Okay. So, I got a little distracted by the new Bones episode, The Hero in the Hold, and it delayed this chapter just a bit. Sorry, just had to write a fic about it! Hope all of you enjoy this, and thank you for all your wonderful feedback. To those of you who post but haven't registered with FanFiction, please know that I cherish your input and comments just as much as everyone else's - I'm not able to respond to you directly, but know that when I get a review from you, I am a happy camper!

THE BET

"Sweetie, you're not still at work, are you? I thought you were right behind me when I left. That was over an hour ago!" Angela's exasperation carried clearly through the phone.

Brennan switched her phone to speaker and finished changing into her dress. "Yes, I'm still here. You called me on my work phone, so you should realize that. Did you need something?"

"Uh – yeah! I need for my best friend to not still be at work at six-thirty on a Friday night, that's what I need. Why are you still there? And don't tell me that you had to get some work done, because if you do, I'm coming down there to get you."

"I did have to finish up something. Booth is meeting me here shortly, though - we're getting dinner." Zipping up the dress, she quickly pinned up her hair. "There, I'm leaving – you should be happy."

"Well – I suppose that's alright, then." Her glee was transmitted clearly into the room. "You know I only pester you because I love you, right?"

She chuckled as she slid on her heels. "I love you too, Angela." A quick tap on her door alerted her to Booth's presence. Ignoring the sudden pleasant dip in her stomach, she flashed him a confident smile. "Booth just arrived."

"Hey, Angela." He sank comfortably onto the couch, warm eyes watching his partner. Their first date was tonight. For the first time, he was having the pleasure of watching her get ready for a date with him. It was definitely the best experience of his day. So far.

"Hey, G-Man. Where are you guys going for dinner?"

He chuckled inwardly. She'd promised not to interfere, but he knew she just couldn't help but dig for as much information as possible. "I thought Italian would hit the spot tonight. Got a great place picked out, a place called Coppi's, at Logan's Circle on U Street – we'll let you know how it is. You ready, Bones?"

"Just about." She smiled wickedly, merely shaking her head when he raised his brows at her expression. "Ange – I have a presentation at GWU on Sunday afternoon, the seminar I mentioned to you."

"Yeah, sounded remarkably dull – not you, sweetie, just the subject matter. Some bone thingy?"

"Yes, that's correct – the bone morphology of Osteonecrosis patients. I need your help."

"My help?"

"Yes – I need you to come with me, help me with the slides and displays, and also with the refreshments. The hospital's catering service is unavailable on Sundays."

"Oh, sorry Bren – I've, ah, got something with Jack on Sunday. Why don't you get Zack to help you?" He loves that kind of thing."

Whirling to face the phone, she strode closer, ensuring that Angela could hear her. "No, Zach's not available. I need you." A small, satisfied smile grew as she fastened her earrings, waiting for the next excuse from Angela. After listening for a moment, she cut off the stream of evasions coming through the phone. "Angela?"

"What? I'm sorry, Bren –"

"No, I'm sorry. I'm cashing one in." She ignored the choked-off laughter behind her and focused on the phone. "You still there, Ange?"

"Ooh - that's evil, you wouldn't, sweetie, really, you wouldn't –"

"Yes. Yes, I would. Make sure you get enough sleep Saturday night – it's a five-hour seminar." Her slim hand flicked over to the phone, hovering near the buttons. "'Night, Ange." With a deft motion, she tapped the connection closed and turned to face Booth. "I'm ready."

Jaw slack, he rose to his feet, regarding her with surprised fascination. "Wow. She was right."

Turning, she allowed him to help her with her jacket. "About what?"

"You are evil. Remind me to never really annoy you."

Glancing over her shoulder, she smiled sweetly at him. Just a shade too sweetly. "Why, Booth, you annoy me on a regular basis." She looked straight ahead as he escorted her out of the lab, ignoring the twitch of his fingers on her waist.

"So why haven't you done anything to me?" He grinned, thinking he knew the answer. Leaning close to her ear, he spoke softly. "It's because you like me. I knew it."

"Or, maybe I'm just waiting for the right opportunity to present itself." Without looking at him, she knew his mouth had dropped open again, and grinned craftily. "So, perhaps you should be more careful." Happiness flared in her at his sudden bark of laughter, and she shot a sly look at his twinkling eyes. "You think that's funny?"

