Chapter 4

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He watched her walk out of the office, befuddled as to what had just happened there. Usually he could read her so well, but not today. Today, just now, for whatever reason she had closed herself off to him.

There had been plenty of emotion in their argument, but her was at a loss as too what it had been about. He went over the discussion in his head, and couldn't pinpoint anything that would have set her off. Sometimes women drove him crazy.

It had been very strange back then to start working with her regularly after that almost night. He was afraid to remember it. Afraid of dredging up all the feelings that would come with it. That night had been so spectacular and so horribly disappointing at the same time.

He could admit that though their working relationship in the beginning was rocky at best. She was mind numbingly rational and scientific about everything. It was like talking to someone from a different planet sometimes. She had no idea about any of the latest social happenings – TV, music, movies, and she rarely understood or could recognize humor or sarcasm. During their first case he had barely detected any kind of emotion from her. For someone like him it was unfathomable. He lived his life based on where his heart took him.

However, he had seen emotion that night. It had been like something out of dream. When he had taken her into his arms, she had fit him so perfectly. His hand had felt like it had always belonged on her lower back. Even though he knew how much they fought and butt heads professionally, something was pulling him toward her. Some inexplicable force had captured his attention.

Rarely had he experienced feelings like this for a woman, so soon after meeting. Yes, of course he was attracted to her, always had been, right from the start. She was beautiful. But something had changed during that dance. When he had looked into her blue eyes, he had seen there depths. This woman had undiscovered layers. Her eyes were pure, shining with a certain amount of naiveté. Now he understood that she was inexperienced in dealing with emotion, but then, when he looked at her he thought of all the things that he wanted to show and teach her about the world. Things she shouldn't be missing.

As he had helped her out of the cab, he knew that walking her to her door could end up being a colossal mistake. As their hands touched, he felt an awareness that sharpened his senses. As they stood at her door talking, he could barely keep his eyes off of her. And then she had said his name, and lightly licked her lips. Her tongue darting out from her mouth to moisten her lips. It happened in a split second, but he knew he was lost.

The first taste of her had been intoxicating. He could remember she tasted like strawberry margaritas. He found he could get enough of her. His hands were everywhere. He wanted her closer.

The next thing he knew he was following her onto her bed. This was something he wanted so much he ached. But he couldn't do this, it wasn't who he was or is. Above all else he was a gentleman, and he couldn't do this to her. She was different than other women. When she looked at him, he felt like, well he didn't know exactly what it felt like, but it was good and pure. Even now, when she looked at him a certain way he felt 10 feet tall, like he could balance the world on his shoulders for her if only se asked.

Even though he wanted her so much, he was aware enough to know that it wasn't the right time. So he stopped and moved away from her as fast as he could. Cold air replaced her warmth and helped to clear his head a bit. He couldn't understand what had come over him. This was not how he operated.

She had wanted to know why, and there was no way he could put into words exactly what was going through his head. He was sure there would be time for that later. They would definitely discuss what had gone on, but at another time. Maybe he would call her tomorrow.

He knew that he needed to get out now though. He couldn't think about what it would look like to her, he just needed to leave before his will power crumbled and he did something he might regret. This woman was different from any other of his acquaintance. He had a strange feeling that she trusted him, and for an unknown reason, he didn't want to do anything to betray that trust. With a quick backward glance, and a word of thanks he left. The one thing that had always bothered him was that as he closed the door to her apartment, he had always thought that he had heard her sobbing.

Sweets brought him back to the present. "Booth, Booth, hello, you in there."

"What Sweets," he said in an exasperated tone, slowly pulling his eyes from the door she had just left through.

"Do you have any idea what that was about?" the younger man asked.

"God, I have no idea, but I do know that she was angry."

"Yes, I would definitely say that she was. Can I ask you something?" Sweets asked.

"Yeah, sure, what?" Booth said in a dejected tone.

"Why haven't you ever discussed it?" Sweets asked carefully.

"Truthfully, I have no idea Sweets. By the time we saw each other again after that night, it had been about two weeks, and she never brought it up. I assumed that she didn't want to talk about it. I certainly wanted to talk about it, but I guess we just let that pass us by."

"I would say, based upon her reaction today that that evening had meant a lot to her, and had some how hurt her. What about you Agent Booth, what did that night mean to you?" Sweets pressed.

"Look, I have to go." He said quickly standing up. "You know, to actually catch killers. I'll see you later." He

Booth walked out the door much the same way his partner had only moments earlier. Dr. Sweets remained in his chair. That almost night had meant something to both of them. They had both buried strong emotions that seemed to finally be making their way to the surface. But would they acknowledge them, or would they continue to do this dance, taking one step forward and two back. Flirting with the possibility but never following through, playing the part of the tease. Whatever was in store, he knew that it was certain it would irrevocably change their relationship.