This is the most beautiful evening, the sky is full of sparkling stars, a gentle warm breeze moves against my bare shoulders as we stride down the street in Santa Monica. I love being with her, touching her. I secretly love that others are envious of me, knowing that I have her all to myself, that she goes home with me at the end of the day and shares my bed, our bed. I can see the side looks as we move along the street, men and women alike, ***** and straight, are jealous of me.

I look over at Bette giving her hand a loving squeeze and lean into her just a bit to let her know Im thinking of her. I am amazed by her self confidence, her intelligence and her beauty. How is it that shes even more beautiful today than when I first met her over seven years ago? Shes become even more refined with time. What is it about me that keeps her interested? I dont feel as beautiful or confident. What keeps her around I wonder? Hmmm one minute, Im proud and the next Im humble. At least I know one thing for certain, Im thankful that we have this time together.

These are the best nights, date night, Bettes idea from years ago. Originally I thought it was ludicrous. If we really cared about each other then why in the world would we have to schedule time together? It was idiotic and I initially refused to ink it on my calendar as Bette had suggested. If she really loved me, shed make everyday special. Blah, blah, blah What and idiot I was. Soon it all made sense. I understood what Bette was trying to accomplish. I found myself being torn between work and home commitments. We were both traveling like mad – at one point we even attempted to schedule a lay over in the same city so we could see each other for a few hours that week. And when we were together, it seemed like we were never really alone. There was one family or extended family event after another, not to mention trying to find time to sleep. It was insanity. Luckily, Im not too much of an idiot, I can admit when Im wrong.

So monthly date night began. We established rules, simple, but effective. Bette cant have her cell phone. We cant cancel on each other. We cant discuss work, even if I really want to share a funny co-worker story and we take turns planning the evening. Of all the rules that last one was the hardest at first, trying to come up with something to do, which was new and interesting can really be hard. Eventually we figured out it didnt take huge effort and we didnt need bells and whistles each time. We just needed each other.

Some of the best dates have been nothing more than a picnic on our living room floor and an evening of dancing on the back patio or taking a drive in the hills and pulling over to make out. Theres something about these nights that make us insane for each other. I cant even begin to count the times weve dashed to the ladies room for a little relief during dinner or made love in the sand at any one of the beaches from Redondo to Malibu.

As were walking I can see whats coming up. Just like Porter, shes going to take me into one of those adult stores. Jesus, if my mother could see me now, standing just outside the door of this adult establishment. Oh God, someones coming out with a huge bag of stuff, jeez, ***** stuff, I turn myself away, no eye contact and dont let them see my face.

“Bette, Ive never been to one of these places.” I can feel my face flush.

“All the more reason to go in, baby. No worries. Ill stay right next to you.”

Okay Kennard, I tell myself, this isnt going to hurt and its not like youre going in by yourself like some freaky pervert. I take a deep cleansing breath and stand tall, squeeze Bettes hand a little harder and walk in. Besides, I know shes just trying to embarrass me. Well see about that, I dont plan on caving in so easily. Shell have to work for this one.

Wow, this place is huge! I would have never thought adult toys and videos would be such a huge business. Okay, note to self, stop thinking huge while in this store!

My eyes dart around trying to take it all in. Theres a very popular video section, and lots of leather, Oh my God, what the

***** is that used for? I quizzically look from a leather swing of sorts hanging from the ceiling to Bette, but her eyes are too glazed over to notice my confusion, “You okay, Bette?” I snap my fingers in front of her.

She looks at me with an impish smile, “Yea,” and quickly leads me off to another section of the store. She seems a little too familiar with the layout; I bet shes been here before. Oh my God, Ive never seen so many shapes a sizes of vibrators and ***** in all my life. Its like a freakin rainbow of plastic and silicone.

Squeezing Bettes hand, “Babe, look at this one.” I nod my head toward a translucent light blue vibrator, “What the ***** is sticking out of it?” About midway down the shaft theres a little attachment on it with a tiny tongue sort of thing.

Bette picks it up,

turns it this way and that, fingering the shaft and little tongue thingy with her thumb before saying, “I think its suppose to tickle your” Oh my God, I put up my hand and give her the evil eye, “Dont even say it! And, why does it have to be mine, why cant it be yours?!”

Bettes face contorts, “Jesus, look at the price, eighty bucks! Thats ridiculous and its BLUE for Gods sake! Who buys this stuff?”

A wave of calmness overcomes me, I thought for sure she was going to really mess with me and purchase that thing in front of all these people, but shell never spend eighty dollars on something like this, “Baby, who needs it? All I need is you.” I give her a little love nudge, “I just dont see the point.”

“What about Eric, did you need

him? Come on T, you loved it when you had it – right?” My head snaps to look at her. I cant believe she just said that. She cant possibly still feel insecure about my relationship with Eric – after all these years?! But then I see the glimmer in her eye. Shes not jealous at all.

I turn away from her gaze. ***** no, shes not dragging me down this road. Shes trying to tease me into embarrassment and Im not going to fall for it, but still I feel the color returning to my cheeks.

“Come on now, dont try to get shy with me, you loved it didnt you?”

Still not looking at her, “Oh my God, do we have to discuss this?”

“Come on T, Im goofing around with you. Youve had both, baby, which is better?”

Im sure my face is still crimson as I can feel the warmth of my cheeks, “Youre better, okay?” I mean she truly is better, she just needs to be reassured every once in a while. Jesus, theres no comparison at all really.

Whispering, I lean in toward her ear and push her hair aside, “Its not about what you have; its about how you use it.” I casually look around the shop, once Im sure were not being watched I bring her hand to my mouth and nibble and suck on her long lean fingers, “and you really know how to use what you have.”

“Nicely done Kennard,” she manages almost breathless. Yes! Score one for Kennard, I got her panting and wanting more, oh, and look at the color in her cheeks. If only I had a camera.

Bette kisses me on my nose, “So Im guessing we dont need to go down the strap-on aisle,” Is all she can muster at this point.

Having embarrassed myself as well, I bury my face into her hair and take a deep breath. The scent of her, so familiar, so calming, Im thrilled to have finally matched her at her own game, but Im not sure how much longer I can go toe-to-toe with her. We need to get out of here; I ask a little too urgently, “Oh my God, can we go now?”

Bette smiles at me, knowing I bested her, just this once anyway. She concedes wrapping her arm around me as she leads me out.



Let’s See what Bette has to say….

http://www.freewebs.com/betteandtinasplace/xmasbette.htm