One squeeze into my hand and I drop it to my other side. My hands rub the cold liquid up and down my shaft before I grip tighter and stroke in a rhythmic motion. Resting my head back, I close my eyes and imagine Mia’s pink, plump, seductive mouth wrapped around me. Her doe eyes peering up at me as her own arousal pools between her legs. I’d flip her over on her back, part her legs, and lick her cunt until she’s screaming my name.
I stroke faster as warmth radiates through me. She’s still in my head, like a porn playing on repeat. I watch her. Her face as her forehead wrinkles right before she squirts all over my fingers. Her mouth forms an O as she cries out in pleasure. The way she bites her lip, or the way her nipples pucker up and threaten to break through the fabric of her cute little dress.
“Fuck,” I mumble, opening my eyes and watching my hand slide up and down my erection.
Once she came down from her orgasm, I’d shove my cock into her mouth. Hitting her tonsils while her fingers massaged my swollen balls. I’d tangle my fingers in the strands of her hair and jerk her head back slightly, forcing her to watch me while I fuck her mouth.
I pump my cock faster. Harder. My hips rise and fall, as I imagine myself squirting down her tight throat.
My eyes open as I fill up with an insatiable need for release. My entire body tingling from the ecstasy coursing through me. My breath hitches as my cum shoots all over my hand. I give it a few more strokes before my head falls back on the headboard.
She got comfortable in this bed once, and now she’s making a home inside my head. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if there’s room for her.
Chapter Nine
Mira
My nerves feel like they’re wrapped in a ball of barbed wire as I approach Layla’s assistant’s desk outside of her office. My stomach rumbles, reminding me that I skipped breakfast. I’m not sure if the lightheadedness I feel is attributed to that or sharing my designs with someone who has the ability to make or break my plans here at Glasson. Layla knows who I am, and she does not give a damn. She’s all business and hands favors out to no one.
“Good morning,” her bright-eyed assistant says as she sets her coffee back on the coaster on the oak desk. “Can I help you?”
I swallow down the saliva pooling in my mouth. “Yes. I have an appointment with Ms. Ames at nine o’clock.”
“Ah, Mira. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. You can have a seat and I’ll let her know you’re here.”
With a nod, I make my way over to one of the two cushioned chairs lined against the wall. I set my folder on my lap and flip it open, giving the designs one last look before I share them. My knees tremble, causing the folder to flop around on my lap. I place a hand on it to stop the shaking, trying to hide my nervousness. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so anxious in all my life. My designs have always been something I’ve kept to myself. I’m really stepping out of my comfort zone and my vulnerability is on full display. Part of me wants to just walk away before I face rejection.
My drawing looks back at me. If it could make a face, it would likely be a scowl. If it could talk, it would yell at me that it’s not finished or that something is missing. It’s true. Something is definitely missing. It doesn’t feel complete and I’m embarrassed to share this with Layla. Maybe Lance was right. Maybe I should stick to drawing sunsets and clothes.
“Mira,” Layla says, standing directly over me. I didn’t even know she was here. I lift my head and make eye contact with her. “If you’re ready.” She gestures her hand to her office.
I slap the folder closed quickly—not wanting her to see what’s inside. How will I hand this entire folder over to her while I give a presentation on the projector?
My legs wobble as I stand. My knees feel like they’re on the verge of giving out on me. My entire body shakes as my heart rattles my rib cage.
Without a word, I follow behind Layla. She walks gracefully with her head held high while her heels clip-clap across the laminate flooring. Her long blonde hair lies perfectly on the back of her peach-colored blazer. She’s gorgeous, confident, and the nineteenth most powerful business woman in America—it’s a fact.
Once I’m inside, she closes the door behind us.
Layla takes a seat at the square, four-chaired, meeting table in the center of her office. Her legs cross and she flips open a lined notebook. I just stand there watching her, waiting for some sort of instruction on what I should do next. This isn’t me. I’m not a business woman, and I’m fairly certain that it’s showing right now.
Her eyes find the manilla folder clenched to my chest. “Is that for me?”
“Ah, yes.” Ok. There’s the instruction I need. But, I freeze. Standing there like a deer in headlights. Give her the damn folder, Mira.
Finally, my body works with my brain and I stretch across the table, handing her the folder. “May I?” I nod toward the projector on the table that points at the solid white wall.
“Of course. Use whatever you need.” She smiles, and it almost looks apologetic. “Don’t be nervous, sweetie. We’re just two women who want the best for Glasson’s design. Look at it that way.” Easy for her to say. She must have noticed the shake in my hand as I try and thumb through my phone, searching for the presentation I prepared.
Once I find it, I connect my phone to the USB cord plugged into the projector. The first slide comes up on the screen and I begin. My voice shakes as I start, but I’m hopeful that it will ease up once I get going. “If you open the folder, the first page shows the branding for H2O Vitality.” I kept it simple with the letter V in a hand drawn grunge font in the beige color on all the Glasson bottles with a gold crown sitting on top of it. One of the things I learned in my marketing classes is simple sells. I look at her face for a reaction, but it’s blank. Completely and utterly blank. I continue, “the crown resembles the feeling of being king.” I flip to the next slide. “The boost of energy from Glasson’s H2O Vitality will leave you feeling as if you reign by consuming all-natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals, but also getting that extra kick that you need to get through the day.” The next slide shows someone feeling refreshed after a busy day. “When you go home after a busy day in the office, you’ll feel like you came and conquered.”
Layla lifts her head. Her eyebrows dip into a deep v as she watches me. Her head nods subtly, and I assume it’s her indication to go on. I flip to the next slide and go over the Glasson motto, and I can tell she’s getting bored.
When I click the button to the next slide, Layla holds up a finger. “I really like where you’re going with this, Mira. The design is amazing and the meaning behind it is spot on. However, I need you to tell me how this design makes H2O Vitality stand out against the competition. What can we offer that someone like, let’s say, Tanner Enterprises doesn't offer with their energy drink?”
My mind goes completely blank. Natural ingredients? A V? A crown? I have no idea.
“When your father called me and asked me to take a look at your ideas, I was ecstatic. Our own Mira Glasson created a design for the new launch. I just had to see what you’d come up with. I’m going to be completely honest, Mira. I like it, but I don’t love it. The design is great. You definitely have an eye for art.” Her elbows rest on the table while her fingertips drum together in front of her. “But, nothing here screams fresh,” her eyes light up, “or new and exciting. We need that. This launch needs to set us apart from our competitors. It’s not just about the branding, it’s about the product itself.”