to keep her hands to herself if she wanted to keep Genevieve as an investor, as much as she wanted to put them all over Genevieve’s body.

“What about you? You know I’m passionate about my work. Do you enjoy yours?” Mia found it difficult to imagine enjoying some boring corporate desk job, but Genevieve certainly seemed invested in it.

Genevieve grinned widely. “I love it! It’s amazing seeing what it’s possible to build with a little effort and perseverance. It takes time to surround yourself with the best people, but I’ve got a great staff, and we’re all on the same page about the business.”

“That must be hard to find.”

“Well, it’s partially found, partially created. I look for people who are honest, hardworking and talented. Those kinds of things, you just have to keep looking until you find the right people. Once you have the right people, there are some simple ways to keep them motivated.”

“Like what?” Mia had never been much interested in business, but Genevieve’s enthusiasm had her curious. She hadn’t seen Genevieve so animated about anything before, at least in the short time they had known each other.

“Well, one of the things I do is offer them small shares in the company after they have been working for a year. They can buy more shares at a discounted rate. That keeps them invested in the company’s success. Other than that, it’s just the standard stuff—good wages, good benefits, understanding as well as firmness. Managing things fairly. Normal business stuff.”

“You make it sound easy.”

“It’s simple in theory. Executing that theory can be easier said than done, but experience gets you a long way in that regard. But enough about me. Tell me what inspires you to paint.”

This again. Mia had her standard answer ready. “I have a troubled past. My experiences were a dark blot in my life at one point, and my painting brings me light and peace.”

She could stop there, but for some reason, she found herself wanting to confide in Genevieve. “I’ve been painting since I was… since I was twelve. That was a dark time in my life, and painting really helped me get through.”

Genevieve’s eyes were burning with curiosity, but she didn’t push for more than Mia was willing to give her.

Mia opened her mouth to tell the whole truth but chickened out. She hadn’t told anyone since she was sixteen, when she told her mother, and look how that had turned out. Why would Genevieve believe her, if her own mother hadn’t? Besides, they were out celebrating here. No need to share her whole sad life story.

“That must have been quite a rough time.”

“It was.” Mia decided it was best to change the subject. “What about you? Any past traumas you want to share? If I’m spilling my guts, I expect you to do the same.”

Genevieve stiffened.

“I was just joking, Genevieve,” Mia quickly assured her. “You don’t owe me anything. We’re business partners.”

Genevieve nodded, getting a hold of herself quickly. She changed the subject again. “I’ll talk to our head of marketing tomorrow. Archer is great. He’s done a lot of work with the creative department, and he already has some connections in the art world. I’d like to get your work seen at some galleries in other states. Would you be able to do a series for me?”

Mia tried to contain her trepidation. Having her work displayed in another state sounded wonderful, but what exactly would Genevieve expect of her? How much control did she expect to have over what Mia painted? “What type of series?”

“Anything you’d like—just something with a theme. We can fit the marketing around whatever you choose.”

“I can do that.” Archer had been telling the truth about being given creative freedom. Excitement replaced anxiety. “I’ll have to think about it and send you a proposal in a few days.”

“That sounds perfect. Thanks, Mia.”

Mia’s mind was already spinning with the possibilities. Bright green spring scenes filled with sunshine, to celebrate her joy at having such a good opportunity. Rainbows arcing through the sky, joining one coast to another. Animals in the forest, playing in autumn leaves.

Beautiful, naked women draped over rocks backed by waterfalls, swinging on vine-covered branches and sitting on pristine beaches in the setting sun.

Looking at Genevieve, Mia certainly knew what she was inspired to do right now.

She’d have to write her proposal carefully. Nudity could sometimes be a touchy issue, though it was easy enough to artfully cover certain areas of the body. It was also different to Mia’s usual work, and Genevieve may want what she normally did, given that it was what had enticed her into entering this business arrangement in the first place.

Genevieve’s voice drew Mia out of her thoughts. “It’s getting late. We should probably go.”

Mia realized that Genevieve was right. They had finished their third round of drinks already, though Mia had switched to soda after the first one. She had no need to get drunk enough to forget tonight. Tonight, her head was full of pleasant thoughts.

She found that she didn’t want the evening to end yet. She was drawn to Genevieve’s confidence, her clear intelligence, and the warmth she showed toward Mia. Mia got the impression that it wasn’t the way she usually acted around people, though she would have to see more of Genevieve’s interactions to be sure on that point.

“Would you like to come and see my studio? I mean, I know it’s late, so if you need to go—”

“No, I’d love to see your studio! I’ve only ever been in Sean’s studio before. It’ll be really interesting to see another artist’s haunt.”

“Great.” Mia was nervous again. How would her little studio compare to Sean’s? Maybe his was big and fancy. He had people with money backing him up, after all. Mia did well with her art, but there was only so much space in her house for a studio, and she liked her home. She wasn’t in a hurry to upgrade from something comforting and familiar to something that would seem cold and empty, at least at first.

