Title: Secrets

Disclaimer: I do not own Castle or Beckett, but I sure as hell wish.


Castle stirred still pressed against Beckett's chest. His cheek was against her bare skin and he could feel the warmth extruding onto his stubbled jaw. Deep within her chest laid her heart no longer closed off and heavily guarded. It beat rhythmically and sounded like an angel's song. She was alive and warm and allowing the writer to use her as a pillow. No longer did she have a shield and dagger held up when they were together. The detective, his partner, love, and new girlfriend, was allowing him inside.

He pressed his lips to her warm flesh and savored the taste. She smelled as alluring as ever and was busy playing with his hair. If every morning were like this then Castle wouldn't complain. All he wanted for so longer was to lay with her, to sleep beside her, or in this case on top of her, and to hold his muse. That's all, nothing more, nothing less but to hold and love her.

"Morning," she whispered in a husky voice.

Castle had to restrain himself from turning over and taking her then. No, he was a gentleman and it wasn't difficult to hold back. Well, she was a complete tease.

He titled his head slightly to see her face. Sun glinted through the window bypassing the curtains. The warm yellow created a halo around her face and illuminated her soft hazel eyes. Those damn eyes, he could get lost in them easily.

"How long have you been watching me?" he asked rolling more so his body covered hers. Castle was heavy but she didn't protest. Rather, she took in his warmth and admired the feel of his solid frame pressed against her slender toned body.

She shrugged, "Since I finished Looking For Alaska."

He grinned and nuzzled her chest with the tip of his nose. A woman that read was one of the biggest turn-ons for him. It wasn't just sexy as hell but it also heightened her intelligence.

"That's hot," he stated with a glimmer of lust in his eye.

Beckett grinned showing her front teeth. "I enjoy reading more than television." Her nails scraped through his matted hair and her fingers curled around his ear.

He could get used to touchy Beckett. It seemed that she always returned the favor and showed just as much affection as Castle did. But this led the writer to question her past boyfriends. Did she do the same thing with them? No, with those old flames he could see his detective having no problem with jumping into sex. But this, this was new and fresh like a rip cherry. Pluck it too soon and it's sour and bitter. Taking one's time and showing patience, however, led to the ripest and most seductive cherry of all.

"What about Temptation Lane?" he asked scaling her body and touching his lips to hers.

She grinned into the kiss. "That's what Hulu is for."

"Hmm," he growled pressing into her again. Beckett was so warm he just couldn't resist embracing her. His hands wracked up her body titillating her arms and back down to her waist. He couldn't help but fool with the band of her yoga pants and press the pad of his thumb to her skin. It was soft and warm just like the rest of her.

A moan escaped Beckett's throat as her tongue flicked against Castle's. Her lower teeth grazed his bottom lip as she softly chewed into the kiss. He growled at her low in his throat as she attacked his mouth. The detective scratched the base of his skull and she massaged his tense shoulders ridding him of all tension.

Morning make out session with Beckett was beyond fantastic to wake up to.

She broke the kiss and watched his eyes examining her face. He looked at her reverently and as if she were a treasure.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked rubbing little circles on her hipbone.

Beckett shrugged, "Just stuff like if we'll tell the guys."

"I figure we will but we're still trying to work things out. It's not like everything is sorted out and we know how this will go."

She pursed her lips and watched the sun hit his eyes. They sparked in the sun and were filled with love. It was like watching the sunrise above the ocean.

"Kate," he pronounced. "Did I do the right thing in not telling Alexis?"

The detective sighed and pushed away hair that stuck to his forehead. "I don't think telling your daughter we're seeing each other over the phone would have ended well, but I can't tell you how to parent, Castle. I think we need to have a talk with her and explain everything. She's going to have questions and we'll just answer them accordingly."

Castle couldn't help but feel proud at her response. She was always good with Alexis but since the sniper incident his partner and daughter seemed to have grown apart. He knew his daughter's apprehension about Beckett and what frightened her most about semi-stalking the detective. Alexis only wanted him to be safe but as she said last night his happiness means the most to her.

"She'll be home before we head to the precinct and I probably shouldn't show up in the same clothes." He waggled his eyebrows. "I mean since we're trying to be all secretive."

Beckett pushed his face and rolled her eyes. "Okay, get off I need to shower."

"You know," he said with a sigh as he rolled onto his side. "It saves water and time to shower together."

"Castle," Just the tone alone made him stop as she walked into the bathroom.

He grinned and followed anyway. She was busy brushing her teeth, but he kissed the back of her neck. The detective spit and held his arms that were around her waist."

"Come on, I need to shower."

"Yeah, but it can wait." He said between kisses as he trailed up her neck.

"Castle, I have to work."

"You also have a concussion if I'm not mistaken."

True, a concussion should trump all and technically it would be fine to come in a little late. Plus, she only had paperwork since the case was over and they weren't on call till the weekend.

"Fine, but if you want to stop by your loft and have a talk with Alexis then I need to shower."

He growled and gave up on her neck. "Fine, but I'm making the eggs in your fridge and coffee."

She kissed him. "Thank you."

The detective looked at herself in the mirror. She looked healthy and… happy. Happy was good.

(~)

The partners ate and showered separately. Their travel mugs were at Beckett's place and prepared there as well. Castle handled that like usual after he got out of the shower. The pair then headed off to his loft to have the talk with Alexis and for him to change clothes.

Alexis sat at the counter having a bowl of cereal. It always surprised Castle how early he got up nowadays since working with Beckett. When it came to the weekend though he was out till nine or ten in the morning.

