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Chapter 7

Temperance frowned as she awoke, her arm seemed to be asleep, as if it were pinned underneath something, and she was certain that she was not sleeping in her own bed. In fact….italmost felt as if she were sleeping on top of another person.

She was very warm, and very comfortable. Not quite awake yet she dozed and enjoyed the feeling of tranquility and peace. She listened, with her eyes still closed, and could hear another person breathing beneath her and she was certain she felt a strong set of arms encircling her waist.

Her face was pressed up against a soft shirt, and the smell was vaguely familiar. A faint heartbeat could be heard as well. Curiosity had stirred her into a more wakened state, and she sighed and opened her eyes. She lifted and turned her head only to find she was sleeping on top of Seeley Booth, her partner! She pulled against his strong arms in an effort to free herself, and instead of slipping loose from their firm grasp, they tightened. She glanced at her partner, whose lips spread into a smile, and his eyes opened, and met her own.

"Morning Bones" he said, his voice husky with sleep.

"Booth…" she began, and wiggled to free herself.

He pulled her down tighter into his chest, and whispered into her hair, "This is nice."

The previous nights events came rushing back to her. Her rooftop experience, confiding what she'd been considering, what she'd been thinking to him, and they must have fallen asleep together. She felt herself flush in embarrassment. He didn't seem embarrassed or uncomfortable at all, if anything he seemed to be enjoying this. Maybe too much even, she thought warily.

She allowed herself to be held a moment, and pulled back again, this time he allowed her to pull away. She cleared her throat, and said again, "Booth…um…I should…"

Interrupting her, he said conversationally, "Did you sleep well Bones?" his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled in amusement at her.

Hesitating a moment, she thought, actually….she had slept very well. In fact, she hadn't slept this well since…well, since Sully left. "Actually, I did sleep very well, thank you, now," she said with a smile, as she struggled again to free herself, this time he allowed her to pull herself out of his arms, and she stood, "I need some coffee" she said, and padded into the kitchen to make a pot.

Booth watched her disappear into the kitchen. She was so beautiful in the morning, her fair complexion pink with sleep, her eyes bright, her hair tousled; her lips pink slightlyswollen. He'd so enjoyed just lying there listening to her breathe, and he especially enjoyed seeing her come awake, and try to figure out where she was.

Last night was a horrible experience that he knew he didn't want to revisit, or have happen again. He never wanted her to feel that alone, that wrought with despair ever again. The thought of her not in his life brought him to the startling discovery that his feelings were more than that of a good friend, or a work partner. He wanted more from her, and he was determined to show her.

He pulled himself up on the couch as she reemerged with a cup of coffee. He offered her his widest smile, and said, "How about we go out somewhere for breakfast?" He waits a beat and offers, "C'mon Bones my treat. What'da say? I know you like food and you have to eat." Just as he finished his plea her stomach grumbled audibly. She blushed slightly.

"Um sure, why not. That sounds pretty good actually. Let me just grab a quick shower and we can go."

"Great. You mind if I use it after you?"

"No, not at all I'll lay out fresh towels for you as soon as I'm through. Do you want a disposable razor too?" Temperance secretly hoped not, she was enjoying the scruffy look on him this morning.

"Nahh, I'll shave when I get home later, thanks anyway. Just a quick shower to feel human. I'll just read the paper while I wait."

"I won't be long." Temperance disappeared down the hall. Within 40 minutes both were showered and dressed and ready to face the day and enjoy breakfast together...Booth's treat! His goal was anything to keep her in his company for as long as possible...

End this chapter

thanks to BonesDBChippie again!