“Really?”

“What do you prefer?” Tina asked Bette, trying not to appear too anxious for her answer.

“Hmm, let me think. This is a really tough decision. Working at home alone or coming to the gallery with me…working at home or coming to the gallery with me…are you sure you want to leave it up to me, Tee? What if I choose wrong?”

“Bette,” Tina playfully hit Bette on her shoulder, “Just make the decision already.”

“Well, it’s quite easy, baby…coming to the gallery with me, of course,” Bette smiled and winked at a slightly flustered Tina. “Something I said?” she asked innocently.

Tina immediately jumped into Bette’s arms and kissed her gently, “It’s the first time you called me baby,” she said excitedly and kissed Bette again, this time it was not so gentle but passionate and long.

“I guess it requires a little celebration then,” Bette said breathlessly and took Tina’s hand, escorting her to the kitchen.

Bette opened a bottle of Merlot and after pouring the wine into the glasses, said ceremoniously, “I would like to propose a toast…to my best friend who taught me how to live and love again – to you!!!”

Bette raised her glass and sipped a little. Tina smiled and did the same but her heart was pounding, ‘Did she just say best friend? This is what I am to her, just a best friend?’

Tina continued smiling, trying not to let her tears betray her feelings, when she saw Bette raising her glass again, “In the words of my favorite poetess, Elizabeth Barrett Browning –

And I who looked for God, found thee!

I find thee; I am safe, and strong, and glad.

As one who stands in dewless asphodel,

Looks backward on the tedious time he had

In the upper life, – so I, with bosom-swell,

Make witness, here, between the good and bad,

That Love, as strong as Death, retrieves as well.

Tina finally let go of her tears and for the first time she really didn’t know what to say.

“Bette,” she said slowly, “I’m…overwhelmed…I don’t know what to say…”

Bette gently put her index finger on Tina’s lips, silencing her for a moment, “Tee, it’s okay, I don’t want to speak…” *kiss* “…I don’t want to think…” *kiss* “…I just want to cuddle with you…” *kiss* “…I want to hold you close…” *kiss* “…can we just go back to bed?”

“Yes, please…” Tina replied through her tears, settling in Bette’s strong and loving arms after they got into bed. Bette began softly kissing the soft skin on Tina’s neck while her fingers were slowly circling Tina’s well defined stomach.

‘This feels so damn good,’ Tina thought as her right hand moved to Bette’s back and began rubbing it slowly. She turned around so she could face Bette and began a passionate assault on her luscious lips. Bette eagerly participated in this impromptu make-out session.

Bette’s body was craving Tina’s touch, especially on one particular spot on her neck that drove her crazy with desire and need. Bette’s mind was sending warning signals that prevented her from taking the next step that she knew would be the most exhilarating experience in her life…and she wanted to have it with Tina. Still, emotionally Bette was not ready to be intimate because the fear of losing Tina was more than she could bear. 

Bette slowly pulled away from the blonde, still embracing her and absently playing with her hair. Tina searched Bette’s eyes for an explanation for her sudden withdrawal from further intimacy. She saw that the fire disappeared from Bette’s eyes and even though she could feel love and tenderness in Bette’s caress, Tina knew that the brunette wasn’t ready to go any further, not yet.

Tina placed a final kiss on Bette’s lips and said gently, “Bette, it’s ok. I’ll know when you are ready. I’m just happy that you are here with me.”

“I’m happy, too,” Bette kissed Tina back, lingering a little longer, savoring the taste of her lips. Tina turned around and Bette moved closer, enveloping the blonde in her arms. They cuddled together, both emitting a frustrated sigh.

TBC…