They couldn’t stop looking at each other and neither of them knew what to say, so instead they leant in again and let go of all control in a kiss that just grew and grew. Their lip and tongues explored the other in a kiss that lasted minutes. They both let go at the same time to breathe. They stared at each other panting.
“Are you ok?” Bette asked with caution. Her heart was thundering in her chest partly in arousal, partly in concern.
Tina had tears in her eyes and Bette wasn’t sure it was such a good sign.
”I’ve never been kissed like that… yes, I’m ok… it’s just… I feel all these things inside. It makes me feel all dizzy…” Tina stammered.
“You’re trembling, babe…” Bette said a little worried.
Tina smiled and looked away when Bette called her ‘babe’. She had always resented being called that by the men she’d been with. It felt like she was their possession somehow. But when Bette said it, it felt different. Already now, she loved being Bette’s ‘babe’.
“I should go, Tina…” Bette said and got up. She pulled Tina up with her.
“Are you sure?” Tina asked, not wanting to let Bette out of her sight.
“Yeah, but I’ll call you…”
“Call me when you get home…”
Bette smiled, loving how Tina’s kisses and words made her crave her even more, “I’ll call you the minute I get in.”

—–

“So, you do remember,” Bette said with glee.
“I don’t think I’ll ever forget… those memories are sacred to me…” Tina smiled and put her wine down.
Bette nodded. Suddenly, she had hard time breathing.
“Do I remember it like you do? Tina asked.
“Yeah, you remember it exactly like I do… I didn’t sleep at all that night… you had me pretty wound up after that kiss…” Bette whispered.
“I know. You told me…” Tina smiled.

“I still love you, Tina…” Bette blurted out.
Tina raised her eyebrows, surprised at Bette’s outburst, her mouth slightly agape.
“I know I shouldn’t say that. And I know I promised to be patient, but I have to let you know how I feel, Tina. I will be patient… and if you want me to be just a friend, I’ll try so hard to be just that… but I love you. And I don’t think that will ever change…” Bette rambled.
Tina took a deep breath. She leant in across the table and reached out her hand to Bette. Bette’s hand was trembling when she placed in Tina’s.
“Bette… I’m not ready to be anything more than friends at the moment. I have to take my time getting to a more steady place in my life before I get involved with anybody romantically…”
Bette looked down to hide her disappointment. She pulled her hand back, but Tina held on tight, not letting Bette’s hand go.
“But Bette… when I AM ready… I hope you’ll be the one I move forward with… Cause baby, I love you too… I always have…” Tina said, willing Bette to look at her.
“Yeah?” Bette mouthed, her voice gone all of a sudden.
“Yeah!” Tina smiled.

TBC