"Yeah. Well, no, it's actually kinda scary, but - yeah. Who knew evil could be so sexy?"

Their combined laughter echoed down the empty hallway.

*****

"I've never heard of this restaurant, Booth." Turning her attention back to him, she smiled. "How did you find out about it? Have you been here before?"

"No. I did my research. Northern Italian food, great wine list – sounded pretty good. How's your wine?"

"It's excellent. They do have quiet an impressive selection." Perusing the menu, her eyes scanned the entrees, then, surprised, darted up to his. "This is organic, Booth."

"Yeah." Distracted by the desert cart passing by, he glanced longingly at the coffee gelato. He might just order dessert first. Mmm, gelato. Man, I'm hungry.

"Did you know that?"

"Well, yeah, of course I did. That's why I decided to come here." He looked back over at her, confused by her questions. "Why?"

"It just doesn't seem like the type of place you would frequent, that's all."

"Food's food, right? Besides, you like organic stuff, so I thought you'd enjoy it here." He watched her, growing more bewildered. "Do you not want to eat here? We can go somewhere else…"

"No, no – this is wonderful. It's just – thank you." At his frown, she carefully elaborated. "It was very thoughtful of you to go out of your way for me."

Surely that wasn't a shy smile on his partner's face. She was a constant surprise to him. When he expected her to be intimidated, she stepped up to the plate and then some. And for something easy, like this, she seemed so unsure of herself. He laced his fingers with hers, squeezing gently. "You're welcome, Bones. Anytime." Sensing her discomfort, he changed the subject. "So, see anything you like on the menu?"

"Yes, I thought I'd try the monkfish medallions. You?"

"I'm not sure yet, but maybe the pasta with provolone and Italian bacon. Or, there's always pizza."

She heaved a sigh. "Booth, I am not sharing a pizza with you. I want something off the regular menu."

"Who said anything about sharing? I'm hungry…" Their eyes met, and suddenly, the first-date awkwardness was gone, and it was just them again. Chuckling, he leaned back, enjoying the view. Specifically, his view of her. "I skipped lunch today, you know."

"I forgot how much you eat. That's going to catch up to you one day. You can't keep eating like that forever without repercussions." Nibbling at a roll, she shrewdly eyed him up and down. "As you age, your cholesterol and blood pressure will worsen, and complications like diabetes and heart disease can arise, as well as obesity. You wouldn't be nearly as attractive if you gained weight."

"You know, you women are always complaining how you're unfairly judged for your weight - what you just said was completely hypocritical. You wouldn't love me if I was chubby?"

"I doubt it. I see no reason to lie – and don't tell me you don't pick out your sexual conquests based on looks. I've seen the women you date."

"Don't forget to include yourself in that group, now, Bones. I'm dating you – you're my new hot woman." Leaning forward again, he speared her with a challenging look. "Don't forget, now…"

Fighting off the lure of his dark eyes, she shook herself inwardly, and smiled seductively at him. "If you start to get fat, I won't want to have sex with you."

"Bones!" he protested, grinning, amused beyond all belief by her. "Say that a little louder, why don't you? Wow, now that's just mean." He brightened as he recalled her earlier words. "Hey, since you said you wouldn't love me if I was chubby, does that mean that you do love me now?"

"What? No, Booth! What are you talking about?" At his innocent grin, she growled in mock frustration. "Stop twisting my words. You're being silly."

"Yeah, but you like it when I'm silly. Don't you?" Finally, he relented, grabbing her hand again. "I'm sorry, I'm just teasing. Let's order, okay?" At her answering nod, he hailed the waiter, but couldn't resist one last poke before he arrived. "You think I'm attractive, huh?"

Groaning, she rolled her eyes.

*****

"I should bring my coat, Booth. It's a little breezy." Hesitating, her hand on the door handle, she looked at him as he rounded the truck. "Just wait a moment."

"Nah, you won't need it. C'mon, Bones, the night's getting away from us. You won't be cold. Let's go." Rather than unlock the truck again, he took her other hand, tugging until she finally gave in. "It's not as cold as you think. Ready?"

