"Good! Glad to hear it," Xena stated starring Bette down. She raked her gaze over Bette’s form admiring all the areas exposed above the towel and wondered what she would find under it. "I told Jessica that she was OBVIOUSLY mistaken. I mean who would have the AUDACITY to refuse a direct REQUEST from their employer to wear a gown that was designed ESPECIALLY to be worn this evening." Xena said turning away.

Bette hadn’t laid eyes on Xena since that day in her office the week before. If anything she seemed larger than life right now. The air practically crackled around her. "I coudn’t accept such an extravagant gift." Bette excused.

"WHY NOT?" Xena said whirling around.

"You don’t accept gifts from your boss unless.." Bette stopped her words.

"Unless what? Unless you’re sleeping with her?" Xena froze suddenly then grinning wickedly advanced on Bette. "Okay then, good idea. That’s what I really like about you Porter, you’re ability to think on your feet." Xena said unbuttoning her shirt.

Bette stood stunned for a moment. "What? God no, that’s not what I was suggesting" she said watching Xena’s fingers working the buttons. "This is highly improper Miss Amphipolis." Bette said backing away slowly clutching her towel.

"Call me Xena, Miss Amphipolis is just too much of a mouthful between lovers don’t you agree and I have much better uses planned for that delicious looking mouth of yours. She said shrugging out of her shirt and reaching for Bette. Bette’s eyes were drawn to the lace bra encompassing Xena’s full breasts and she drew in a quick breath of admiration.

Bette backed herself against a wall before she realized her mistake and Xena leaped forward, pressing hard up against the slightly shorter woman, pinning Bette’s arms between them. "Hmmm, playing hard to get?" she asked seductively. Bette opened her mouth to deny the charge and Xena took the opportunity to lock her lips onto Bette’s.

Bette twisted and turned in a vain attempt to elude Xena’s attack but the battle was lost when Xena grabbed a handful of her hair gripping her tightly.

She looked into Bette’s eyes for a moment before brutally plundering Bette’s mouth. When she finally softened the kiss Bette willingly accepted Xena’s tongue into her mouth sucking on it heavily. Bette moaned into her mouth causing Xena to smile against her lips.

Feeling the smile Bette snapped back into reality and pushed Xena away from her. "How dare you!" she yelled drawing her hand back to soundly slap Xena across the face but her wrist was caught by lightning fast reflexes and her arm was twisted quickly behind her back.

Xena pulled Bette’s body up hard against her. "Don’t…try that again" she said "You will regret it." She brought Bette’s hand to her mouth and sucked two of her fingers into her mouth, not breaking eye contact until she felt Bette relax. "Unfortunately, we will have to continue this later or we will be late for our evening. Get dressed, the car will be ready by 8PM." she said as she spun around, grabbing up her shirt and left Bette standing naked.

"When did I drop the towel?" Bette wondered dazedly to herself. "God that woman can kiss," she affirmed. She splashed some water on her face trying to recover her senses and slow down her heart rate. She mechanically began to dress while she processed what had just occurred. She should pack and leave immediately but she found herself reluctant to do so. Bette had never met someone quite so charismatic and she found Xena very exciting. She was curious to see what the evening would hold instore for her. Bette was sure she could turn the tables on the aggressive Miss Amphipolis. She suffered through the mindless banter of the hair stylist and was ready before 8 PM.

tbc