Kate's eyes slowly fluttered open. It took her several minutes to remember where she was – but then she felt him stir beside her and everything from the previous night flashed back to her in one giant wave. The look he had given her. The way he had kissed her. The way she had led him into the bedroom. Before she could stop it a large self-satisfied smile took up residence on her lips – she was more than happy to leave it there.

A hand snaked tighter around her waist – pulling her back, flush against his hard chest and a small sigh escaped her.

'Morning,' he whispered into her hair – his voice thick with sleep, the resonance of his voice caused her to shudder.

'Morning,' she replied simply – though from what she could tell in her half-asleep half-delirious state it was very early in the morning – the room was barely lit so it must've been very early. He could hear the smile evident in her voice and it filled him with a sudden urge of want and need. He tightened his grip on her and his lips began to kiss every part of her bare skin – her shoulder, collar bone, her neck – which he favoured most – and finally he found the sweet spot behind her ear. He grinned when a satisfied moan escaped her beautiful lips.

'Castle, aren't you tired yet?' She asked sincerely and suggestively. Though they had – eventually – fallen asleep, she surmised that it could have only been a few hours ago. After she had shown up at his loft dripping wet and full of apologies they had spent the rest of the evening showing each other how much they truly needed one another.

'Castle?' He grunted in..? What? Irritation?

'That is your name isn't it?' She answered knowingly.

'What happened to Rick?' he whined. Then added smugly, ' That's all you could say last night…' And she just knew he was wiggling his eyebrows up and down at her – even though she couldn't see his face. '…well I say 'say'…scream would be more like it…or moan…or groan…' He was trying to provoke her. He loved to prod at her fun, care free side and provoking her into confrontation was usually the best way to see that side of her break free.

'I don't know Castle…Rick just seemed more…appropriate last night.' God! Just the way she said it sent him over the edge. He flipped her over onto her back so that he could finally see her gorgeous eyes – they were dancing with delight. She knew the effect she could have on him and she liked having the power to drive him nuts.

'Hey.' He said, finally greeting her eyes with his and lowering himself to plant a searing kiss on her mouth. And what started as a good morning kiss took on a life of its own – it grew into frenzied kisses and long looks of adoration. When things simmered down slightly between the two Kate took a moment to take in Castle dishevelled state – his eyes were still a little sleep (not surprising after all of their activities just a few hours previously, his hair was mussed and sticky out in every direction imaginable – but he looked happy…more than happy…he looked…complete. And that was her doing! Finally she had come to her senses and admitted that there was nothing more she wanted than him.

'Seriously Castle, I thought you'd be too tired after…' She trailed off sheepishly.

'Well you did wear me out pretty good – but then I woke up with you in my arms and I was suddenly rejuvenated.' He placed a sloppy kiss to her lips – then another small sweet kiss to her forehead. Her heart swelled at his sweetness – she adored this side of him.

Kate raised herself off the mattress, supporting her weight on her elbows, she was inches away from his face, his breath tickled her neck but before he could place another claiming kiss to her lips she slipped out from underneath him. Castle was stunned, how did she manage to escape him so easily – she was too quick and lithe – traits that he usually admired but at this moment he despised it about her. He was left alone in his huge bed a coldness creeping around him because of her departure.

He flopped down onto his front; then twisted around awkwardly so that he was now lying on his back. He looked up to find Kate standing over him, smiling and naked. 'That wasn't nice.' he pouted petulantly.

'I need a shower.' She replied, turning to make her way to his bathroom. And though he was mightily pissed at her leaving him cold and alone – and frustrated – in bed. He had to admit the view he now had was definitely worth it.

She paused at the threshold of the bathroom and half turned her body back to him, catching him staring – he blushed slightly at getting caught, though it wasn't the first time she had seen him checking her out, she thought back to all the times in the past – but this time was different – they were different. Kate returned the favour and unabashedly ran her eyes slowly over the expanse of his toned chest and his strong arms. The way her eyes drank him in ignited something within him – his heart raced seeing her admiring his body so freely after so many years of denial avoidance.

She smiled when their eyes met again, each filled with untamed want and understanding.

'You coming Castle?' She turned then and disappeared into the bathroom, knowing he would follow her…

He let a cocky grin slide onto his lips and within seconds of her disappearing into the other room he had flung back the bed sheet and run across the room to join her.

He would always follow her…anywhere.