CHAPTER. Chapter 16. Frozen

DISCLAIMER. There are many things I own, but Bones is not one of them. All characters belong to Kathy Reichs, Hart Hanson and FOX.

----Xx----

My eyes flew open at the sound of a door opening, revealing a very frustrated Seeley Booth. A frown clouded his usually cheerful face. His hands were placed on his hips, pushing the hem of his suit jacket back. The strong muscles on his arms were tense. He was shaking his head.

"He won't say anything. Nothing. Not even a simple 'yes' or 'no," he grumbled and started pacing the small, dark room that overlooked the interrogations.

"Booth, stop over-exaggerating. He said 'yes' and some 'no's. Heck, he even said that the bicycle chain was purchased by someone, then returned a few days later."

"Fine. Maybe I just wanted him to confess to everything, so that we don't have to go on a wild-goose chase," he sighed.

"Booth, we're not looking for a wild goose. We're trying to---"

"It's a figure of speech, Bones. I know what we are looking for." He shook his head. "Come on. He said we could look at the surveillance tapes and check the log book."

His right hand found it's spot on the small of my back almost immediately and led me out of the room. Out in the hall, I sensed feminine eyes lingering on us, but probably more on Booth's perfectly-shaped posterior or his beautiful face. He seemed completely oblivious to the many hungry eyes that were on him. Worse, he gave them all an infamous Booth charm smile that drove them all crazy, including me. Luckily, the torture ended when we exited the Hoover building and his arms found their way around my waist.

"Finally. I didn't know how much longer I was able to restrain myself from wrapping my arms around you and stay professional," he said, as we walked towards his SUV.

He opened the passenger door and I slipped inside. He closed the door and briskly walked to the driver's side. I finished buckling my seatbelt when he got in.

"You seemed like you were enjoying the attention back there," I said, as he started the engine.

"What?! I was being nice!" He pulled out of the lot.

"Please, Booth. You knew they were hungry for you. I saw it in their eyes. You just put fuel on the fire, when you flashed your charm smile at them." A yawn escaped my lips. "And yes, I know what 'putting fuel on the fire' means."

"No. The only thing, actually person, I was thinking about was you. I don't care about the attention of----"

I didn't quite catch the last sentence. I was groggy and was struggling to remember how to open my eyes after I blinked each time. It didn't matter though because everything went black. I had fallen asleep.

A cool gust of cold air grazed my face and hands. Then, replaced by a warm, strong hand grasping my right hand.

"Bones, time to get up," I heard Booth whisper into my ear. His warm breath tickling it.

"No," I managed to mumble and slapped his hand away.

"Ow! Geez, Bones. You can sleep in your own bed, in your apartment. It's so much better than sleeping in my SUV," he said.

I decided not to argue with him. I was exhausted and was ready to snuggle into my duvet. I slowly opened my eyes, trying to adjust to the parking garage lights. He gave me a slight smile before reaching over to unbuckle my seatbelt. He gently grasped my hand again. This time, I didn't shoo it away. I stepped out of the vehicle, almost stumbling over his right foot. Once I was standing perfectly on both two feet, I gently released my hand from his grasp and started walking to the doors that led to the elevators. Booth mirrored my steps.

The ride up the elevator was uncomfortably quiet and felt awkwardly long. Glancing over at Booth, I noticed his face was emotionless. His hands were in his pockets and his body appeared tense. His eyes were staring straight ahead. Did I do something to make him upset and angry at me? Looking back, I was abruptly overwhelmed by my previous statements and actions. I had to admit, I was quite rude to him back there. My jealously, I must confess, replaced my usual logical behaviour. But maybe I'm being paranoid.

Arriving at my apartment, I dug into my purse to retrieve my house keys. I unlocked the door and walked in, before I heard Booth say, "Goodnight Bones."

He was about to walk down the hall, when I asked, "You're not staying?" My voice sounded very desperate.

He paused his movements and looked at me. "Do you want me to stay?" His voice seemed distant and his eyes were dark.

I nodded, then looked down at the ground. Tears started to blur my vision. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I said all those things. I'm sorry I slapped your hand away. I was being irrational. I was jealous. I was afraid that I would lose you to one of those women in the FBI building. I---" I choked on my tears. "You probably hate me right now and I deserve it. It's fine if you don't want to stay with me. It's fine if you don't want to be in a relationship with me anymore because I probably deserve that too. I'm---"

I never realized that he had walked over to stand in front of me. His eyes had gone back it's usual chocolate brown colour and his body had become more relaxed. His right hand had found my left cheek, cupping it.

"I'll stay," he whispered. His thumb wiped my tears away. "And I still love you, Temperance."

I looked at him then, and was immediately lost in his beautiful eyes that told me that I was safe. Slowly, he lowered his head to mine, leaving only a small gap in between our lips. His sweet breath tickled my slightly parted lips. My eyes drifted closed in anticipation. My heart was hammering in my chest. His lips brushed over mine, barely touching, a few times. It was as if his lips were feathers. They were soft, yet alluring. Each touch of his lips sent a spark down my spine. He kissed me tenderly then, applying the perfect amount of pressure to my lips. I had completely forgotten the time, the place, everything, and just absorbed the moment to it's fullest. Suddenly, my legs became weak, feeling myself fall, so I clung on to him tightly. My arms were wrapped around his neck, my hands gripping the back of his suit jacket. His tongue probed into my mouth, ever so slightly, tasting. I responded, flickering my tongue out to flow over his, Our tongues danced in synchronation.

He was the one who initiated the kiss, but had to end it at some point. His hands restrained my face and reluctantly, he pulled away. I gasped at the sudden loss of his warm lips. His arms snaked down to encircle my waist, pulling me closer to rest his forehead against mine. My eyes opened and stared into his, smiling my shy smile. He returned it.

"Temperance, marry me."

----Xx----

Free gift: A kiss from Seeley Booth. (On the cheek though. xP)

Reviews: Errr....more kisses?