Kerrie got out of the truck and walked around to the passenger side door, where she opened it and offered her hand to Bette. The blush on Bette's cheeks only deepened at the chivalry as she was helped out. Any darker, and it would match her lipstick.
Their footsteps echoed on the pavement as they walked over to Bette's door. Kerrie's heart began to race as she realized that once they got to the door, there would be an expectation of goodbye. But what accompanied the goodbye? Was it a hug, or was it a kiss on the lips, or was it a kiss on the cheek? Why in the world did she think it was a good idea to have a conversation about their relationship right before arriving home? She wanted to slap her forehead but also wanted to play it cool. She was anything but cool.
When they reached the door, Bette turned to face Kerrie, and both shifted awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.
"So," said Kerrie, rubbing the back of her head. "I guess this is where things get awkward."
Bette gave a nervous chuckle and nodded. Her eyes crinkled at the edges, looking absolutely adorable to Kerrie. "Yeah, I guess it does. Is it just me, or do you feel like you're a teenager again?"
"Yes!" exclaimed Kerrie, relief washing over her. "I thought it was just me. I feel a little foolish, but I can't help it."
"I'm glad it's not just me then. And I don't think it's foolish."
The opening of Kerrie's door drew their attention as Kenny stepped out onto the small porch step. He held onto the railing and stared at them both for a few seconds before he said. "Kerrie, are you going to kiss her?"
Kerrie's heart dropped to her feet as all the air whooshed out of her. She could feel heat rushing up her chest and neck and wanted nothing more than to crawl under her truck and pretend that she didn't exist.
"Well, are you?" challenged Bette with a devilish smirk on her face.
Kerrie locked eyes with Bette, meeting the challenge. She called out over her shoulder, "Yeah, I am, Kenny. Do you mind giving us a minute?"
"Yeah," was all he said before going back through the door and shutting it behind him.
Now or never, Kerrie.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped closer to Bette, leaning down and wrapping an arm around her waist to pull her in close. She felt Bette's hands grab her sides, clinging closer, and the gesture boosted her confidence as Bette stepped up on her tippy toes, head tilted up. Those beautiful brown eyes closed, waiting for Kerrie to buck up.
When their lips met, it was like a burst of adrenaline, shocking both of them. Soft lips touched tentatively at first and then grew bolder by the second, and before they realized it, they were in a playful dance of lips. Bette's nails dug lightly into her sides, and she resisted moaning into the kiss, not wanting to deepen it too far. Their first kiss didn't need to have expectations. No pressure for more, even though she wanted nothing more than to whisk Bette into her apartment and onto her back. She felt Bette's hand trail up her back and cupped her jaw as she pulled away. Staring deeply into heady eyes, it appeared that Bette was just as turned on as she was. The shy smile flashed at her and made her heart melt. She leaned back in and gave Bette another quick kiss before putting a little distance between them.
"That was probably my favorite first kiss," panted Kerrie.
Nodding, Bette put her hand over her chest and seemed to be just as breathless as Kerrie. "I look forward to doing that again. Many, many more times."
"I'm glad we're on the same page. I should probably get back into the house, though. Kenny's probably wearing a path out in front of the door waiting on me."
Nodding with understanding, Bette reached her hands up and smoothed them over Kerrie's upper chest, leaning on her tippy toes once again. "One more time."
Kerrie obliged, running both arms around the woman, lifting her off the ground a little. Bette yelped into the kiss, and Kerrie could feel her grinning against her lips.
Kerrie put Bette safely back on the little patio, grinning widely. "Yeah, we're definitely going to keep doing that."
Bette let out a loud laugh. "Yeah, we are. Now go see Kenny before he bursts. I'll text you later."
Chapter 23
Closing her door behind her, Bette noticed Kerrie and Kenny standing outside. Their truck, Bette had learned that Kenny considered it his, was pulled out from under the detached red-roofed carport and covered in soapy suds. Both twins were matching in cutoff sleeveless men's t-shirts and basketball shorts. Bette couldn't help but roam her eyes over the patch of exposed skin that showed off Kerrie's black sports bra and a little of her thick middle. Never had Bette ever thought such a thing would turn her on, but she was quickly realizing she loved a larger lady. It was like discovering women for the first time. She wanted to touch every curve and dimple of Kerrie's body.
"What are you doing?" she asked, keys in hand and purse nestled in the crook of her elbow.
Kenny beat Kerrie to the punch. "Washing my truck. Do you want to help? We're getting Dairy Queen when we're finished."
"I wish I could. I'm going to have dinner with Missy."
Kerrie walked up to her, placing a long kiss on her lips, not caring a bit that her lips would now be smeared with red berry-colored lipstick. When they parted, Kerrie asked, "What's your favorite Blizzard from DQ?"
Buzzing with excitement, Bette tilted her head. "The turtle one. With the pecans and caramel."
A twinkle formed in Kerrie's eyes. She wrapped her arms around Bette and swayed them back and forth like they were slow dancing to the sound of a water spigot. "Ah, nice choice. Very nice choice. I'm more of a strawberry cheesecake gal myself. Why don't I pick you up a cup, and when you get home, you call me?"
