Every inch of her was warmed by the lips that now caressed her. Her mind, which otherwise might have panicked at the thought of their quick transition from enemies to friends to would be lovers, was soothed by caring words. She did worry, for a moment, about silly things—creases in the shirt she had worn to bed, sweat gathered in the waistband of her pants. Besides, she had not been intimate with another woman for months.

“Wait, wait,” Bette covered her eyes with her hand. Helena moved quickly back up to lay next to her, though she continued to run her fingers lazily across Bette’s exposed belly.

“You have an exquisite body.” Helena’s voice was sultry and her accent only added to the effect it was having.

Bette burst into laughter. “Helena, has anyone ever told you that your accent is absurdly sexy?” Her eyes were laughing as she turned her head to her side, catching Helena’s smirk.

“No Bette, no one here in America has ever said that I have a sexy accent. Mind you, in England, they say it all the time.” Helena reached for Bette’s face, stroking her jawline, kissing her lips, but pulling away to allow Bette to talk.

“I’m sorry Helena,” Bette turned serious again. “It’s just been awhile…”

Helena nodded. “Would you like to freshen up instead? You can take as much time as you like. Or, if you prefer not to stay…”

Bette’s lips curled into a smile. She was not in any mood to be cautious, to go home, to miss out on this. It was as though her mind was a puzzle box that had been stuck, incomplete, and now was rearranging itself, each piece hovering in the air. 

“No, I’d like to stay.”

Helena paused for a minute to look Bette over—she took in the pulse which beat under flawless smooth skin, the trembling belly.  She thought it best to be a good hostess and fetch what Bette needed to be comfortable, before her more ardent nature overtook her.

While Bette showered, Helena wandered outside, down to the beach.  She walked in sand, feeling it between her toes, feeling also the dim heat of the sun which was only as high as mid morning allowed. Without a thought, she threw off her clothes and walked straight into the ocean, allowing the waves to overtake her.