Genevieve insisted on paying, and Mia directed her through to the streets, right to her house. Mia led the way in, taking Genevieve to the lounge first. “Would you like a drink?”

“I think I’ve had enough for tonight. And I’m eager to see your studio.”

Mia had been hoping for a chance to sit and talk a while longer. She really enjoyed talking to Genevieve. However, Genevieve was a busy woman and Mia didn’t want to delay her if she needed to go.

“This way, then.”

Mia shot a nervous glance at Genevieve as they entered the studio. Genevieve’s face displayed open curiosity. She smiled as she walked among the paintings, her keen eyes taking in every detail.

“This is wonderful. It’s where you come to relax?” Her eyes went to the beanbag in the corner with a little coffee table next to it.

“Yeah, that’s right. It’s where I do my work, and my work has always been a solace. Sometimes, if I’m… stressed… I come in here and read for a bit, or just sip on some tea.”

“It must be nice, to have a place like that.”

“You don’t?” Mia would have thought that with a job a stressful as Genevieve’s was bound to be, a sanctuary would be essential.

“I’ve just never really set anything up. I mean, I suppose I could, but when would I spend time there? I’m always at work. Home is only really for sleeping.”

That sounded awful, but Mia didn’t say so. If it worked for Genevieve, that was none of her business, but she couldn’t help noting the tinge of sadness in Genevieve’s tone.

“Well, for me, home is for comfort, and a safe place. For work, too, clearly, but that’s not a mutually exclusive concept.”

“Your paintings really are beautiful… almost as beautiful as their creator.”

Mia felt herself blushing. She wondered once again whether Genevieve would be open to more between them. It would be unorthodox, to be sure, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t make it work.

“You know, I meant it when I said you inspired that one back at the gallery.”

“Oh, I know. I was kind of embarrassed seeing other people look at it.”

“Was it too close?” Mia was suddenly concerned. “I tried to make it different enough that it didn’t look exactly like you.”

“It wasn’t exactly like me,” Genevieve admitted. “It was fairly close, but I’m not unhappy about that. It’s flattering, knowing that I inspire someone like you.”

“Your mind and your body,” Mia murmured. Screw the proposal. If she could use her idea to get Genevieve into bed, she was going to give it a shot. “You know, I was thinking of doing something along those lines for the series. What do you think?”

“What do I think of beautiful naked women? Do you even have to ask?”

“Well in that case… I’d better make this series one of my best. I want to do well by both of us.”

“I’m sure you will.”

“A little extra inspiration couldn’t hurt, though.”

“Oh yeah?” Genevieve unbuttoned the top three buttons of her shirt. “Inspiration like this?”

“Exactly like that,” Mia murmured. “May I?”

“Who am I to stand in the way of an artist’s inspiration? I’m yours.”

Mia’s heart and body roared in triumph as she finally got her hands on Genevieve. She unbuttoned the rest of the shirt with trembling fingers, finally pulling it back off Genevieve’s shoulders. Genevieve was wearing a practical beige bra, but it was what was underneath the bra that truly interested Mia.

She hadn’t gotten an opportunity to explore Genevieve’s breasts last time. She certainly wanted Genevieve’s pussy, but this time, she wanted the breasts in the bargain.

“Here.” Mia led Genevieve to the beanbag and the two of them lay down. Mia took one breast in each hand and stroked them, rubbing her thumbs over the nipples.

Genevieve leaned forward and kissed her, slowly at first, but the kiss soon heated up. The beanbag squashed beneath them as Genevieve changed her angle, reaching up under Mia’s dress, trailing up her thigh to brush over her panties.

Those panties were currently in the process of getting thoroughly damp. Mia broke away to gasp for air as Genevieve wormed a hand inside her panties and parted her folds to touch her clit.

Genevieve used the break in the kiss to start trailing wet kisses down Mia’s neck. The angle brought her breasts away from Mia, which Mia wasn’t thrilled about, but she was so focused on Genevieve’s fingers, rubbing lightly and rhythmically on her clit, that it was difficult to concentrate on anything else.

Mia realized that if she wasn’t careful, she was going to come before she’d gotten what she wanted.

“Clothes off,” she murmured, pleased when Genevieve immediately obliged her. She used the brief break in contact to try to gather her scattered mind.

She wanted all of Genevieve, and she wanted her right now. Mia slotted one of her legs between Genevieve’s, rolling on top of her and bringing her mouth to one of Genevieve’s nipples.

Genevieve moaned softly and turned slightly to give Mia a better angle.

Mia was lost in the erotic sensation of sucking on Genevieve’s nipple when Genevieve’s hand snaked between her legs again.

Ah, fuck, that was too much. Mia did the same, reaching for Genevieve’s clit, swiping up from her pussy to get it nice and wet.

