“I wanted to thank you for sending my earring back. And the beautiful orchid. You really didn’t…”

“I know I didn’t. I wanted to.”

Even over the phone, the low, warm rumble of Bette’s voice in her ear made Tina blush.

For a minute, neither woman said anything. Bette looked out over the empty pool and imagined diving in, cool water sliding over her stomach and thighs. She remembered the heady feeling of Tina’s warm belly pressed to her own, and imagined it all underwater, the hot, rushing chill, silky skin pressed hard against silky skin.

“Um…” Tina knew exactly what she wanted to say, but found herself tongue-tied.

“Tina…”

Her name on Bette’s lips, Bette’s mouth on her skin. Tina’s heart pounded.

“…I’d really like to see you again.”  

Alone in her new backyard, Bette held her breath. When Tina didn’t respond, she rushed to fill the silence.

“I know, you and Eric…But I had to ask.”

“No!”
“I’m sorry, I just thought yesterday, we…wait, what?”

Tina took a deep breath tried to make sense. “No. Me and Eric aren’t…Well, we were. By default. But I’m not ok with that. I’m telling him tonight I don’t think we should be exclusive…anymore.”

“Really?” Bette realized too late she sounded absolutely gleeful at the news.

Tina laughed. The tension had gone out of her body, replaced by a rush of endorphins.  “So where are you taking me?”

“How about a Saturday drive up the coast? There’s a tiny, incredible museum out past Malibu. I think you’ll like it. And I know a great place for dinner on the way back, right on the beach.”

“That sounds completely amazing.”

‘Yeah?”

“Absolutely yeah.”

The playful edge to Tina’s voice made Bette feel giddy, energized. The conversation was promising to devolve into high school level flirtation, when Tina’s assistant interrupted over the intercom.

“Sorry. Bette, I have to take this.”

“Of course. I’ll call you later in the week to work out the details.”

“This is my cell. Call any time you like.”

“Bye Tina.”

The sound of her name in Bette’s mouth sent a delicious shiver up Tina’s spine, reminding her of Bette’s teeth nipping gently at her neck, just behind the jugular vein.

“Bye…” It was more of a sigh than a word.

Bette reluctantly pressed the call end button, and immediately saved Tina’s number to her phone. She took her jacket off, revealing a sleeveless silk button down, and scooted all the way back onto the deck chair, deciding to forget worrying about her suit. It was last year’s D&G anyway. She stretched her toned arms above her and lay back, enjoying the warm sun, her new house, and the prospect of spending Saturday evening with Tina Kennard.