One week had passed since Bette saw Tina at the MOCA opening, and she was still thinking about her. This was new territory for her, and she couldnt fight off the feeling of loneliness that took over her as she realized she may never see this woman again. Then there was the message. Bette had listened to it over and over, trying to decipher Tinas reason behind leaving a message she knew Bette wouldnt get until the next day.

Hey Bette, its Tina. Kennard. Um, I was just wonderingumI was wonderingoh shitforget itsorry.

Bette sighed as she looked down at the phone and realized she really wanted to call her. But she didnt have her number. She didnt know anything about her other than her last name and the fact that she was dating someone she knew. Tina contemplated calling Eric to ask for her number, but that would be too risky, and Bette didnt want to put Tina in an awkward situation. She turned her attention back to the paperwork in front of her and threw herself into her work for the next couple of hours.

At one oclock Bette finally looked up and as she stood up to stretch she felt her stomach growling. Bette decided to order out for lunch and as she was walking to the break room to get a menu, she heard voices coming from the main gallery. Bette walked out to see who was out there and saw Tina standing there with Eric and another man she didnt recognize. Bette instinctively looked down at what she was wearing and after she was satisfied with her appearance she put a fake smile on her face and approached the group.

Hi.

Ah Bette, just the person we were talking about. Bette Porter, this is a buddy of mine, Mike Harris. Mike is a huge art buff and he was interested in your gallery.

Bette smiled as she shook Mikes hand, but her gaze had not shifted from Tina. Tina was wearing a business suit and Bette couldnt believe how ***** she looked. Eric and Mike were talking to Bette about something, but she wasnt really listening. All of her attention was directed at Tina and she felt slightly guilty for not being appreciative of Mikes interest in art.

Actually, we were just going to grab lunch. If youre not busy do you want to join us Bette?

Tinas eyes grew big and she suddenly wanted to get out of there. She could handle being in a crowded room with Bette, but she didnt know if she could sit there, next to Eric mind you, and make any kind of intelligent conversation with this woman. She looked at her watch and pretended that she forgot about a meeting she had to go to.

Oh shoot babe. I cant make it lunch. I totally forgot, we have those execs from Warner Brothers coming and I need to be back at the office.

She gave Eric a quick kiss on the cheek as she headed for the exit. She turned and gave Bette a look over her shoulder before leaving the building. Bette raised an eyebrow at Tinas quick exit, but didnt think anything of it. She turned back to Eric and Mike and decided she didnt want to eat with them.

Thanks Eric, but Ive got a lot of work to do. Another time maybe.

With one last gracious smile she walked back to her office and waited for Eric and Mike to leave. Ten minutes later she headed back to the conference room for that menu, when she stopped in her tracks. Tina was standing there with a small smile on her face as she walked over to where Bette was standing.

Hey.

Tina, hi. I thought you had a meeting to go to.

Yeah, not really.

Tina smiled as she looked at Bette and felt a strange warmth pass over her body. She had the sudden urge to touch Bette and she didnt know why she was having these feelings. Bette stood there staring at her like she was a magnificent work of art and Tina felt herself blush. She fidgeted with her purse as she tried to think of something to say. Bette sensed Tinas nervousness so she decided to ease the situation.

Well, if you dont have to go, I was just going to order some lunch. Do you want to join me?

Sure.

Bette smiled as she led Tina back to the conference room and it took all of her strength not to put her hand on Tinas back as they walked. She left Tina in the room for a second while she grabbed the menu and fifteen minutes later they were enjoying Chinese take out and each others company.

So Tina, what do you do over at Alphaville?

Im a development executive. We develop new scripts and things like that. Its fun.

Sounds exciting.

Bette smiled at Tina and Tina felt herself melt. She had never felt so strongly about anyone in her life and it scared the ***** out of her. Meanwhile, Bette was having a hard time containing herself and she was testing the water as much as Tina was. Bette was used to being admired and having women falling all over themselves for her, but Tina was different. Bette could read the signs better than anyone and she knew that Tina had some interest in her. Bette knew that this was going to be a long and slow process and she liked the idea of taking her time to get to know someone.

How long have you been in the art world?

About six years. Right after college I got a job working in a gallery and since then Ive been hooked.

Right after college? She cant be that young, thought Tina as she smiled at Bette. She wondered how old Bette was but she didnt know how to ask politely.

Where did you go to school?

Yale.

Tina raised an eyebrow at this bit of information. ***** and smart? Damn. Tina suddenly felt shy as she realized how intelligent this woman must be.

