Tina gently rolled a sleepy Bette onto her back and climbed on top of her.
Wanna hear my resolution?
Bettes eyes were half closed. Uh-huh
More ***** this year.
Bette smiled and opened her eyes slowly.
With me?
Tina slid her right hand under Bettes pajama top and began to trace a line up her stomach.
Well, youre available, Her hand reached Bettes right breast and she circled the nipple with her finger. And notoriously easy.
Bette smiled broadly.
I resemble that remark.
Bettes eyes were wide open and sparkling now. She put her left hand on Tinas cheek and drew her in for a kiss. Soft warm lips met soft warm lips and their mouths opened to each other. Tina squeezed Bettes nipple gently, causing a groan to come from her throat.
Tina sat up, her legs straddling Bettes body. She looked down into Bettes eyes and grinned wickedly. Bette swelled with anticipation. Tina opened the bottom button of Bettes top, and bent down to kiss the newly exposed skin. She opened the next button and slid her tongue across the silky skin.
Buttons are so *****.
Bette was inclined to agree.
Tina opened the last button and kissed a line up Bettes chest and into the hollow of her neck, making Bette gasp. Tina sat up again and pulled her shirt over her head. The sight of her lover took Bettes breath away. Oh, baby. She slid her hands up Tinas arms and gently drew her down toward her mouth. They were in no hurry this morning. The feel of Tinas tongue in her mouth and her naked ***** pushing against her own made Bette think that maybe theyd be here all day.
The phone rang.
The deep kiss continued.
Another ring.
Tina pulled away. The machines on.
Bette nodded and pulled her back.
In a few moments the unmistakable voice of Melvin Porter echoed down the hallway.
Bette, its your father.
Tina pulled away again, closed her eyes and put her head down. Damn, she thought. Why is that so freakin loud?
Bette was listening.
I need to speak to you about a family business matter. Please call me at your earliest convenience. Happy New Year.
Tina didnt move. She knew that Bette would not be able to concentrate until she had spoken to her father to see what he wanted.
Baby? Bette said sweetly, stroking Tina hair.
Tina raised her head and looked at Bette.
Mood. Killer.
I know, baby, Im sorry, he
Its not your fault, and I know you have to call him now.
Bette smiled. Thank you, baby.
But maybe you could make some coffee first?
Done.
Bette started to get up.
And
Bette stopped. And?
Im not breaking my resolution on the first day of the new year.
Bette leaned down and spoke softly into Tinas ear. I have no intention of letting that happen. She kissed Tinas cheek and left the room.
Tina turned back onto her stomach and gathered the pillow under her head. She heard Bette go in the bathroom and then walk down the hallway into the kitchen a few minutes later. She was angry with Bettes father. Isnt there some unwritten rule that you dont call anybody before noon on New Years Day? she thought. Hes got his own rulebook. No, its more like a Code of Conduct.
They had met twice in the almost two years that she and Bette had been together. He insisted on calling her Ms. Kennard even though she had told him to please call her by her first name. He never acknowledged that this was their house, together. Didnt hear him say Happy New Year to me she thought. She was becoming more annoyed by the minute.
Tina got up and found her shirt and went in to use the bathroom. Afterward, she heard Bette talking as she entered the kitchen.
Daddy, no, Im honored that youve asked me.
Hmm, wonder whats up? Tina thought. Bette had her back to her so she couldnt read her face at all.
Tina interrupted the coffee brewing to pour a cup for herself and then she opened the door to the back yard. The air was chilly, too chilly for her in a t-shirt. She grabbed a sweatshirt from the back of the chair and went outside. She walked around sipping the hot coffee and now and then reaching out to touch a plant. She could do some gardening today if they werent gonna
At the far end of the pool she stopped in a spot of sun. She could see Bette through the window, walking back and forth with the phone at her ear. God, shes adorable, Tina thought. Its just her father whos stubborn, irritable, snobby but his daughter is amazing, I have to give him that.
Bette stopped at the window to look at Tina standing in the sun. Bette smiled. She looked so beautiful there in her pajamas and my sweatshirt and I shouldnt keep her waiting.
Im sorry Daddy, what did you say? Ok, Ill call you after I get the papers tomorrow. Oh, uh, Tina says Happy New Year. Bye Daddy.
Bette hung up and walked outside toward Tina.
Its cold out here!
She stepped into Tinas sunny spot and reached for her cup of coffee.
What did your father want? Tina asked.
Hes making me the executrix of his will.
Tina tilted her head, The what?
Executrix Bette laughed a little. Its an out-dated term – you know, the feminine suffix nobody uses anymore except my father.
Sounds like a woman in black leather whos going to cut your head off.
Well its not.
OK, so youre in charge of his estate after he dies. Thats what he wanted to tell you?
Yes, Bette looked at Tina expectantly. Its a big deal, T.
Tina nodded.
For Daddy to trust me with such an important thing – its big.
The way Bette said Daddy just grated on Tinas nerves. I get it.
Are you mad?
No, Tina said, knowing it was not entirely true. Lets go inside.
They walked together to the kitchen. Bette put the coffee cup on the counter and reached for Tinas arm. She pulled her close but she felt a chillyness from Tina.
Whats wrong?
Tina looked down. Its just the timing. We both have to go back to work tomorrow and Im going to New York the day after and I just wanted this one day for us. Just you and me.
Bette put her hand on Tinas cheek. Today is for us, baby. Im all done talking to Daddy or anyone else.
Me?
I dont need words for you, baby. Bette drew her into a deep, long kiss that brought all the warmth back to Tinas body.
Bette grabbed the zipper of the sweatshirt and pulled it down.
Zippers are *****.
Tina was inclined to agree. She took Bettes hand and led her toward the bedroom. She stopped at the answering machine and turned the volume all the way down.
In the bedroom, Bette pushed her down gently onto the bed.
Back to your resolution.
There are some sub-clauses you should know about. Tina said as she began to undo the buttons of her lovers top.
Oh? Tell me.
No body part must be neglected. She put one hand on each of Bettes *****.
Hmm Bette separated Tinas legs with her own and pressed down on Tinas thigh.
Mutual satisfaction is guaranteed. Tinas left hand was squeezing Bettes breast.
Youre so thorough. Bette licked the hollow of Tinas neck.
Thats what they pay me for. Tina flipped over on top of Bette and kissed her right nipple.
Cash? Bette panted.
No Tina sucked gently.
Credit?
No Tina kissed Bettes left nipple.
Check?
No Tina sucked gently.
Trade? Bette gasped.
Yup, Tina sat up and pulled off her shirt. Equal exchange.
Perfect, where do I sign?
Tina looked at Bette. Her wicked grin re-appeared.
Righthere.