OoOoOoOoO

Chapter 10

OoOoOoOoO

Brennan tried to concentrate on the case, but every time Ryan asked her something she had to ask him to repeat the question. She didn't understand how Booth could affect her like this. No matter how much she tried she couldn't get him off her mind.

When Ryan's car stopped outside the Jeffersonian institute, she was relieved this day was over. Normally she wouldn't want a working day to end, but right now she had too much going through her head. She said goodbye to Ryan and headed for the parking lot.

When she'd reached her car she heard her name being called. Surprised she turned and saw Ryan's car following her. She stopped and smiled as she saw him getting out of the car.

"Tempe! I just wanted to ask you what you're doing tomorrow. Wanna have dinner with me at Felini?"

Brennan hesitated a few seconds before she answered. "Sure I got to eat anyway, is seven ok?"

Ryan smiled and nodded his head yes. "See you at seven then," he said. But instead of going back to his car he stepped closer.

OoOoOoOoO

In the meantime Booth left the Jeffersonian after leaving some important papers to Cam. He had his arm around Katie's shoulders and she was babbling about how much she appreciated being allowed to come along. Booth wasn't really listening though, but the girl was happily oblivious. It felt strange being back there. Booth couldn't recall one time he had actually gone to the Jeffersonian for reasons that did not involve Brennan. This was something new, and he had to admit he didn't like it at all. He felt disappointed about the fact that he hadn't run into Bones somewhere, but at the same time relieved because he had Katie there with him…

As they'd almost reached his car, Booth suddenly stopped dead in his tracks and just stared at a couple across the parking lot, and Katie finally realized his thoughts were somewhere else.

"Seeley?"

There was no answer. "Baby who are they?" this time her voice was a little sharper and Booth was brought back to reality.

"Uh… what?"

"Who are they and why are you staring at them?" Katie demanded.

Booth sighed, realizing there's no idea to lie. "That's Dr Brennan, my former partner, and eh… Ryan… her new partner…"

"Dr Brennan? As in… Bones?"

Booth nodded.

"She's the one who was shot and in a coma four years," Katie stated the obvious.

Another nod.

"And they're partners huh? Seems to be a little more than that don't you think?" Katie looked at Booth waiting for some kind of response, but he was quiet. "Seeley?"

Booth couldn't believe his eyes. Seeing Brennan and Ryan share a kiss felt like someone had ripped his heart out of his chest and stepped on it. He wanted to turn and run away but his feet didn't obey. His heart was beating so fast he was sure it was going to explode if he didn't get away from there. Booth knew he should do something, maybe say something, but all he could do was to stare. He could hear Katie say something but her voice sounded very far away.

After what seemed like an eternity he finally regained the ability to think clearly.

"Let's go," Booth took Katie's arm and almost dragged her with him, wanting to get to his car as fast a possible.

OoOoOoOoO

"Why did you do that?"

"Because I wanted to know how it would feel," Ryan answered honestly. He couldn't lie about the fact that he hadn't been curious. He liked Dr. Brennan, very much. He was quite sure she didn't feel anything more for him than friendship, but he just had to know what his feelings meant.

"We shouldn't kiss Ryan, we work together, and besides it didn't feel… right." Brennan was stunned, why had he done that? She hadn't been prepared at all.

Ryan smiled. "I totally agree."

"You do?" that was another surprise. Why had he kissed her if he hadn't meant anything with it? For a brief moment Brennan couldn't help but wish it had been Booth kissing her.

"Yes. But you're still up for dinner tomorrow huh?" Ryan said winking at her. Brennan smiled, nodding. Ryan was crazy, but she couldn't help but fall for his charm.

"Good, friends?" he asked. "And I promise, no more kissing."

"Sounds good to me," Brennan smiled. "Now get back to your car," she playfully shoved him away. Ryan laughed, doing as she wanted. "See ya tomorrow Tempe! And don't forget about dinner!"

Brennan stood there watching him get into his car and drive away. She smiled to herself, suddenly feeling very happy about having a partner like Ryan.

Oblivious of two eyes following her every move; she unlocked her car and jumped in. When she left the parking lot, a black car followed her.

OoOoOoOoO

TBC.