A December to ...

Summary: Castle goes on his book tour leaving no time for detective work.

Rating: T= PG 13

Spoilers: Anything aired through Season 2 (USA) is fair game.

Disclaimer: ABC holds the power and the rights to the Castle. No harm is intended.


CHAPTER 1: Dinner

"Can I take you out to dinner?" asked Castle. It was Thanksgiving night and he was calling Detective Beckett at work. Castle had ordered in a complete Thanksgiving feast for those working at the 12th on turkey day and yet he was unable to make it down to the station.

"You just bought us all dinner," she responded.

"I am glad you liked the meal, but I was talking about taking you out this weekend. I was thinking about someplace nice, maybe Saturday night? I have some book business to tell you about."

"Okay," Beckett said, "I am available Saturday night."

"Great, I will pick you up at 5:30."

Friday and Saturday flew by for Beckett. The holiday season always caused people to do stupid things and a crime spree during this time of year was never good. She almost thought she would not get Saturday off, but Ryan and Esposito stayed late with her on Friday to clear their cases. She had time Saturday to sleep in and still have brunch with Lanie. She needed Lanie's advice on what to wear for the "date".

"He said that he wanted to take me to someplace nice," replied Beckett.

"So that means waterfront or maybe high rise. 5:30 says you will miss the sunset, but dancing may be in the cards." Lanie was rambling as she pulled several dresses out of Kate's closet. They agreed on a ¾ length green dress that Kate loved, but seldom wore. It had a high neckline, but the back was very low cut. If Beckett wore a wrap, Castle would not notice the back right away. Lanie headed home, leaving Beckett alone with her thoughts for the next few hours.

The doorbell rang 5:15 p.m.

"You're a bit early," said Beckett.

"You're stunning," replied Castle.

He knew that most women took a few extra minutes to get ready and he had made reservations for 6. He did not like to be late and he knew it would take them thirty minutes to get downtown in traffic. But Beckett was not most women, as he was learning. She had already put on her wrap and was just turning on a few lights. They were out the door and down to the street with plenty of time to spare. Castle had called his town car service and Jim was waiting right outside the building. He held the door for the couple and then got in the car and they headed downtown. Beckett tried not to be impressed. They made small talk as the car headed for the business district. Beckett talked about the cases they had closed during the week and Castle talked about the crazy Thanksgiving dinner at his house when both ex's showed up with dates.

They arrived at The Mark and took an elevator to the 42nd floor. The restaurant was know for its seafood and view of the river. It had a spectacular wine list and live music every weekend. It was not somewhere Beckett had ever eaten. They were a bit early, so they were shown to the bar. It was too early for the band, but a lone piano player was playing some light jazz. There was a large dance floor surrounding the stage and piano.

"Should we order a bottle of wine or would you like a cocktail?"

Beckett wanted to keep her wits about her. "Why don't you pick a wine, Castle?"

Castle ordered an expensive bottle of Chardonnay and said, "Please call me Rick."

A few minutes later, they were escorted to a beautiful table with a view of both the river and the downtown skyline. The waiter brought their wine and bread bowl moments later. They both ordered seafood, with Beckett trusting their waiter with the house special salmon and Castle ordering halibut.

"I have missed having you at the station, but to what do I owe this dinner?" asked Beckett.

"I was looking over my calendar with Alexis this week and I realized that I was not going to get to work with you and the guys very much, if at all, in December. Anytime I release a book in the fall, I have to make a certain number of appearances in order to improve Christmas book sales. I was going to speak to your Captain Monday, but I wanted to tell you first."

"I really appreciate that, but you didn't need to go to all this trouble," replied Beckett.

Castle's response was cut short as their dinners arrived. Once their waiter refilled their glasses and checked on their meals, they were left to themselves.

"Kate, this was no trouble," he said. "I wish that you could have spent Thanksgiving with us, but considering all the drop in company we had, you may be glad you didn't."

"I had to work, Castle, you know that."

"You always need to work. What happened to our Tuesdays in November?" countered Castle.

That comment put Beckett on the defensive. Castle sensed that he was pushing this night in a negative direction and quickly lightened the mood. He told Beckett about Martha's latest role and Alexis' worries over her impending finals.

