“Oh Tina, that is wonderful news. You must be so relieved?” As I say this I give her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Yes…….it’s the best Christmas gift I ever could have asked for.”

It’s then that we both realize that my hand is still holding hers. We both look downward. This has quickly turned into a very uncomfortable moment……for both of us.

Tina quickly excuses herself to go check on Angie and I take our coffee cups to the kitchen.

Once there I see a mountain of dishes on the counter. Rolling up my sleeves, I walk over to the sink and start to run some water. It’s the least I can do in repayment for such a delicious meal.

I am just getting started when Tina arrives in the kitchen. “Wh…….what do you think you are doing?”

I glance over my shoulder. “Dishes. I figure it’s the least I can do after such a wonderful meal. Beats take out any day.” I turn back to the task at hand.

Realizing that any objections that she may raise will fall on deaf ears Tina grabs a dish towel and starts to dry the dishes as I continue to wash. We make small talk as we proceed with our task. It’s not long after that we are done. I wipe up the counter and reach over for the dish towel. At the same time Tina reaches for it and our hands once again make contact. I can feel the sexual tension between us. It was there yesterday when our hands touched and it is clearly evident right here …..right now. The breathing patterns have changed in each of us. Clearly I am aware of the beautiful woman before me. Time seems to stand still.

Neither of us appears to want to move our hand too quickly. I turn slowly towards her. We are now face to face.

“Tina,” I whisper. I so desperately want to kiss this woman.

I hear her whisper my name in return “Bette……I……..I…….”

Slowly I move towards her. My lips near hers and the air is electric. I normally would never do this, she works for me, maybe just as a temp, but still… I feel such an urge to kiss her. As my lips brush against hers I feel a surge of energy flow through my entire body. Our kiss is soft and gentle. It is unhurried, and it feels so good. It feels so right. As I reluctantly pull back from her I smile. Reaching up I brush the hair out of her eyes. Have I mentioned that she has amazing eyes? They just pull you in, and allow you to see deep into her soft and gentle soul.

I smile softly as I say “Merry Christmas Tina.”

She smiles in return as she replies, “Merry Christmas Bette.”

“I’m sorry if that kiss made you uncomfortable. I just…….actually I really don’t know how to explain it Tina. I’ve never had anyone affect me the way you have.”

She doesn’t say anything at first. She just looks into my eyes. Before I know it she has pulled me close to her and I am now the recipient of a very different kiss from the one we have just shared. As we part, I am left breathless by this incredible woman. She has touched a part of me that has lay hidden for so long. Always afraid to take that chance, always afraid to get hurt, I have hidden behind casual acquaintances, and short term relationships. This however feels different. I think instinctively we both know that this is very different….. for both of us.

I left her house that night with a renewed spirit, and a renewed energy. For the first time in years I felt hopeful. Maybe Christmas isn’t so bad after all. Tina and her daughter Angelica have shown me the true meaning of the holiday season.

Merry Christmas to one and all !!!

Oh, and by the way…….…..the answer is yes. Yes……… Ms. Kennard did in fact agree to go out on a date with me ……….It’s on New Year’s Eve…….just in case you were all wondering!!

The End.