Candace broke into a smile when she saw Bette and her eyes widened in happy surprise. Bettes face was filled with surprise of a different sort but then softened to a smile. Candace hesitated and gave Bette an inquiring look. Bette knew she was waiting for a sign to approach and she answered Candace by crossing the hallway herself.
Hi.
Hi, what a nice surprise to see you here, Candace said.
Thanks. It was a spur of the moment thing – Im with a friend.
Oh, Candace said, just barely concealing her excitement. Im supposed to meet some friends but
But?
Thats flexible.
Candaces eyes were full of questions that were waiting for Bettes answers. Bette felt the warmth rising in her body. For Bette, suddenly there was an alternative to going home. There was company, comfort and the prospect of another warm body against hers. She locked eyes with Candace.
I wouldnt want you to disappoint your friends.
We come every week, they wont miss me.
If youre sure they wont mind
Candace could stand it no longer. Follow me home?
I have to say good-bye to my friend – it may take a little while.
Ill wait.
Bette nodded. Ill meet you outside.
When she returned to the group Mason and Antonio were having an animated conversation about a certain furniture store and its owner. Eric was trying to get their attention from across the room where he had snatched a table as it became vacant. Excuse me you two, Bette interrupted, but Erics doing aerobics over there to hold a table. They turned to look and laughed. Bette took the opportunity to make her exit. This has been so nice, but I think its time for me to call it a night. Mason, I believe Im leaving you in good hands.
We take no responsibility for his behavior when hes with us, Antonio said. But were happy to have him. Bye Bette. Say hello to Tina for us.
Mason turned to her and took her hand. Its been such a pleasure to meet you, Bette. I think youre doing great things at the CAC. You can expect a more practical expression of my admiration soon. And thank you so much for being my tour guide this evening.
The pleasure has been all mine, Mason, and thank you for your support. I look forward to our future conversations.
As do I, Bette. Goodnight.
Goodnight. Bette waved to her friends and walked out on a cloud of air.
Candace was waiting in her truck as planned and Bette followed her to her house. On the way, Bette kept her thoughts in the present moment. She was still riding the wave of Masons compliments and feeling Candaces desire for her only improved her mood.
Bette parked behind Candace and watched as she stepped out of her truck. She walked back to Bettes car and opened the door and extended her hand, Welcome.
Bette took her hand and stepped out of the car. They stood face to face. Candace moved closer and kissed her gently. Then, sensing Bettes willingness, she kissed harder, parting Bettes lips and sliding her tongue into Bette warm mouth. Bette fell back against the car and had a sudden feeling of dj vu. For a second she was disconcerted – a shot of awareness went through her. Candace pulled back, but didnt notice. She smiled at Bette. Come inside.
Bette pushed aside her uncertainty as she approached the door. Once inside, she was determined to maintain her desire. She fixed her gaze on the silhouette of Candaces ***** as she reached for the light. Bette unbuttoned her own jacket and pulled her shirt free from her pants. As Candace turned Bette put her hand around the back of her neck and pulled her into a searing kiss. Someone less in lust might have seen the desperation in Bette, but Candace was awash in desire and thrilled to the core that Bette Porter was here in her house and in her arms. Bette hastened their encounter by unbuttoning Candaces shirt and grasping her right breast. Candace gasped. Lets go to the bedroom, she said.
Bette had a feeling of inevitability and under that, profound uneasiness for what she was about to do. She was in no mood for an internal struggle though after the mental anguish she had endured this week. She wanted things to be simple, direct and carnal. She willed herself to concentrate on the pure physical arousal of her body. She came for *****. ***** *****.
Both women had their tops off when they reached the bed. Candace pushed Bette down and released her bra, groaning with pleasure at the sight of her free *****. She began to kiss Bettes right breast and covered her left breast with her hand. She traced a line of kisses down Bettes stomach and then unbuttoned her pants and licked underneath the waistband. She pulled off Bettes pants and stood up to take off her own. Bette hadnt moved and Candace lay on top of her, drawn again to the soft sexiness of her bare *****.
Bette felt an growing ache in her ***** as Candace sucked her nipple. Then she felt something unfamiliar. She felt her mind leave her body behind. Her mind was a slideshow of images, some of them painful and she cried out softly. Candace stopped and asked if she was hurting her.
Oh no, sorry, Bette said.
Bette felt separated from what was happening. She was here in bed with Candace, but she wasnt. She could not concentrate on the sensations aroused by Candaces kisses and caresses and a feeling of panic and shame was rising in her stomach. ***** was an area of confidence for Bette, but not now. Now she was struggling to stay composed.
At first Candace did not notice, but then she glanced up at Bettes face and saw a startled, almost fearful, look on her face. Candace stopped and moved her face close to Bettes. She put her hand on her right cheek. Somethings wrong, she said softly.
No, Bette tried to recover, but Candace persisted.
Yes, its on your face. Youre distracted.
A cold knife went down Bettes spine. She felt sick with embarrassment and turned away. Candace moved up against Bette and put her hand on her arm.
Its alright, its really alright.
Bette sat up abruptly, keeping her back to Candace. *****. Spare me, OK?
Candace had never witnessed the flash of Bettes anger before and she didnt know what to say. There was a long moment of silence.
Sorry, Bette said without turning around. I shouldnt have come.
No, Im glad you came. Candace sat up. She wanted to reach out to Bette, but she was afraid of her reaction. And I wish youd stay, she said softly.
Staying there was out of the question. Bette was aflame with humiliation and anger at herself. If she couldve melted into the carpet she would have. But no, she had to get up, collect her clothes and get out of there. God ***** dammit, where are they? she thought as she searched frantically for each piece of clothing. She kept moving forward as she struggled into her panties and then her pants. She shoved her arms in her blouse as she made her way to the door. She was vaguely aware of Candace speaking to her but her focus was on getting out.
Candace had jumped out of bed and thrown on a shirt and had caught up to Bette by the door. Bette had her back to her as she reached to pick up her jacket from the floor. Bette, please Candace implored. Please stay we can justtalk or whatever.
Bette shook her head and turned to Candace, although it killed her to look at her face. I have to go. Deep breath. This was my mistake, Im sorry. Bette turned and left, leaving Candace to ponder just what had occurred.
The cool night air was a welcome relief. Bette raced toward her car. Please be in here, she thought as she thrust her hand in her jacket pocket for her keys. They were. Her other hand was still holding her bra. She stuffed that in the empty pocket of her jacket. She opened the car door and flung her jacket against the passenger door and it landed in a heap on the seat. She started the engine, jammed into reverse and then drive and raced away. At a stoplight a few blocks away Bette stared at the red circle of light before her and thought, What am I?