Chapter 14: Our new connection

Surrounded by complete and peaceful silence I watched the steam rise from the cup of herbal tea. Inhaling it's sweet scent I leaned backwards, closing my eyes as I rested against the cushions of my couch, my mind wandering back to one of my first dates with Patrick.

"You look nice, Temperance." He whispered into my ear as he pulled back the chair despite all my arguing. "And for a lovely woman, there's a lovely gift."
I watched him pull out a red rose and I found myself thinking again why again had I agreed to the date. He didn't know me, not like my partner anyway. But then again, nobody could replace him, so why was I still trying? Did I somewhere along the way started to believe Booth's words about love and that one special person, and was I now searching for that connection? I shook my head, this was absurd. The only reason why I did this was not any different then all the others. Release.
The rhythmic knock of who could only be my partner broke my thoughts and I placed the still full but now lukewarm cup of tea in the sink, straightening my skirt before heading towards the door. I was greeted by a bunch of daffodils being pushed in my face and I giggled quietly at his childlike behavior, but happy he remembered the small things about me.

Even though I didn't feel completely at ease in his company I did agree to call him next day, but instead he surprised me, even though I told me I hated surprises, and showed up at my work, dragging me home like Booth normally would.
One thing lead to another that evening and by the morning I found myself tangled in the cool sheets of my bedroom the smell of sex clinging in them.

Since that day, I should have noticed something was wrong, Patrick came over almost every day, leaving stuff every now and then until he had almost nothing left at his place, that's when I agreed to making the commitment of co-habituating with him.
I had made a mistake, I had let my heart take over, and hadn't saw how he became more controlling and demanding…and yes then finally a month later he snapped.
The beauty became the beast.

Accepting the flowers, I put them in a vase nearby which I quickly filled with water putting them on my dining the dining table and admiring the view for a few moments, before I felt Booth's strong yet soft hand take my smaller one in his.
"Ready to go?"
His hand released mine to settle on the firm place on the small of my back which he had claimed as his special place over the years.

"You look nice, Booth." I commented as I grabbed my purse and followed him outside. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans, a beautiful dark blue shirt and a dark brown leather jacket. "So do you, Bones," He replied guiding both of us out of my apartment. Self consciously I smoothed down my black shirt and my blue knee length skirt. I was glad I had chosen my blue skirt, making us a beautiful pair. "You really think so?" My lips curled into a smile as he pressed his lips to my cheek and whispered, "Yeah. Really."

Starting to move towards the familiar black SUV I opened the door of the passengers side and was startled when I felt Booth's hand grab mine again pull me back against his side. "We leave that one here today." He said with a wink." I was only getting the dinner."
I watched him hold up an authentic woven picnic basket and silently followed him silently for minutes, letting him be one of the firsts persons I trusted to surprise me.

After a walk of proximally fifteen minutes I noticed we had arrived at the park nearby my place which was blossoming beautifully due the seasons. The threes that stood in the garden where blossoming, and the wind gently blew through the branches causing pedals to fall. The late evening sun shone with its last power and gave the flowers an almost magical appearance, the rays of sunlight that cascaded on the pond made it look like thousands of tiny diamonds where spread all over the water.

"A picnic in the park ?" I asked slightly confused at his decision.
"Yeah," He nodded, it's beautiful outside and we should enjoy it more often, and there's no other person I would rather spend this fabulous evening with.
A small flush spread across my cheeks at his endearing words and I watched him select a spot near a blossoming tree and pull a taupe blanket from the basket, arranging everything as I watched dumbfounded.

Booth pulled me down once everything was done, and I landed on the soft fabric of the blanket but I could still feel the tiny strands of fresh green grass beneath it.
Side to side with my partner I watched as he pulled out some plates, cutlery and ...
"Beer?" I asked stunned.
Booth shook his shoulders. "I was thinking of bringing red wine but that wouldn't mix so nice with the rest." Smiling softly I accepted the bottle he handed to me and took a swig.
"Beer's better." I told him.

I watched how he pulled out some pasta salad which was clearly home made and looked utterly delicious, some vegetables, fruit salad and grilled cheese sandwiches.
"Pop's gave me the recipe." He told me. "And don't worry they taste just as good cold as they do warm."

As we ate in silence I carefully watched around in the garden, the day was beginning to fade and making place for the night and I shuddered at how beautiful the spring could be.
My gaze set on the twirling blossoms of a tree, I murmured softly.
"It's so beautiful out here."

When Booth replied, "Yes it is." I turned my head to see his gaze was fixed on me instead of the falling peddles I was talking off. Dazzled, I watched how he leaned forward and cupped my face with a gentle palm, before bringing it closer and brushing my lips over his, soft and tender.

