thank you once again to everyone who is reviewing. I appreciate your dedication to this story. I hope that this chapter is somewhat of a payoff. Sorry it's a little late. I struggled with the ending greatly, as you will see once you get there.

See you tomorrow!

--b&b--

Chapter Six: Friday

"It's weird when he's not around, isn't it?"

Brennan heard Angela's voice, and she paused outside Cam's office. She wasn't normally one to eavesdrop, but she wasn't sure who Angela was talking about.

"Hmmm…yes" Cam agreed. "Although lately, I hardly ever see him when he is here. Booth is usually with Dr. Brennan or working with the FBI techs or whatever. But yeah, I can't remember a time when he wasn't here at least once during the week."

"Do you think Brennan misses him?" Angela asked, and Brennan hitched in a breath, her cheeks flushing.

"Eh, who knows?" Cam answered. "She's gotten a lot of work done, though, so I'm not complaining. That's for sure."

Angela laughed, and Brennan lifted her hand to knock and announce her presence.

"Okay, Cam. I gotta ask, just once. I mean, I know this is highly unprofessional, but...I gotta know. What's it like to sleep with Booth?"

"Angela!" Cam hissed, and Brennan's eyebrows rose.

"Oh, come on, Cam!" Angela whined. "I'm never going to be able to know, you know that. I mean, I've thought about it, for sure, but…it's just not going to happen. Even if he asked me, which he would never do in a million years, I think I'd, and this kills me to say, believe me, but I think I'd actually have to say no."

"Angela" Cam repeated.

"Just tell me, Cam. Is he as good as he looks? That's all I need to know. I promise."

There was silence for a moment, and Brennan inched just that much closer to the door.

"Well…" Cam started, then paused. "And if you tell anyone I told you this, I'll deny it, but…it's…it's good. He's what you think he'd be. Very kind. Very…" she cleared her throat, "Thorough. And considerate, and good, but…"

"But what?" Angela asked, "It sounds perfect to me."

"Oh, it is, don't get me wrong" Cam continued, "but…I don't know, there's just always this sense that he's holding back, you know?"

"Holding back?" Angela asked, "Like what?"

"Oh, I don't know" Cam explained. "It's like…no matter how good it is, he's always still totally in control. And while he's very passionate and fun and really really sexy, there's always still a tight rein there, you know?"

There was more silence, and then "Hmmm…" from Angela.

"Hmmm…interesting" She repeated.

"Now can we get back to work?" Cam sighed.

Brennan waited a few moments before knocking on the office door. "Hello?"

She peered her head around and didn't miss the quick glance between the other two women.

"Dr. Brennan" Cam stood and motioned toward an open chair, "How can I help you?"

Brennan stood in the doorway, "Actually, you can't. I just came to inform you that I'll be taking the rest of the day off. I have a few appointments that I need to keep. Since Booth is on vacation, and I have gotten a lot of work done, I thought today would be an opportune time to take care of some personal matters."

"Ookay…" Cam nodded. "Great. Thanks for letting me know."

Brennan merely nodded and turned to leave.

"Bren, wait!" Angela called after her, and then caught up with her. "What are you up to today? Anything good?"

Brennan pulled her arm loose. "I'm getting a massage. I might do some shopping. I have a lunch for my next book. Nothing exciting."

Angela's eyes twinkled. "Are you going to see Booth?"

Brennan rolled her eyes. "Why does everything have to be about Booth with you, Ange? I'm starting to think that's the only thing you care about anymore." She turned and walked away.

Angela caught up to her again and looped her arm through hers. "First of all, you know that's not true. And secondly, I feel that way about you sometimes, but…"

Brennan stopped and looked at her friend. "You do?"

Angela shrugged a shoulder. "Sometimes. I mean, it used to be me and you, you know? You'd ask me for advice and we were closer. Now you're with Booth a lot. I'm not complaining" she grinned. "But, you know…it's not the same. Booth's your best friend now."

Brennan frowned as she considered this. "I don't know what to say."

"It's okay, sweetie" Angela patted her arm. "Don't worry about it at all. I know we're still besties. We're good. And if you need to talk about anything, you know where I am, okay?"

"Yes, Ange…of course" Brennan was still thinking about the idea of Booth being her best friend.

"I mean it," Angela sighed and shoved Brennan toward the door. "Go, get your massage and all of that. Have a great day, and I'll see you on Monday, okay, sweetie?"

Brennan didn't answer, but just walked out of the Jeffersonian to her car.

--b&b—

Brennan pulled in a hiss as the wax and hair was ripped from her sensitive skin, "Damn it…"

The skin care specialist chuckled, "Sorry. I know it's painful. Have you done this before?"

Brennan shook her head and clenched her jaw so tightly she thought her teeth might crack, "No…" She'd had her legs waxed before, but never higher, never this. "Oh my…AH!" Another strip was ripped and then soothed.

"Is this for someone special?" the specialist asked.

"Hmmm….what?" Brennan opened her eyes, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I asked if you were doing this for anyone. For a guy, maybe?" she needled.

Brennan tensed. She didn't do things for guys, ever, and she resented the implication. But what she resented even more was her answer. "Sort of."

