Disclaimer: I have no rights to "Castle".

Beckett unlocked the door to Castle's loft and entered quietly. She was hoping to surprise him. As she slipped off her shoes, Castle appeared at her side and swept her into his arms, startling her. He began waltzing her around the floor.

She clutched at his shoulder to keep her balance. "Castle, what are you doing?"

"Dancing with the love of my life," he replied easily. "What are you doing?"

"Getting spun around by a crazy person, apparently."

"A ruggedly handsome crazy person?" He beamed down at her.

Beckett tried to look annoyed, but he seemed so happy to see her that she gave in and returned his smile. "Where did you come from, anyway? Were you standing around, waiting for me to walk in?"

"I was just about to start making dinner when I heard your key in the door. You're home early!" He pressed a quick kiss to her lips.

"Slow case. We're waiting on lab results," she explained. "Did you get any writing done?"

"A little. Wanna read what I have so far?"

"Sure, if you insist."

Beckett sighed exaggeratedly, making him laugh. He spun her out and pulled her in closer than before.

"I like when you're not wearing your heels." He bent and met her lips again, bringing the dancing to a stop so that they could deepen the kiss.

When they pulled apart, she asked, "What are you planning for dinner?"

"I saw this thing on TV—you know the woman with the bangs and the freckles, keeps talking about her husband? Well, she had this neat idea on her show that I wanted to try. It's a surprise!"

"Great. At least tell me what I can do to help."

"Why can't you just relax and let me make dinner for you?" He pouted.

"Well, what am I supposed to do, sit and watch you?"

Castle shrugged. "Get a glass of wine and read a book, or come sit at the counter and tell me about your day. Or read my new chapters. There are plenty of options."

"Fine. I need to shower."

"Without me?" She had begun to step out of his arms, but he held her in place. He simpered, trying to look irresistible. "Can't you wait until after dinner?"

Beckett checked her watch. "Well, if you let me do some of the work, we can start dinner a little later, and you can join me in the shower now."

Castle grinned. "Deal." He leaned down for another kiss. "Well played, Detective."

Authors' Note: I had originally planned to post this as a single short, but I'm considering adding similar brief stories as new chapters. I'll try to maintain consistency among the stories, but they won't necessarily be a continuation of this chapter.