For a few moments, there was no sound except their labored breathing. Genevieve’s fingers felt like sweet heaven, and judging by the desperate little whimpers Genevieve was making, she was as close to coming as Mia was.

“Same time,” Mia gasped. “Tell me when.”

She was ready to come at a moment’s notice, her legs tensed and her mind desperately scrambling for control. She wanted to fall over the edge with Genevieve, but she wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold out.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to do so for long. Less than ten seconds later, Genevieve stiffened beneath her. “Now, Mia! Fuck, I’m coming now!”

Mia let go. She pressed herself closer to Genevieve as she shuddered through her orgasm, her hand cramping on Genevieve’s clit, but she didn’t let up. Genevieve was coming too, crying out Mia’s name, and it was the hottest thing Mia had ever heard.

The orgasm faded slowly. Genevieve removed her hand just as it started to become too much, and Mia did the same with her.

Mia realized that they had somehow rolled off the beanbag onto the floor. In the heat of passion, she hadn’t noticed. The floor was hard, cold and not particularly inviting. Mia felt too good to move, though, so she would have to settle for the floor.

Apparently, Genevieve felt differently. “Mia. Let’s move this back to the beanbag.”

“Mhmm.” Mia made no effort to move. Genevieve chuckled and grabbed her under the arms, hauling her into the center of the beanbag.

Mia squeaked in indignation, but she was too pleased with the way they ended up tangled together in the dent in the beanbag’s center to protest much.

It felt so good here. She had cuddled after sex before, of course, but it had never felt like this. Mia felt like she could do this forever.

Mia felt her eyes drifting shut. It probably wasn’t a good idea to fall asleep with Genevieve—her new boss—like this, but she found she didn’t really care right now.

She listened to comforting sound of Genevieve’s heartbeat as she drifted off.

Mia woke stiff and confused. The light, which had been fading when she had fallen asleep, was now brighter and coming from a completely different direction.

Fuck, what time was it?

She was entangled in Genevieve’s arms. Genevieve was still deeply asleep, and Mia didn’t want to wake her. She stared hopelessly at her purse, which had her phone in it and was clear on the other side of the room.

Mia glanced at the window again and tried to judge the time from the quality and angle of the light. Oh, who was she kidding? She wasn’t some character in a novel from a time when they didn’t have cell phones for such things. She had no idea. However, the fact that there was light at all made it clear that it was sometime after sunrise.

Mia’s eyes widened as the true implications of that sunk in. She had slept the entire night here with Genevieve.

She had slept without nightmares.

That hardly ever happened. Maybe a couple of times a year. Was it a coincidence, or was it something to do with Genevieve? Mia remembered how safe and content she had felt falling asleep in Genevieve’s arms. It wouldn’t surprise her if that had something to do with it.

Mia would have to digest all that later. For now, she needed to think about more urgent issues—like what to do when Genevieve woke up.

Had Genevieve meant to fall asleep with her, or had it been a mistake on her part as well? How would she react when she woke up?

The last thing Mia wanted was to lose the once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity Genevieve was offering her. She didn’t know how Genevieve would feel waking up like this. What if it messed things up between them professionally?

Before Mia could go too far down that line of thought, Genevieve stirred. Mia felt her heartrate ratchet up. What was she going to do? Act cool and brush it off? Try to talk about it?

It was too late to come up with strategies now. Genevieve’s eyes fluttered open.

“Oh.” Her brow wrinkled adorably in confusion as she looked at Mia. “I guess we fell asleep.”

She didn’t seem upset, and the knot in Mia’s stomach loosened slightly. “Yeah. Sorry about that.”

Genevieve shrugged. “It’s understandable. Yesterday was… intense.” She grinned at Mia. “I’ve never had anything like that, to be honest.”

“Me neither,” Mia admitted. Her stomach rumbled. “Do you want some breakfast?”

“Sure.”

Mia was encouraged by how casually Genevieve was taking this. Perhaps all her panic earlier had been for nothing.

Genevieve followed her to the kitchen, and Mia started getting out stuff for French toast. She didn’t usually put this much effort into her breakfast, but she wanted to do something nice for Genevieve.

“So, how did you sleep?”

Mia hesitated but decided to be honest. “Really well, actually. Better than I’ve slept in a long time. I… I didn’t have any nightmares.”

“That’s great. Does that not happen often?”

“No, not often at all. It might have been a coincidence, but maybe not.”

“Well, we should try it again sometime.”

Mia ran these words through her head several times to be sure she was understanding right. “You mean the sleeping together, or…?” She trailed off. She couldn’t deny that the idea of being with Genevieve more—both for sex and for sleeping in each other’s arms—was enticing.

“Either. Both. Whatever you’d like.”

“Both,” Mia said at once. No way was she turning down an opportunity to get more nights without nightmares—and with steamy sex in the bargain? She’d be crazy to say no.

“Both, then,” Genevieve agreed.

Mia’s heart seemed to expand a little in her chest. She had a good feeling about this.