A/N: Here it is, the much anticipated first date. Thank you everyone for the amazing, enthusiastic reviews. You guys make all the toiling over the computer worthwhile. Let me know what you think.
Attraction, Part 4
All he would tell her was to wear something classy and nice. She wanted to call Angela to get her advice on exactly what fit the criteria, but she was reluctant to bring her in on this just yet. It was too new and she wanted to keep it between them for just a bit longer. A tiny part of her, way back in the darkest corner of her mind, was afraid the evening was going to be a disaster. They had been in social situations outside work before, but never this way, looking at each other in a new light. Maybe it would be too awkward. She pushed those thoughts back, unable to bear the thought that this attraction between them wasn't going to survive being brought out into the harsh reality of life. She had to believe they had a chance, or they would lose before they even began.
Taking one last look at herself in the mirror, she decided she had done pretty good even without Angela's help. 'I hope Booth agrees,' she thought, picking up the matching shawl just as the doorbell rang.
Booth fidgeted as he waited for her to answer the door. He was a little nervous and a lot keyed up. Everything was riding on tonight. This date would be the turning point in their relationship, the test to show whether they could be something more than friends and partners. He was determined to do everything he could to make sure they could.
Suddenly the door opened and she was standing there with a nervous smile and his mouth dropped open. He'd seen her dressed up before, but this...she was stunning. His eyes slowly traveled down and back up, taking in the deep burgundy dress that hugged her generous curves from shoulder to knee. Her hair was pulled up in a loose bun at the crown of her head, with tantalizing tendrils curling down here and there, accentuating her long slender neck. He had the sudden overwhelming desire to step close and nibble that neck, but he knew if he did, they wouldn't be going anywhere but her bedroom. All that would prove was their sexual compatibility, and while he was certainly looking forward to that step in this relationship dance they were doing, he didn't want to rush it.
Brennan froze at the sight of him. She saw him in a suit nearly every day, but somehow this was different. She suspected he'd bought a new suit and felt a surge of affection at this sign that he'd made a special effort to look sharp for her. And he did look sharp. She waited for him to say something.
He finally shut his mouth and swallowed visibly. "You look...wonderful," he said huskily.
Blushing, she looked down and then looked up at him again. "So do you," she said with a smile. Booth brought his right hand from behind his back to reveal the flowers he had brought and her smile broadened. "Daffodils! Oh, Booth, thank you. They're lovely." She took the bouquet and turned from the door.
"Those weren't easy to find," Booth said as he came in and closed the door. He watched as she got a vase from the cabinet in the kitchen and filled it with water.
Putting the bouquet in the vase, she smiled as she arranged the flowers. "Well, it was very thoughtful of you. I love them." She turned to look at him again, and he stood there staring into her amazing eyes. "Shall we go?" she finally asked, feeling a bit uncomfortable under his stare.
He started a bit. "Uh, yeah, we have reservations at Trevor's."
Her brows went up. "Really? Hmmm, pretty swanky. Are you sure you can afford it?" she asked slyly. "We could go Dutch."
"No, I'm paying, Bo--Temperance. We're gonna do this right," he said firmly.
She smiled, charmed by his chivalry. Normally she would have balked, but somehow, something about this night allowed her to set aside her feminist tendencies and just enjoy being treated like a lady.
Trevor's had a fine menu with no prices, tables set with linen and crystal and china and silver, and a dance floor with a six piece ensemble playing mellow classics made famous by Sinatra, Martin and Mancini, among others. Not Booth's usual kind of place, but he had wanted to impress her. Seating her at their table, he could tell by the smile on her face that he had succeeded.
When the wine was poured and the waiter had left with their orders, Booth leaned forward. "Have I told you yet how beautiful you look?" he asked with a smile.
"Three times, but who's counting?" she teased. She began to get uncomfortable under his stare. "My book is almost done," she said.
"Really? Aren't you ahead of schedule?" he asked, amused by her obvious attempt to redirect the conversation.
Her smile was smug. "Yes, my deadline isn't until the middle of next month. It's really coming together well."
"That's great. When do I get to read it?" he asked.
"When it's published," she said firmly, taking a sip of wine.
"Aww, c'mon, I thought since we're, you know, dating, you might let me--" he coaxed.
"Ha! Is that the only reason you wanted to start dating? So you can get to read my manuscripts before anyone else?" She was only half teasing.
He sobered immediately. "You know better than that," he murmured.
She sobered too. "Yeah, I do."
