“The key is to have an open mind, isn’t it?” Barbara continued as they headed back to Bette’s office. “To truly appreciate art, you’d have to look beyond the filters our experiences have built up.”

“Exactly,” the brunette grinned. “We should use the experiences to help expand our horizons, not limit it.”

They walked side by side in silence, both painfully aware of the proximity of the other. Every so often, they would bump into each other, their arms touching. As they came upon a crowded hallway, Bette placed her hand on Barbara’s lower back, guiding her ahead.

A triumphant smirk appeared on her face, the former senator reveled in the jolt of pleasure Bette’s simple touch had ignited. “Bette.”

“Yes Barbara?” Bette asked innocently, knowing full well what she had done.

She turned around suddenly, only to find Bette standing a hair’s breath away. The closeness rendered Barbara speechless; the only thing she could do was stare.

Bette tilted her head to the side, a knowing grin was all the indication she gave. “You had something to say?”

“Spend the rest of the day with me,” Barbara lowered her voice.

The grin still in place, Bette led them to her office, picking up her messages from James along the way. Still not saying a word, Bette motioned for the former senator to take a seat at the couch while she closed the door.

“I know for a fact you have the rest of your day free,” Barbara refused to let the subject die.

“I have my assistant to thank, huh?” Bette chose to sit on the other end of the couch.

“He’s loyal to a fault, but I have my ways,” Barbara turned sideways, resting her arm against the back of the couch. “Spend the day with me, or I can trudge around town alone.”

“I’m sure you have events to attend, people to see,” she began. “I wouldn’t want to take up your time.”

Giving up all pretense of restraint, Barbara scooted closer to Bette. She held her hand in a loose hold, grazing her thumb over knuckles. “The mayor’s throwing a dinner party, which is why I asked you to spend the day with me. I want you to be my date.”

“Oh.”

She leaned in close, moving ever so slowly until her face was inches away from Bette. Barbara’s hand tugged Bette’s closer, suppressing a smirk when she saw her closing the distance.

Barbara shifted her gaze to Bette’s lips, watching as they slowly parted. She licked her lips in participation, gently pressing against Bette’s. The kiss deepened at Bette’s urging, a soft sigh escaping when she pulled away.

“Bette,” the former senator moaned as she watched Bette kiss her palm. “Are you mine tonight?”