The two women weaved their way through the restaurant, eyes adjusting to the brighter lights. Being in the room with all of the other diners had the same effect as a splash of cold water in the face, very sobering from the place that they had just been.

Their car was right in front waiting for them, driver standing by the back door to usher them in. Tina entered first and slid to the center of the seat, waiting for Bette to follow her. As Bette entered and the door was closed after her, Tina slid over closing the gap between them.

Hi she said while smiling at Bette.

Hey chuckled Bette as she put her arm around Tinas shoulder.

Tina placed her hand on Bettes thigh and rested her head against her shoulder.

Back to the hotel? asked the driver.

Please said Tina.

Both women were happy to be in the car, regaining some of the privacy that they had had in their dining room. The music that was coming from the car speakers was soft and melodious and the motion of the car had a very calming effect on both of them.

Bette had been resting her cheek on the top of Tinas head. She turned to kiss the top of Tinas head and inhaled deeply as she did so.

Have I ever mentioned how good you smell? she quietly asked.

Tina smiled at the question and turning her own head, ran her tongue up and down the length of Bettes neck, gently nibbling and sucking the sensitive spot behind her ear and softly said, Have I ever told you how good you taste?

Bettes heart rate quickened in response to Tinas actions and breathlessly replied, Not lately

Well, thats too bad Tina laughingly chastised herself. That will have to be remedied immediately.

You think so? asked Bette, as she softly chuckled in return.

Know so, baby, know so.

The car pulled up to the hotel and the door was promptly opened. Bette exited first, turning to offer Tina her hand in assistance. Once out of the car, they thanked the driver and headed towards the entrance.

Welcome back Ms. Kennard and Ms. Porter greeted the doorman as he held the doors for them to enter.

Thank you responded Bette, still holding Tinas hand.

As they walked to the elevators, neither spoke as they both just wished to get back to their apartment. They did not have to wait long for the elevator to arrive and just as they entered, another couple arrived, hastily joining them in the car.

Tina instinctively backed up against Bette, resting her body against hers. Bette placed her arms around Tinas waist, pulling her in against her.

The other couple noisily discussed the meal that they had just shared as Bette and Tina remained silent, not wishing for their peace and contentment of each others company to be invaded.

The elevator stopped at the 14th floor and as the loud couple got out the man wished them a good evening. Both Bette and Tina simply smiled in response, neither speaking.

The doors closed behind them, bringing back the sense of warmth and security that they had shared all evening. Tina settled back even closer into Bette as she felt Bette tighten her hold on her waist.

They arrived at their floor and as the doors opened for them to exit, Tina reached for Bettes hand, not willing to break contact with her for even the short walk to their apartment.

As they entered, Bette immediately heard soft music playing.

Did you leave a radio on, T? asked Bette quizzically.

Dont think so, baby smiled Tina.

As they made their way further into the apartment, Bette gasped in surprise at what she saw before her. In addition to the soft music playing, there was a fire roaring in the fireplace, a bottle of red wine opened with two glasses, and a plate full of what appeared to be chocolates.

What the said Bette, too stunned to finish her sentence.

Tina, smiling at rendering Bette speechless for the second time tonight, walked up behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist and seductively whispered in to her ear, You didnt think that I was going to let our evening end there did you, baby?

T was all she got out.

Tina dropped her arms from around Bette, reached for her hand and led her over to the wine and chocolates.

Are those Joseph Schmidt truffles? smiled Bette, finally finding her voice.

Yep smiled Tina in return.

You are so evil, T teased Bette as she reached down for one of the truffles that Tina knew were her favorites.

Bette took a bite and moaned in response to the sweet delicacy floating across her palate. She finally swallowed and turned the chocolate to Tina, motioning for her to take a turn. Tina reached for Bettes hand, guiding it to her mouth and closed her eyes as she took a bite. She too moaned in enjoyment as she heard Bette laughing at her response.

Absolutely amazing, huh? said Bette.

No question about it responded Tina, looking directly in to Bettes eyes.

So, how did you do all of this, T? asked Bette, motioning with her arm at the room around them.

Ive got my ways said Tina conspiratorially with a wink of her eye at Bette.

That you do, T, that you do agreed Bette.

Why dont you pour us a glass of wine? said Tina.

Of course replied Bette.

Tina watched Bette as she reached down to the table and poured the pinot noir that she had asked be sent up. The love that she felt for the woman that she was intently watching was breath taking and Tina knew, would be very hard to put into words. She knew that she wanted to share with Bette her feelings but also knew that with words difficult to come by, would be left with simply showing her. She knew that the time was finally here for the two of them to physically express what they felt for the other, but wanted to be sure that Bette was with her, that Bette had arrived at the same level that Tina was hoping to bring her to.

Having poured the wine, Bette stood and offered Tina one of the two glasses. They lightly tapped the glasses while looking deeply in to each others eyes, slowly bringing the glasses to their lips to taste.

There was a slight smile on Tinas lips as she softly said, Were here, Bette.

What? asked Bette.

Were finally here, baby she repeated, intensely watching Bette for her response.

Bette just looked at Tina, trying to figure out what she was saying. And then, it dawned on her. She realized what it was that Tina was sharing with her.

Tina immediately recognized the unspoken understanding in Bettes eyes, relieved that she was comprehending what she was communicating.

Tina reached for Bettes wineglass, placing them both back on the table. She then reached for Bettes hands that she noticed had started to slightly tremble. With her eyes never leaving Bettes, she said, Baby, you love me, right?

More than life itself, T she whispered.

And you trust me? she continued.

With that same life she answered without hesitation.

Then it is time to let go, baby she softly said, directly to Bettes soul.

Im afraid, Tina she weakly uttered.

No baby. Dont be afraid. This is you and me, nothing and no one else. I know that a lot has happened between us, and more will happen between the two of us, but baby, this is me. You have never been afraid of me, nor I you. We need this Bette. We have got to move forward and we are ready.

Do you truly trust me, T? she whispered, a tear slowly rolling down her face.

With everything that I am she simply said.

Let go, baby…please, just let go Tina whispered into her ear while pulling Bette into her and wrapping her arms around her neck.

If I let go, T, I want you to be there with me she softly spoke in return.

Im already there, baby. Im just waiting on you.

She continued to hold Bette, waiting for the nervous trembling to subside. As Bette relaxed in her arms, Tina pulled back a bit, cupping Bettes head and pulled her in for a soft kiss. The kiss told both women that there was no turning back now, it was time for their reunion to be completed.

Tina leaned back, reading what was so clearly written in Bettes eyes. Trust, love and desire. It was all there.

She reached down for Bettes hand and softly whispered, Come with me, baby.

They turned around and Tina led them towards the bedroom. As was always the case, Bette followed Tina, allowing her to take them wherever she desired, knowing that as usual, she would follow her for the rest of eternity.