Portrait Chapter 7

An evening with Sten Johnson was deemed a huge success. Kathryn and Anika made their escape after a respectable amount of mingling and interviews.

Getting into Kathryn's car, Anika nervously licked her lips. Turning to face her famous lover, she ventured, "I don't feel tired yet, do you? Why don't we drive to that all night diner on Delta Street for a late night coffee and cake?"

Pleasantly surprised, the red head agreed. "Allright. Delta's it is." The engine roared to life and Anika tried to keep her butterflies in formation.

* * *

Kathryn's eyes flew open and stared helplessly at Anika.

"O my god. I'm doing it again, aren't I?" she whispered, mortified.

Snickering behind her hands, Anika could only nod.

"Well, darling, besides coffee you know that you're the only one that can make me moan like that, " that husky voice teased.

Anika's snicker turned to a cough.

"Yes, well, moving on. I have a little something for you."

Looking into nervous blue eyes, Kathryn's curiosity was peaked.

"You do? What is it?"

A narrow, rectangular, gift wrapped box was placed in her elegant hands.

"Open it."

Not needing any further invitation, Kathryn tore the wrapping off to reveal a jewerly box. Swallowing hard, she opened the lid, then gasped. Nestled inside was a necklace. Reverently taking it out she studied the gold chain and then her eyes fell on the pendant. It was in the shape of delicate golden hummingbird.

"Anika," she breathed. "You. How? Darling!"

The blonde beauty placed solemnly placed her hands over Kathryn's. She had to smother a smile, even though she was still nervous as hell, when Kathryn's eyes went wide.

"My hummingbird, I've been wanting to say this to you for a while now." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "I love you."

A brilliant smile broke through the tears that had started forming in Kathryn's eyes.

"I...", the older woman had to clear her throat. "I love you too, Anika"

Then, not caring what any of the other late night diners might think, the blonde rose up and leaned over the table to seal their confession with a searing kiss.

THE END.