11:16 PM, The Spektor Lodge, Upstate New York

And surrender, Jodi did.

With a move so swift it almost made her dizzy, Bette had turned and switched places with the artist, pressing her against the door. She took a step back, undoing the final button on her blouse, and she watched with fascination the way Jodi’s eyes followed the shirt dropping off her shoulders and down the length of her arms to the floor.

Slowly she stepped forward again, pressing herself into Jodi and Jodi into the door. Taking both her wrists, Bette raised Jodi’s arms above her head. She wanted nothing more than to touch and taste every inch of this intoxicating woman, but she also wanted to take her time. This wasn’t just about sex. This was about forming a bond that transcended all others. Bette was finally ready to give her whole heart to this woman.

Every moment they had spent together, all the good and the bad, flashed in her mind as she inched her lips closer to Jodi’s. This was the kiss that would tell her everything. Bette lingered just out of reach, feeling hot breath pass over her face, torturing herself with the suspense until she couldn’t take it any longer.

Their lips touched softly, fleetingly, and grew stronger by the second. Both Bette’s passion and the heat growing between them was making it difficult to move deliberately slow. She pulled back and let Jodi’s hands fall to her sides. Her own hands dropped low and grabbed the artist’s shirt, lifting it over her head. Bette’s eyes were wide and searching, taking in the sight of her lover as if trying to memorize every line and curve.

Taking Jodi’s hand, she led her towards the bed, settling her on the edge of it. Bette removed the rest of her own clothing and found herself fiercely excited at what she saw in Jodi’s watchful eyes. It made her shy and domineering all at once and she paid no attention to the slight reddening of the blush enveloping her skin.

Kneeling down, she could feel the plush carpeting crush sensually underneath her. It elicited a devilish, yet thoughtful smile from the brunette. She removed Jodi’s boots and jeans, trailing kisses where the clothing had only just been, and then pulled the artist down to the floor with her.