Beckett also realized the conversation sounded more like work and less like a date and changed her tactics. "So tell me about your book appearances?"

Castle loved to talk about himself, so he launched into his schedule. Monday afternoon he was flying to the West Coast for interviews on several talk shows as well as book signings in Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. He would be back Sunday before doing the local New York and Washington DC circuit of talk shows and signings. Finally, he had one trip to Chicago and Dallas before Christmas.

"Wow, that is a long time to be away from Alexis," said Beckett.

"I know. She is familiar with the routine, but neither of us likes it. I like to take her with me when I can, but her finals are more important. Meredith is coming out to New York to stay with her while I am gone. Neither Martha nor Meredith is the most reliable. Together, I am hoping they can help Alexis while I am traveling."

Beckett chewed her lip, but did not offer to help. If Alexis needed anything, she would certainly be available. Maybe that was what this dinner was all about. They finished their dinners as the band was starting up their first set.

"Would you care to dance?" he asked.

"I would like that," she replied.

As Castle followed Beckett to the dance floor, he caught first sight of how the back of her dress plunged below her waist. He was mildly shocked and was very aware of where he put his hands as he took her in his arms. They kept a social distance during the first song, but Castle pulled Beckett closer as a slower song started. He kept his mouth shut and simply enjoyed the closeness and secure feeling. He knew she had his back, whether at a crime scene or even with his daughter. When the second song ended, he escorted her back to their table.

"That is some dress!"

"Thanks," she replied. "I may need you to be more specific about dress codes in the future".

"I don't think you need any specifics." he replied.

They ordered dessert and coffee. Castle had to ask Beckett a favor. This wasn't the reason for the dinner date, but he really wanted to know the answer instead of leaving it to his publisher.

"Kate, I need to ask you a favor, but I want you to know that your answer and even the question has nothing to do with our dinner tonight."

Beckett figured there was a hidden agenda, but she was having a good time and she had to at least stay open minded. "Okay."

"My publisher thought it would be a great idea if the real Nikki Heat could make an appearance at one of my New York book signings."

Beckett was a bit surprised by the request. Castle explained that Paula would set up all the details and clear it with her Captain as long as she was alright with the appearance. Beckett realized that she wasn't going to see much of Castle in December and quickly calculated that it would be nice to see him between his trips, even if it meant that he would be surrounded by dozens of fans. The band started playing one of her favorite songs.

"I love this song....would you mind?" she asked.

Castle was quick to take the hint. He pulled her close as they danced to the song. Beckett whispered to Castle that she would make the appearance as long as her department approved the event. The song ended and the couple returned to their desserts. The meal finished, Castle paid the waiter and called his driver. The couple was back at Beckett's apartment in a short time.

"Cognac?" asked Beckett.

"Sure," answered Castle.

He wandered around Beckett's living room while she made coffee and poured the cognac. He had been there before, but this time was less guarded. He took note of the shelves of books, several dedicated to his novels. He was about to pull one off the shelf when Beckett entered the room.

"Yes, I have the collection," she said with a smile. She placed the coffees and cognacs on the sofa table and took a seat next to Castle. She curled her long legs under her and then handed him a drink. "If I had given you another few minutes, you would have found the inscription," she said. "You signed my copy of the first Derrick Storm novel at a bookstore event some time ago."

"I knew I had met you before," he teased. "Can I see it?"

Beckett stood and retrieved the worn copy which was inscribed with a simple "To Kate...thanks for reading! R....Castle". She handed it to Castle before curling back up on the sofa. He inspected it carefully noting how well read it appeared.

"Can you tell me about this?" he asked, as he pointed to the inscription.

"Some other time, maybe," she replied.

Beckett asked Castle which late night tv shows he thought he was going to be on so she could tune in. She reached out for his hand while they talked and squeezed it gently. When they were done with the drinks, he apologized for the fact that he was going to be gone so much. Beckett thanked him again for the dinner and saw him to the door.

"Until tomorrow," he said.

He kissed Beckett on the cheek and then he was gone.

Beckett was on the phone to Lanie before Castle had even arrived at home. She described The Mark as well as Castle's schedule. She asked Lanie if she thought the appearance at the book signing was the real reason for the date, but both women agreed that he sounded sincere. As she fell asleep, she wondered if the department would allow the book appearance.