HIGHLAND WEDDING

CHAPTER 2

The song finally ended and Brennan mumbled something about going to the ladies room. Booth wondered what was wrong with her as he made his way back to the table. After he had given her that compliment, she had the oddest look on her face and she had blushed and stiffened in his arms and refused to meet his eyes.

He looked toward the dance floor and saw Angela dancing with his friend Brandon. Booth could tell by the look on Brandon's face that he was headed for heartbreak. He was looking at Angela like she was the most amazing woman he'd ever met. 'But then he hasn't met Bones,' the thought just popped into his head and he dropped into a chair. 'Whoa, where did that come from?' he wondered. Sure, she was amazing, but she was his partner, nothing more. Well, okay, they were the best of friends too, but that was as far as it went. 'That's as far as it could ever go,' he told himself firmly. Being romantically involved with his partner would lead to too many complications. And if the whole thing went sour, he'd lose a great partner on top of losing the most amazing woman—'Stop it, Booth,' he scolded himself. This whole 'conversation' he was having with himself was pointless and needed to stop right now.

He saw the object of his musings lingering near the punch bowl. A guy named Ted was flirting with her and he felt his temper rise when she smiled and laughed at something he said. Before he knew what he was doing, Booth was on his feet and weaving his way through the tables toward them.

Brennan was chuckling in that sexy, husky way she had as Booth approached. Ted took a step back at the look on Booth's face, but Brennan didn't even look at her partner.

"Hey, Booth, how's it goin'?" Ted asked with forced joviality, trying to defuse the tension he sensed in Booth. "I was just telling Dr. Brennan how much I love her books. She promised to autograph the latest one for me." Booth nodded curtly at Ted and Brennan finally looked at him. 'What's his problem?' she wondered at his frown. Then he grabbed her arm.

"I need to talk to you," Booth said in a low voice.

Brennan frowned at him and threw a weak smile in Ted's direction. "Now? Can't you see I'm talking to Ted?" she replied. Booth scowled at the other guy.

"Yes, now, I need to talk to you. I'm sure Ted will understand, won't you?" His tone left no room for argument.

Ted didn't like the vibes he was getting off these two, not to mention the daggers Booth's eyes were throwing his way and decided it was time for a strategic retreat. "Yeah, no problem. I-I think I see a friend I haven't said hi to yet." With that he was gone.

Brennan rounded on him and spoke in a low, furious tone. "What was that all about? I was having a nice conversation with him. I can't believe how incredibly rude you were to him!" Booth admired the color her temper brought to her face, even if it was directed at him.

"Just rescuing you from making a major mistake. You can thank me later," he said smugly.

She raised her eyebrows. "Mistake? What are you talking about?" A couple approached to get some punch and Booth took her arm and pulled her a short distance away from the table.

" Ted is a player," he informed her as though that explained everything.

Brennan was mystified. "What does he play? And how does that explain your rudeness?"

Booth closed his eyes briefly, praying for patience. When he opened them she was still regarding him quizzically. "Women, he plays games with women. You don't need to get tangled up with a jerk like that."

Brennan's brows slammed together as comprehension dawned. "So, you think you need to rescue me from some 'player'? You think I can't tell when a guy is only interested in a quick roll in the straw?" Her voice was getting louder as her temper was growing and Booth made a placating motion with his hands.

"That's 'hay' Bones. Now, don't get upset, I was just looking out for you. I've seen him break a lot of girl's hearts over the years."

"Stressing the word 'girls'—I'm not a girl, I'm a woman, and I did fine looking out for myself before you came along." She folded her arms and glared at him. Like he needed to be reminded she was a woman. Booth decided it was time for the white flag.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay? It just made me mad, watching him play his game with you. It was a reflex. Forgive me?" he asked, a contrite look on his face.

Brennan tried to hold onto her mad, but since he looked so sincere and his heart was in the right place, she just couldn't. "Okay, I forgive you, but only if you'll do something for me."

Booth felt relieved. He really didn't want to fight with her right now, even though sometimes it was fun. "What's that?"

"Would you take me home? I'm ready to go, but I rode with Ange and I don't think she's going to want to leave yet," she said, inclining her head toward the dance floor where Angela was dancing to 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' with yet another hot guy.

Booth chuckled. Angela was such a free spirit. He hoped Hodgins knew what he was in for. Booth didn't think he could handle her, not that he'd given it much thought. Now, he knew he could handle Brennan—'Whoa, there I go again,' he thought with dismay.

"Okay, let me go say goodbye to Ian and his bride. I'll meet you at the door."

The music had changed to 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' as Brennan approached Angela on the dance floor where she was slow dancing with another guy. Angela smiled at her friend. "Hey, Bren, having a good time?" She had seen Brennan dancing with Booth and thought they looked so perfect together. She wished for the hundredth time they'd wake up and see it for themselves.

"Actually, I'm ready to call it a night. Booth is going to take me home."

Angela's smile grew wider. "Oh, okay. You guys go have fun," she urged slyly. "I'll see ya Monday."

Brennan was puzzled. "Fun? No, Ange, he's just giving me a ride home," Brennan said loudly, certain Angela had heard her wrong. But Angela had already danced away with her partner and it wasn't worth chasing her to try to explain. Brennan spotted Booth waiting at the door, searching the crowd for her. Stopping by the table to grab her purse and shawl, she headed for the door.