"I still think it's chilly…" Huffing, she reluctantly allowed him to pull her with him, through the parking lot, to the water's edge. They walked in silence for a bit, enjoying the gentle bump-bump-bump of the boats against the docks, and the three-quarter moon. She took the time to think back on dinner, and how much she'd enjoyed it. The food, the wine. The company. Everything had been just right. He'd talked with her, teased and tempted her, laughed with her, and it had all felt right. She firmly ordered herself to stop. They were friends - of course they would have a good time at dinner.

"What are you thinking about?"

Taken by surprise, she glanced at him. "Why?"

You've got this dreamy-looking smile on your face." Leaning close, he peered down at her. A flirty smile twitched his lips. "What's going on in there?"

She couldn't tell him what she'd actually been thinking. He would take it all the wrong way. "It's nice here. I haven't been by the water since Sully left."

He hazarded a glance at her, suddenly hesitant. "It doesn't bother you, being down here?"

"No." She frowned. "Why would it?"

He could've kicked himself for not thinking of it sooner, but now that he had, well, he had to make sure she was okay. "I kinda forgot until just now, but…well, what with Sully leaving, and all…"

"Oh. No, it doesn't bother me. It's not the same marina, Booth, and it wouldn't matter if it was."

"Well, I know that, but I also know you were upset that day, and I just don't want to bring it all back. Bad memories and all, you know."

"That's over, Booth. It was over some time ago. It's not a problem." It was clear that he was concerned for her. Touched, she leaned her shoulder against his. "Really. Don't worry about it. It's just a place with nice boats; that's all." Freed by the wind, her hair lifted and swirled about her, and her soft expression was replaced by one decidedly less amiable. "It's also a place with a chilly breeze. Booth, I told you I would need my jacket…I have to go back and get it."

"No, don't worry about it. Here." Quickly, gracefully, he whipped off his suit jacket and wrapped it around her, carefully arranging her loosened hair outside the collar. "There. Better?"

"You planned this, didn't you?" Surreptitiously, she snuggled into the jacket, his residual body heat warming her more than the fabric itself. The familiar scent of her partner rose up, surrounding her with almost as much warmth as the jacket. "I know you planned it."

"Hey, I'll always take care of you, Bones, you know that." Tucking her securely against him, tucking her hair behind her ear, he smiled innocuously, steering her further down the dock. "Now we don't need to go back just yet. A jacket's a jacket, right?"

"I can take care of myself, Booth. You know that."

"I know – doesn't mean I can't lend a hand now and then, right?"

"Well…I suppose. It's just that…Sully seemed to think I was incapable of doing anything by myself. He was nice, but he was quite uncomfortable with the fact that I was so independent. I could tell it bothered him. If it's going to bother you, too –"

"Look, Bones, who you are – is just who you are. You're more than capable of doing for yourself. I think it's great."

She stared steadily out at the boats, focusing on the lazy bobbing motion. "Do you really think that?"

"What? Of course I do. Listen." He stopped, turning her and locking his arms around her waist. "I know exactly who you are. Don't you remember? I said it to you, once, a long time ago." His eyes burned into hers. "And I like who you are. You're just Bones. Just Bones. Nothing wrong with that…"

"I know, but Sully –" She stopped abruptly as his hands closed over the lapels of his jacket, pulling her closer. "Booth…"

"Too much Sully." He gripped tighter, pulling her that last inch closer. "Not enough of this." He settled his mouth warmly upon hers, sliding his arms around her. God, God, she felt so perfect against him. Yeah, this is definitely not a bad idea…

The wind kicked up again, swirling chilly around her ankles, but she only barely registered it. He was wrapped around her, arms and lips and everything wonderful, and it felt so good. She wanted to feel good, wanted it badly. It seemed so easy, feeling good with him. Not just for the physical, but because they were already so close. As friends, as partners. Her arms stole around his waist, and she returned his embrace with everything she had. I want this.

Finally coming up for air, he muttered against her lips. "God. You taste so good, Bones. Better than dessert. Better than anything. We really should…" Deciding that kissing her was far more important than talking, hell, than breathing, he latched onto her again, the embrace heating quickly, intensifying until it was nearly unbearable. He dragged his lips from hers, sliding them down to her neck, pressing until she was bent backwards. Her hands were pulling at him; setting off alarms everywhere she touched him. "I really should get you home."

"Yes, let's go home." She slid her hand up his chest, pleased with his sudden intake of breath. "I'm ready to go home now."