As the two women walked through the bar, Tina was surprised at how many people knew Bette. Apparently in ***** circles she was like royalty. Women seemed to get physically flustered when she walked past them – in fact, everyone seemed to want a bit of Bette Porter. And secretly Tina felt proud that she was the one walking around with her.

Fancy a drink? Bette turned to Tina, oblivious of all the attention she was getting.

Id love a vodka tonic

Bette bought the drinks and motioned for Tina to follow her to a table in the corner. They sat opposite each other and Bette couldnt help but smile.

What are you so happy about? Tina teased.

I was just thinking Im glad of your company tonight

The feelings mutual. To friendship Tina raised her glass.

To friendship Bette tried to hide her disappointment as she clinked her glass with Tinas.

So, how was your day?

Pretty *****. Its a fairly stressful time at the gallery at the moment so Im glad to be able to unwind. How about yours?

Not so bad. I mean, I had something to look forward to Tina smiled shyly which made Bettes stomach flip.

Thats always good to know

They both sat there smiling; Tina feeling comfortable in the situation and Bette knowing not to push it any further.

Do you wanna dance? Bette suggested.

Tina arched an eyebrow I didnt really think this was your type of music, Miss Porter

The sound of the Backstreet Boys filled the room and both women laughed.

Come on, itll be funny Bette got up and Tina followed her to the dance floor.

Even in my heart I see
Youre not being true to me
Deep within my soul I feel
Nothings like it used to be
Sometimes I wish I could turn back time
Impossible as it may seem
But I wish I could so bad baby

Bette had Tina in fits of laughter as she pranced around the dance floor imitating a boy band member.

Id never have expected this of you, Miss Porter!

Bette just grinned. As the chorus came on she melodramatically serenaded Tina.

Quit playing games with my heart
With my heart, with my heart
I should have known from the start
In my heart, my heart
Quit playing games with my heart

Bette weighed up her options in her head. She had Tinas attention, but needed to get her to listen to the words. She was sick of trying to kid herself – she couldnt deal with just being her friend. The attraction was too strong. And a part of her was sure she wasnt the only one feeling this way. She continued to sing the words to Tina, but her face reflected her deadly seriousness as she took Tinas hands.

And in my life the way
To keep you coming back to me
Everything I do is for you
So what is it that you cant see
Sometimes I wish I could turn back time
Impossible as it may seem
But I wish I could so bad baby
You better quit playing games with my heart

Tinas hands shook as Bette took hold of them. She prayed that her palms werent sweaty because that would just be beyond embarrassing. The smile faded from her face as she saw the intensity in Bettes eyes. The words of the song echoed in her head as she saw Bette mouth them. She could feel her stomach stir – why did this woman have such an effect on her? She hoped Bette couldnt see the turmoil she was in as she instinctively moved towards her. Their bodies were almost touching as their eyes seemed to burn into each other.

Bette was trying to read the situation and control her body at the same time. She tilted her head slightly and slowly leant in, giving Tina every opportunity to back away. Her eyes flicked from Tinas to her lips and then back to her eyes, and all she could see was desire. There was no way Tina could hide the want in her eyes. Their mouths met softly, and the first kiss was tender and gentle. Bette moved her hand to the back of Tinas neck to deepen the kiss. Their tongues explored each others mouths, hungry for more.

And then Tina did what she did best. She pulled away from Bette with fear in her eyes.

And then she ran again.