”And the courtroom, the hotel lounge – they’re like sets on a stage. And I’m playing a role.”

”I feel like I’m having an affair with your reputation,” Tina began. ”But I’m dating you.”

”Do you have a preference?”

”I want you to be exactly who you are.”

”I’m never anything less,” Bette replied.

”I didn’t expect to like you as much as I do,” Tina said. ”The hard shell of your courtroom presence belies the reality of a gentle and caring person.”

”I’ve watched you work since you started in the D.A.’s office,” Bette said. ”Always meticulous, well-prepared, serious. My first glimpse otherwise was when we faced each other last week.”

”You don’t think I was well prepared last week?” Tina asked.

”Well prepared? Definitely. But your comment in front of the judge almost brought me to my knees…metaphorically speaking of course.”

”Of course,” Tina smiled. ”But it also led us to where we are today. And perhaps more importantly, where we ended up a couple nights ago.”

”No regrets?”

”I know you’re keeping your distance, and I appreciate that,” Tina said. ”But I have not one single regret. That night was the first time in a year and a half I gave myself up to an emotion other than grief.”

”I’m glad you gave yourself permission to let go,” Bette said.

”Your timing was impeccable,” Tina said.

”Why thank you,” Bette replied. ”Years of practice.”

”Not that timing! I knew your arrogance was in there somewhere,” Tina laughed. ”Now grab a knife, I’m putting you to work.”

They worked side by side, an ease apparent between them, having cleared the hurdle of discussing the implications of the step they’d taken in moving their relationship forward.

___________________________________________________________________________

”As soon as I saw you wore comfortable shoes, I knew I’d make you go for a walk,” Tina said as they climbed the short staircase to her front door.

”I honestly had no idea there was so much within walking distance,” Bette admitted. ”And it was the perfect way to follow up a decadent meal.”

”You helped with prep,” Tina reminded her. She unlocked the front door and they stepped inside.

”I’m going to get going,” Bette said. She had closed the door, and reached to hold Tina’s hand.

”I get that you’re trying to give me space, but a good night kiss is okay,” Tina squeezed Bette’s hand as she said it.

”I see reminders of Nicole everywhere in this house,” Bette said quietly. ”I don’t want to overstep any boundaries.”

”You take care of your needs and I’ll take care of mine, remember?”

”Sometimes I can take care of your needs,” Bette offered with a wink.

”Maybe that’s why I want to kiss you goodnight,” Tina said. She pulled lightly on Bette’s hand to draw her closer.

Tina’s arms went up around her neck and Bette let her hands wander down over her hips. Bette leaned her up against the wall and after kissing her for a few moments started to move down her body. The hollow above her collarbone. The smooth curve of a breast outlined by the thin fabric of a snug t-shirt.

Bette pulled the shirt free from the waistband of Tina’s jeans, but then willed herself to slow down.

”Come for a sleepover tomorrow night,” Bette said quietly between kisses. ”My turn to make dinner.”

It wasn’t really a question. But Tina nodded her assent as they continued to stand by her front door.

”I’ll be home later in the afternoon,” Tina said. ”Call when you’re ready for company.”

”See you tomorrow,” Bette said. She leaned in for one last kiss, letting her hand fall away from its position on Tina’s hip.

Tina watched as Bette climbed into her car, closing the door only once she drove out of sight.

This was turning into much more than an affair. And it was a relief to feel happy again