Thanks so much to those of you still following this story :D
Finally we're getting to the bet part ;) Sorry for the short chapter.
10 Dates - Chapter 6
The next day Temperance was in her office busy writing her novel, when Booth appeared at her door. She didn't notice him at first and he took a moment to admire her before letting her be known of his presence. She was wearing grey trousers and a fitted dark blue shirt. Her jacket was folded over the back of her chair. She was concentrating so hard on her writing she was biting her lip and furrowing her brows. Booth smiled to himself thinking she looked so damn cute in that world of her own.
"Hey Bones" he said softly as not to frighten her.
When she looked up at him with that special glint in her eyes he knew she had known he was there all along. He shook his head laughing as he walked towards the chair opposite her desk and sat down.
He didn't speak, just sat there looking at the woman in front of him. He couldn't stop smiling and staring at her. When he noticed her getting uncomfortable he lowered his gaze and his face turned serious.
"Bones…" He said and paused. Temperance was looking at him expectantly and he continued, "Bones, thank you too" He lifted his eyes to meet hers once again and when he saw the confusion in them he knew he needed to clarify.
"Thank you for letting me be there for you, Bones. Thank you for letting me hold you. It meant a lot to me", His eyes never left hers and his heart skipped a beat at the smile she gave him. It was a smile only meant for him.
"Bones, there's something else" Booth continued.
Temperance noticed how his behaviour changed. He seemed nervous all of a sudden.
"What Booth? What is it?" She tried to sound calm but his fidgeting was making her nervous too.
"I have a solution. At least I think I do. It might not work, but you never know. It's not some miracle cure though, but I think we should give it a chance." Booth was talking so fast she could hardly keep up.
"Booth! Stop rambling" She said laughing at him.
He looked up at her and shook his head laughing too, knowing he was being stupid.
"It's ok. Just tell me" Temperance urged him.
Booth took a deep breath before going on.
"You said you didn't know where we stand. I've kinda felt it too, Bones. I haven't been unsure about us, not at all, but I've felt something missing lately. Something's been off with us." He looked at Temperance who nodded, interested in what he was saying.
"Bones, I think we need to go on a date" Booth finished.
She must have heard wrong. Did he just say that? Did he just suggest they go on a date to solve their problems? Temperance's thoughts were going 100 miles an hour. She just sat there staring at him with her jaw almost hitting the floor.
"You WHAT!?" she almost shouted. "What in the world would make you think I'd go on a date with you? Booth, please, let's just forget about it. Let's concentrate on work and get on with our lives"
Booth laughed to himself. He knew she wouldn't give in that easily. But he wasn't done yet.
"I thought you might feel like that" He said calmly.
"You did?" Temperance asked, surprised.
"Yep, I did" He answered a grin spreading across his face.
Here we go, Temperance thought, With that grin on his face he must be up to something. This ought to be good!
"Let's say we have a little bet", Booth started, "This case we're working on, I still think the stepfather is guilty. How about…if I'm right, you'll not only go on one date with me, you'll go on a date with me every Saturday for the next ten weeks!" Booth was so pleased with his idea his grin widened even further.
Temperance just looked at him like he was out of his mind. Why should she say yes? That was the oddest bet she'd ever heard of. On the other hand, she wasn't one to back down from a challenge.
"You're on!" She agreed.