"Sort of?" The specialist applied another strip. "Well, he'll love it, I'm sure."

Brennan gritted her teeth and concentrated on how Booth might react. She'd read that a lot of men liked it, and it was her last night to encourage his fantasies, and so she'd decided to go for it. Her eyes closed and her jaw tightened at the pain, though. She only hoped it would be worth it. Knowing that sexual fantasies could be used to ease pain, she began to consider what scenario she should enact on Booth tonight. Perhaps more role playing, he'd seemed to enjoy that.

God, you were made for me…

His words in her mind caused a shiver through her system. Ever since she'd woken up, little snippets of his reaction from the night before had been haunting her. She'd been so caught up in their movements, so tuned in to his hands and his mouth on her body that she hadn't paid attention to what he'd been saying.

I want to show you what it can be like…

Brennan frowned as she recalled her reactions. Overreactions, really. Because in the end, she'd pulled back. She'd run away, which was something she'd never done from any sexual encounter before. Usually she was completely in control. But the problem was that she wasn't used to that kind of sex. This kind of sex felt a lot like making love. Or so she supposed…

--b&b—

Once the waxing was completed, Brennan was escorted to another room with a long massage bed. She laid on her stomach and hissed slightly at the feel against her now very exposed and sensitive skin. But it wasn't pain necessarily, just…a new awareness. But soon that all drifted away as the expert masseuse began massaging her back and shoulders. "Mmmmm…." Brennan couldn't help but whimper at a particularly firm press. Yes, this is what she needed. She hadn't gotten a massage like this in a long time. She'd been too busy, and that was a mistake. And maybe it was just her, but it seemed like her skin was extra sensitive all over. But where she felt the tingle the most was in her fingertips. Closing her eyes tightly, she imagined Booth spread out in front of her, his body bare for her hands. She could massage his whole body, and her hands itched. Maybe that is what she would do tonight. Make him lie back and let her have her way. A smile snuck onto her lips at the thought, and she could just imagine the groan Booth would make in the back of his throat. Maybe she could even talk him into letting her use his handcuffs.

Mmmmm….8 PM couldn't come soon enough.

When the massage was over, she lazily made her way to the counter and paid, still feeling a slight twinge between her thighs. But the burn there was invigorating, and her knees gave out as she imagined Booth sliding one of his fingertips against her newly bare skin. Maybe it wasn't just a male fantasy, she realized as she steadied herself against the counter, she turned and out of the corner of her eye noticed a shop across the street. It was new, she thought, at least, she'd never been there.

Distracted, she took her credit card back from the cashier and then made her way across the street.

"Can I help you?" a kind looking woman approached her.

Brennan pointed toward the mannequin in the window. "Do you think you have that in my size?"

"Yes, I'm sure we do" the associate smiled, "Let's look and see, shall we?"

--b&b—

"Old Boothy boy!"

Booth chuckled into the phone, "Tony, my man. How's it going?"

"It's going, it's going. Maureen was just asking about you the other day, saying when's Seeley going to get his butt back over here."

"I know, I know…" Booth laughed. "Tell her I'll see her soon. I promise."

"Mmhmmm…" Tony answered. "So what's up? I'm sure you didn't just call your old army pal to chat him up."

Booth paused, feeling guilty that he'd let this friendship slip away a bit. He didn't like to be the kind of guy who only called in favors. On the other hand, tonight was important. "Hey, listen Tony, I need a favor…."

--b&b—

6:00 PM:

Brennan hummed slightly as she stepped out of her shower, wrapping her hair in a towel before pulling on her silk robe. She peered into the mirror and applied moisturizer around her eyes before turning to walk from her bedroom to her kitchen. She grabbed the teakettle she'd started before her quick shower and a mug and settled into a chair, opening up her laptop to search the internet. "Common male fantasies" she typed in, tapping her fingers against the table as she waited for the search engine to complete. Her eyebrows rose at some of the website names, but then, she'd never been one to judge. As she scrolled through the list, one entry caught her eye. "Recipe for seduction. Hmmm…"

She sipped her tea and clicked on the link and was directed to a webpage with a traditional looking woman in very non traditional lingerie holding a pie. "Clever" Brennan admired, and clicked further, jotting down notes on the note card she'd prepared.

Recipe for seduction.

Make him wait while you get ready.

Brennan frowned. That was rather irrational. And besides, Booth hated waiting, so…

Consider props such as whipped cream, a blindfold, or sexy costumes

That was certainly a possibility. Brennan rose from her seat and walked to the fridge. Opening it up, she examined the contents. No whipped cream. But her eyes caught on some fudge sauce Angela had left behind after her break up with Roxie ice cream session. That could work, Brennan smirked, as she walked back to her seat. "Now who's the clever one, hmmm?" she smiled to herself as she sat back down to continue taking notes.

Keep the air of mystery; never let him see the real you.

Just as she finished writing it down on her card, a knock at her front door surprised her. A quick glance at the clock showed it was about 6:20, and she quickly closed her computer and set her notecard beside her teacup before tightening the sash around her robe and walking toward the door. Not bothering to check to see who it was, she opened the door, pulling the towel from the top of her head and squeezing her hair slightly.

