A/N: Season 4. This takes place after 'Pandora' and before '47 Seconds'. It's somewhat AU, because all the nonsense from '47 Seconds' through 'HeadHunter' would have been avoided.
Disclaimer: I only own Castle & characters in my dreams.
As Kate prepared for bed in the hotel suite, she reflected on the spectacular night she'd just completed. The Johanna Beckett Scholarship Fundraiser had been everything she'd dreamt, and more. Despite her misgivings and her obvious distaste for being the center of attention, the event had been a resounding success, and had gone off without a hitch. Castle's huge network of friends and business associates had guaranteed a large turnout of New York luminaries. Surprisingly, her Mom's lasting professional reputation and the involvement of the Columbia Law School had added to the demand, as most of the city's largest and most prestigious law firms had purchased tables and contributed items to the silent auctions. The venue downstairs in the Waldorf's grand ballroom had been breathtaking, the hors d'oeuvres heavenly, the drinks potent, the dinner magnificent, and the dessert decadent. Short but moving speeches from Castle, the Mayor, the dean of the Law School, and her father had run the gamut from hysterical to heart-rending. The band, which had played until well after one in the morning, had been sublime.
Castle had been her rock throughout the evening. His planning for the event had allowed her to avoid most of the press, and he had been by her side the entire time she had wandered through the ballroom, meeting and greeting countless stars, politicians, and lawyers. During those times she was safely ensconced at her table, surrounded by her Dad, Castle's family, and her friends from the 12th, Castle had tirelessly circled the room, drumming up donations and entertaining everyone. He had sheltered her from prying eyes during the emotional slide show depicting her Mom's legacy, until she could dry her eyes and pull herself together. The highlight of her evening had been the two dances she'd managed to squeeze in with him, each one slow and excruciatingly sensual. The evening concluded with the announcement of the winning bidders, and the slow but happy dispersal of the participants.
Castle's offer for staying the night in the hotel couldn't be argued. It was almost three in the morning, and the paparazzi were still circling out front like sharks. The emotions of the night, combined with the amazing food and a fair amount of alcohol, had left her exhausted and feeling very vulnerable. Freed of her make-up and jewelry, she threw on the ratty t-shirt she slept in and slipped between the luxurious sheets. Her thoughts once again turned towards the man sleeping in the room across the suite. Her partner at work, and more and more her partner in life. He was everything the tabloids said he was not – caring, fiercely protective, a wonderful father, and her best friend. She cursed her pathetic emotional state, which kept her from fully committing to this fantastic man. She offered up another prayer to the deaf gods, to continue to give Castle the patience of Job until she could fix herself and become the woman he deserved. With this last thought, she closed her eyes and let sleep claim her.
