Chapter Four

Is it hot in here? Tina mentally slapped herself. Of course its hot youre on an island in the Caribbean. But ever since the brunette from the beach had sat down Tina felt like the temperature had jumped ten degrees. She realized when everyone was staring at her that they must be expecting her to say something.

Im sorry, the mojito must be getting to me. She looked towards Karen, What did you say?

Karen gave a knowing smirk. The lingering look between the two women did not go unnoticed by anyone at the table. I was just introducing you to Bette.

Bette flashed her smile towards Tina and reached across the table to shake her hand. I think I saw you with some of your friends on the beach.

Tina meet Bettes hand half way. She knew that Bette was saying something to her but she couldnt make out what it was. All she could concentrate on was the feeling of Bettes gentle hands touching hers. Tina found herself again in a daze and blushed as she pulled her hand away from Bette. Yeah, I was out there with the rest of the girls waiting for Karen.

Tina missed the feeling of Bettes hand on hers but pushed the thought aside as she tried to pay attention to the conversation going on around her. The women were talking about the night before and all the fun that they had had.

Tina tried to discreetly watch Bette as the conversation continued. She couldnt understand why she was so drawn to the other woman, but she could not stop herself from trying to take in all of her beauty. From closer up Bette was more beautiful than Tina could remember from what she saw on the beach.

Tina forced herself to look away from Bette and follow the conversation occurring right in front of her. The other women were talking about a secluded beach that they had heard about.

Yeah, we can all strut our stuff out there. Without any prying eyes. Alice wiggled her eyebrows to help her insinuation.

The other women just rolled their eyes. Alice, do you ever think of anything other than *****? Bette inquired.

Come on Porter. If you were naked with some hot thing on the beach Id bet that building sand castles would be the farthest thing from your mind.

Tina turned her head to the side the avoid Bettes eyes which flashed towards her, to gauge Tinas reaction, before glaring towards Alice.

Tina didnt know why she avoided Bettes gaze but she found Bettes stares very disarming. She had wanted to pretend that Bette didnt have any affect on her but could not deny the blush in her cheeks or the momentary lose of concentration every time she met Bettes soulful brown eyes.

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The table had fallen silent after Alices comment and Bette, as well as everyone else, could see how uncomfortable Tina was feeling.

Bette decided that shed better make Tina feel more comfortable if shed hoped to spend some more time with her. So Tina, Karen told us all about herself last night. Why dont you tell us about you? Bette could hardly wait to find out more about this woman who had caught her attention.

All the women turned towards Tina, Well, what do you want to know?

Alice went into reporter mode, Oh you know, where do you work, what do you enjoy, who youre dating. The usual stuff.

Tina took a breathe then began, Well I just finished graduate school a few months ago. I was lucky enough to land a pretty good job as a production assistant with a small independent movie company. Its a lot of hours but I really enjoy the work. And as for spare time, I dont have too much.

Bette had been listen to Tinas little speech sitting at the edge of her seat. She couldnt get enough of this woman, not only looking at her, but Bette was truly interested in what she had to say. Bette noticed that Tina hadnt answered whether or not she was dating anyone.

Alice raised her eyebrow inquisitively, And are you dating anyone.

Tina hesitated for a moment Actually Im engaged. Bette felt her heart drop. Its all kind of new though. It only happened right before I came here so Im not really used to the idea yet.

Tina looked towards Bette but she missed the look of disappointment that Bette wore as she quickly covered it up so that no one could see her emotion. Inside though Bette was finding it hard to think straight. Her mind was racing as she took in this new piece of information that Tina had just given about herself. On the beach Bette had no clue as to Tinas intentions towards her. Once they had meet though Bette had felt an instant connection. It had taken all of her willpower to not hold onto Tinas hand after they touched. And Bette knew that Tina had been staring at her just as much as Bette had been her. Bette was never one to misread peoples signals and she was sure that Tina felt the same way.

Finally Dana arrived at the table to join the other women, Sorry guys, it took me longer than I had thought.

Alice introduced her to Tina and the two women shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Karen began to get up, Well whos up for some lunch? She knew that the other group of women were headed in that direction and was hoping to spend a little more time with Shane.

Bette was glad that Karen had suggested the idea of lunch because it meant that she could spend some more time with Tina. She found that Tina was acting quiet but hoped that she would be able to make her open up a little. Not wanting to overpower Tina at all Bette concluded that she would just enjoy the others womans company for as long and she could and hope that Tina would want to spend more time with her.