He was cautious of the world; a trait that caused Hammond to label him an alarmist. One emotion which he was unaccustomed to was the one he was feeling at the moment. Now, that was alarming – but more in a good way. Muldoon was utterly enchanted by the girl. Mid-twenties but she looked a lot younger, bright blue hypnotizing eyes, wavy long sandy brown hair, trim figure but could handle physical work, highly intelligent and extremely interesting. Muldoon found out that she had grown up on a farm raising cattle, she was an avid angler, hunter with a deep love and knowledge of the natural world – and hockey. She had graduated with honors and was a dedicated wildlife veternairan who had experience with some of the biggest and fiercest North American predators from grizzlies to wolverines. Nothing seemed to scare her and she excelled at a challenge. Although she did admit that badgers made her overly cautious because, as she put it, they are 'angry bad-ass bastards'. Muldoon could empathize and went on to tell her about his encounters with honey badgers. Coffee had then morphed into some whiskey. This chat had turned into one long conversation. In fact, he lost track of time. He really didn't care. He could talk to her all night. In fact, he suddenly noticed that subconsciously, he was moving closer to her. Was whiskey the factor or something else? Feeling quite comfortable and sensing that the girl was a little interested, Muldoon started revealing certain aspects of his personal life; something which he did not do. He was open and upfront that he had been married years before. He was young and stupid. He had nothing in common with his ex and the only thing she was good at was spending money. It was short-lived and ended quickly. Since then, his life had been focused strictly around his work. Unattached was most common relationship status for those Hammond hired for the park. It was 'good' for business. Aside from a few of scientists in the lab and administration, McRae and now Booth, there were very few women on staff. The younger men, though enthusiastic, educated professionals, all too often let off steam through excessive alcohol consumption. He finished his drink, however, it did not extinguish the growing fire in stomach. Muldoon was not the type that would jump into bed with any woman who flashed him a smile. He had criteria and standards. In the past few years, his solitude was becoming increasingly uncomfortable as the idea of eventually having a family became more and more appealing. He needed someone to compliment his rugged, untamed life – and this girl was a mustang. He wanted desperately to kiss her, to whisper how he would make love to her all night long, for her to say yes. But she was not that type. No doubt, she enjoyed the rush of anticipation and would wait to see what he had to offer. She was a patient, methodical hunter and so was he. The best trophies were never taken immediately.
"Gettin' late, isn't it?" Booth sighed.
Muldoon glanced at his watch.
"I should say so."
She peered awkwardly down at the ground.
"We gotta earn our keep. Calling it a night." She stood up and gently gave his shoulder a squeeze. "See you."
"Night." He replied.
He knew he wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight. Muldoon was used to heat but the air that night was thick and oppressive. All he could to was lie there gazing up at the ceiling; his thoughts on her. He exhaled deeply.
"Damn…"