CHAPTER 2

"Fuck…Fuck…Fuck!"

Tina looked up from the table as Bette stormed into the kitchen.

"I am so fucking late."  Bette fumbled with the buttons on her crisp white shirt as Tina smirked over her cup of coffee.  Try as she might, the brunette couldn’t help but match the blonde’s amused expression, "What on earth are you smirking at?"

"You."

Bette cocked an eyebrow, "Me?"

"Yes, you.  You are not late.  You do not have to be at the courthouse until 8am.  Bette, it’s not even seven yet.  So you’ll get there at 7:45 instead of 7:30."

"But…"

"But you like to get settled and look over your notes, I know."

"Fuck, where are my notes?"

"Your notes, as well as the crime-scene photos are in your briefcase, which is on the counter along side of your ID, keys, and a travel mug of hot coffee." Tina looked smug as she flipped through the paper.

Bette shook her head, "You are fantastic."

"I know."  Tina smiled and watched as Bette pulled her suit jacket on and straightened her collar.

"What?"

Tina stared at the woman who had captured her heart over a year ago, "You are so ridiculously hot."

Bette pursed her lips and shook her head while Tina giggled.  Still in her pajama bottoms, Tina sat with her tousled blonde hair and white tank top.  On the contrary, Bette was outfitted in a smart black suit, pencil skirt, and four inch heels.  Her hair was pulled up into a tight, but stylish bun, with a few stray tendrils of hair tucked behind her ear.

"From where I’m standing, you’re the hot one."  Bette sighed, "It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?

"Yup.  But part of that is my fault."

"It’s no one’s fault, Tee.  Between your dad and our respective case loads things have been a little crazy."  Bette crossed the distance between them and placed a gentle kiss on the blonde’s lips.  Nuzzling Tina’s cheek with her nose, Bette moved her mouth toward the blonde’s ear, "How about I make it up to you tonight?"

Tina shivered upon hearing the brunette’s seductive tone, "I’ll make dinner," she whispered, her eyes half closed as she reveled in the smell of Bette’s perfume.

Bette fought the urge to lift Tina from the table and carry her into the bedroom and end the agonizingly long drought then and there.  But court called, and the judge certainly wasn’t going to wait for her.  She reluctantly pulled away from the table and made her way over to her briefcase,

"So, what are you going to do with your last day off?"

Tina shrugged, "I’ll probably clean up a bit here.  I may stop by the station and say high to the girls.  You want to get lunch?"

Bette froze.  "I, ah, I can’t."

"Why?"

"I have a meeting after court."

"Oh." Bette seemed nervous and despite Tina’s common sense, her lover’s distraction unsettled her. 

"With who?"

"Anderson."  Bette lied.  "He wants to talk about what my plans are at year end."

"He doesn’t want you to retire, I’m guessing."

"No, he doesn’t."

"And you?"

"I think it makes the most sense.  We don’t get enough time together as it is.  I just have to figure out what the plan will be.  I can’t just sit around, you know?  Shit.  I have to go."

Tina stood and walked with Bette toward the door, "Good luck."

"Thanks.  Love you.  I’ll see you tonight."

"Bette?"

"Yeah?"

"Tonight… there’s something we need to talk about."

Bette’s brow furrowed, "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah.  We’ll talk tonight, okay?"

"Okay.  Love you!"

Tina watched as Bette avoided the elevator and rushed down the stairs.  After closing the door, Tina walked over to the front window and watched for Bette to exit onto the street.  Tina laughed as she witnessed the myriad of heads that turned, male and female, as her girlfriend passed.  There was something important she needed to discuss with Bette.  The blonde had been more than patient, but after a year she felt it was time that they moved in together.  Bouncing back and forth between two apartments was both stressful and annoying.  And with the news Tina’s mother had conveyed the night before, now was as good a time as any to make that change.  She only hoped Bette would agree.