Even though she had been able to ward off the smile, she couldn’t hide the twinkle in her eyes.  It didn’t go unnoticed by Tina, despite her best efforts to avoid eye contact during the conversation.  Tina didn’t let on immediately, and placed her own wine glass on the table.  She sighed audibly as she reached behind her to grab a small pillow.

“Bette Porter, that was terrible!” She feigned indignantly as she smacked Bette in the arm with the small pillow, then tossed it in her direction.  She turned away and pulled her knees to her chest, folding her arms around them and wrapping herself into a small, pouting ball.  “I can’t believe you would tease me about something so important!”  Tina was doing her best to convince Bette she was truly hurt.  In reality, she was just relieved that Bette had been kidding.  But she still intended to make the brunette pay just a little.

Bette scooted a little closer and brushed a stray, blonde hair from Tina’s cheek, gently tucking it behind her ear.  Her hand traced a path gently down Tina’s neck, over her shoulder, and ever so lightly down the blonde woman’s back, eliciting an involuntary shudder. 

“I am so sorry.” She said softly and sincerely.  “You are right, I should know better than to tease you about one of your most favorite days of the year.”  She pressed her soft lips against Tina’s cheek.  “I should know better than to tease you about not spending that favorite and very important day together.”  Her lips moved down slightly to press against a sensitive spot along Tina’s neck.  “And I should definitely know better than to tease you about choosing work over you on such an important occasion.” Her tongue made contact with the hollow just above Tina’s collarbone, tracing a soft, wet path up to her ear lobe, which Bette gently nipped at, then released.  “And now it is entirely up to you whether I get to make it up to you, or whether I just have to accept my punishment for my behavior.”  Bette retreated to her side of the sofa and retrieved her wine glass, taking a long, thoughtful sip of the warm, red liquid.

“Oh, you will most certainly be punished.” Tina arched one eyebrow as she took the glass out of her love’s hand and set it down.  She ran her hands over the brunette’s shoulders, tracing a path over her well-defined upper arms and chest.  “She pushed the brunette back against the sofa and kissed her firmly, once again taking control of their encounter.  And you will most definitely be making it up to me.” 

(To Be Continued…)