Winter was the worst time of year for Kate Beckett. Not because of the short days and cold weather, although that didn't help matters. Kate was an accountant, and this was the busiest time of year. 70 hour weeks were the norm, all three meals being eaten at the office, her DVR being put to good use.

10 am. Kate yawned loudly in her office after having another night of little sleep. She had already finished her second coffee of the day and needed a refill. She also needed a break since she had been working nonstop since 8 and didn't get home until midnight the night before.

She made her way down the block to Starbucks. The cool air was actually a refreshing change from the stuffy office she had been attached to for weeks. After putting in her order she stood off to the side and waited, soaking in the change in scenery.

"Castle," the barista yelled out. Kate glanced up at the sound and saw a man she could only describe as ruggedly handsome approach the counter. As she saw him smile and thank the cashier she realized who it was. Richard Castle, author of the Derrick Storm and other mystery novels. She had been a fan of his for years.

Needing a change from the mundane, she took a chance and cleared her throat as he walked by. "Excuse me, Mr. Castle?" He turned to face her and a smile overtook his face. "Hi…do I know you?" He approached Kate with a look of curious confusion.

"No, um, we've never met…well actually we have once at a book signing. I'm Kate, I'm a big fan of your writing." Kate couldn't believe she was being so brave in talking to the famous author, but it wasn't often that things like this happened to her.

"Well hello Kate, I'm Richard. It's nice to meet you." He stuck out his hand for her to shake and she couldn't help but blush and smile at his kindness, not to mention at how attractive he was.

"It's nice to officially meet you. I'm really looking forward to your next book. Tropical Storm, right?"

"I see you've been checking out the fan page." Again Kate blushed. "Nothing to be embarrassed about, it's nice to meet a fan. By any chance, is your coffee to go?"

"Oh um, I'm pretty busy at work and probably should be getting back to the office…" she saw his face turn slightly sour as she said the words, and immediately regretted it. "But…hey I could use a little break."

"Great." Castle's face brightened and he gestured over to a comfortable set of chairs by the window. "Shall we?"

The dark, lonely, long days Kate had been experiencing suddenly took a bright turn.