Disclaimer: I own nothing. The characters and show belong to Marlowe and Co. All rights belong to them and ABC. I am merely borrowing them for some fun.

A/N: Not too sure I like this, but here it is anyway. Rating may go up at a later time.


Richard Castle appeared in a flash of lights from camera flashes. He stepped out of the black, sleek limo and immediately turned and offered a hand. Kate Beckett's hand met his as he escorted her from the limo and away from the reporters. Inside was not any better people swarmed asking for his signature on the latest book. Mingling was a necessity. Kate excused herself and walked to find something refreshing to drink. It was growing increasingly hot under the lights. She had agreed to accompany him to his book release and signing. It was part of his job. He had insisted that she shadow him for his job. Her gaze became fixed on him as a slender blonde approached.

"Mr. Castle, I am your biggest fan. It is such an honor to meet you." Extending her hand to shake his, she exclaimed.

Richard smiled. "Well, thank you," reaching his hand out to meet hers.

She watched the interaction between them as she finished her drink. She turned around to set her glass on the passing tray when a tall, dark haired gentleman approached.

"You must be the lovely inspiration behind the Nikki Heat books. My name is Jeremy Taylor. I am a CEO within the publishing company."

"I guess you could say part of Nikki Heat was derived from my line of work, but for me being the inspiration I am not so sure." Kate had to admit that this guy was nice looking.

"You're far too modest. Let's see if we can remedy part of that. Shall we?" He asked while extending his arm to her.

This action did not go unnoticed by Castle. As soon as he saw Kate stand a little too close for his liking, he politely excused himself and made a beeline to Kate. When he reached Kate, he made an excuse that one of the photographers needed a picture of the two of them. Jeremy nodded and went to mingle with some of the other CEOs.


Richard now sat at home on the couch in a pair of his lounging pants. He watched the credits roll past on the screen. Alexis stood and kissed her dad on the cheek. "Night, dad. Sweet dreams." "You too, pumpkin." His mother was out of town for a few days. His daughter had just finished watching a movie with him. He flipped the television off with a sigh and stared at the blank screen. He knew he was being watched. He had felt her eyes on him several times before. He had grown accustomed to it. They had not disclosed feelings for one another, but somehow they both could read one another like pages from his books. She approached him dressed in black pants and a police t-shirt. She sat down next to him, her arm propping up her head. Her other hand was freely tracing light patterns on his abdomen.

He met her eyes and smiled. "How was your evening?"

"Oh watched some woman hit on this guy that I have rather taken a liking too."

"Jealous?"

"You know better than anyone I don't do jealous. I can handle my own. I carry a gun."

"One of the many things…" He stopped himself. I love about you. He finished in his head.

She looked at him but did not press for more. It was who they were. No pressure just understanding one another. She leaned into his chest and inhaled. His hand found its way into her hair. Tucking a stand behind her ear, he leaned forward.

"She isn't my type. What about you?" Suddenly feeling very out of his element, his eyes found loose threads interesting.

She loved it when he got a tad bit insecure about himself and their relationship. It gave her power.

"Castle?" She whispered.

He looked back into her colorful orbs.

"Why would I want someone who does not understand me, nor would respect my independence?"

"So, you're still attracted to me?"

She licked her bottom lip, leaned up and brushed her lips over his.

"You irk me, you push my buttons, you inspire me, you're a wonderful father, you're adored by your family, revered by your fans, and you use words like no other. I have every single one of your books. What do you think?" She paused, as always before pulling the rug back out from underneath him. "Plus, it take too long to break in someone else, and I don't have the time nor patience anymore." It was then that the all too familiar smirks graced their faces. "Not that I ever want too." She finished with sincerity. She could feel his ego growing, but sometimes she felt as though he needed to know she wasn't going to be another woman in his life to leave. She could open up to him and not fear that he would think she was weak. He saw her as a tower of strength all the time, so what did it hurt to give back to him a little. She knew that he wasn't joking. Gina had scorched him twice. Moronic, but oh how she was thankful. He came straight to her apartment and to her that night.

"Kate…" He started

"Come on, Castle. Let's go to bed." Pushing against his chest to stand, she reached for his hand and jerked him up.