Eventually Kate and Rick managed to actually shower. Rick held open a huge white fluffy towel for Kate to step into, already having fastened his own securely around his waist. He leisurely took in Beckett's glowing appearance as she stepped into the welcoming towel – and Castle's embrace.
He held her tight in his arms – breathing in the scent of her damp hair, holding her close. She smelled of cherries – how was that possible? It was like the scent was forever ingrained in her skin and hair.
The sight of her, wet and adoring sent images of the previous night rushing back to him. He hugged her impossibly closer, picking her up slightly from the ground…she really was quite a bit shorter than him without her killer heels on – but he liked it that way. It made her seem more vulnerable somehow, which brought out Castle protective side.
He pulled back slightly then – realising that they really did need to dry off before they both caught pneumonia. He set Kate back down onto the ground and held the towel tightly around her body so that she wouldn't catch a chill. He caught a look in her eyes – was that sadness?
'What's wrong?' He asked, his voice laced with concern.
'Nothing, I'm fine.' She lied. Didn't she know that he knew when she was lying by now!
'C'mon Kate. You know, that I know, that that isn't true.' He said gently with a handsome smile.
'Huh?'
'Don't try and act confused Ms Beckett – You're a smarter woman than that.' But she was already smiling, then knowing that he really wanted an answer she pouted in the adorable way that only she could.
'I…uh…I just like…being in your arms…' She trailed off, slightly embarrassed and unsure of herself. Castle stared at her in awe – God she was amazing! How could she be so unsure of herself, she was drop dead gorgeous, not to mention super intelligent and a tough badass when she had to be! He took in the pink blush on her cheeks (that had nothing to do with the hot shower) and her awkward avoidance of his face and he couldn't stand it a second longer.
He grabbed the back of her neck, pulling her to him hastily, kissing her hungrily and without abandon, his strong arms enveloped her and this time he picked her up fully from the floor, turning on the spot as they kissed frantically. When they parted – both literally breathless – he kept her in his embrace, resting her weight high up on his chest.
Kate looked down at him, surprised and sated by his response – she had no reason to be unsure of him – of them – everything she needed to know was there in his eyes. She enjoyed there sudden change in heights, looking down at him, taking in his strong chest, kind eyes, his 5 o'clock shadowed jaw…God did he look even more delicious with a thin layer of stubble across his jawline! She ran the tip of her finger along the soft prickles, loving the way it felt, and then she couldn't help herself – her hands slid easily to the back of his head, fingers weaving through his soft, thick hair and he lips peppered kissed all along the side of his face. A deep, low growl rumbled in Castle's chest – he was enjoying her ministrations.
Castle easily supported her weight and he carried them into his bedroom. Gently he set on feet down onto the plush carpet and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
'Time to dry off – before we both end up in bed with the flu.' Beckett smiled – she wouldn't mind so much – being stuck in bed, not is Castle was there with her. He returned the smile – seemingly knowing what she was thinking and returning the sentiment. Slowly and carefully he began towelling off her damp body – occasionally deciding that a certain spot was in need of a kiss or a caress. After he was done he fastened the towel around her and was about to return to the bathroom when he hands on his waist stopped him in his tracks.
Without speaking, she ran her hands along his waist and across his taught, tanned abdomen. Her fingers played slightly at the spot just beneath his belly button – causing him to shiver with delight. He fingers deftly unwrapped the towel from its resting place on his hips and she returned the favour by drying him off too. His eyes smouldered as she dried his legs, then his broad chest – which she took particular care to dry thoroughly – finally she moved to his back taking her time to admire his strong shoulders and slim line waist. God she could look at him all day and still want more.
Finally, she moved back to stand before him. Her fingers once again brushing his waist as she slowly secured his towel back into place.
He looked down at her, seeing the admiration and desire in her gorgeous sea green eyes and – just as he was about to make his move, which would have rendered their shower pointless – her stomach rumbled loudly, causing Kate to cringe and Castle to chuckle.
He snuck a quick kiss onto her lips.
'Feed me, Castle.' She said playfully.
He took her hand, ready to lead her into the kitchen, then he paused looked back down at her and said, 'You really are quite short aren't you?'
She laughed then, carefree and easily, swatting his chest and pretending to be offended. He loved how naturally it came to her – to both of them really – how instantaneous their connection was once they breached that final barrier. He'd expected her to be nervous or embarrassed at first but she was completely natural with him. Hell, he was surprised that he wasn't screaming from the roof top himself! …Maybe he should put that on his 'To Do' List….