When his lips left mine after a few moments, he scooted a little closer and resumed eating. I was expecting some of the same awkwardness that had followed our kiss in Peru, but nothing ever came, it didn't feel weird or awkward. It felt okay. Safe. Hesitantly, I scooted a little closer to him as well. When he looked up and smiled widely, I know it had been the right decision. We continued to eat in silence, savoring our new connection.

After some moments when we had both finished our meal, I found myself putting my head on his shoulder, becoming extremely relaxed in his company and the comfort that he could give.

His arms wrapped around my waist he warmed me a little with the body heat we shared as we looked up to the sky, which was now turning in a ink dark color filled with the tiny sparkles of the stars.

"I haven't felt this good in a lifetime." I admitted in a gentle whisper as I listened to his soft breathing while his fingers gently combed through my hair, soothing me.
"It's my pleasure," he replied with a gentle kiss on the crown of my head.

When I left out a tiny yawn moments later, I felt my partner starting to move.
"We better should go, Temperance." He told me softly and despite my fatigue I was a little disappointed that the night had flown by so quickly, knowing that I enjoyed his company immensely, though I had never admitted that out loud.

Somewhere along the walk home I noticed we were holding hands, our fingers entwined and holding tight onto the other and a small smile played across my face at our new connection, like our hands we completed each other and were tangled together like one.

And I felt stupid for never noticing what we were to another or better, for ignoring it so long.

A loud rumble shook me out of my thoughts and I looked up to find the sky clouded and even darker than before. A cold droplet splashed onto my shoulder and I flinched at the contact.
Soon more rain fell until the gentle shower became much heavier.
"C'mon run!" Booth yelled as he pulled my hand, leading me towards a shielded part of my apartment.

Our breathing heavy from the sprint and our close proximity, I let my eyes wander over his body, the blue dress shirt a hint darker and clinging against his body due the rain, his hair all mused and features lightened by the street lantern making him look really attractive to me.

"Temperance." I heard him murmur gently, my name suddenly becoming the most seductive thing I had ever heard. I looked up straight into his enchanting dark eyes, locking mine with them before leaned in even closer, our faces only inches away from each other.
"I feel like I'm gonna kiss you." My mind flashed back to seven years ago when he had spoken the exact same words under a shelter in the rain and I let him barley finish his sentence before my lips descended on his, starting a gentle kiss, which deepened as soon as I opened my mouth for him, his tongue invading and starting a passionate battle with mine.
I held tight to one shoulder, my other hand twisting in his shirt, making the moment last as long as possible. I felt his arms encircle my waist, pulling me even closer as we kissed with the last bits of air that remained in our lungs before we broke the contact, my lips swollen from the locking.
"Wow." I heard him breath with a giddy grin on his face and a little lightheaded but smiling and looking into his eyes I replied.
"You can say that."

Stumbling backwards a little unsteady on my feet, I was glad one of his hands still rested on my hips, holding me close to him.
"See you tomorrow," He whispered into my ear, his hot breath sending a shiver down my spine. "Go to bed." Nodding I agreed, knowing that he would do the same.

I turned around and walked into my apartment building. I felt content, safe and relaxed as I walked up the stairs, preferring them over the elevator. I was surprised to realize that I felt, well, happy. I reached for my keys when I found myself outside of my apartment and opened it quickly, sliding in, turning around and closing the door again. That's when I frowned. 'I wonder why he didn't accompany me to my room. That seems like something Booth would do.' Mechanically I removed my jacket and my shoes as I walked into my bedroom, contemplating what it might mean. 'Maybe he just wanted to get home so he could dry off. Maybe he was getting cold.' I opened my closet and grabbed a pair of pj's, quickly changing into them. 'I don't understand though. I could've given him a towel. He could've warmed up in here.' I pulled the covers back and slid into my bed, enjoying the relaxed state of mind I was in. I sat up slowly as I heard my phone beep. I reached for my purse, which was laying on my night table. 'Booth. Why would he be texting me? We just said goodbye.'
Figuring he had forgotten something I rummaged through my purse a victorious smile on my face when I pulled out my cell phone.

As my suspicions were confirmed when I read that he was the sender, I quickly opened the message, my lips curling upward as I gently shook my head, amazed how he could make me feel. Laying myself down and getting comfortable in the covers to have a good night of sleep, I put the cell phone back down on my nightstand, his little message still visible on the screen as I laid myself down again.

From : Seeley Booth
To : Temperance Brennan
Sent : 11:47 PM
'I had a great evening. Next time you get to choose ;) Booth Xx'

(-End Chapter 14-)