Their gazes remained locked until the waiter showed up with their food. The meal passed amicably with idle chat about Parker and the squints doings. When they were done and the dishes had been taken away, Booth leaned close to her.
"Wanna dance?" he asked, holding out his hand to her. She stared at his hand for a long moment, suddenly nervous. Somehow putting her hand in his implied a commitment, the last step in bringing their relationship to a more intimate level. Would there be a way back from there if it didn't work out? Her eyes shot up to meet his. The warmth she found there steadied her, reassured her that this was right.
She slipped her hand into his and let him guide her to the dance floor. He pulled her into his arms as the band started playing 'Unchained Melody' and she smiled up at him. "This was always one of my dad's favorites," she said.
Booth cocked a smile at her. "Ironic, given his current residence," he said wryly.
She frowned. "That is NOT funny," she said, stiffening in his arms a little.
He squeezed her waist so she would look up at him. "I know. Bad joke. I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "How is he doing?"
Relaxing in his arms, she shrugged a little. "As well as could be expected, considering," she replied. "It's odd, but seeing him there has...diminished him somehow. My childhood memories of him, he was always bigger than life, but now--" she trailed off.
"That happens to everyone, Temperance," he assured her. "I still remember when I first realized my dad wasn't a superhero. He had appendicitis when I was fifteen. Seeing him in that hospital bed hit me hard."
She looked thoughtful and Booth was quiet, satisfied to just dance with her, enjoying holding her in his arms. He pulled her a little closer.
Stroking her hand along his shoulder to his collar, she ran a finger up his neck. "How's the paradigm shift going? Any progress?" she whispered.
He looked down to find her looking up at him with sparkling eyes. "I'm working on it," he said with a twist of his lips. "It's only been a day, Bones. Give it time." He had never dreamed she was going to be so gung-ho.
Her finger slid along the top of his collar around to the back, then trailed up to his hairline. Booth was amazed at how all of his nerves had come to life at that slight caress. He closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath.
He opened his eyes to find her watching him with a wicked gleam in her eye. "Stop that," he whispered, squeezing her hand in warning.
She smiled innocently. "What, this?" she asked with a husky chuckle, swirling her finger up into his hair.
He smiled with his teeth gritted. "You're playing with fire, Bones," he warned softly.
She chuckled again, but the finger retreated. "I hope so," she said impishly.
Booth was speechless. She was flirting with him! He was fascinated. He'd never seen this side of her. He resisted the urge to pull her closer, painfully aware of his physical reaction to her, but she wasn't cooperating, using the moves of the dance to brush against him. The song ended and he decided he needed a break. Taking her by the hand, he led her back to their table.
She had a smug look on her face as they sat. Booth signaled the waiter for coffee, then smiled at her wryly. "You're playing dirty."
Her brows rose. "You never said I couldn't do anything to...help things along. Far as I'm concerned, I've already adjusted. I can't help it if you're a little slow," she teased.
The coffee arrived and Booth poured sugar into his and took a sip, taking his time with his reply. Putting the cup down, he leaned close to her. Her breath caught at the warm intimacy in his gaze, and when he spoke, his voice was deep and husky. "Just so we're clear, I AM slow. In fact, when we finally make love, I plan to take it so slow, you're gonna be begging." He picked up her hand and brought it to his lips. Under the guise of kissing her knuckles, his tongue slipped out to probe between two of her fingers. Her eyes flew wide, the pupils suddenly dialated as desire raced along her nerve endings. Booth grinned. Two could play that game. He put her limp hand back on the table, then sat back and took another sip of coffee.
It took her a full minute to recover. Smiling a bit shakily, she took a sip of her own coffee. She took a deep breath. "Touche, Booth. Just don't make me wait too long."
He cocked an eyebrow at her. "As long as it takes, Bones. As long as it takes."
He walked her to her door but declined her invitation to come in. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. She wound her arms up around his neck, thrilling to the feel of his body against hers. He was the first to pull back.
"See you tomorrow?" he asked when he could finally speak.
She nodded. "Sure." They stood there for a long moment, each waiting for the other to turn away.
Booth ran his knuckles along her cheek and her eyes drifted shut as her senses clamored for more. Her eyes popped open when the touch was gone.
"Bye," he said, then turned to go. He looked back at her when he reached his car. He waved and waited for her to go inside, then got into the SUV and closed the door. He sat for a minute, calling himself every name in the book, fighting against the overwhelming urge to go back. Starting the car, he left, comforting himself with the knowledge that everything happens...eventually.
THE END