Can I show you now?

            From the Bette Porter between her legs right then, one could never imagine the woman who had stood before Tina not three hours ago and told her she was nervous.  But Tina remembered her, rolling to the outsides of her feet, shy and self-conscious.  And Tina knew that Bette was more that woman, unsure and totally adorable, than even PowerBette.  PowerBette was mostly a smokescreen for the amazingly sensitive and romantic woman before her.  So, Tina did not feel awkward, even slightly, when she allowed herself to beg.  Please.  She said softly.  She pushed the errant curl out of Bettes eye and tucked it behind her ear.  Please, show me, baby.

            Bette smiled that smile, the one that showed all of her teeth and the widest range of emotions possible.  She took the hand that was playing with her hair and kissed the back of it.  She captured the other wrist and stretched Tinas arms above her head.  Keep these here, she commanded.

            Why? Tina asked plaintively.

            Because, Bette said, leaning down to Tinas mouth.  Tina tried to capture Bettes lips but Bette avoided her.  Because you distract me, Bette explained.  You touch me and I want you to and before long I forget my name let alone what I was doing.  The huff of air from Tinas disbelieving laugh disturbed the hair around Bettes face.  Bette bit her bottom lip and tightened her grip on Tinas wrists.  She pressed Tina deeper into the mattress.  Tinas laugh hurt.

            Tina felt immediately guilty.  The temptation to continue to punish Bette was tough to resist.  She knew Bette wanted her, wanted her home, wanted only her.  That wasnt fair.  Bette, she said.  Her name, Bettes name, conveyed Tinas regret without an apology.  She didnt want to say that she was sorry, not now.  It would break the moment.

            Bettes lips upturned, barely.  Apology accepted.  Bette placed a chaste kiss on Tinas chin, running her hands down Tinas arms and propping herself up on her elbows.  She smiled fully.  I love you.  Bette didnt say it but Tina heard it.  She drew away, kneeling back and taking in the sight of Tina, flushed and aroused, waiting for her.  Hmm, where to start.