“So, why are you guys keeping it a secret?”

“I don’t know… after… well after you, I guess I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to date someone in the group…”

“Ok… Alice you know we all love you and Dana; we’ll be here for both of you regardless of what happens. If it’s a fling… well have fun. But if it’s more…”

“I don’t know yet Bette. It’s only been what, like 4 days?”

“I didn’t say decide now. But I will say whichever way it goes; it will be easier for you both if it’s in the open. I think Yoda knows anyway.”

“What?!”

“Be serious Al, Shane picks up on this stuff, and so does Kit actually.”

“Damn. Ok, I’ll talk to Dane.”

“Can I tell her I know?”

“Yeah, she’ll be embarrassed you know.”

“I know, I plan on enjoying that.” Bette ducked to avoid the pillow that flew her way.

“Do you want me to tell Tina or not?”

“I’d like to tell her, I thought I might call her later…”

“She’d love that.” Bette smiled as she zipped up her small bag. She grabbed her laptop and cables, packing them into their case and headed to the bathroom to pack her toiletries. In 10 minutes she was ready to go.

“C’mon speedy Gonzales, I have a flight to catch and I get the feeling you have a woman waiting for you.” Bette locked up her house and got into Alice’s mini, looking forward to holding Tina again.

11 pm. Day 22. Paradise Apartments. San Francisco.

Bette let herself into the apartment quietly. She had told Tina not to wait up for her and she knew the blonde had probably taken the opportunity of her not being here to work extra hard today so she deserved the rest.

She dropped her bags by the lounge, removed her shoes and padded into the bedroom. Tina’s lamp was on by the side of her bed, but the blonde was fast asleep. Bette undressed and slipped under the sheets, spooning Tina from behind. She woke immediately from the contact of the warm body.

“Hi babe, sorry I must have dozed off.”

“That’s ok, I’m sorry I woke you.”

“I’m glad you woke me.” Tina turned to kiss her girlfriend hungrily.

“Mmmm, I missed you too Tee.” Bette revelled in the softness of her lover’s lips, the taste of her tongue, the smell of her skin. Tina pulled back reluctantly.

“So how did it all go?”

“Later. I’ll fill you in, promise. Right now, I want you.” Bette’s eyes were dark with lust from just that one kiss. She pulled Tina to her, sucking her bottom lip into her mouth, letting her tongue slip into Tina’s mouth while her hands caressed her body. Tina lifted herself on top of Bette, both sighing deeply as their bodies made contact. They moved their hips against one another, their hands stroking each others faces, lifting their hair, dragging the nails over hot flesh.

Tonight, there was no teasing or begging. Tonight, they moved slowly, tenderly, full of passion and desire, but not urgency. There was heat, intensity and unbridled pleasure. They released all their inhibitions as they licked, sucked, bit and stroked each other into wave after wave of pure bliss. The bedroom filled with soft gasps, whispered promises and gentle moans, as they made love through the night.