A/N: Just a little something that came to me yesterday. I hope you enjoy.
Her breath caught in her throat. He was touching her again. But this, this was different than the feel of his palm pressed into her back or the weight of his arm as he slung it around her shoulders.
His fingertips were at her cheeks, having just pushed a wayward hair away. She arched into his touch instinctively, but dared not open her eyes. She knew what she would see, she dreamed it for many months.
And yet ...she was still not ready.
Not ready for this cataclysmic moment that was occurring between them.
She squeezed her eyes tighter as she felt his hand steady her waist. Feeling his breath tickle her face, she attempted to take a step back. But he held on fast and she stumbled a little.
"Temperance."
His voice was low and throaty, a sound she hadn't heard from him before and she was tempted to open her eyes to make sure it was him. She felt his fingers stroke her cheek again and she shuddered.
"Booth, please."
His fingers paused on her cheek. She hoped he would understand. She wasn't ready. Just not yet.
He was so still and she tilted her head slightly as if to ascertain what he was thinking.
The clock ticked second after second and he still didn't move.
She opened her mouth to speak and then she felt it. The soft press of lips against her cheek, the tightening of his hand around her waist.
And then it was gone.
She stayed where she was; her eyes still screwed shut for several moments until she finally had the courage to open them.
He was gone.
He understood.
