A/N: I do not own any of this.

Everything

How can I stand here with you

And not be moved by you.

Kate woke the next morning and found her self draped comfortably across the chest of Richard Castle. A pleasant tingle ran through her body as she thought of all the delicious things he had done to her the previous night and again early this morning. One thing was for sure, that man had the skills to back up his gigantic ego. Kate couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face. It was perfect. He outdid every single one of her fantasies. And now she could admit (at least to herself) that yes, she had thought about him and she dreamt about him...a lot in the past three years.

She placed a soft kiss over his heart and then propped her chin on her folded hands and studied his face. He looked relaxed and at peace. But the mark around his neck looked about the same as it did last night.

"Good morning, Detective." Her eyes flicked up and found Rick smiling down at her.

"Good morning." She murmured as she stretched up to kiss him. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel really good," He responded, wiggling his eyebrows suggestiviely. Kate propped herself up on an elbow next to him while rolling her eyes then lightly touched his neck.

"I was talking about this." He grabbed her hand and pulled it to his lips, placing a kiss in the center of her palm.

"I'm fine, I promise. Thanks to you." He winked and then pulled her to him by her waist. She reached up and lightly brushed the hair from his forehead.

"When I saw that rope around your neck-" Her voice cracked as tears simultaneously pooled in her eyes. "I-" She couldn't even voice what would she would feel if something happened to Castle. Instead she buried her face gently against his neck and tightened her hold on his shoulders.

"I'm all right Kate. He's gone now. And I'm almost 100 percent certain that he's the only serial killer I've ever pissed off so..." At this a strangled laugh escaped from Kate just as he had he hoped it would. "Nice shot by the way." He said as he dropped a kiss in her hair.

"Nobody messes with my writer." She mumbled into his skin, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Your writer, huh?" He teased.

"Damn straight." He laughed and rolled them until he was hovering over her settling himself comfortably between her thighs.

"Please tell me that evil woman gave you the day off." He asked before latching on to her neck. She arched against him suddenly breathless.

"Ms. IA?" She scoffed. "Seriously? I'll be in meetings and interviews all damn day."

"Not cool, Detective." He said, playfully nipping her shoulder. "Can I come in with you today?"

"About that..." He's mouth stopped its assault on her neck. He pulled his face back so he could look in her eyes. There was no hiding the panic in his. "Relax Rick. I'm not going to ask you to stop following me. We both know that it wouldn't make a difference anyway." The tension in his shoulders quickly dissipated. "Do you...do you think maybe we could keep this between us for a little while?" She asked shyly.

"Of course." Her eyes had migrated to where her hands rested on his chest. Rick placed a finger under her chin and brought them back up to his. "I have to tell Alexis though."

"Absolutely," she agreed. "I meant at the precinct." He nodded in understanding and she pulled him back down to her lips. They kissed lazily for a few minutes. Just as things were starting to heat up she heard the front door shut. "Is that Alexis?" The panic in her voice was evident. He chuckled at her sudden discomfort.

"No, that'd be my mother. It's pretty early for her walk of shame though. She usually doesn't roll in until after ten."

"You're sure it's not Alexis?"

"Yes, Alexis is on her way to California right now with Paige's family. And then she's spending next week with her mom." She nodded, clearly relieved. Her hands had resumed their path along his sides. He pressed a kiss firmly to her mouth and then heat that had all but cooled was reignited.

"What time do you have to be in?" He asked before latching onto her neck. She let out a groan as she wrapped her legs around his hips pulling him firmly against her. She stole a glance at the clock and realized she didn't have time to shower and finish what they had started. At least not separately.

"In an hour and I need to take a shower." He whimpered and grudgingly rocked back onto his knees. Her ankles now hooked at his lower back and her chest heaving.

"Tease."

She smirked and slowly pulled herself up until she was straddling his thighs.

"I'm pretty sure you need a shower too Castle." She whispered against his lips. He shot up so quickly she squeaked. "Castle!" His hands firmly gripped her ass as he walked purposefully toward his bathroom. She tightened her grip on both his hips and shoulders.

"Hey you started it babe."

...

Forty five minutes later they were waiting for the elevator in his hallway.

"Are you sure you're OK with not telling anyone right away?" She didn't want him to think it had anything to do with him. Even though her coworkers think they're so stealthy she's known about the bets since day one. And she knew when they find out her and Rick were going to ribbed and prodded mercilessly. So, selfishly she wants to keeps this to herself. Just for a little while.

"Yes." He said, slipping an arm around her waist and pulling her against his side. "I don't want to share us with anyone quite yet either." She could feel the blush flood her face. Him and his words. "Plus, trying to keep this from a bunch of detectives is going to be fun." When elevator arrived he laced his fingers with hers before stepping in. "How long do you think until Ryan and Esposito figure it out?"

"Those two won't figure it out until we want them to. Lanie on the other hand..."

He threw his head back and laughed loudly. Then he tugged on her hand until she couldn't get any closer.

"I love you." His sudden mood change threw her a bit. His eyes cut right through her and a lump rose in her throat. Having finally gotten to this point she'll never understand why she fought it for so long. There were no awkward moments. Everything just felt incredibly right. She was happy. Probably for the first time since before her mom died. Unable to find adequate words for these feelings surging through her she decided to show him. She pushed him into the corner of the elevator and kissed him with everything she had. He groaned into her mouth and gripped her hips tightly. She broke the kiss just before the doors opened into the lobby. Leaving her lips lightly against his she returned the sentiment.

"I love you too." She then turned and exited the elevator leaving Castle out of breath and looking disheveled. "Oh and Castle? Don't forget my coffee, babe.'" Finally finding his voice and legs Castle stuck his arm out to stop the doors from shutting.

"Yes dear." He called out after her. She didn't stop or even turn around so he couldn't see the smile plastered to her face.

'Cause your all I want

You're all I need

You're everything