Author's note: So sorry for the delay. Always busy with school and son with his sports. I appreciate the very nice reviews I have received. I hope you continue to enjoy. Only about 3 weeks until Season 11!

Chapter 10

When the nurse on the morning shift entered the room to check on Brennan, she found them sleeping soundly; Booth was still holding her close to his chest. Her patient seemed to be resting easier than had been noted since her arrival, so she decided to allow them to continue as they were. She would return a bit later to check her condition and have breakfast brought up for two.

While the pair was eating their breakfast, the doctor came into the room making his rounds. He informed Brennan that she would be released later in the day, but only under the condition that she would not be staying alone and had someone available to assist her. Following the surgery, she was taking some very debilitating prescriptions. She was not to be left alone while she was taking them.

Brennan didn't want to automatically assume that Booth would be willing to accept the responsibility of caring for her while she was recuperating, so she hesitated with her response. While she was taking a breath and trying to come up with an answer, Booth spoke up and stated clearly that there would be no problem. He assured the doctor that he would be with her and make plans for her travel back to the United States.

The doctor indicated that the paperwork would be complete later in the afternoon. He stated that when it was ready, the nurse on the floor would come with a wheelchair to escort Brennan out of the hospital. Brennan thanked him and Booth shook his hand and the man left them alone.

"Booth", she began, "It is unnecessary for you to have to take care of me. I will be fine."

Shaking his head, he responded with, "Nope. No way. The last time I dropped you off at your apartment you told me that and then you left without saying goodbye. I'm not letting that happen ever again" he said in no uncertain terms.

"But….."

Leaning towards her, he said, "Bones. I want to help you. Please let me."

Giving in, she said, "I don't have anywhere to stay when I leave. Could you help me find a hotel until I am able to make flight arrangements?"

"Sure. No problem. It's already taken care of, Bones", he smiled. "I have a really nice hotel room and as soon as you are ready, Hodgins will send his private jet to come get us."

"But…."

"No arguments. You are coming with me and we are going home."

"But I gave up my apartment in D.C. to go to Maluku and I resigned from the Jeffersonian and….."

"Well, yes you did, and no you didn't."

"I don't know what that means."

"Cam didn't turn in your resignation. So, as far they know at the Jeffersonian, you have been on an extended vacation. And, Angela is taking care of getting your apartment back."

"Oh."

With that he got into the closet and took out clothes that he had brought knowing at some point she would be heading home.

"Do you want me to go ask a nurse to come help you change?" he asked.

"No. Could you just help me a little?"

Nodding, he moved over to the bed and helped her sit on the edge with her legs hanging down. Then he turned around so she could remove the hospital gown over her head. Neither one realized that he would be able to see her reflection in the mirror that was inside the bathroom with the door open. While her gown covered her face, Booth was given a clear view of her body. He hadn't thought about the fact that she had nothing on under the cotton garment. Seeing the fullness of her breasts, the flatness of her abdomen, and the creaminess of her skin caused an instant reaction. She glanced up in time to see the flush on his cheeks. Standing on her one leg, she attempted to hurry in pulling on her pants, but the cast on her leg caused her to lose her balance. He turned just in time to catch her before she fell completely over. They stood there for a few moments, her small waist securely wrapped in his strong arms. This time, her face was the one that flushed. Smiling, she thanked him and he sat her back on the bed. It wasn't long before the nurse arrived with the wheelchair and escorted them to the hospital entrance where a taxi was hailed and they were on their way to Booth's hotel.

When they arrived at the hotel, Booth assisted Brennan into the building and onto the elevator. Once inside the room, she noted it was small, but very nice. There was a double bed, a small kitchenette, and an area that could serve as a dining room/living room with a table and a sofa. She sat down and realized just how exhausted she was from the short trip. She removed the one shoe that she was wearing and moved to lie down on the sofa. Realizing that she needed to rest, Booth grabbed a pillow and a spare blanket and helped her to get comfortable.

"Hey, how 'bout I run out and get something to eat while you rest? I won't be long."

Without opening her eyes, she nodded and mumbled something incoherently. Booth used the back of his hand to rub her cheek and leaned over to kiss the top of her head. "I'll be back in a jiffy."

Later in the day, she awakened to the aroma of macaroni and cheese baking. Sitting up, her stomach rumbled loudly and Booth lay down the magazine he had been pretending to read. He had actually spent more time staring at Brennan, watching the rise and fall of her chest and noticing how truly beautiful she was, rather than reading the boring articles.

"Hey, Sleepyhead. Hungry?"

Yawning and stretching, she nodded and admitted that she felt hungrier than she had in quite a while. He thought about telling her that he had noticed she'd lost weight recently, but figured it would make her uncomfortable, so he decided to let it pass. "You stay there and I'll bring you a plate."

"It smells good", she smiled.

"Well, it's not homemade, but I think it'll do. I bought some mac 'n cheese and some fresh fruit. I hope that's ok."

"Sounds good. Thanks."

Eating in silence, Brennan picked at her food. "What's wrong, Bones? It isn't that bad. I thought you were hungry. You need to get some of your strength back so we can head home."

"Home…." she repeated quietly.

Placing his fork on his plate, Booth leaned forward, "What's wrong, Bones?"

"I don't know where 'home' is."

"Come on, Bones. You left home for Maluchoo. It's time to go back."

Smiling slightly, she commented, "You do that on purpose, don't you?"

"What?" he grinned. "Look, Bones. I know you are feeling out of sorts right now. Give it some time. You need to give your body time to heal and your mind some time to absorb the last several days. We don't have to leave immediately, but going back to the states, letting me take care of you, and getting back into a routine will be good for you."

She turned her face away from him, but he hooked her chin with his forefinger and turned it back. As he looked into her eyes, he questioned, "Do you trust me?"

Blinking away tears, she nodded, "Of course I do."

"Come here", he requested as he scooted back into the sofa. Pulling her body gently into his own, he wrapped his arms around her and snuggled her close to his chest. He kissed her on top of her head and then rested his chin on the same spot. "Let's just take it a day at a time for right now. K? We don't have to solve all the problems today."

Agreeing for the time being, she closed her eyes and just reveled in the feeling of being held by the man she loved.