The teen turned and saw the pair enter. She gave them a small smile as she chewed. Castle kissed his daughter's head as he and Beckett came around the other side.

"Morning pumpkin." He greeted the teen.

She finished the spoonful, "Morning dad, morning Beckett."

Nothing seemed different or even awkward between them. "Morning Alexis." The detective responded.

The partners glanced at each other trying to nudge the other to go first and address the situation. Beckett made a face and Castle responded with one of his own. The writer sighed giving Beckett the win.

He looked at his daughter and leaned forward on the light granite countertop. He licked his lips and decided to go for it. Telling his daughter wouldn't hurt, it would be fine.

"Alexis," he started. "Kate and I want to talk to you about something."

The redhead finished the sip of orange juice. "Let me say two things. One, I'm not surprised and two I'm glad you're both telling me."

Castle smiled and was glad his daughter was so mature about this. He's dated other women before but not a woman like Kate Beckett. She was dangerous but would also protect him and make sure he came home every night.

"I have one question." Alexis said folding her hands on the counter.

"We expected as much." Beckett mentioned placing her right hand on the countertop. She and Castle were standing close but trying to keep some space.

Alexis shifted in her seat. "Will you still follow her?"

Castle swallowed and nodded. "Yes, Beckett and I will still be partners. But," he pronounced standing up straight. "You cannot tell Lanie."

Beckett nodded, "Lanie can't know. Castle and I are still trying to figure things out and wanted to let you know since you're in the middle of this. I'm not looking to be your new mom or anything, Alexis. All I want is for us to share some mutual respect and for you to know that I will always protect you, your dad, and grandmother."

Castle watched his partner as she spoke. Everything was serious and her tone was incredibly sincere. She didn't need to say that or give Alexis an explanation, but she did.

Alexis nodded and gave her father and his partner a smile. "Alright, I really respect that you said that. I know you won't let anything happen to him. And, I won't say a word to Dr. Parish." She jumped down from the stool and came around to hug her father.

"What would Gates do if she found out?"

Castle looked at the detective and caught her eye. They didn't think of that. If Gates found out then Castle wouldn't follow her anymore. Weldon wouldn't be able to help and Castle would be out on the street. The writer would be more of a liability now than ever.

"Uh," the writer murmured.

"Honestly we haven't thought that far, Alexis." Beckett answered. "Let's just hope for the time being she doesn't find out."

The redhead nodded. That would have to serve as a good enough answer for the time being. If Gates did find out all hell would break loose and they would have their asses chewed out.

She released her father and grabbed her bag. "I'll see you later dad. And I'm sure I'll see you tonight as well, Beckett."

The detective blushed a bit and was embarrassed. It wasn't easy to embarrass the detective but his daughter managed to do so.

Beckett shrugged, "It's a maybe."

Castle wrapped an arm around her. "She'll probably be here tonight."

Alexis gave them another smile and said bye to them and left the two. Martha wasn't home, that much was evident. But Castle still felt the need to tell her soon since Alexis knew.

Castle smiled and brought Beckett to his face. "She approves," he said pressing his lips to hers.

She hummed in response and pulled away. "And I'm happy, but you need to change so we can get to the precinct. We don't need Ryan and Espo assuming."

He nodded, "They're going to give us crap regardless."

"Yeah," she responded walking toward the back. "But we'll survive."

Castle smirked and led her to the back of the loft. She went through his office, which she'd never seen before. The desk was a warm brown with metal legs protruding into the plush cream carpet. The desk matched the rest of the room and accented the two dark chocolate leather chairs opposite his desk. The large staircase photograph behind his desk received special attention due to the depth. But the writer focused on the large flat screen in the corner. The remote was sitting on the edge of his desk but the screen was off. Besides, Beckett wouldn't touch it. She would pay more attention to the book and pictures lining the shelves and walls. She would only go near the television to examine the two insect pictures on the wall near it and then proceed to his shelves. The screen was the least of his worries for the time being.

"You want to help me get dressed?" he teased walking into his bedroom.

Beckett inspected the doorway through his office and thought it was clever and like Castle to find a loft like this. His room seemed large and dark though the walls were the soft gray of his office. The dark leather headboard and frame seemed exceedingly comfortable and she could barely contain a smile because she knew soon she would spend the night. The navy blue comforter with white and orange stripes was his style along with the dark hardwood flooring. The man had good taste and an exceptionally inviting home.

She smirked. "I'm sure you can handle it."

He pouted and carried on. "Had enough of my body for one day?"

Beckett's eyebrow rose and she sashayed toward him with all too much sway in her hips. "Trust me Castle," her tone was alluring and throaty. The perfect bedroom voice like Trapper John had once said. "I have yet to have enough of your body."

He smirked at the devious temperas that was his muse, love, girlfriend, and most importantly partner.

She walked back into the office, his eyes trailing the entire time. He leered at her ass but was soon caught off guard and looked at his dark secret. It taunted him and made his stomach contort into a gnarl that made his jaw clench tightly. It was only a matter of time.


Author's Notes: So this is kind of odd for me because I typically never post a new chapter everyday but I'm trying to keep doing this for you guys. Hopefully I'll get a chapter up tomorrow but who knows, my friends probably have other ideas for me.

I hope you're enjoying this story and I'm trying to write Castle and Beckett well enough so they're completely out of character. All I have to say is that this story will start getting interesting soon even though it might seem kind of slow and boorish. Just wait since the boys and Lanie don't know about their relationship. This story is built up of secrets and white lies.

Please review!

KP, aka Ashley