Chapter 2

He pulled away from her still cradling her chin. Flashing her a smile, he dropped his hand, sat back on the couch and stretched his arms behind his head. She was glad he could rest his head, but her head was swimming along with her heart. For a brief second she listened to her heart and all the wonderful emotions that she had become wrapped up in, but it was only for a second. Her head chimed in with the harsh reality she was used to dealing with. One would have assumed that her heart would be bitter after all the pain and broken promises she'd been dealt in life, but the funny thing about her heart was it always forgot and forgave. Not her mind though. Every minute alone, every tear shed, every good-bye was cataloged. It was like her mind kept a photo album of loss, broken hearts, and disappointment just to remind her not to listen to her heart again.

He could see the confusion in her eyes, but he wasn't sure what to do or say. He wanted to tell her how he felt, but he knew all to well that words didn't hold water with Bones. It was a person's actions that she looked for. She would watch them, analyze them, and then make her decision. It was just the first wall of many someone had to crumble. Though most didn't take the time. He accepted the challenges she put forth, because the rewards were well worth it. He had never known such a strong, independent, loving woman before. Maybe that was the reason he'd fallen head over heals.

Finally her eyes settled and he knew she had made a decision. Heart, head, or maybe if he was luckily a mixture. He knew all too well that her head would never take a back seat when it came to decision making, but he was hoping that maybe, just maybe he had come through enough walls that her heart could have a little input. He also knew that before this night was over, he would be probed and prodded with questions, looks, and more or less trial by fire. He knew this; he wasn't ready for it, but he had accepted long ago that this was what made her tick.

Now to find the words to begin was always the hardest part for her. She always knew she was too direct too scientific, but never really cared. That was until Booth. She could ignore the pain that would flash up in strangers' eyes, but not Booth's. So she took her time, gave it some thought, and managed to get all of her thoughts into a logical, understanding form of speech.

She turned to get his attention, but much to her surprise he was already focused on her. She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. He knew her all too well. No one else would have taken the time or the patience to sit in utter silence until she could get everything figured out. But Booth would. She let a long sigh escape her lips before she tried to begin.

"Booth," she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, "I'm not really sure what this just meant. On Sunday, you made it very clear that you would not have a relationship with a co-worker, but your actions here tonight said something much differently at least to me they did." She glanced up at him and then back down to her hands.

"Bones," he ducked his head down, searching for her eyes. When he found them and held them with his gaze, he continued, "First, this meant more to me than words will ever do justice. Secondly, you're not a co-worker; you're my partner. And third, this did say something. It said that I care a great deal for you. More than partners, more than best friends, but I don't want to push. I just want to be here or there or anywhere as long as it is with you."

He felt a wave of success wash over him as she smiled. But she wasn't done; not by a long shot; he knew this. Round number two was gearing up, he could tell by the way her back stiffened and the concerned look that appeared in her eyes. He knew her heart and mind were playing tug of war. One wanting to protect her; the other wanting her to live.

"Who was she?" the words blurted out of her mouth.

There was a hint of pain in the way she said it and although it made his heart ache; he was glad she asked. That meant she was at least listening to her heart, because normally her head would have just made a closed statement without the opportunity to dispute her theory.

Booth knew that she would only accept the most truthful answer. No dancing around words, no white lies, the truth was what she expected, deserved, and that was what he would give her.

"Her name is Carrie Beth. She's a physical therapist at a children's hospital. I've known her for several years and we've been out a few times together," he paused.

He reached out and placed her hands in his as he saw the pain forming in her eyes. He didn't want to continue, but knew that she expected him to fully answer her question.

"I called her up Wednesday night and asked her out," he finished.

She knew that he wasn't trying to hurt her. She asked for the answers and that was what she was getting. Her heart sank and her mind began offering condolences. She never imagined herself in a fairy tale ending. Never hoped for more than she received. This way life wasn't so disappointing. She knew better than to get wrapped up in such silliness of a kiss. It was just a kiss. She had accepted that life just gave some people left overs and that included her.

"Is there anything else?" she asked

Hearing the growing pain in her voice was more than he could bear. As his hand reached to her check, her eyes flinched with the tenderness of his touch. He slid his hand down her neck and traced her jaw line with his thumb. After several minutes of silence, he licked his lips to continue.

"She's an attractive woman, but…she's not you. Even she knew that. After I saw you leaving the restaurant, she leaned over, took my hands and told me to listen very carefully. She told me that true love could cross-continents and that was why it was so rare. So few people ever got to meet their true love. Life leads them in other directions and they have an emptiness that's never filled. She said that I didn't have the emptiness she once in me two years ago. She told me to catch you and never let you go, because someone who has the ability to fill such a vast void has the right to know that she is loved too."

Her eyes jumped as if she didn't understand what he just said. He was sitting there looking intently at her beautiful features. He had to chuckle when he saw her reaction.

She had to be dreaming, but then again, no, because even in her dreams she was alone and unloved. She tried to figure out just how all of this had happened, but couldn't come up with a clear and logical conclusion.

He began to lean toward her, and her towards him. As his lips found hers, she accepted that logic would have to wait.