Chapter 1

“Hi, Baby.” Tina wrapped closed the door and flipped the lock, then wrapped her arms around the neck of her tall, mocha skinned love.  “I missed you today.”  She placed a chaste kiss on Bette’s cheek.

“I missed you, too.”  Bette’s arms enveloped the waist of the slender blonde.  “But I think you can do better than that.”  She teased with a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.  She leaned in and lightly brushed her lips against Tina’s, then started to move away.

“Not so fast.”  Tina retorted, her hand capturing Bette’s wrist.  She pulled the brunette back towards her and managed to quickly spin them around, pinning the taller woman against the door.  “That sounded just a little bit like a challenge.” She whispered in the brunette’s ear, smiling as she felt Bette shiver as her warm breath caressed the sensitive spot below Bette’s ear.  “And you do know how I feel about challenges.”

Tina leaned in and allowed her lips to make the slightest possible contact with Bette’s, then retreated just enough to allow air to circulate between them.  She pulled back just a bit more when she felt Bette move towards her. 

“That’s how you want to play, is it?” Bette teased back, knowing she was no longer in control of the situation.  If she ever had been. 

“Uh huh.” Tina answered in a mischievous tone.  She leaned back in, allowing the full length of her body to press against Bette’s.  This time her lips captured Bette’s, her tongue seeking entry that was quickly granted.  The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but left no mistake about where the evening was headed.

Tina moved away quickly, leaving Bette to regain her balance as she watched the blonde walk away, her stride filled with even more confidence than usual.  Bette was still leaning against the door, enjoying the view, when Tina paused and looked over her shoulder.

“Glass of wine?” she stated more than she asked.

“Of course.” Bette answered with a smile.  She loved Tina’s playful side, and especially loved how much more confident Tina had become over the last two years.  She walked across the living room and set her bag on the table, then carefully hung her jacket on one of the dining room chairs.  She closed the small gap between the dining area and the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Tina’s waist from behind, snuggling in.  She nuzzled against Tina’s neck, breathing in the calming and familiar scent.