“I think that’s mine.”

“Oh, sorry,” she muttered.  The apologetic woman’s focus was compromised, half her mind still engaged with the last email read while continuing to zoom in and out to see an embedded graphic on her smartphone.

“Here…” she slid the hot beverage on the granite surface, not bothering to look up, just carefully holding the cup’s sleeve as she did so.  “I haven’t touched it yet actually.” 

“Unfortunately I have, um…” she read the name printed in black ink on the side of the beige paper container, “Bette?”

Their eyes met and a quiet penetrating observation followed.

“That’s me.”

Brown eyes danced as she looked attentively at the woman before her.  Not quite her height even if she was also wearing four inch heels.  The blonde was wearing subtly colored bronze sandals that matched her blouse’s lace trim, a skirt that accentuated her gorgeous legs that led to a slim waist and chest the brunette’s eyes couldn’t help but linger on.  She was riveted by this person who was at that point still a stranger.

The development executive cleared her throat discreetly to get Bette’s attention.  When she looked up to meet her gaze, the confident woman’s gentle stare was absent any embarrassment. 

In turn the recipient was flattered by an obvious interest shown.  Amused as much as she was attracted, she felt a warmth spread across her like how an early morning sun’s gentle rays would make her feel.   

Except this was so much better, inside and throughout she felt … something.  Instantaneous yet deliciously languorous.   It was nothing like she’d ever experienced before.

“Hmmm… don’t think I know anyone named ‘Bette’,” her new acquaintance disclosed offhandedly.  The short haired woman said her name slowly, caressing it with lips that pursed before saying it in a breathy way she hardly recognized.

“Well I’m happy to be a first,” the art lover’s voice was low.  Playful and obviously flirting. 

The fairer female was absorbed in how Bette looked at her.  As if she was the only person in the room.  As if nothing else mattered.  The urgency of scrolling through her phone’s messages now fast and completely forgotten.

Bette continued, “It’s not that common I suppose.”  The tip of her right index finger tapped on the side of the hot beverage on the counter yet her eyes never left the appealing blonde’s.  “Is yours?”