Tina gave the doorman a tired smile as she walked into the hotel. After ten hours of meetings she was about ready to drop, and couldnt wait to get out of her suit and heels. She was planning on relaxing this evening; take a long, hot bath, get room service and try to catch up on her sleep.

There would be absolutely no thoughts about Bette tonight. She was sick and tired of Bette and her temper. Who gave her the right to accuse her of trying to pick up that guy the other night? Shed never given Bette any reason to doubt her, and she didnt like being accused of being a liar and a cheater. She was seriously going to have to consider whether they should still be in a relationship when she got back to LA.

As she walked through the corridor to her room, she realised she was doing exactly what shed said she wasnt going to. Shed been thinking about Bette all day, even though she told herself not to. But that was like telling the sun not to come up, and she was angry that Bette had this much control over her.

She unlocked the door of her room and walked in, letting her briefcase fall to the floor with a loud sigh. She stepped out of her shoes, scrunching her aching toes in the soft carpet with relief.

Eurgh, she groaned out loud, rolling her shoulders and feeling them crunch as she walked further into the room. Occupied with shrugging off her jacket, she didnt immediately notice what was in front of her, but when she looked up she jumped in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth.

In a vase on the table was the biggest bunch of flowers shed ever seen, the huge explosion of colour making the room so much brighter than it had been when shed left. There was no card in the flowers, but next to them was a small jewellery box and a handwritten note.

Slowly Tina approached the table and picked up the note. She knew who it was from at first glance, the soft flowing letters were instantly recognisable.

Open the box. xBx

She reached out and picked up the box, running her finger over the embossed logo on the top that could only mean one thing. Tentatively she opened it, and gasped at what was inside.

Oh, Bette, she murmured, stroking the cool metal with her thumb. Theyd been shopping one day and Tina had seen some earrings that she loved. Unfortunately theyd been in the most expensive jeweller in LA, and she couldnt afford them. But it seemed Bette could.

Im sorry, came a whisper from behind her, and Tina whirled round to see Bette standing in the doorway of the bathroom.

Whahow? she stuttered, her mouth dropping open.

I flew in this morning, Bette explained. I had to see you.

Tina took several deep breaths to calm her thumping heart, and just stared at her lover as she tried to get over the shock. Bette was clearly nervous; her shoulders were tense and she was clenching her fists over and over. She looked close to tears, and Tina felt some of her anger ebb away at the sight.

Oh God, baby, come here, she said softly, and Bette rushed into her outstretched arms, burying her face in her neck. Are you ok? she asked, smoothing Bettes hair out of her eyes.

Bette didnt reply immediately, but leaned in and kissed Tina gently. I am now, she whispered.

Tina kissed her again, but when she pulled away she stepped out of Bettes arms completely.

Im still very angry with you, she said in a warning tone. So dont think that this will make me forgive you.

I didnt think it would, Bette admitted. But I had to see you to apologise.

Why, Bette? Tina asked, her voice rising as the feeling of hurt came flooding back. Why do you think that I – in your words, not mine – hop into bed with every goddamn ***** that comes along?

Bette sighed heavily and sat down on the bed. I dont actually think that, she told her, staring at the floor.

So why did you say it?! Tina exclaimed. Did you just want to hurt me? Because if you did

No, T, thats not why, Bette interrupted, glancing at her briefly before returning to her study of the carpet. I justI was scared.

Scared?

Yeah, I was scared because Ive fallen in love with you.

Tina sighed and sat on the bed next to her. Why does that scare you? she asked after a few moments.

Because Ive never felt like this before. Because Ive never let anyone in this much and it makes me feel vulnerable. Because Bette took a deep breath, preparing herself to lay her insecurities bare for the first time in her adult life. because Im scared that I dont mean as much to you as you do to me, she finished in a small voice.

After a long pause, Tina reached over and pulled Bette into her arms. Baby, Ive fallen in love with you too, she confessed, running a finger down her cheek. But, I cant be with you if every time you get scared you say something like that.

I wont, I promise, Bette gushed, her eyes shining with hopeful, unshed tears. The last time, I swear to God.

Tina cocked her head and searched Bettes eyes to check she was being sincere. I believe you, she whispered, bringing Bettes lips to hers in the most gentle, loving kiss they had ever shared.

It didnt stay gentle however, as the embers of the passion that always burned between them flared up, and the kiss turned incendiary. Bette kicked off her shoes and fell back onto the bed, pulling Tina on top of her so they were pressed impossibly close as they devoured each others mouth.

Soon the need to feel skin against skin became too much, and Tina sat up, pulling her camisole off and making quick work of Bettes jacket and shirt. Oh God, she breathed, taking in the sight of Bettes flushed chest, her *****, encapsulated in black lace, heaving with arousal.

Leaning down, she traced the line of the bra with her tongue as she reached round to unclasp it, freeing Bettes ***** to her eager mouth. She licked each nipple, then took one into her mouth and nibbled on it, pinching the other between her forefinger and thumb.

Tina was perfectly happy to work her way down her lovers body, delighting in the moans of pleasure she could bring forth from Bette, but she felt fingers tangle in her hair and pull her face up to meet Bettes.

Together, was all Bette was able to murmur, pulling Tinas mouth to hers as they sat up. Quickly they removed the rest of their clothing and sank back into the soft bed, hands lightly caressing newly bared curves. In unison they entered each other, stroking slowly and softly, their bodies fused together, their eyes blazing with desire as they brought the other closer to climax.

Bette felt Tinas muscles begin to contract around her fingers and she knew she was there. Reaching up with her thumb she pressed Tinas ***** and rubbing it in circles, rewarded by a low, guttural moan and a flood of warmth as Tina came. Not far behind her, Bette arched her back into Tina as her blood pounded in her ears and the world exploded in a flash of colour.

It was some time before either of them found the energy to move again. Wow, was all Bette could think to say as they tried to untangle their limbs.

Mmmm, Tina mumbled in agreement, burrowing her face into Bettes hair and inhaling the scent that was uniquely Bette Porter, comforting and painfully arousing at the same time.

Im sorry, Bette said after a few minutes.

Tina lifted her head from its place on Bettes shoulder and regarded her intently. Why are you so emotionally inept? she asked with a hint of amusement in her voice.

Because Im an *****? Bette replied, and Tina laughed. No, seriously, youll understand when you meet my father.

Meeting the parents?! Tina exclaimed in mock terror. Its a bloody good job I love you!

Yeah, bloody good job, Bette repeated softly, pulling Tina in for a kiss. And now, Im going to show you how much of a good job it is