Praising whatever higher being was watching out for her for Eric's timing, Cat leaned back against the counter, hand to her heart, trying to compose herself before she was called to the foyer, parlour, or hall or the men came into the kitchen. Spinning around, Cat splashed water on her face, trying to cool her flaming face. Patting her face dry, she unexpectedly heard footsteps behind her. Only one set, a set she knew well. Out of the blue, Bones' hands were on her waist, whirling her around again to face him, pressing her up against the ledge of the sink. Then, instead of beginning where they'd left off, he just stared into her eyes. Staring back into his eyes, Cat was surprised by what she saw. Instead of the glowing emerald eyes she was expecting, she saw deep brown eyes, so brown they were almost black, filled with amazement, love, and, something she never thought to see in his eyes, gratitude.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she asked quietly "What did Eric want?"
Instead of answering her, Bones leaned forward and rested his forehead on hers, sighing and closing his eyes. "Do you know how much I missed this? Holding you in my arms?" he whispered.
Touched, Cat felt tears welling up her eyes. That was something else she never expected, to hear that he missed her, missed holding her in his arms. She had always known that he loved her, she had no doubts about that, but it was nice when he said things like that. Removing one hand from around his neck, she placed in gently against his cheek. "I missed this too, Bones. But you know what I missed more?" As his eyes slowly opened to look at her again, she leaned forward and touched her lips softly to his. "That."