The next morning Tina awoke with a slight feeling of anticipation. Shivers ran down her spine as she recalled the moment Bette had touched her neck, and they intensified as she thought of seeing her again. She couldnt explain how she was feeling, but she decided a bit of excitement wouldnt hurt her so shed just allow herself to go with it for now. The woman had intoxicated her, and she couldnt get enough of her company.

Bette sat at her desk, unable to concentrate on her work. She ran her fingers over Tinas earring that shed found, and thought back to the previous night. A sad twinge occurred in her stomach as she thought of the impossibility of the situation. She wasnt used to not getting what she wanted, but it seemed she would be defeated by her newest interest. An innocent straight girl just wanted to be her friend, and here she was dwelling on the moment that theyd touched. Oh well, at least she had the earring as a memento. God Porter youre a fool, she chided herself. The phone rang and she jumped back into business mode.

Bette Porter speaking

Bettehiummits TinaTina Kennard her voice trailed off as she mentally kicked herself for sounding like such an idiot.

Tina, its great to hear from you

Even her voice gets me, Bette thought. I meet so many women, what is it about this one that has me acting so crazy?

This is gonna sound really stupid but I think I left my earring there last night Tina tried to sound calm.

I have it right here Bette touched the earring briefly.

Oh, thats greatumm

How about you come by this evening and pick it up? Im sure Ill still be here by the time you finish work Bette wanted Tina to be there after all her distractions had finished for the day.

That would be perfect. Thanks Bette Tina tried to hide her excitement.

Okay, well Ill see you around seven?

Seven it is Tina hung up the phone, wishing she could stay on the line all day and just listen to Bettes voice.

She sat there trying to plan what to wear that evening. Hang on a minute, she thought to herself, youre acting like this is a date. All youre doing is picking up an earring from a woman whos never going to be interested in someone like you. And why would you want her to be? Youre straight for goodness sake. What about Eric? Confusion took hold and she began to consider sending Eric to fetch the earring instead.

Bette sat in her office wondering how the ***** she was going to get through the day. Already she was counting down the hours until Tina came round. Luckily for her, James soon appeared with a list of tasks to take her mind off it.

That evening at five past seven Bette was pacing anxiously in her office. What if shed changed her mind? What if shed realised how Bette felt about her and had decided she never wanted to see her again? You have to play this cool, Porter. Shes not going to just succumb to your charms like all the other women. A knock came at the door.

Come in she called.

Tina entered the room having decided to go for casual wear. She took nervous steps towards Bette, it had taken a lot of deliberating on her part to finally decide to come herself. But the last thing in the world she wanted was for Bette to see how nervous she was. Shed probably think she was acting like a stupid little girl who flattered herself by thinking Bette was ever interested in her.

Tina, I have your earring right here she moved to her desk.

Thanks Tina followed her.

Bette pulled the earring out of her drawer and turned to face Tina. Calm down Porter, she thought to herself, this is not a big deal. Youre just going to give her the earring and then shes going to leave and go back to her boyfriend. End of story.

You know I could have sworn I put this back in your ear Bette said softly as she placed the earring in Tinas hand.

She let her hand rest against Tinas and looked into her eyes, trying to read how she was feeling at the moment their skin touched.

OhI Tina grew flustered.

Okay, thought Bette, shes blushing. This is either because she knows youre a ***** and this whole thing is making her uncomfortable, or because she feels something too. Theres only one way to find out.

Bette looked at Tina before leaning in and kissing her softly on the lips. She held her mouth against Tinas, waiting for a response. Tina kissed her back slowly, not knowing what she was doing, but knowing it felt right. After a few seconds she pulled away.

I have to go Tina ran out of the office.

Tina! Bette called after her.

But Tina just carried on running back to her car. Thoughts ran through her head. Why are you running? That felt right so why do you want to get away from it? Its because it shouldnt feel right. You cant give in and feel that way. She had to get this stupid infatuation with Bette Porter out of her system. And fast.