A gasp left her lips, as on the other side stood Booth, in a tuxedo with a bouquet of daisies. "Booth. What are you doing here?"

He smiled slightly and his eyes ran over her body, "I'm here to take you out to dinner."

She blinked and he leaned casually in her doorway, "Can I come in?" he asked after a moment.

"Yes" she frowned and stepped back, wondering why he seemed almost out of place here.

Only because you weren't expecting him, Temperance. It's okay, just adapt. You can do that.

"Are those for me?" she pointed to the flowers in his hand.

He smiled then, but to his credit, didn't make fun of her, "Yes, they are."

She accepted them, and pulled them close to her nose, inhaling deeply and closing her eyes in pleasure. Realizing Booth was watching her, her eyes flew open, and she flushed at the indescribable look in his eyes. "They are very beautiful, thank you" she whispered, feeling vulnerable for a reason she couldn't define.

"You're welcome" was all he said, and then he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, "How are you?"

She took a quick step back, and he released her elbow, but didn't comment. "I'm fine. And you?" she managed, trying to keep her tone light.

"I'm great" was all he said as his eyes caressed her face. "I'll put those flowers in water while you get ready, if you want."

Brennan started as if just realizing she was still standing in only her robe. "Sure. I mean…yes…" she shoved the bouquet in his direction and turned to walk toward her bedroom, "But…it might take me awhile to get ready. I was not…prepared for this."

She thought she saw a hint of a smile in his eyes at that, but then he was walking into her kitchen, "That's okay." He called over his shoulder, then turned and winked. "I don't mind waiting."

She pulled in a quick breath and pressed her hand to her stomach before turning and entering her bedroom, closing the door quickly behind her.

--b&b—

But as she allowed the silk robe to slide off her body, she paused. What was happening? It was almost as if this were a…date or something.

"Relax, Temperance" she encouraged herself as she walked over to her closet, "It's just a fantasy. Booth is taking the initiative for his last night, that's all."

Except nothing in his gaze or words or tone had indicated anything about a fantasy. But she was sure that was all this was. Because Booth didn't really want to date her, or anything, that was ridiculous. No, this was just all part of the week's events. She was sure of it.

Her eyes scanned her room and she noticed she'd left the bag purchases she'd made earlier on her bed. Walking toward it, she pulled out the bra and panty set with matching slip. It was a very classic set, and she honestly hadn't purchased it with tonight in mind. She'd been planning to up the sex factor for her last night with Booth, hoping to make his eyes widen and his hands to shake against her skin as she tortured him. She'd just about decided between a nurse's costume or a librarian outfit, knowing he'd find both arousing.

But with him currently in a tuxedo in her kitchen, she paused, fingering the strap on the bra in her hand. It was very pretty. So maybe she should just wear this first, and then, when they got back, she could change into something a little more indulgent.

Wait…back?

Brennan's eyes widened at the idea of finishing the evening here, with Booth in her bed.

I need you so damn much; I can't wait another second to be inside you.

She shivered and collapsed against her bed at his words from the night before, a full on heat spreading through her entire body. Relax, she repeated to herself, you can do this. There's nothing to worry about. You're still in control.

--Booth is your best friend....

Angela's words echoed in her mind also, but only confused her more.

--b&b—

Booth whistled softly as he pulled a vase from her kitchen cupboard before filling it with water. His fingers were steadier than his heartbeat, but he was glad that on the outside, at least, he looked like he was in control. Placing the flowers in the water, he paused, remembering the way she'd held them up to her face and inhaled so sweetly he'd wanted to tear them from her hands and back her up against her front door. He'd peel that lilac robe from her body and nuzzle her skin with his nose until he discovered where exactly she sprayed her perfume.

His fingers weren't so steady now and he cursed as he knocked over the vase a bit, water spilling on her counter. "Damn it" he hissed and turned quickly and saw a pile of napkins on her table. Grabbing for them he began wiping up the water, re-arranging the flowers with his other hand. Thankfully, none of the water had gotten onto his tux, and when he was done cleaning up, he turned to place the unused napkins back on her table. A note caught his attention, and he picked it up, reading it before realizing what it was.

"Recipe for seduction."

His body tensed as he recognized what was in his hand, and as his eyes scrolled over the clean familiar handwriting, he frowned at the last entry.

"Keep the air of mystery; never let him see the real you."

Setting the card back where he found it, he made his way back to her living room peeling off his jacket before he sat on the couch. He closed his eyes and leaned back, lying fully with his hand over his chest. He wasn't a man prone to exaggeration, but in his heart, he felt like this was one of the biggest nights of his life.

He'd woken up that morning feeling more guilty than ever. She'd asked him, albeit as a fantasy, to be gentle with her, and he'd pressured her, growling and threatening her. That was not how he'd ever imagined his first time with her, and it was no wonder she'd bolted.

--b&b—

About an hour later, Brennan slipped on a pair of slim heels and then checked her final reflection in her full length mirror. She'd curled her hair slightly and pinned it back on one side and let it all fall over her other shoulder. It was a new look, but she liked it, and she was curious to see what Booth would think. Her eyes trailed over the black dress she'd found in the back of her closet with the tags still on. She wasn't sure why, but it was inordinately pleasing that she'd had something new to wear tonight. It was very flattering, she had to admit, with a lower neckline and shorter hem than she normally wore.

