She's had to admit that she did enjoy the kiss. No she loved it. Although it went against everything she just explained to him she wouldn't take it back. It was much different than their first kiss but the same. She still had that urge to kiss him again when he broke it off but she knew she couldn't do that. It would send the wrong message. But at least now she knows it's real and that they really do have a connection. Attraction was never a problem.

He kept his promise though, he is acting as if it never happened. And a part of her is grateful for that but another part, probably the romantic part, wants him to kiss her senseless all the time now. Kiss her everyday to let her know she's working up to it, that she's a step closer from being where she wants to be, where she needs to be. She wants that, she wants him but she can't have him yet. She's not ready.

She's been working on the case non-stop and it's only her second day back. She can feel herself slipping more and more with each passing second. But she's holding on because she needs to finish this she wants to be finished this. It's not about justice anymore. It's about being free and finally being able to move on with her life. So she can finally be happy.

And he's helping her, every step of the way he's helping her. Even when she doesn't have the strength just seeing him fight for this just as bad as her makes her fight harder. She won't let this tare her down, at least not while he's here.

They're at her place right now and she's tired. She's been on edge all day and she can feel herself slowly losing control.

She's pacing around her apartment trying to think straight. The movement helps her think helps her stay alert and focused.

"This guys got multiple citations for valor, commendations from the mayor. He's literally saved dozens of people from burning buildings. It's hard to believe this guys dirty."

"Yeah well we've been surprised before," she said sharply.

"Okay. Um...does he intersect with anyone else in the case? Montgomery, Raglan, McCallister?"

"No. There's nothing in the files," she answered shaking her head still pacing. "Might have known them socially."

"But we've been over their lives with a fine tooth comb. He's never come up once."

"Okay, so maybe he was a target of opportunity. He might have needed the money," she was getting slightly agitated.

"Nothing in his financial records to indicate any problems. And given his record he's..." He didn't want to finish because he knows how she'll react to it. He doesn't want her to get worked up.

"Given his record what?" She asked stopping in her tracks. If she's not pacing then she won't be able to keep her emotions in check.

"I'm just saying what if he's not out guy? What the fire really was an accident?"

"It wasn't an accident I know it wasn't an accident."

"You can't know that."

"I can because if this was an accident then I've got nowhere to start," she yelled. "If this was an accident then I've got nothing!" She continued spirally down while tears slowly formed in her eyes. "The guy who shot me is gone. Dick Coonan gone. Hal Lockwood gone. Montgomery gone. My mom. Everybody is gone Castle!"

She didn't mean to have yelled at him like that. It's just...he didn't get it. She needed to let it out and the last person she wanted to release it to was Castle. She didn't want to show her weakness but she's good at pretending things didn't happen.

She ran her fingers through her hair looked away from him. His pitiful gaze was too heavy on her. She didn't need pity she needs a lead. And him sitting there staring at her like this was too much and not helping. She was crumbling and he was the last person who needed to see it.

"Castle just go okay? I'll see you tomorrow."

He shook his head no and stood up. She was about to ask him what he was doing but before she could form the words his arms were around her pulling her in close. She wanted it. She wanted this hug and to bury herself into him so she could let it out but she couldn't. She wouldn't break with him here.

She tried to pull away but he held her tighter and when she started to fight against him he began speaking softly to her.

"Kate I know it seems like everyone who could possibly help you is gone. But that's not true. You still have the boys and your dad and you have me Kate. I'm not going anywhere I promise you that. When you're with me you don't have to hide. I know what's going on with you and I'm telling you now that you don't have to go through it alone. I'm here with you every step of the way."

With that she could no longer hold back. Her tears ran quickly and he sobs rang loudly but he didn't care. As long as she was letting it out. When she finally calmed down she lifted her face from his chest and loosened her grip on his shirt. His shirt was soaked through.

"I'm sorry Castle."

"Don't worry about it," he said resting his forehead against hers.

She brought her fingers to his face to gently caress his cheeks. Her thumb slightly traced over his lip and their eyes met. It only took both of them a second to react. They both leaned in and kissed each other. This kiss was much like the one at the swings. Slow sweet and full of promise.

"I thought we were gonna pretend it didn't happen," Castle said.

"I don't want to," when she saw his eyes light up she continued. "But I'm not ready yet. For a relationship."

"I get it. Just know that when you're ready I'm here. And I'm going to be here every-step-of-the-way. You hear me?"

She shook her head yes. Castle was going to be here he was going to help her. She needs to get better because she wants to be with this man. He keeps putting her first so she makes him her first priority. Everyday he helps her and everyday she heals a little more. They'll be together soon.

Soon