The gallery owner laughed whole heartedly and Tina quickly joined in, only now she had to fight the thought of Bette topless from dancing around in her head due to the slip.  They trailed off from the laughter and remained quiet for the next few minutes.  Bette was fairly certain she knew where the blushing virtuoso’s mind drifted since the color in her cheeks had not relented and subsequently the brunette was battling the same thought of Tina.  As if rehearsed, they both shifted in their seats to sit straighter before the silence was broken.

Clearing her throat quietly, “We’re just about there.”  Bette said glancing at Tina.

The gallery owner had arranged with a colleague and gained access to the beach through his private oceanfront property, giving them a more private view of the days end.  Bette took Tina’s hand as the cellist stepped out of the car and on to the path to the shore. 

The brunette followed the virtuoso’s lead as they neared the water’s edge and fell captive to beauty of the blonde; the corners of her mouth held a tranquil smile, her chin raised slightly into the ocean-breeze that was having its way with her golden hair.  So lost was the brunette in the cellist’s she felt the saltwater before she saw it and couldn’t contain a giggle when it tickled her bare feet.

Glancing down at her feet, Bette caught sight of the lovely toes of the blonde just as they curled into the wet sand.  She fixed her gaze on the rooted stance trying to recall if she had ever been so turned on by someone’s feet.  When a new wave washed just over the top of the ivory skin, the brunette felt Tina give her hand a gentle squeeze. 

Struggling to swallow, the gallery owner brought her gaze up the profile of the blonde and felt dizzy from the enchanting look on the virtuoso’s face.  Her eyes were closed, cheeks flushed and her lips were ever so slightly parted.  Bette’s heart raced; everything in her wanted to kiss those lips, those amazing alluring lips.  Again, she felt Tina squeeze her hand only this time it came with a message that eased the urgency for a kiss.   The blonde didn’t change her posture of worship she merely squeezed Bette’s hand, but somehow the brunette knew the cellist was telling her to wait… it’ll come… just wait.

In awe, Bette stood in the presence of the blonde, taking in the connection that now humbled her heart.  The virtuoso had formed a bond with the earth, ocean, sun, and wind, and through the touch of their hands brought Bette into the moment shared. 

The brunette turned and faced the salt filled breeze and dug her toes into the sand.  She closed her eyes and when the water caressed her feet, vertigo spun her senses causing her to grip tight Tina’s hand.  Her lids were too heavy to open, Bette felt panic begin to rise, and then her anchor took hold and broke through her fears with tender words. “I’ve got you.” 

“Look Bette!”  The brunette fluttered her eyes open to the clear voice of the cellist and she turned to look at the blonde.  Confused, had Tina reassured her or had the vertigo toyed with her mind?  She followed the blonde’s outstretched arm to view the horizon hosting the setting sun.

The sky was free of clouds and displayed a gradient of vibrant orange emitted by the spectacular setting sun.  They watched, hand in hand, as the ocean tucked away the daystar for the night. 

Tina turned and stepped closer to the brunette and took hold of her other hand.  “Thank you.”  She said expressing joy in her hazel eyes.  Bette’s heart began its race anew, this time there would be a kiss. 

TBC...