She'd forgone a normally larger necklace for a simple chain, the black pearl at the end fitting perfectly between the curves her dress exposed. Matching long earrings completed the outfit, and she leaned in close to her mirror to make sure her makeup was even.

Deciding she looked satisfactory, she chose a small purse from her closet and made her way back to her living room, irrationally curious for Booth's reaction.

But what she saw there both surprised and amused her. Booth was lying on her couch, his head tucked in his arm, his chest lightly rising and falling with each breath. A shiver coursed through her body as she took in his form. Booth really was quite a well structured man. Brennan stepped closer to him and watched him for a few more moments. He looked very relaxed, and she hated to disturb him. His face was peaceful, and once again, he looked younger than he normally did. Brennan felt a twinge in her chest at the vulnerability in his expression. But she also felt a hint of pride that he trusted her enough to let him see him like this. She wondered what it would be like to press her lips to his, to wake him up with a kiss. Deciding that this might be her only chance to do that, she sat on the edge of the couch where his body curved in at his hip, placing one hand on the back of the couch, her other hand rested on the headrest behind his head. Keeping her eyes on his face, she carefully leaned down and brushed her lips against his. A whimper escaped her lips without her permission, and he shifted and moaned a bit.

Brennan couldn't resist doing it again, then again, moaning slightly at the sensation of his lips rubbing against hers. She felt his groan rise up from his chest, and she looked at his face to see his eyes open in pleasured confusion.

--b&b—

Talk about a fantasy…Booth blinked and tried to remember what was happening. He was lying down, and his partner was leaning over him, her hair curled and her makeup smoky and sexy. She smelled like a rumba, which was ridiculous, because he'd never done a rumba in his life, and he never would. But something about her eyes held him captive, and he watched as his own hand came up to brush against the side of her cheek.

"Hey" he whispered, hoping the sound wouldn't break whatever spell was surrounding him.

"Hey" she smiled, and he leaned up to catch her lips with his, pleased when she followed him down as he rested his head back on the couch.

He murmured his pleasure as his hand traveled down her neck to her back, rubbing against the bare skin he found there. Bones…

And all at once he remembered why he was there. His eyes shot open and he pulled back, pleased at the slight furrow in her brow. "We'd better go if we're going to make our reservation" he smoothed his thumb against her back.

She tensed, and he could tell this was out of her comfort zone. "Maybe I can tempt you to just stay in tonight."

Booth chuckled and sat up, then stood, picking up his tux jacket from the back of the couch. "No, first dinner. Then…"

Their eyes met and held, and then she looked away quickly, standing as well.

--b&b—

The drive to the restaurant was quiet, and Booth could tell she was thinking and processing everything. That was fine with him, so long as she wasn't over thinking everything. And once they arrived, he was pleased with the way her eyebrows rose, impressed.

But she didn't comment. She also didn't allow him to open her door for him, but…what did he expect, right? He smiled as she closed her door and began walking toward the restaurant. "I've never been here before. Have you?"

Booth nodded and pressed his hand to her back as he opened the door. "Yes, once."

"Seeley" a beautiful and very pregnant woman at the door grabbed him by the face and kissed both his cheeks. "Look at you!"

Booth laughed and disentangled himself, "Hey Maureen. Is Tony around?"

"Are you kidding" Maureen laughed. "Do you think he'd miss this?" She smiled and turned toward Brennan. "Hello, I'm Maureen. It's nice to meet you."

"Temperance" she nodded and shook Maureen's hand.

"Tony!" Booth laughed when his friend arrived. "Good to see you man."

Brennan watched as the men shook hands and patted each other on the back. Booth turned toward her and smiled. "Bones, this here's my friend, Tony. Tony, this is Temperance Brennan."

She waited for the qualifying 'my partner', but it never came, and so she just nodded. "It's nice to meet you."

Tony kissed her on the cheek, "It's very nice to finally meet you."

"Finally?" she asked, frowning toward Booth.

He chuckled nervously and palmed the back of his neck, "Okay, okay, enough of that."

Maureen just laughed at him and then motioned for the host to show them to their table.

Once they were seated and left alone, Booth tilted his head to the side. "It's nice, isn't it?"

"Yes" Brennan agreed. "Very nice. How did you get a reservation? Even I can't get a reservation here."

He smirked and brought his water up to his lips. "Tony is an old Army buddy. I don't like to call in favors, you know that, but…"

But tonight was special, his silence implied. She was special. "Thank you. So…you've been here before?"

He flushed and set his water down, pulling at his collar a bit. "Uh yeah, a long time ago."

Brennan frowned and watched him, "When?"

Booth met her eyes and wondered how much to say. He opted for honesty. "I brought Rebecca here the night I proposed." Even though he was happy now, the memory of that rejection still stung.

"Oh" she nodded, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth. "Oh!" Her eyes widened in panic, and she froze.

"I'm not going to ask you to marry me, Bones." He chuckled. "Don't worry."

She blinked twice and relaxed, then laughed a bit at her overreaction.

"Here is your wine, sir."

