Tina instantly smiled at the comment as well as the voice. Even though she had spent only a few intoxicated hours listening to that voice the night before, Tina recognized it immediately. Still, for the sake of not wanting to sound obsessed, she smirked and decided to have a little fun.

"Who is this?"

She heard a playful gasp on the other end, "Its been less than 24 hours and you have forgotten me already? Ouch, my pride just took a major hit right now. I’m hurt, really"

Tina laughed. Oh yeah, this one was as smooth when sober as she was when drunk. Tina decided to keep the act going.

"Well you know, I was a little intoxicated last night so maybe if you drop a few hints, maybe I can get an idea as to who the bruised pride stranger . . who is keeping me from all this fun work might I add . . really is"

Tina heard a soft chuckle on the other end and her heart fluttered. The effect still surprised her to say the least but she tried not to pay too much mind to it at the moment.

"Well let’s see . . . I’m beautiful"

Tina smiled and playfully rolled her eyes as she waited for more "hints".

"I’m charming"

That’s for sure, Tina thought to herself.

"Oh and I have something you want"

Tina’s eyebrows raised as she leaned forward on her desk, "Is that so Cassanova?"

Instead of a heart fluttering chuckle, she heard a full fledged laughter which sent a spark of awareness throughout Tina’s body. Was it wrong of her to think this woman’s laugh was sexy?

"Cassanova? Oh now that just proves that my charm is working, I knew I hadn’t lost my touch"

Tina laughed again, "Oh just shut it and tell me what is it you’re holding for ransom"

"Sweetie, as much as I hate to rain on your parade, if I shut it how exactly am I going to tell you what I have?"

Tina’s heart fluttered again at the endearment though this time she didn’t bother to question it. She laughed again and liked how easily the conversation was flowing. Just like last night, it was incredibly easy to talk to this woman. It was strange but . . . it felt so natural to her. Like if it was always meant to be this way.

"Beeetteee" Tina whined.

Though Tina couldn’t see her, she knew Bette was smiling on the other end of the phone.

"Ohhhh so you DO know who I am"

Tina just laughed and placed her hand on her forehead as she shook her head. Bette chuckled again, Tina was beginning to love that sound.

"Okay, okay. So here in my possession is . . . . pause for dramatic effect . . . a purse that contains everything I need to stalk the lovely Tina Kennard"

Tina smacked her palm against her forehead, "Oh shit, I totally forgot I asked you to hold it"

Tina had that feeling Bette was smiling again, "Yeah, you were too wrapped up in my brown eyes and you left it behind. Its cool, I have that effect sometimes"

Tina smiled and rolled her eyes. Bette was so cocky, she found it cute.

"So what does the purse kidnapper want to trade for?"

"Ummmm . . . I’ll tell you what. Come to my gallery later today and we’ll discuss the trade then"

"Sounds fair enough"

"Good, I’ll let you get back to all that fun work now"

Then Bette said in her most sinister voice, "Be at the Bette Porter Gallery at 6pm sharp. Come alone or the purse gets it"

Tina laughed. She couldn’t remember the last time she laughed this much. She also couldn’t believe Bette had seemed to make her do so and with such ease too.

"I’ll be there"

Bette was silent on the other end for a few seconds before adding in a low sensual voice, "I hope so, Tina"

Bette hung up the phone and Tina felt a shiver run through her body at the way Bette said her name. She said it like it was her favorite treat, as if she savored the name. Tina found it really . . . sexy.

Tina stared at the screen on her phone that has just turned black and once again questioned her sexuality.