Chapter 9

Everything about where I was, standing on a bus, with men, women, and children's bodies laying around me, made me involuntarily hug my midsection. I thought about what it would be like to be carrying Seeley Booth's child. Right then, I had made a decision. When I had my kids with Seeley, we would drive them to and from any destination, no matter where it was. I could not run the risk of losing them the way these people had died.

I reached down onto the floor of the bus and picked up a lunch box. I opened it up, not knowing what was inside it. I saw a note scribbled on a post-it note.

Alexandra-

I know today is one of the last days of work for you. And me writing this note brings tears to my eyes. You have made me extremely proud of all that you have done. This internship was a godsend for you. I can deal with your father. I just needed to get you and Jason out of the house, its time that he doesn't hurt you two anymore.

Love Always and Forever,

Mom

I sunk down onto my knees, and for the first time in my life, cried from the raw emotion in the note. Booth must have spotted my meltdown and came towards me. Lifting me up from under the arms, he hugged my chest. Not being able to speak, I held the note out so he could read.

"Bones, baby, I'm sorry. But we will find Alexandra's mother and give her the peace she needs. I promise you that. We will bring this case to justice."

Slowly, he turned me around to face him. The caring, and unwavering love in his eyes reassured me that all was going to be okay.

Knowing that there was nothing left that I could do at the crime scene, I ordered the bus be delivered to the Jeffersonian garage for a sweep of particulates. Booth guided me back to the SUV and sat me in the trunk. He set his hands down beside my hips and leaned in close to my face.

"Tempe, I know this is hard. I would never wish anyone this type of demise. But there is someone out there who does wish it. So we have to be on top of our game to catch whoever did this. You and the squints and do this. WE can do this."

I reached to his neck and intertwined my fingers. Breathing in his smell, I relaxed instantly. His whole demeanor, his composure, his steel exterior was all I needed to make me feel safe. As soon as Hodgins and Angela joined us, we sat down in the trunk and looked at each other. As if we read each other's minds, Booth unbuttoned the collar of his shirt to reveal his hickey. I on the other hand, rubbed the concealer off of my two hickeys. Angela turned Booth's head to the side to assess the damage I had left him with. Smiling she did the same with my neck. As soon as she was done, she placed a hand on top of both mine and Booth's.

"You guys are definitely going to be happy."

"Ange, can I talk to you, over there?"

"Sure, Bren."

Sliding out of Booth's arms and out of the car, I got concerned looks from both men. Walking to the front of the SUV where Booth and Hodgins couldn't hear , I asked, "Ange, how can you be sure that we're going to be happy? I'm worried."

"Bren, look at yourself," she gestured to the reflection of the hood of the car, "you are glowing. Even in the worst circumstances, like this crime scene, Booth makes you happy. And I know you and you are not worried about being happy. What's really going on?"

"Ange, he wants to 'sleep' together tonight. I don't know if I'm ready for that. I just don't know."

"Honey, talk to him. I know you never voice your emotions. But sweetie, take it slow. Lemme go get him."

"Ange, NO!"

But I was too late. Angela had already pushed past me and was talking to Booth. Seeing him turn the corner, his eyes were deep with worry. He walked slowly toward me with a slight charm smile on. I couldn't help but smile back.

"Baby, what's up? Angela said we needed to talk."

"Seeley, look, I don't want to beat around the bush. But I think that we are moving too fast. I love you, with all my heart, but I don't think I am ready to have sex with you."

"Temperance Brennan, I wasn't planning on doing anything you weren't ready for. I was planning on waiting for you. I have all the time in the world. If you aren't ready, I am definitely not going to push you. What made you think we were having sex tonight?"

"Earlier in the day, you said that you were going to 'make me pay tonight'. From all I know, I assumed tha meant sex."

"Babe, I meant that we would continue what we were doing last night. You know, when you left me gasping for air?"

The laugh that escaped from my mouth surprised me. I looked into his eyes and saw genuine affection. The chocolate brown eyes that were staring back at me were ones that I could get used to looking into. We walked back to the trunk, hand in hand. With Hodgins' back turned, I mouthed to Angela, "Thank YOU."

Feeling burnt out from the day, we all headed back to the Jeffersonian. Angela and Hodgins got out and went home while Booth and I went back to his apartment. As soon as we got into the stairwell in his building, I decided to be impulsive. I pushed Booth against the wall and let my hands rove over his body. Feeling all the muscular definitions on his chest and abdomen, I led him up the stairs and stopped at his apartment door. He was already aroused, and if that wasn't enough, I gave his butt a little squeeze.

"Oh Temperance Brennan, you are a bad girl."

"Well, FBI SPECIAL Agent Seeley Booth, let me show you just how bad."