Brennan watched as Booth nodded toward the sommelier, and when their wine was poured, she lifted her glass. Booth did the same and tipped his against hers. "You look very beautiful tonight, Bones."

She flushed and smiled, "Thank you." As she sipped her wine, her eyebrows rose. "Wow. This is quite excellent. You have good taste, Booth."

He grinned and leaned back in his chair, sipping his wine as well. "Yes, I do."

Brennan blushed at his double meaning and realized that this really did feel like a date. She supposed it wouldn't hurt to indulge in Booth's fantasy, no matter how real it seemed to feel.

"So, Bones" he leaned in, and it felt so familiar she almost gasped. "What have you been doing at work this week?"

Glad for the safe subject, she sipped her wine again. "I've been quite productive, actually. I was able to catalog many sets of remains and I made excellent progress on a couple of anthropology articles I've been asked to write."

"Oh yeah?" he asked. "What about?"

Brennan paused. She wasn't used to Booth being interested in her scientific work unless it helped him with a case. In fact, most of the time, she didn't talk about this kind of thing to anyone. Other men she'd seen in the past were often intrigued at first by her status as an author or liaison to the FBI, but when she explained her real passion, there was always a quick look of disgust at the idea of spending time with remains.

"Bones?" Booth was asking, "Everything okay?"

Brennan nodded. 'Yes, everything's fine. I was just thinking about something, that's all. But about my articles, they are mainly studies of the current behavior of young people compared to that of hundreds of years ago."

"Hmmm….like what?" Booth encouraged, and she leaned forward, her eyes widening.

--b&b—

Booth watched in fascination, desperately trying to focus on her words when all he could do was look into her eyes. He hadn't known how amazing it would feel to actually be sitting with her like this, with nothing to hide. Countless dinners at the diner or Thai place or wherever, where he'd constantly had to be on guard. But not tonight. Tonight he could hopefully let her see how much she meant to him.

--b&b—

The rest of their dinner was filled with relaxed conversation and smiles. Brennan had been pleased when Booth didn't order for her, and instead knew she'd want to choose her own dinner. It was very refreshing to be with someone who knew her. First dates could be so tiring sometimes, the constant need to assert her independence.

Date? She cursed to herself as she got back into the passenger seat of the SUV. But she had to admit, as she watched Booth start the ignition and switch gears before driving in the direction of her apartment that this did in fact feel like a first date.

Once they arrived back to her apartment, Brennan reached into her purse for her keys, turning to unlock her door. Once it was unlocked, she turned to face Booth. "Thank you for dinner. I had a really nice time."

He smiled and met her eyes. "You're welcome. Me too."

Biting her lip nervously, she felt another irrational sensation as she saw his eyes drop to her lips. He leaned in and pressed his hand against her doorjamb before letting his lips settle against hers. Brennan's hands slid up his chest and rested there as he deepened the kiss. His other hand reached around to press against her back and he pulled her closer. "Invite me in" he whispered against her lips and she pulled back.

Without a word, she opened her door all the way and then stepped aside, closing it once he was in.

He didn't waste any time in pulling her close again, kissing the smooth line of her jaw before settling right under her ear. Brennan shivered and clutched at his arms to keep her balance.

"You smell fantastic, Bones." He whispered, and her breath caught in her chest. "And you look so beautiful. I can't take my eyes off of you." He pulled back and cupped her face, staring into her eyes.

Brennan resisted the urge to close hers and instead kept her gaze locked with his, determined to survive whatever he had in store for her.

"I'm going to kiss you again, Bones" he told her, "And then I'm going to pick you up and carry you back to your bedroom."

She felt tension rise at his highhandedness, but she tampered it down, desperately trying to be what he needed to fulfill his fantasy.

"And once we're there" he continued, "I'm going to kiss you again, and I'm going to make love to you."

He swallowed then, his one sign of uncertainty and Brennan realized she could refuse him. She could say no, and he'd leave.

All she had to do was say it. Tell him that she didn't believe in making love. She just had to say it. Just say… "yes"

His nostrils flared and he kissed her quickly, "Say it again."

She flushed and cursed him inwardly for needing her surrender, "Yes" she repeated, straightening her spine to let him know she was in control of her actions.

He nodded, as if he understood and let his hands run down her arms to her hands. Leaning in, he laid his lips against hers, not moving them, just letting them press against one another. Soon the stimulation was not enough and she moaned, the tip of her tongue brushing against his lips.

Booth groaned then and wrapped his arms around her tight, crushing her lips to his. Brennan felt his hands slide down to her bottom and then all of a sudden, he'd lifted her. Her arms wrapped around his neck for balance, and their lips never parted as he expertly made his way back to her bedroom. Once they were there, he kept his lips on hers still as he yanked off his jacket and fumbled with the buttons on his shirt, anxious to feel her.

"Let me" she pulled back and began unbuttoning his shirt, just as anxious to have his smooth skin available to her hands. Once his shirt was unbuttoned, he stepped back to pull it off, and Brennan walked over to her bed to turn on the lamp there. She gasped when Booth crowded her from behind, his hands on her hips, his lips hot against the back of her neck. "Right here."

