Beckett hung up the phone and smiled. Thoughts of the evening with Castle were going through her head. Their friendship and had grown into something really amazing, and she was looking forward to seeing him today. Working with him was sometimes frustrating, but she was seeing a different side of him when they weren't solving a case together. A side she really liked. The dinner was friendly and fun, with a touch of flirtation and stolen glances. At the end of the night, he had kissed her cheek, and said goodnight. He left her wanting more from him, but she didn't let on. She liked the "cat and mouse" dance they had going on. The dance couldn't last forever, and after sleeping on it, she wanted him to know how she felt.

She looked into the mirror and checked her reflection. She never wore much makeup to work because it seemed pointless, but she was going to Castle's loft first. She had taken some extra time and curled her hair. The green blouse brought out her eyes, and the dark brown jacket complimented her hair. She picked up her keys from the table, and headed out the door.

Castle and Martha stood at the doorway saying nothing. There were no words for what they were feeling. Alexis stepped between them, gave them each kisses on the cheek, and headed into the hallway on her way to school. She would have to wait until later to find out who this mystery woman was.

"Come in, please." Castle said as he stepped aside.

"Thank you." Stephanie answered as she entered the loft, relieved that he didn't slam the door in her face.

Just then, Martha whispered to Castle, "Good luck, kiddo" and glided past him and out the door. He closed it behind her and took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry about that…. I'm just so….so…. surprised to see you." Castle said with a confused look on his face. He paused for a moment and motioned toward the kitchen. "Would you like some coffee?"

"Yes, please, with cream and sugar." She answered as she followed him into the kitchen. She sat down on one of the stools at the breakfast bar and put down her purse. Castle poured the coffee and she took the opportunity to look around his loft and at him. He had certainly aged well. He was wearing a blue shirt, with the top 3 buttons undone…just enough to show a tuft of chest hair, and jeans. His sleeves were rolled up and he wore a watch. His hair was brown with a touch of gray, and his eyes were still that amazing blue. The blue she remembered getting lost in all those years ago.

She cleared her throat, reached for the coffee and said, "Wow – you've done really well for yourself, Rick. I like what I see." And I'm not just talking about the apartment either dear Ricky.

"Thanks." Castle replied; "Where are you living these days?" He asked as he set the mug in front of her.

She chuckled as she picked up the RICHARD CASTLE mug. "I've been working all around the world for quite some time, but finally settled in the mountains of Tennessee a few years ago."

"Wow, that's great. I remember how much you loved the outdoors and not so much hustle and bustle. What brings you to the city?" Castle asked, hoping the answer would be work, and not him.

"I actually have a meeting at an art gallery later today. I'm hoping to showcase some of my work here in New York." Stephanie replied.

Castle was relieved, but tried not to show it. Having her here in the loft was awkward enough. Thank goodness she was here for work, and not just to see him.

"I thought since I was in town for a few days, we could get together and catch up. How long has it been?"

Castle took a drink of his coffee and did the math in his head. She was before Kyra, so it was before college, that summer… when mother was…

Just then the doorbell rang and startled Castle. "Beckett," he said to himself. "How am I going to explain this one?