Tina jerked suddenly, snapping her head back upright. She shook it a little and slowly opened her eyes. She craned her neck to look at the time on the kitchen clock and sighed. She had dozed off for about 45 minutes and still Bette hadnt arrived or called. She shouldve been done by now, she thought, Tomorrows MondayI cant I stay up much longer. She frowned slightly; she got up from the couch deciding to get herself some ice cream. She grabbed the container from the freezer and ate straight out of it, strengthening her resolve with every spoonful. Shes expecting me to cave firstI cant call herneed to be strong, she continued thinking as she licked the spoon clean. A few minutes later, Tina heard the familiar ringing of her cell phone. Even though she wanted to dive into the living to get it, she composed herself and sashayed slowly, allowing it to ring at least three times before she answered, Good evening, this is Tina Kennard.

HeyMike told me you werent feeling well, Bettes voice sounded concerned, but Tina knew better. She had slid onto the sofa, propping her legs up on the coffee table. She pressed the phone closer to her lips, whispering, I feel like Im burning up. Bette rolled her eyes helplessly; whatever semblance of composure she had been able to acquire was lost in that instant. Tina smiled as she listened to Bettes somewhat erratic breathing; she knew Bette was trying to pull herself together long enough to finish the conversation. Well, I hope you feel bettermake sure you drink plenty of fluids! And with that Tina heard a faint click. She sat agape, looking at her phone, as if blaming it for ending her conversation. She clenched her jaw and grinned slightly, trying to figure out what would be the best plan of action. Make her squirm, she mumbled to herself. She decided to go to bed; if Bette wanted her, Bette knew where to find her.

Meanwhile, Bette was walking toward her car, waving goodbye to Michael as she dug into her purse for her keys. She got in and placed the key in the ignition, but sat back before turning on the car. ShitI cant go thereI cant let her winshes gone for a week and this is what she does to me? her tone was tainted with disbelief, but a small smile was playing across her lips. She sat in thought for several more minutes, her smile steadily growing bigger. You shouldnt of fucked with Bette Porter, she thought, as she turned the key in the ignition. She fished her phone out of her purse and dialed Tinas cell phone number. It went straight to voice mail, and Bette laughed out loud while she waited for the beep. Hey, babyI was thinking we should have lunch tomorrowmaybe Antonios, its close enough for both of us and as far as I can rememberthe bathroom there is really bigIll meet you there at noon. She hung up the phone and tossed it onto the passenger seat with a flourish.

***the next day***

Damn it, Bette! Tina hung up the phone angrily. Bettes cell was still off and Tina knew if was intentional. If Tina couldnt reach her then she couldnt cancel, which would force her to go have lunch with Bette. Tina was too caught up in this little game of cat-and-mouse now; she really wanted to push Bette to the edge. Tina stood up from her chair suddenly, deciding to pace her office as she read the days memorandum. Just thinking of Bette was making her tingle in anticipation. The phone began to ring, and this time in spite of herself, Tina dove for it, Hello? Bette words were rushed, she didnt want to give Tina the chance to speak first, Hey, Im really sorry but I have to cancel lunch, there was a leak here last night and some of the paintings were damagedIm really sorry, Ill call you later. Tina opened her mouth to say something, but Bette had already hung up. Tinas brow wrinkled in confusion: was she being serious or did she have something up her sleeve. Bette sounded really flustered on the phone, however, and Tina decided not to call back, not wanting to bother her in case the leak story proved to be true. She settled herself in her chair and tried to push thoughts of Bette out of her mind, or at least to the back of it. Maybe I could grab some lunch and take it over, she thought.

Meanwhile, Bette was clutching her phone by the elevators, just a few yards away from Tinas office. She had locked her eyes on Tinas door, waiting a few minutes before making her move. Bette had laid in bed for at least a half hour last night, running different strategies through her mind, and finally deciding on this one. It took her another half hour to actually get to sleep, since thoughts of what she was about to do had left her somewhat bothered. Bette began her confident stride toward Tinas office. Her skin tone was perfectly complemented by a burgundy, plunging v-neck silk tank and she was wearing black, low-slung trousers (Tina had commented once that her ***** looked really good in them) with 3-inch heels, making every step even more impressive. Her hair fell in soft curls around her face and along her bare shoulders, and she shook her head lightly to augment its effect.

Fortunately, Tinas blinds were drawn, so Bette walked right up to the door. As she placed her hand on the *****, a young mailroom clerk pushed his cart by her, deliberately taking in the sight of Bette from head to toe. Bette grinned in spite of herself, I hope Tina approves as much as you do kid, and with that she opened the door quickly, slamming it shut behind her. Tina looked up with a start, as she watched Bette lock the door with one hand, while using the other to toss her bag into a chair facing Tinas desk. Tinas mouth was hanging open, apparently frozen in her chair. Bette lifted a corner of her mouth and walked around Tinas desk to stand in front of her. Tina swiveled her chair slightly to face Bette, her eyes raking Bettes body from her feet finally up to her smoldering eyes. Even though she was enjoying Tinas reaction, Bette couldnt help but notice that Tina had dressed for the occasion as well. She was a wearing a light blue striped linen halter top with a short crme colored skirt. Her matching jacket was draped across the back of the chair. Tina knew how fond Bette was of her bear back and shoulders.

Bette leaned down placing her hands on the arms of Tinas chair, and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Then she traced down with the tip of her nose to her ear and sucked on the earlobe. She noticed Tina breathe sharply and tip her head slightly to give Bette more room. Bette smiled as she kissed Tinas neck, then made her way back up to her jaw. She place one hand on the back of Tinas neck and took Tinas arm in the other, lifting her from the chair into an embrace, as she continued to kiss and suck lightly on Tinas neck and jaw. Tina lost her hands in Bettes hair as she felt Bette turning them and pushing her against the wall behind Tinas desk. Bette lowered one hand and, lifting Tinas skirt a little, began to caress the inside of her thighs. Tina whimpered and turned her head to meet Bettes mouth, but Bette pulled away. Paybacks a *****, she said and smiled as she inched her fingers further up Tinas thighs, feeling the heat. Tina just threw her head back and smiled, apparently surrendering. Bette finally pressed her palm against Tinas underwear and had to remove her other hand from Tinas neck and brace herself on the wall. Tina just chuckled, lowering her hands to squeeze Bettes bottom as she began to move her hips slowly against Bettes.

Bette had Tina exactly where she wanted her; she pressed her forehead against Tinas and with every word she stroked Tina firmly through her underwear, I really missed fuckingyou. She suddenly broke away from Tina, pushing herself off the wall and staggering backwards. Tina was plastered to the wall, legs shoulder-length apart and breathing heavily. Bette wiped her face which was still moist from the intermingling of their hot breaths, Now the question isdid you? She grabbed her bag from the chair, shook her head lightly, and placed her hand on the doorknob. Before she opened the door, she looked over at Tina, who was staring back at her with a mixture of confusion, arousal, disappointment and disdain as she leaned an arm against her desk. You look a little flushed babemaybe you should drink some water, she winked and opened the door without another word, closely it softly behind her.