A/N: the words I used for this chapter are beach, unforgettable, and stab. The holiday is the Air Force birthday, Sept. 19.

This chapter is set in the time frame of Season 4, but it isn't attached to any specific episode.

It was a beautiful September day in Los Angeles…the kind of mild Southern California day often celebrated in postcards and travel brochures. Unfortunately, at that moment, the beauty of the surroundings was completely lost on Seeley Booth.

He was busy pacing the length of his small hotel room and, in the process, was completely ignoring the gorgeous view outside. Muttering angrily, he shook his head as he considered how his well constructed plans had gone awry.

His Bones had come to Los Angeles to meet with a production team for her current book-to-movie deal, and she'd decided that since she'd already be in the neighborhood, she could visit a nearby Air Force base to do research for the novel that was currently in progress.

Using the same logic he'd used to fly with her to China, Booth had convinced the deputy director that it was in the best interest of the FBI to protect a valuable government contractor from wayward hooligans, hijackers and other unsavory types, and so he'd insinuated himself into her travel plans 'to keep her safe', even though she'd insisted that she could take care of herself. He knew that, of course, but he always felt better if he was with her when she traveled, so the plans for him to accompany her were put in place without any further discussion.

At the time he'd been quite pleased with himself. This had all the makings of an unforgettable trip. After her meeting and their visit to the base, he'd suggest that they rent a red Mustang convertible and spend the afternoon at the Santa Monica Beach and Pier before enjoying a pleasant evening drive up Highway 1 to Ventura. There they'd stay the night before visiting the Channel Islands National Park for a picnic the next day. It'd be great…they'd spend the day relaxing together before returning to DC, and he'd have some one on one time with his favorite person, away from work and all the interruptions that normally intruded on their relationship.

It was a great plan, and it should've worked, but now there was a fly in the ointment, or rather, a flyboy…

Ooooo

Captain Ignacio Calderon, who had been assigned to be their tour guide on the base, was the epitome of a tall, dark, and handsome man. He certainly looked like someone who could make a fine living as an actor in Hollywood if he hadn't chosen to make the Air Force his career. He had a perfect smile, an engaging personality, and the easy going confidence of someone who was used to being successful in everything he did. Booth thoroughly detested him.

As an F-16 pilot and squadron leader, Captain Calderon had been most helpful, making sure that Brennan was able to see everything she wanted to see on the base and that all her questions were answered. Because of their security clearances, they'd both been given the VIP treatment as they toured the facilities. The captain was most attentive to his guests, especially Brennan, much to Booth's annoyance.

"Of all the pilots that might've been our guide, why did it have to be that guy?," he muttered to himself. "Are they getting ready to make an Air Force version of Top Gun, and he wants to star in it? Is he trying to get a part in the movie they'll make from Bones' new book?" Booth scowled as Calderon leaned closer to listen to one of Brennan's questions, apparently ignoring her personal space. "He needs to make like a jet, and take off…"

The tour had lasted longer than Booth had anticipated, but he'd still hoped they could make it to Santa Monica…that is, until Captain Calderon had the nerve to ask Bones to join him at a celebration of the Air Force's birthday! He wanted to spend the evening with the pretty visitor! Booth was simply beside himself...

Ooooo

"I tell you what…the guy's got balls, asking Bones out while I was standing right there next to her." Booth nodded grimly as he studied his nails. "And then, she decided to go! It was like I was invisible, right? What does she think I'm gonna do all evening while she's out having fun at some Zoomie shindig?"

His grumblings were interrupted by a knock at his door. Opening it, he felt his heart skip a beat.

Brennan was standing there, looking beautiful in a dark blue sundress. "Hello, Booth." She did a model's twirl. "Do you think this dress is appropriate for the dinner this evening? I find I'm torn between wearing this and something more casual, such as jeans and a tee shirt. Since you've been to military functions of this sort, I decided to seek your opinion."

He felt a painful stab of jealousy as he took in her appearance. She looked wonderful in that shade of blue, and the short skirt showed off her long legs to perfection. His first thought was to say "NO!" but he knew he couldn't lie to her like that. "You look great, Bones. I'm sure Captain Calderon will agree…"

Her brow furrowed slightly. "I'm not sure why I'd be concerned about his opinion…" She sat down in an armchair, crossing her arms over her chest. "Are you going to wear that suit? If so, I think you'll be very uncomfortable. Don't you want to wear something less formal?"

Booth was obviously surprised by her suggestion. "Um…what?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "Captain Calderon said the cookout is an outdoor event, so I'm wondering why you're not going to wear something more suited for the weather."

"Wait a minute." Booth scratched the back of his neck as he thought over her comment. "I thought he asked you out on a date…"

"Although he is a very attractive man, I don't think his wife would approve of our going out on a date." Hesitating, Brennan shook her head at her partner's confusion. "Don't you remember? He said he and his wife were hosting a cookout and barbeque contest for the members of the squadron and their families, as a way to celebrate the Air Force's birthday. It seems to be an annual event, and he asked us to attend, since I'm here for research purposes. He thought that I could interview some of his team members, which might provide some insight into the character development for my story, so I agreed. I thought you'd be excited, seeing how you enjoy eating meat, but if you don't want to go…"

Booth couldn't move fast enough. "Oh…I want to go! I'll just step into the bathroom and get changed. Won't be but a minute." He grabbed a change of clothes and dashed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

Giggling at his silly behavior, she nodded. "Take your time. I don't think we have to be there exactly at five o'clock." Smiling to herself, she continued. "So you really didn't know that you were invited to the party?"

He grinned sheepishly as he stepped out of the bathroom. "Well, I suppose I thought the captain was too interested in you to pay much attention to me…"

Her lips twitched into a coy smile. "He was most emphatic, Booth…he wanted to make sure that my 'boyfriend' knew he was welcome at the party. I'm surprised that you missed that. Perhaps you were preoccupied with other things. The base tour was actually very interesting, wasn't it?" She sighed softly as she watched him tie his shoes. "I don't know why everyone assumes we're a romantic couple…"

"Oh, you know…they probably want us to be as happy as they are in their own relationship." Booth cringed slightly as his lame answer. "But it's no big deal, right? I mean, I don't mind what people think about us as long as you don't…"

"Well…I guess I don't mind too much. After all, you are an alpha male, so…I guess I should be pleased that people think we are compatible."

"Right. Okay then…" He nodded as he picked up his phone and keys. "I guess we'd better get going…"

"Okay." Brennan gave him a sidelong glance as they left the hotel room. "Booth…how would you feel about spending some time at Santa Monica Beach tomorrow and then taking a later flight home?"

He grinned happily. "I think that's a great idea, Bones. Maybe you can change our plane reservations with your phone while we're on the way to the party."

"Good…I'm glad. Since we're already here, we might as well enjoy the area, right?"

"Exactly…and who knows? Maybe we can make another trip out here and drive up Highway 1 and enjoy the coast. I mean, we don't have time to do that this weekend, but maybe some other time…"

She quickly agreed. "I'd like that."

"Yeah…me, too." Booth hummed a cheerful little tune as he started up their rented Mustang.

Maybe this weekend with Bones would turn into an unforgettable trip after all.

Zoomie is slang for a member of the Air Force.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you have time to review, I'd appreciate it. More soon. Laura