Temperance didn't say anything on the way back to the hotel. Not only did her husband have some type of secret past with an attractive, educated woman, but he'd also been paired with her, while Temperance was stuck working with amateurs who didn't
/know how to handle a dead body. All that gave her nothing to say. A couple times, Booth tried to explain, and she'd stopped him. It wasn't a discussion she wanted to have in a dirty taxi with an eavesdropping driver.

Finally, they got to the hotel. Still, she said nothing until they had made it into the room. As soon as that door was shut, she turned her glare on him. He blanched under her stare.

"Bones—" Booth started.

"If you lie to me," she interrupted. "Once, even once, Booth—"

"I won't, Bones, I promise." He seemed almost frantic. "Just let me explain, okay? Without interruption."

Temperance folded her arms across her chest. If he didn't want any interruptions she just wouldn't talk at all.

"Alright, I guess that means I need to start..."

She gave him a no-duh look, and was rewarded by an intimidated expression on her husband's face.

"Okay, I met Tatum when I was fresh out of the academy," Booth started face tight. "So way before you. In fact, we were long over before I even met you." He began pacing, clearly agitated. "Gosh, I haven't thought of her in a

long time. Okay. She was my best friend at the time's partner. They were working a case together in Cincinnati, and called me in to consult. And… We grew closer, I guess. I don't remember how, really, but I know we did, and after the case was finished,I
kissed her. After that, whenever she was in town we met up. It started out with just coffee breaks, but it-the relationship escalated. When she was transferred to the same jurisdiction as me, we together a ton."

He paused. Temperance felt kind of sick, and more than a little jealous. Of course, that was completely irrational, but she couldn't stop the chemicals leaking into her brain. "How'd it end?" she asked, wanting the tale to be over, but needing

to know it all.

Booth flinched. "She cheated on me, with the commander of our area." Booth took a breath. "She was transferred to California once the Director found out. We, obviously split up. I never saw her after that and I kinda just forgot about her."

"How long did your relationship last?" Temperance questioned.

"About Four months from the night we kissed. I think we worked together for about two."

Temperance hated hearing that. She turned away, but Booth rushed over to her and grabbed her shoulders, stooping down to catch his wife's gaze. "But that was years ago, Bones, ok? I promise I don't feel anything for her. It's just awkward becauseour
relationship ended so badly. I love you, though Bones. You."

Temperance couldn't resist those sad brown eyes. She kissed him. "I trust you."

He kissed her again, and they stumbled to the bed.