Chapter 2- Can I trust you with my heart?

In the time we've spent together,
I have learned to trust in you.
So many things you've given,
Before I've even asked you to.
But reality and romance,
Are sometimes far apart,
So what I really need to know is
Can I trust you with my heart?

-Travis Tritt

As she changes into her blue silk for the evening's gala, she realizes that the flutter in her stomach is back. She's noticed that lately this is a familiar feeling whenever she anticipates being close to him in a social setting away from the Lab. It's curious to her, they've done this before, she and Booth have attended the FBI galas together for the past four years. She's been trying to pinpoint the change, and she can only come up with that evening at the museum a few months ago, or maybe it's since the holiday dinner at her home. Then, all rational thoughts are as she spots him walking towards her office and she has to stop to catch her breath. He always looks so good in that tuxedo. But this evening, she doesn't know that she's ever seen him look more handsome.

She can't resist glancing at him on the way over. How is she ever going to get through this evening? When they arrive at the gala she would have to be blind to not notice the looks they receive and the heads dipping to say something to a partner or date. Of course, another sideways glance at her partner confirms that she should be the envy of nearly every woman in the room – and a few of the men!

They sit at a table with her colleagues. She loves to see this side of him, chatting, laughing, and joking with these folks. Someone from outside their circle might think that these are people who would not normally mix. But he fits in so well with this group who has become her family, the ones she holds most dear. She can't even recall now how she ever could have doubted that he could be comfortable with them.

Then the music starts, and he asks her to dance, she suddenly feels shy but at the same time electrified with anticipation. How could she not want to be held in his arms? As they move to the dance floor, she feels his hand on that same spot on her back. She's always aware of that touch - whether he's holding the door for her to go into the diner ahead of him, or helping her into the SUV. As they walk to the dance floor and she feels the familiar brush of his hand she feels safe and protected and cherished.

Caught up in the feeling, she realizes that he's just said something about Caroline and her ex-husband that she didn't quite catch. As she turns her head she feels their lips brush. It feels like a bolt of electricity shooting through her. She pulls back for a second and sees in his eyes that he felt it too. She has to wonder if he was able to detect the skipping of her heartbeat. Then, like it belongs to someone else, she finds her hand cupping his cheek and her lips on his. As their kiss deepens the thought crosses her mind, "I will trust you with my heart."

When two hearts solely surrender
And are sworn to understand
It completes a perfect union
Between a woman and a man.
So please don't misunderstand me
I don't want to go too far
Without knowing just one answer
Can I trust you with my heart?

-Travis Tritt