What was your major?

Literature. What about you? Where did you go to school?

UCLA. I majored in English. I thought I wanted to be a journalist, but after doing an internship at Miramax I fell in love with the entertainment industry.

Bette smiled as Tina gushed on about her work. She has such a passion for what she does, thought Bette, and that is an incredible thing. Bette felt herself physically responding to Tinas voice and she shifted slightly in her seat, trying to focus on what Tina was saying. Tina was enjoying herself so much, but she knew she had to get back to the office. She looked down and saw that it was just after two oclock and she knew she had taken a long lunch. With regret in her voice she told Bette she had to leave.

This has been really great, but I have to get back to work.

Me too.

Bette and Tina cleaned up their mess and Bette tossed the trash out as she walked Tina back to the exit. She wanted to ask Tina out, but she didnt know how she would react, so she decided to wait. She didnt know if she would see Tina again, but given the fact that Tina made a conscious effort to see her, she didnt doubt it. As they were walking to the door Tina stopped and turned to Bette.

I had a good time.

So did I.

They stood there looking into each others eyes and Tina wished that Bette would reach out and touch her. Bette saw a hint of desire in Tinas eyes and she wanted nothing more than to feel Tinas lips on hers again. Tina looked at Bettes mouth and suddenly found herself unconsciously licking her lips. Tinas palms were sweaty and she noticed that breathing had become difficult again. Bette decided she had nothing to lose so she slowly inched closer to Tina, being careful not to scare her off. Tina held her breath as Bette got closer, and this time when Bette leaned in for a kiss she met her half way.

Sparks flew as their lips touched and Tina had never felt anything so soft. She closed her eyes and her head was spinning as she realized what she was doing. Tina felt a rush of emotion run through her body and she felt a familiar throbbing between her legs. Tina momentarily forgot about being late going back to work and about her boyfriend who she would be seeing later that day. Tina wanted to savor this moment forever and she wished that Bette would just stand there and kiss her until the sun went down.

Bette felt a jolt of desire run through her body and she was happily surprised that Tina was kissing her back. Bette wanted to deepen the kiss but she was scared that Tina would pull away. Bette had never felt so much emotion in a single kiss and she knew that Tina was something special. Bette would have stood there kissing Tina forever, but she remembered that Tina was late for work and she knew she had to go. As she gently pulled away she smiled to herself when she saw Tina struggle to open her eyes again.

Tina, I need to see you again.

Bette held her breath as Tina looked at her with sad eyes. Bette saw her demeanor change as Tina understood what Bette was saying. Is she asking me on a date? thought Tina as she looked down. Bette wanted to kick herself for being so forward with Tina, but for some reason she couldnt hold her feelings back.

Tina Im sorry. Im not asking for anything, I just wanted to see you again.

Tina looked up and Bette noticed the desire had returned to her eyes. Tina took a deep breath and smiled at Bette as she answered.

I would like that.

Great. How about dinner? Or coffee? Whatever you want.

Tina gave Bette what she hoped was a ***** smile and decided to flirt a little.

Im sure whatever you decide would be great.

Bette raised an eyebrow at this and she felt a cocky grin spreading across her face. Oh yeah, shes interested, she thought as she smiled at Tina.

Okay. How about tomorrow night? Ill pick you up at say seven thirty?

Seven thirty is great, but why dont we meet here?

Bette was a little discouraged at the fact that Tina wouldnt let her pick her up, but she remembered why. She probably doesnt want Eric knowing about this. Bette didnt know if she was all that comfortable about being the other woman but nothing was going to stop her from seeing Tina again.

Tina smiled at Bette one more time before she left. She was really late getting back now and she hoped her boss wouldnt be upset. As she drove back to her office she couldnt believe she had just accepted a date with a woman. What is going on? she thought as she flew back to her office. She contemplated calling Bette to cancel, but she really wanted to see her, and she knew she would regret this if she let Bette pass her by.

As Bette stood there watching Tina drive off she couldnt help but feel as if she were floating ten feet off the ground. No one had ever made Bette feel like this and come tomorrow night, Bette was going to pull out all the stops with Tina. She hurriedly ran back to her office and started planning her date with Tina. As she scanned her palm pilot for various restaurants around LA she couldnt help but feel as if nothing was good enough. Tina had made her feel something she never thought possible and she wanted everything to be perfect. As she finally picked out a place and called to make reservations she couldnt help but smile as a single thought ran through her mind. Tina Kennard, you are something special and Im going to make you mine.