Hello!
Okay, so I am back with the sequel to Shop Til You Drop :) I know it's been a while, so if you want to go back and refresh your memories, then I highly suggest you re-read the original. It's not imperative that you do so, but it may be helpful and it'll give you some background! All right, now I've had so much fun writing this! And I can only hope you guys have fun reading it! Reviews are love!
Also, notice the rating. This fic is rated T, folks. I may end up posting some M rated versions of a few chapters in the future, so keep an eye out. It's not for certain though.
This story is dedicated to QueenStanatic! This story would not exist had it not been for you! Thank you! :) I am truly blessed!
(This story takes place October of 2011, after the events of Shop Til You Drop.)
Disclaimer: Castle is not mine :/
[Chapter 1]
Day 1
"Castle, come on! We should've left half an hour ago!" Kate called from the kitchen, glancing at the clock on the oven, her nerves increasing and her patience waning.
The excitement bubbling through her was as high as ever though. Rick was taking her to his home in the Hamptons for an entire week, the two of them looking forward to the getaway. The past few weeks had kept the two of them fairly busy, cases popping up so often they barely had time to themselves.
But the next seven days were going to give them a chance to relax and just enjoy one another, and Kate, hoping that this vacation would be the perfect opportunity for her and Rick to take their relationship to the next step, felt her stomach clench in arousal just thinking about it. The couple has waited patiently for this next phase, both of them wanting it to be special and romantic.
And what place could fit the bill better than a week at the Hamptons?
Sitting down on one of the barstools, her mind wandered to the next week ahead; thoughts of love and romance the main subjects of interest. A smile made its way to her face when she wondered what it was going to be like with him. Then again, she'd thought long and hard about that over the years, imagining what it would be like, and wanting nothing more than to show him that, yes, he really has no idea.
Just thinking about it all made her heart beat faster, her breath grow shallower, and her need become stronger.
Fantasies of making love on the beach while under the stars practically caused her heart to beat out of her chest, the idea warming her entire body up in a blanket of love and desire.
Kate was sure that this week was going to be one that she and Rick wouldn't ever forget. But they wouldn't have a week in the Hamptons if someone didn't hurry up and get moving, now would they?
With a huff, she stood up and marched into the bedroom, a frown marring her delicate features. "What's the hold up?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest as she raised a sculpted eyebrow in question.
Turning at the sound of her voice, Rick shot a quick smile her way before focusing back on the suitcase lying on the end of the bed in front of him. "Just making sure I have everything, don't want to leave something behind," he answered simply. "I'm almost done."
"That's what you said half an hour ago." She wasn't terribly upset with him; she just wished he'd hurry his ass up so they could start their week in paradise.
Crossing over to him, Kate wrapped her long arms around his middle, pressing her cheek against his back right in between his shoulder blades. Without the height of her heels, she stood much shorter than him in her black Converse sneakers, but she liked it. She liked feeling protected and safe by his muscular frame.
Rick felt her lips trail kisses all along his back, her warm lips cutting through the fabric of his shirt and sending tingles up his spine at the sensation. Holding back a shiver, he reached in front of him to grab her hands in his own and flipped himself around to face her, his hands releasing hers so he could place them on her hips. Kate's arms found their back around his midsection, her hands diving into his jean pockets.
"We really need to get going," she told him softly, pulling him flush against her. "Don't want to hit traffic."
Sighing, he nodded his head. "I know. I'm almost finished, just got to pack a few more things and we'll be on our way." Leaning down he kissed her on the lips, meaning for it to be brief and quick, but that suddenly changed as soon as their mouths met.
A moan escaped Kate's lips, the sound vibrating against Rick's entire being and shooting straight to his groin. Tugging her closer, his hands traveled up the expanse of her back and moved to cup her face, his thumb stroking her cheek as his lips danced with hers. The kiss grew more passionate as hands explored and bodies collided.
Using her tongue, she swept it across his mouth, begging for entrance but he wouldn't grant it to her. So, she tried it again and he denied her. Stubborn man.
Unable to take it anymore Kate pulled back and gave him a glare before turning away, walking out with a huff. Rick smirked as his eyes trailed after her, watching her with great satisfaction. He knew she hated it when he teased her, but he just couldn't help himself.
He finally finished packing, lugging his suitcase to the front door before grabbing his keys and wallet out of the small bowl on the table near the door. He saw Kate sitting on the couch as she fiddled with her phone.
"You ready?"
His voice grabbed her attention. She nodded and stood up, pocketing her phone and joining him at the door. "Took you long enough. I thought we'd never leave." Kate was messing with him, giving him a hard time.
