Chapter 7 You dont want to stay and paint with me? I wasnt aware the offer had been made. Lets see what you feel like doing after dinner. Misha turned back to the counter top. And speaking of dinner, it is about to be served. ************ They lingered over dinner and the rest of the bottle of wine. Conversation flowed easily between the two of them as the hour grew late. I think you should sleep with me tonight, Misha stated bluntly, putting her hand over Bettes as it rested on the table beside the empty wine bottle. Bette was taken aback, but responded with her bright smile. Thank you so much for the offer, but you need to sleep and I should continue to try to get on Paris time. You misunderstand me, Misha laughed. But perhaps I can make myself clear without the use of language. Misha grasped Bettes hand and drew it to her mouth. She paused as if asking for permission. She slowly and deliberately kissed the tip of each finger, while maintaining eye contact with Bette. Bette felt the sensations of this womans mouth not only on her fingertips, but throughout her body. Just when she thought it couldnt get more arousing, Misha opened her mouth and curled her tongue around Bettes index finger. Her lips closed over the middle of the digit and she moved her tongue over the soft skin as she pulled it from the grasp of her mouth. Bettes mouth was hanging agape at the boldness of the woman that sat before her. I justI dontI was Bette was at a loss for words. Its okay if youre not interested, Bette, Misha stood from the table to clear the dishes. I saw you looking at me when I got out of the shower, so I may have jumped to a conclusion too quickly. Lets paint. ************** Wait, so you didnt sleep with her that night? asked Alice breaking the silence of the group as Bette was concluding her story. No, we painted. But the seed had been planted. And the more time we spent together, the more I wanted her. Which in retrospect was her intention from the start. I moved in with her the last two months I was in Paris. Bette trailed off as she finished her story. Do you keep in touch with her at all? Dana inquired. For a short time we kept in touch. But the cost of more than letters was prohibitive for both of us. The last I heard, she was still in Paris. Sodo you miss your little French fling? asked Tina, implying to the group that she was sorry she had encouraged Bettes story. Bette placed her right arm around Tinas shoulder and pulled her in for a kiss on the cheek. I miss the youthful times that surrounded my little French fling. Even if I had stayed in Paris I wouldnt have been able to ride her emotional roller coaster for long without feeling the effects. Hey guys, the first exits to Palms springs are coming up. This is going to be one crazy weekend Alice pulled into the far left lane and picked up speed. (thanks for readingseems a good place to end this one, hey?)