"Hmmm…what?" she tilted her neck to give him greater access.

"Right here" He repeated. "Perfume…you put it here, don't you?"

"Yes" she whispered.

"I knew it."

Brennan felt his fingers over her back and sides, "No zipper."

"Hmmm…what?" it was his turn to ask as her hands felt behind her and rubbed his legs.

"There isn't a zipper on this dress. It just pulls on and off."

He froze then, and took a step back.

Brennan swallowed, and then steeled her resolve, turning around to face him. Keeping her eyes locked with his, she reached for the hem of the dress and pulled it over her head.

He cursed low in his throat when she was done, and she looked at him to see his eyes had gone dark. He looked around the room, and then held out his hand toward her.

Confused, but willing to trust him, she placed her hand in his. He walked them slowly over to stand in front of the full length mirror of her closet door. Moving her to stand in front of him, he met her eyes in the dimly lit reflection. "Did you pick this out for me?"

His hands cupped her hips over the midnight blue satin slip, and she squirmed at the sight in front of her.

"Studies show" she cleared her throat, "That when a man thinks of his favorite color, he is more likely…"

"—forget about the studies" he interrupted. "Did you pick this out…for me?" he whispered against her neck, letting his fingers slide up to her nape to unfasten the clasp of her necklace.

"Yes" she admitted, and her body softened at his tenderness.

"Mmmm…" he smoothed his hands down and around her waist to rest on her stomach, "thank you."

"You're welcome" she gasped as she brought her hands up to pressed against his arms, the sight of her pale skin against his darker skin a contrast against her slip.

"Did you think about me taking it off of you when you bought it?"

Brennan thought back to her morning, and the way she'd seen the display from across the street, "Yes."

"Good" he murmured, "Because that is what I am going to do. Keep watching."

She did and couldn't have looked away even if he'd asked her to as his hands smoothed down over her thighs to the hem of the slip. Very gently he tugged and it slid against her skin. He groaned as his knuckles brushed against the smooth skin of her stomach and satin covered breasts as he lifted the slip from her body.

"Gorgeous" he rasped, his hands flexing at her sides.

Brennan could both see in front of her and feel behind her the tension in his body. His eyes were glued to their reflection, and she had to admit it was an incredibly erotic sight. The demi bra and panty set fit her to perfection, as if they'd been made for her. For her to give to him like this. His bare chest was pressed against her back, and she leaned back against him, once again letting her hands rest on his thighs. He groaned and his hips tilted forward, and she could feel his penis stirring against her. An answering rush of arousal coursed through her body and she pressed back against him.

Normally she'd be anxious to undress and get right to satisfying her urges, but something about this experience trapped her and she wanted to stay like this for a long time.

That is, until Booth's hands on her stomach slid up to cup her breasts through the satin. The visual was so intense that her knees buckled. His arm caught her and wrapped around her stomach, keeping her still as his other hand slid smoothly over her curves.
"You really are perfect, Bones. You fit my hands like no one ever has. And I want to see you again. Will you let me see you?"

"Y-yes." Her hands tightened on his thighs in anticipation. "I want to see you too."

He smiled and met her eyes, then turned her away from the mirror. Kissing her gently, he walked her backward until her legs bumped up against her bed. He pulled back and then one by one removed the pins from her hair, placing them in his pants pocket before smoothing her curls away from her face.

Even though he didn't say it, she knew he was thinking about how beautiful he thought she was. She could see it in his eyes as he looked at her. It pleased her that she knew him so well she could read his inner thoughts. So it wasn't a surprise when he lifted her slightly and laid her back against her pillows, backing away to look at her against her dark bedspread. His nostrils flared and his fists clenched and she realized he was struggling with control.

A rush of feminine pride coursed through her, and she remembered the conversation she'd overheard that morning.

She wanted Booth to lose it. She wanted him out of control. "Booth…"

His eyes met hers and he leaned over her, placing his hands on either side of her shoulders. "I want you, Bones."

"I know" she nodded. "I want you too."

It was the permission he needed and he straddled her body, letting only their lips touch. For long moments, he kissed her until she was writhing under him on the bed. Kissing a smooth line down her neck to the center of his chest, he pulled her upward to release the back clasp of her bra. It loosened and he pulled it off of her body, letting it flutter to the floor beside her bed. With a moan he set his mouth against her breast and sucked hard with no warning.

Oh, he knew her. He was in her mind, it seemed, and Brennan cried out and arched against him, her hands coming to claw at his back and shoulders. "Yessss."

He released her with a pop and then nuzzled his way over to her other breast where he only kissed lightly on the tip of her hardened nipple. She squirmed and threaded her fingers through his hair, wordlessly urging him to take her into his mouth. But he refused, only to return to her right breast and suck strongly there.

"Booth!" she whimpered, her mind a mix of feelings. "Oh, Booth, please."

He used his tongue against her, and she thrashed beneath him, her legs parting slightly. Pressing her hand to his cheek, she urged him over to the other side, begging him, "oh, please…please, Booth."

But he just nuzzled, denying her what she wanted. Instead, he brought his hand up to her right breast and caressed it, his thumb pressing into the crest there, all the while staring at her left one, it's tip straining up, begging in its own way for his acceptance. Placing a kiss against it, he smiled and then licked it once with the flat of his tongue.