Feigning a hurt look, Rick turned on the dramatics as he opened the door for her, allowing her to slide past him before he closed the door and locked it. "We're leaving now, aren't we?"
She waited by the elevator, her suitcase at her side. "Yes, but we could have been on the road by now had you not taken your sweet time. Seriously, Rick, how much did you pack?"
The doors opened and the couple stepped inside, their suitcases trailing behind them.
"Enough for a week. You can never be too cautious."
"And by cautious you mean paranoid?"
Giving her a look, he let out a fake laugh. "Yeah, very funny. Have your fun, but when you run out of sunscreen don't come crying to me."
Kate just chuckled, shaking her head as she gazed at her boyfriend. He was a goofball, but he was her goofball.
They pulled up to the lush and majestic house in Rick's fire red Ferrari, neither speaking as they let it all soak in. Turning the engine off and getting out, Rick walked around the car to open the door for Kate. Holding out his hand, he helped her out.
"So, what do you think?" He questioned, noticing the look of pure astonishment on her face as she took in her surroundings.
It was gorgeous.
"Wow," was all that she could manage to say, the words not coming to her fast enough.
She spun in a small circle, taking note that they were completely secluded. Large canopy trees surround the home, giving it a sense of privacy and security, which was something she was extremely grateful for. Nosey neighbors were not something she wanted to deal with. The house was two stories of beachfront elegance. A wraparound porch outlined the top floor with comfortable looking patio furniture scattered around, offering countless places to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Strong arms wrapping around her middle surprised her for a split second before she realized who it was. Relaxing into his embrace, she leaned her head back against his shoulder as her hands gripped his forearms.
Rick pressed a kiss to her cheek before mumbling, "Wait until you've seen the rest of the place. Every time I come here it never fails to take my breath away."
Kate turned in his arms and smiled brightly up at him. "Care to give me the grand tour?"
"I'd be honored." He stuck out his arm in offering and Kate took it immediately. "We can come back for the suitcases later, but first you have got to see the view. It's spectacular!"
As Rick gave Kate the tour, she couldn't help but feel a sense of uneasiness washing over her like the crashing waves just outside. It was unsettling. Yet he didn't seem to notice, he merely went on about the house as he showed her around.
She had to admit that it was incredible, but in the back of her mind other things occupied her thoughts. She tried to push them away, but the further they delved into the home the harder it became.
Looking around, Kate noticed that the home was very open, with a kitchen opening into a huge great room; a lengthy bar area separated the two spaces. Both of the rooms overlooked the pool and hot tub, with the beach just beyond, through several floor to ceiling windows. Several of the windows were open, gently ruffling some of the thin curtains as the afternoon air traveled in and cooled the room off.
To the left of the kitchen, across the hall, was a screened-in porch with comfortable-looking furniture, as well as a large dining table and chairs. Also to the left was one of the two stairways to the second floor of the house, the other was on the outside.
"Kate? You okay?"
Turning to the source of the noise, she hesitantly nodded as she met Rick's gaze.
Almost instantly he knew she wasn't being honest, but he forego that for now as he held out his hand. She took it and soon they were outside on the porch, looking out to the beach and ocean. Waves pounded against the sand, washing up shells and seaweed onto the shore.
Rick felt Kate's body tense, something wasn't right.
Squeezing her hand, he gained her attention. "What's wrong?" His voice was soft and gentle, he wouldn't push if she didn't want to talk but he was desperate to know why her mood suddenly changed.
Eyes cast downward, Kate shifted on her feet, her hand firmly clasped in Rick's. It took her a few minutes before she was able to speak, her nerves running on overload. "I just can't help but think about all the other women you've brought here."
As soon as she said those words Rick's heart stopped. The women he had previously brought here meant nothing, absolutely nothing, to him. He understood why she was acting this way, it was common knowledge; he had a reputation. And not one that he was fairly proud of.
Quickly gaining the confidence he needed, Rick sighed. "I'm not going to lie and say that I haven't brought other women here, Kate. I have." He felt her tense even more so. "But you need to know that they don't mean a thing to me. You are the only woman I want here. You, Kate. Only you."
She tore her focus off the ground to stare up into his eyes. And in that moment she knew he was being honest. She gave his hand a squeeze before leaning in to kiss him soundly on the mouth. Rick barely had time to open his lips to her tongue, eagerly coaxing it with his own as her fingers traveled up and lost themselves in his hair. But all too soon oxygen became a necessity and they were forced to pull apart.
Rick leaned his forehead against hers. "What do you say we go unpack and get settled in, hmm?"
She grinned, "That sounds like a fantastic idea."
There you go!
I hope you guys liked the first chapter! :) Your thoughts are greatly appreciated! The next chapter will be posted some time next week! Until then!
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