Booth found Brennan, still fuming, at her computer. As he entered her office, the scientist began typing furiously, pretending she didn't know he was there. Despite the situation, Booth smiled to himself. He knew she wasn't ignorant of his presence. They were always very aware of each other, no matter what was happening around them.

"Hey Bones, I wasn't making fun of you. I would never make fun of you," he told her seriously. She looked at him skeptically. "Okay, well I would make fun of you, but not to hurt your feelings. I would never hurt you on purpose."

Studying him like one of her skeletons, she finally conceded. "No, I suppose you wouldn't," she replied quietly. Booth found himself grinning like an idiot, relieved she had forgiven him. His relief, however, was fleeting. "Then why weren't you listening to me? You're usually so attentive…"

"The problem is I was being too attentive," he muttered. Seeing her questioning look, he sighed. "Look Bones, I have to confess something and I'm not sure how you're going to respond. I don't want to scare you or drive you away…"

"What is it, Booth?" Not a woman to beat around the bush, Brennan preferred the direct approach.

Booth suddenly found the room suffocating and his mouth was bone dry. He couldn't meet her curious gaze and he couldn't seem to form coherent thoughts. Clearing his throat, he began cautiously.

"Um, well, here's the thing… Lately I've been finding myself very preoccupied… I can't seem to keep my head in the game. You know?" She didn't know. She had no idea what he was talking about and it showed plainly on her face. He tried again. "You've been distracting me… I can't concentrate on work because I keep focusing on you." The admission actually made him feel better.

It did not, however, make her feel better. She was offended. "Well, I'm sorry Booth! I didn't mean to distract you. I thought you wanted my help with the paperwork…" She had jumped to her feet and was pacing. "And you usually want to know all my findings and…"

"No! That's not what I meant Bones!" He stepped in front of her, grabbing her shoulders to stop her pacing. As her blue eyes met his brown ones, he took a step back. "It's not your fault… Well, it is, but not in the way you think…"

"I don't know what that means."

Booth was getting progressively flustered. "I… You… Uh…" He couldn't hold it in any longer. "I'm in love with you!" As he blurted the words out, the full weight of his emotions overtook him for the first time. He'd been stifling these feelings for so long that he hadn't realized the depth of his love for her.

Brennan looked liked she'd been slapped. She was completely unprepared for the impact of his words. Acting on an uncharacteristic impulse, she bridged the gap between them. For once in her life, her brain took a backseat and her body moved of its own accord. She leaned forward, gently brushing her lips against his, experimenting.

Booth was so stunned that he didn't react. It felt like an eternity before it registered that she was actually kissing him. As her lips gently tugged on his, something finally clicked in his brain. His arms, which had been hanging limply at his sides, suddenly sprang to life. He grabbed her face gently between his hands, pulling her closer. His lips hungrily devoured hers and to his shock, she reciprocated. Booth felt her hands come to rest on his chest and his fingers tangled in her hair.

Never a passive woman, it was Brennan that eventually deepened the kiss. The intensity of both their responses was dizzying. The world around them ceased to be. All that mattered was the way their bodies responded to each other.

Booth felt his control slipping. He knew if he didn't break off the kiss, he wouldn't be able to stop himself from making love to her right there in her office. Reluctantly he pulled away, elated when he realized she seemed disappointed. Still holding her close, he searched her face for any sign of regret or panic. Usually able to read her like a book, he couldn't judge her reaction. She was studying him with a mix of surprise and curiosity, as if she wanted to examine him under a microscope. He couldn't seem to breathe and his heart was pounding from the suspense. Ever so slowly, a faint smile began forming on her lips. He breathed a sigh of relief and her smile grew wider. Giddy, Booth beamed back at her.

"Hi," he murmured.

"Hi," she replied shyly.

Booth knew things had just changed between them permanently. The knowledge was both frightening and exhilarating. He knew the road ahead was probably going to be bumpy as they worked out this new development in their relationship. As he looked into her smiling blue eyes, though, he knew it would be worth it.

...

I hope you've enjoyed my first attempt at a multi-chaptered fic. Thanks to everyone for all the reviews! I appreciate you taking the time to R&R. :)