"Oh, oh, YESSSS, Booth!" she gasped and clamped her hands on his hips, trying to thrust up in to him.

He chuckled and kept his lower body away from hers, "Patience…"

She narrowed her eyes and slid her hands to his groin, cupping him through his pants without warning.

"God, Temperance…ahhh" he moaned and thrust down into her hand.

Brennan chuckled and stroked once before releasing him. "Patience…" she taunted.

He laughed and then let his hips grind against hers once, then again, and they both moaned and shook from the connection. But then he backed away again, quickly pulling off his pants and boxers before returning to the bed and raining kisses from her chest down to her waist. She arched her hips when his nose and lips tugged at the top of her underwear, and his hand came over her thigh to slide between her legs, pressing against the dampness already there. He growled low in his throat and reared back, settling himself between her legs. She gasped and sat up on her elbows, watching as his fingertips began to trace light patterns over the satin.

"It's so soft…" he whispered as his fingers slid from her panties to her inner thigh, "But not as soft as your skin." He pulled in a deep breath and met her eyes.

Brennan lost her breath at the image he presented. Her good and kind partner's eyes were dark and his fingers lingered ever so close to the evidence of his affect on her.

"Bones, I want to see all of you."

--b&b—

Booth waited with anticipation for her reaction. He didn't ever want to see the scared look in her eyes she'd had last night ever again.

And when she nodded her approval, his breath left him in a rush. Yes…Bones….

Keeping his touch as light as possible, he tucked his index fingers into the tops of her underwear, freaking midnight blue satin just for him baby underwear, and tugged gently.

He let out a low curse when he saw her bare skin revealed to him. "Bones?"

He guessed his eyes displayed his confusion as he met hers, and she shifted slightly, obviously trying not to cover herself. She shrugged a shoulder. "I thought it might be something you might like."

Oh, wow…

He tentatively brought the tip of one finger up to brush against her, and the sensation was so electric between them that she arched, her hips coming completely off the mattress.

"Oh, yes…" she moaned, and he felt it all the way to his gut.

"I've never…" he admitted, "I mean…wow…you did this, for me? No one's ever…I mean, I've never been with anyone who…"

Their eyes met, and for a moment, he felt vulnerable. She let her hand rest on the back of his head, her fingers sliding gently there. It felt so good that he closed his eyes and tilted his head back to the cup of her palm. She made him feel so good, and he wanted to return the favor. But he wanted to make sure she was okay. Her skin had to be tender. "Does it hurt?" he asked, opening his eyes and letting one thumb rub along her. She gasped, and he could feel her moisture waiting for him.

"Mmmm…sort of, but in a really, really, really good way." She closed her eyes and pulled her lip between her teeth.

He continued his light touching until she was pressing up with every stroke of his fingers. He kept them on the outside of her body, and she moaned. She smelled so amazing, like Bones and something more he'd only dreamt about.

"I'm going to kiss you, Bones' he warned and she tensed, her chest heaving with a deep breath.

"Is that okay?" he asked.

She swallowed, but nodded, keeping her eyes closed. "I've never…um…no one's ever…"

"Open your eyes, Temperance" he whispered and waited until she did. They were dark blue now, almost all pupil. "Are you sure you're okay with this?" He wanted her more than anything he'd ever wanted before, but he also wanted her with him in this.

"Yes…I think so."

Her honesty scraped at his heart and he smiled, "Thank you. If it gets too uncomfortable, just tell me, okay?"

She nodded. "Okay."

Booth looked down then to the sweetest place on earth, he thought, and then moved his body to her side. From this angle, her sex matched up with his mouth and he leaned down to kiss her. She gasped and tensed. "Still okay?" he soothed with a hand on her stomach.

"Yes" she nodded but her body was still strung tight.

He leaned down again and again, just letting his mouth brush up against her. She began writhing on the bed and so he let his tongue in on the action, sliding just the lip of it against her clit as if he was kissing her mouth.

She didn't make any noise, and her whole body was tense as he tormented her. After a few more moments, he resettled his body between her legs and let his tongue press into her.

"No" she gasped and tried to pull away.

"Yes, Temperance" he encouraged, soothing her with a hand on her thigh. "It's okay, baby."

She was breathing hard, but didn't pull away when he kissed a little deeper, her taste quickly becoming one of his new favorite addictions.

After long moments, she began twisting beneath him in earnest and her hands pulled at his hair. "Booth…stop. Please, please…oh, please stop. I can't take it anymore."

He didn't hear her at first, the clamp of her thighs against his ears drowning out everything but the heat of her. But she tugged on his hair harder and pulled away.

"Booth! Stop." She breathed in, her eyes frantic. 'It's too much."

He nodded and rose up, "It's okay…okay, Bones."

She didn't answer, but just pressed her face to her pillow. Booth felt tenderness for her and he ran one finger against her cheek.

"I'm sorry" she whispered, and he groaned, pulling her close.

"Don't be sorry," he hugged her, "There's nothing to be sorry about."

Her thighs tightened around him and she looked into his eyes. "I want you."

