Thanks to all who are reading and reviewing. I hope everyone is still enjoying this story, please let me know. Anywho...here's the next chapter.

Chapter 6

Booth didn't hang around the lab; he needed to get settled back into his office at the Hoover Building and a meeting at eleven with Cullen needed his undivided attention.

Surviving to noon was his short-term goal.

Conquering his to do list he left Cullen's office promptly at noon. 'Perfect,' he thought to himself as he walked out the main entrance of the building. He was off to lunch with one detour in mind – Bones' office. He had renewed faith that she couldn't resist pie and of course his charm smile. Putting his plan of action in place, he was going to win her back.

When he arrived at the Jeffersonian, he was met with the disappointing news that Brennan still had not shown up for the day. She had not called to check in with Angela or any of the other squints. Booth painfully remembered the time when he always knew where she was; he always knew first. It would seem those days were long gone, but Booth wasn't ready to give up. If he couldn't have lunch with her, then he'd just have to make arrangements for dinner.

Meanwhile back at the hospital, Brennan had returned from her coffee break with Cole Andrews and had resumed her post right next to Benjamin. His vitals were much better, but he still hadn't woken up. This fact didn't discourage Brennan; as long as he was making progress then she knew he was still fighting. That was all that mattered.

Late that afternoon, Cole Andrews stopped by Benjamin's room hoping he would find her there.

"You're still here," he stated with a smile.

"And you make more frequent rounds than most doctors," she replied.

"Yes, but most doctors do not have the privilege of getting to see you," he answered matter-of-factly.

"But I had another reason for stopping by," he continued as he waved a brown paper bag in his hand.

Giving a chuckle, she smirked, "Do you carry that around in case someone starts hyperventilating in your presence?"

"No," he taunted, "It's a little thing called food and since I've already taken you out on a coffee date, I figured you wouldn't let me take you out for a dinner date."

"Coffee date, huh?" she questioned. "I don't remember anything about the word 'date' being mentioned."

"If it had, would you have gone with me?" he asked.

"No," she stated.

"That's why it wasn't mentioned," he answered. "Now come on and eat. Doctor's orders and I promise no 'date' will be involved."

Rolling her eyes, she took a sandwich from his outstretched hand and began removing the plastic wrapper.

The hours had ticked the day away and before long it was past seven o'clock. Brennan finally decided to leave for the night. Benjamin was showing great improvement, but she still left word with Emily to call her if anything changed. She managed to escape the hospital without running into Cole. She liked him well enough, but she was hesitant of falling into another relationship.

Pulling into her garage, she was simply happy to be home. A warm bath and a nice glass of wine hopefully would put to rest her exhausting day. Turning on the kitchen light, she reached for a bottle of wine and a glass. After filling the glass, she began her trek up the stairs and to the master bedroom. Stepping into the master bath, she turned on the tap to the perfect temperature. She placed an oversized terry cloth towel and her glass of wine on a stool next to the tub and proceeded back into the bedroom. Once she had stripped out of her sweats and tennis shoes, she grabbed a pair of burgundy silk pajamas out of her dresser and padded her way back into the bathroom. Turning off the tap, she emerged herself in the warmth of the water.

After enjoying the bath and glass of wine, Brennan toweled off and slipped into her pajamas. She returned downstairs to retrieve some files and charge her cell. Placing the phone down on the counter, it immediately began ringing. Recognizing the number, she rolled her eyes as she answered.

"What is it, Ange?" Brennan sighed.

"How many times do we have to go over this, Bren," she stated. "When you answer the phone the appropriate response is 'Hello'. "

"Hello," Brennan spoke, "Now what is it."

Giving a frustrated sigh, Angela continued, "I was just checking up on you. You know you never came into the lab today."

"I most certainly did," Brennan replied matter-of-factly.

"You know what I mean," demanded Angela. "Now what's going on with you?"

"Nothing, I'm fine," she answered.

"No you're not," Angela stated shaking her head. "Does this have something to do with Booth?"

"No!" Brennan retorted.

"Bren," her voice softening, "Talk to me."

Her eyes filling with tears, Brennan began, "Look Ange, nothing's wrong. It's just…I just have a lot to think about, okay?"

"Do you want me to come over?" Angela pleaded.

"No," Brennan stated, "I'm fine, really. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Alright," she defeated, "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Placing the phone back in its prospective place, Brennan strolled into the living room and plopped down onto the couch. Picking up one of the files, she attempted to focus her attention some place other than her spinning emotions.

Fifteen minutes into her aimless search, a knock radiated from the door. Giving a huff, she peeled herself off the couch and padded her way to the door.

She yelled halfway to the door, "I thought I told you I'd talk to you tomorrow!"

She opened the door as the last syllable left her mouth.

"It's nice to know that you will talk to me," Booth stated with his charm smile in full effect.

It took Brennan's mouth a few seconds to catch up with her racing mind.

"I...I..I thought you were Ange," she stammered.

"Sorry to disappoint," he replied, "but I did bring food." He gestured toward the Thai take out boxes.

"You're really good at disappointing and I'm not hungry," she stated as she attempted to slam the door, not wanting him to see the tears welling in her eyes.

Much to her dismay, Booth's foot had lodged itself snuggly across the threshold.

"It will not bother me to break your foot, Agent Booth," she seethed.

"You wouldn't," he replied smugly.

"I would," she yelled barely holding her emotions at bay, "but unfortunately it won't hurt as much as you breaking my heart."

A small cliffie, but I'm working on the next chapter now. Reviews always speed that process up.