Chapter 14

Booth had thought switching back to his own body would put an end to the awkwardness and embarrassment. It hadn't. As he kept on staring at Brennan, he couldn't help but feel curious, despite the discomfort.

He flashed a nervous smile. "So," he began. "What exactly did you like to touch while wearing my body?" he asked at last.

Brennan's eyes widened in shock. He was sure she hadn't expected that question. He smirked, enjoying the reversed situation a little too much. For once, it wasn't him being humiliated.

Brennan opened her mouth to speak, but closed it. "I told you to forget I said that," she finally said.

Booth shook his head, smiling. "I want to know, Bones."

"Fine," she sighed. "I liked… these," she let her hand sweep across his chest muscles and down over his stomach. Booth could barely hold back a gasp as her finger danced over his skin. "And I realized you have plenty of scars that I haven't known about."

"Then you must have examined me very thoroughly."

Brennan blushed. "Not that thoroughly," she lied. Booth snorted, obviously not believing her.

"Is there something more I should know?"

"Uh well… I… "she was cut off before she could answer him.

"On second thought, maybe it's best if I don't know all the details, right Bones?"

She nodded, relieved. "I have to say it's nice to be back, but there was also very interesting to have your body. I've come to like it and I… will miss it."

Booth could barely breathe. She was leaning into him; her hand was still pressed against his chest for support. His head was spinning with what she'd said. How could she talk so casually about such intimate things?

"I…" his voice trailed off. "It doesn't have to change."

Brennan frowned then. "What doesn't?"

"If you want… uh…" Booth didn't know how to say it. A part of him wished he would just shut up, but another part wanted Brennan to know exactly how he felt. "You know… my… body isn't going anywhere. You could still… uh… explore it…" he finally managed to say.

Brennan actually laughed then. She shifted, ending up even closer to him, both hands now on his chest. Booth froze, suddenly all too aware of the fact that she was practically straddling him. And they were only in their underwear.

"Are you saying I can touch you in any way I want to?"

Breath caught in his throat and for a moment he was afraid he'd get a heart attack right then and there. He barely managed a nod. The way she looked at him made his pulse race. His head was spinning.

"Bones," he finally whispered. "Temperance!"

Brennan seemed to realize what she was doing. For a moment she looked shocked; then her face turned red. She climbed off Booth's lap and scooted away creating a gap between them. "I don't know what came over me. I'm sorry Booth," she blurted.

There was a long awkward silence, and then Booth finally spoke. "Don't worry about it." He wanted to tell her he had liked it, it was in fact he who had led her on; telling her he wanted her to touch him, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Not now. It was bad enough as it was, she was driving him crazy just being so close to him. Just imagining what could've happened if he hadn't stopped her sent shivers throughout his body.

Booth tugged the blanket closer to his neck, hiding as much of his bare chest as he could, trying desperately to keep himself from imagining Brennan's fingers against his skin. He wanted to get away from her, or else he was afraid he would embarrass himself even more.

The rain kept on pouring down outside, the sound as the drops hit the roof and windows had a calming effect and Brennan soon found herself feeling weary. It had been a long day with lots of things happening; she was tired, both physically and emotionally.

Glancing up at Booth, she was sure he was feeling the same. He didn't look back, in fact it seemed like he tried his best to not look at her. Brennan frowned.

"Is something wrong?" she finally asked. Booth looked so tense she was sure there must be something bothering him.

He let out a snorting sound; that almost sounded like a nervous laugh. Then he shook his head. "I'm fine, just fine."

"You don't look fine."

"Well I am, ok?"

Brennan wasn't convinced, but she decided to let the subject drop. "We should get some sleep, it's late."

Booth nodded. "Take the bed, I'll stay right here on the sofa," he said, maybe a little too fast.

"No, you should take the bed; you're the one who's having back problems. I'll be fine here."

"My back is fine," Booth insisted.

"No, it's not."

"Bones! Just go to bed, okay!"

Brennan frowned, but threw the blanket off of her and climbed out of the sofa, walking to the bed. She didn't say anything and after a while Booth allowed himself to relax. He sighed, shifting so he could lean against the arm of the sofa. He closed his eyes, taking a slow and deep breath.

"Booth?"

His eyes shot open. "Yea?"

"I think we're going to be forced to sleep together."

XxxxX

TBC ; )