"I want you too, Bones." He swallowed as she kissed his jaw. "Do you want to be on top?" he whispered into her hair and she nodded, sliding him underneath her.

Booth gasped as she took him in her hand and rubbed him against herself. "Oh, Bones…I can't take it."

She didn't answer and just began lowering herself onto him, inch by wet silky inch, until their bellies met. He tried to remember every state and capital in alphabetical order as she began sliding up and down, her body a slick and narrow glove around him.

--b&b—

Brennan's mind whirled at the thought and feel of Booth inside her, so deep. He'd given her the control too, which was an amazing feeling. Although…she wondered, as she began her movements, did she really have the control? Could you be in control if someone else gave it to you? She lost her rhythm, and then tried to manufacture it, sliding up and down. Oh…no, no, no…

She could feel completion sliding away from her, as her mind took over her body. Desperately she tried to get it back, moving faster and harder.

Booth watched as her eyes hardened, and he wondered what had happened. "Relax, baby…it's okay…" he soothed, sliding his hands to her stomach and then to her breasts, lightly cupping their sweet weight.

She whimpered and sank deeper, but he could tell she was trying to hard. "Bones…stop thinking about it. Just…feel."

Her eyes widened in sadness and met his, "I'm trying…"

He sighed. "I know you are. Come here" he tugged her body down to meet his in a tight hug, feeling her continue to move against him, wanting release so badly. "You can do it, baby. Just feel it. It's right there…"

His words were on autopilot as he tried to help her. Sliding his hand between them, he brushed his thumb against her clit hoping the added stimulus would send her over the edge, but it just made her more desperate.

"Help me" she begged, and his jaw tensed.

"I will, I will' he promised…trying to figure out what to do. He let his hand slide up to her shoulders and he massaged there before sliding it down to her back. She gasped and tightened around him slightly, and then they both froze.

He released her, and she sat back, her eyes wide.

Swallowing hard, Booth carefully slid his hand up her thigh and then moved it around to rest against the small of her back. They both stared at one another in wonder when with a slight press of his hand, in the spot it always seemed to find, caused her to spasm, her body gripping and releasing all around him.

Mine…was all he could think as he pressed harder with his hand against her back and she stiffened and then warmed all around him.

"BOOTH!" she screamed, her eyes falling shut as she collapsed against him, her chest heaving against his.

Mine…

It sang through his body and he turned her in his arms, pinning her weight to the mattress as he began to thrust.

Brennan opened her eyes to see him looking down at her with an intensity she'd never seen before. Not from him, not from anybody.

He's losing control, she realized and she smiled.

He growled and drove deep inside her, stealing her breath away, but she loved it. Because he was completely, utterly out of control.

His legs were frantic, and his arms were stiff as he lifted himself over and over and over again. She'd never seen anything like the strain on his face and chest as the feeling of him literally screwing her was so unbelievable. He was kind and considerate and throrough…but now….

He wasn't holding back.

"Go for it, Booth" she encouraged, wrapping her legs around his hips, clutching him tighter.

He was making incoherent noises interspersed with words here and there. And she looked to her right to see his hand clenching and unclenching against her pillow. As she looked to her left, she saw the same thing.

Wanting to give him as much as he'd given her, she slid her hand to his shoulders and then down his chest before bringing her hands to meet his.

First one, and then the other, she lifted his hands and twined his fingers with hers, the intimacy of the moment combined with his savage reaction to her more than he could take, and he spasmed deep within her, pushing further than anyone ever had before. "Bones" he called out. "Oh, yes, Bones...oh, I...."

He collapsed against her, still thrusting in and out as his body came down from euphoria.

His breath was hot against her neck and she could hardly breathe from his weight pressing her into the mattress.

"Thank you" he whispered over and over, "thank you…thank you."

She swallowed and nodded against his neck. "I know…"

--b&b—

He pulled away from her then, and rolled to her side, his arm over his eyes. With a deep groan, he rolled further then got off the bed and walked to her bathroom.

After another moment, he came back in with a washcloth and gently wiped between her legs.

Brennan watched his face, searching for any sort of clue on how he was feeling. Once he'd finished cleaning her up, he paused for a moment and then turned to pick up his pants from the floor.

"Booth…"

He wasn't staying?

Booth met her eyes and saw the confusion there. "Yeah, Bones?" he asked as he sat on her bed, reaching for his dress shirt.

Her brow furrowed, and she looked at him for a long moment. "You can stay, if you want to."

He leaned down and kissed her gently. "Do you want me to stay?"

She tensed up a bit, and he knew she'd offered mostly out of kindness for him. It was almost enough for him to give in, but in the end, he couldn't. He wanted her to want him there.

"I"ll see you, Bones" he whispered, covering her with her sheet and pressing another soft and sweet kiss against her lips before turning and walking out the door.

--b&b—

For those of you who are staring at the screen and saying, "Oh. NO. Hell no, there is no WAY Booth leaves like that now and doesn't spend the night!", the only thing I can say is, "Yes, I know."

Trust me, I stared at this page for about 30 minutes, trying to figure out any other way to do this. But…it had to happen like this. And I promise that I think the fix and pay off is worth it.

Tomorrow.

It's only a day away.