After 20 minutes under the cascade of hot water Tina forced herself to turn off the taps. Stepping out into the steamy bathroom she wrapped herself in a towel and padded across the hall to the bedroom. There she pulled her favorite grey sweatpants and a lavender colored t-shirt out of her half packed bag which was still on the floor. Her eyes lingered on the bag, her thoughts finding their way back to 4:00am. Once dressed, she emptied the bag and slid it back under their bed. It hadnt been that long but so much had changed, more than she ever imagined possible. Tina went in search of her wife.

Bette was busy in the kitchen slicing a wedge of brie and placing it on crackers. Tina smiled as she saw the look of concentration on Bettes face. The cheese was sliced into perfect pieces, all the same size. Bette doesnt do random, near enough has never been good enough with her, even if its only cheese. Wandering up behind she slides her arms around her wifes waist, resting her forehead on Bettes strong back. Taking a deep breath she sighed heavily, not so much of concern as relief. It felt amazingly good to be this close to Bette and she wanted more.

Everything OK? Bette questioned, her focus remaining on the chopping board.

Better than OK Tina replied as she reached around and stole a cracker off the board

You do realize that you risk a finger every time you do that? Bette asked, her tone deadly serious.

Come on Babe, its been almost eight years and you havent actually acted on that threat. So I reckon Im safe With that Tina popped the cracker into her mouth, the run had left her hungry.

Somewhere in the fog of the last few months Bette had forgotten but clearly Tina had not. The day they first met, that mild October evening when Tina Kennard stepped into the Bette Porter gallery and into her life, altering it forever. This year they would do something special, Bette would make sure of it.

You reckon youre safe huh? Bette tried to sound menacing but found Tina giggling mercilessly at her efforts.

Youre all talk Tina rebuffed

Bette turned around in Tinas arms holding up the small knife

And thats lucky for you! Bette raised her eyebrows to drive home her point. Tina just smiled widely at her idle threat. How Bette loved that smile. Placing the knife on the chopping board behind her she reached out for Tinas hips, cautiously drawing her closer.

The shower did the trick? She asked, feeling Tinas wet hair as it came to rest against her neck.

Yeah Tina enjoyed the warmth of Bettes body against her own Ive got the feeling back in my fingers.”

Bette felt Tinas left hand slide under her clothes and begin to trace random patterns across her lower back. Closing her eyes she gave herself over to the sensation, instinctively drawing Tina closer still.

That feels good Bette encouraged in hushed tones, dropping her head to nuzzle Tinas neck, placing gentle kisses on the soft skin she found there. Tina sighed contentedly as she extended her neck, offering it to her lover. This subtle shift wasnt lost on Bette, she was attentively reading every verbal and physical sign Tina was sending her way. While it felt longer, not even 24 hours had passed since they stood on the verandah where Tina had frozen when the topic of making love was raised. Bette wasnt going to push but nor was she going to ignore every indication of her wifes steadily rising desire.

Bette pulled back to look at Tina, her head tilted back and eyes shut tight, savoring every sensation borne from her affections.

I love you The words an impulse, a reaction to the sight before her. Bette couldnt hold back, needing to convey that her love was entire, Tinas forever.

Slowly opening her eyes, Tina could only find two words for her lover

Show me Tinas heart raced as soon as the words were uttered. Suddenly she was exposed, vulnerable once again. Shutting her eyes tight once more and dropping her head she silently pleaded for Bette to be careful with her heart. It was a perplexing mix of fear and desire that coursed through Tinas body, still she refused to let her head rule her heart.

Bette cradled Tinas chin in her hand and waited for Tinas eyes to find her own

I wont let you down Tina, I swear to you, Ill never Bette swallowed, unable to finish the sentence, hoping that Tina understood.

Silence fell as Tina allowed herself time to take in all of the sincerity, love and passion emanating from her beautiful wife.

I know, Baby Tina exhaled I know

Bette lent in brushing her lips gently against Tinas once before resting their foreheads together.

You mean more to me than anything Her voice barely above a whisper Please let me love you

Baby, you dont need to ask Tina lent in, placing her lips on Bettes, kissing her slowly at first. What started out as tentative grew rapidly and Bette knew there was no mistaking her wifes intentions as she felt Tinas tongue run brashly over her own. She felt Tina taking ownership, taking control, and Bette let her have it, all the while intending that she would take it back soon enough. Breaking away from the kiss, her heart hammering in her chest, with mere inches separating them Tina uttered the words Bette needed to hear Take me, Im yours

TBC