The passion she is feeling is overwhelming as his hands skilfully skim over the surface of her skin, each feather light touch leaves a blaze in its wake. Up until this moment she has been reacting solely to the euphoric side effects of his ministrations, and now as his fingers reach for the hem of her t-shirt her mind slams into reality. This was her first time, the first time she had ever taken this step with someone that she felt this way about. Hell it's the first time she has felt this way and the fear hits her like a ten tonne weight. Within seconds she has backed away from him and the dread is tying her stomach in knots as she tries to think of what to say.
He sees her backed against the headboard, tears welling up in her eyes. For a few seconds he is afraid that he may have forced her into this, that this isn't what she wants but on looking at her face he is certain that it's not the case. The lust lingers in her eyes, but the fear is painted across her features. Sitting back on his haunches he waits patiently for her explanation.
"I'm sorry Booth, I can't do this…..I've never done this before."
He wants to laugh, but the tears streaming down her cheeks makes the humour taste bad in his mouth. Instead he reaches forward and brushes a tear form her cheek.
"I've never been with someone that I care about, as much as I care about you… I'm no good at this, relationships have never been my strong suit, and you know that better than anyone….I'm sorry."
He takes her hand in his and smiles gently.
"Then I'll wait… I love you. I may not have always known it, but when I did realise I knew that I must have loved you all along. We have all the time in the world Temperance, and you may not be ready tomorrow, or next month… But I'll be here waiting for a time when you are."
"I don't know how to deal with these feelings Booth. I'm so scared, and it's an irrational fear, I know that. But it is just so hard to open up and let someone in."
Booth offers her his hand, when she takes it he pulls her into his arms and places a kiss on her forehead.
"As long as you are willing to try. I know it's not going to be easy, in fact I'm counting on it…. Just don't run from me." She sighs against his chest as he holds her. "How about you get some sleep?"
He lets her go and places a kiss on her lips gently. Pushing himself up from the bed he looks down at her, as he turns to leave she reaches out and takes his hand in hers. He marvels at the size of her smooth slender fingers against the rough skin of his larger ones. Looking at her she smiles gently.
"Stay?... Just to hold me?"
"I'd like that."
She scoots back on the bed and he pulls his shirt over his head and throws it onto the bed, unbuckling his belt, he shrugs his jeans off. When he looks up again she has discarded her bra and cami top and is in the middle of pulling his shirt over her head. He shakes his head as he slides into bed and under the covers. Laying her head on his shoulder she lets out a contented sigh, his fingers caress the smooth skin on her back as he places a gentle kiss on top of her head.
"Booth?"
He looks down his nose at her. "Yeah"
"I love you."
He smiles to himself and gives her shoulders a gentle squeeze. It wasn't going to be easy, but he wouldn't want it any other way.