"You know I don't like surprises," Kate announced as she wiggled impatiently on the black leather seat of the limo that had picked them up outside of their loft only moments before.
"You'll like this one," he assured her. "Now just sit back and relax."
"Where are we going?" she continued to push, very unsatisfied with that answer.
"We are going to the airport and that's all you're getting out of me," he replied as he sat back against the seat with a smug smile on his face.
Then she stopped squirming and got very still. He cut his eyes towards her warily. She was up to something, switching tactics on him. He could see it on her face. She was about to try something new to break him.
Sure enough, he watched as she scooted a little closer to him and placed her hand gently on his knee. His eyes moved to her hand and he was a little stunned when she moved it higher on his leg. Kate wasn't one for public displays of affection and while they were enclosed in the limo, the shield was down and the driver could easily see them if he glanced in his rear view mirror. He was even more stunned when she moved her entire body flush against his side and her lips brushed his ear as she spoke.
"But you really want to tell me where we're going," she purred.
It was a good tactic. Her hand was now dangerously high on his leg, sitting almost at the junction where it met his body. Her fingers were, in fact, brushing against the zipper of his, now, decidedly uncomfortable jeans and her tongue snaked out to trace the ridge of his ear.
"Kate!" he hissed in a hushed whisper when her fingers managed to brush him in just the right spot to send a shiver through his body.
"Rick," she groaned back at him, not moving either her mouth or her hand. "Tell me where we're going and what you have planned."
He pushed away from her, retreating as far as he could in the enclosed space. "Really, Kate? Don't you think this is a little beneath you. Be a big girl and trust me."
"If I trusted you I wouldn't be this nervous about where we're going and what we're doing."
His face must have shown the hurt her words caused in him because her face fell instantly.
"So you don't trust me?" he asked, still wounded.
She put her hand on his arm and gave him a warm smile. "Of course I trust you, always," she assured him. "You just have a knack for getting into trouble and I really want to enjoy my long weekend and not spend it trying to get you out of trouble," she tried to explain.
"There is no trouble. There won't be any trouble. This weekend is about rest and relaxation and we are going to the best place in the world to do that," he told her.
"And where would that be? Are we going to the Hamptons? Is that it?"
"We are not going to the Hamptons. Alexis and her sorority sisters are using the house this weekend. We are going somewhere you've never been before."
She huffed and sat back against the seat. "That leaves an awful lot of territory. I haven't been to many places."
"I know," he said, inching back towards her now that the assault was seemingly over and it appeared safe.
"Will you at least tell me what I'm supposed to do about clothes? I didn't pack a bag."
"I did. We have everything we need. You're all set." He was the one to come in closer this time and he brushed his lips against hers fleetingly. "Besides, if everything goes according to plan, you won't need much in way of clothes."
She smirked at that and rolled her eyes. "So your idea of rest and relaxation is for me to be naked all weekend?"
"It's certainly relaxing for me," he answered with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
"Now I see. This is all about you," she retorted, teasingly.
"Oh no." He shook his head. "This weekend is all about you. Every bit of it. I will tell you that where we're going there is a tub the size of a swimming pool and enough bubble bath and salts to fill it ten times over."
It was her weakness and he knew it. Kate never could resist a bubble bath. It was the one truly feminine thing about her.
She leaned towards him and gave him a quick kiss. "Alright, have it your way this time. But this better be good."
"It will be better than good. It's going to be amazing."
The plane ride, in a friend's private plane, was a long one and Kate was restless by the time they started their descent. She still had no idea where she was. It was a little unsettling. She wasn't good at putting herself in someone else's care, not even Rick's. Her control freak nature screamed at her to take charge and find out what was going on. But she was doing her best to fight it. Apparently, whatever was going on, it was important to him that she remain in the dark and she was determined to let him have his victory. She didn't let him have many of them.
A sudden violent bump caused her to look over at him and she searched his face, trying to get a read on his reaction to the jolt. He looked calm enough, but there was something in his eyes, artfully hidden in their depths that she didn't like.
"What was that?" she asked when it became apparent that he wasn't going to comment.
He shrugged in what was meant to be a casual motion. "I'm not sure. Probably just a little turbulence. We'll be on the ground soon. Just relax."
Another jolt sent her rocketing towards him and her body nearly folded in two around her seat belt at the same time. "Rick!" was her immediate response and he grabbed her hand in his and gave it a squeeze.
"How about I go up there and find out what's going on?" he suggested.
"Why don't you do that?" she answered through gritted teeth.
She didn't like flying much. Again, it was the control freak in her. She didn't like putting her life in someone else's hands. She didn't know the pilot. She had no idea whether she could trust him like that or not.
She had almost decided to go find out what was happening for herself when Rick emerged from the cockpit with a smile on his face.
"It's fine," he assured her. "Everything's fine. Just a little weather. We'll be on the ground in fifteen minutes."
"What is the name of the ground we'll be on?" she asked, as she relaxed visibly.
He returned to his seat and turned to her, taking her hand in his. "I guess it won't hurt to let you in on it now. We are going to Mi Cielo Azul."
"Never heard of it," she replied.
He smirked smugly. "Not many people have. A friend of mine owns it. It's a tiny little island off the coast of Belize. In fact, that is where we're heading now. Belize, that is. Then we'll take a boat to the island."
She sat up and gave him an astounded look. "A friend of yours owns an island off the coast of Belize and that's where we're going?"
"Yes, we are going to a friend's private island for a week of sun, relaxation and rest," he confirmed.
"And who else will be on this private island?"
"No one. Just you, me and the sun."
One of the things she still hadn't gotten used to in this relationship was the differences in their lifestyles. This wasn't her. She was a cop that practically lived paycheck to paycheck. She couldn't afford things like jetting off in a private plane to a private island for a vacation. Her idea of a vacation was a trip to the Holiday Inn or maybe a day at Coney island. This was all so foreign to her.
"What is that look for? Are you mad? I thought you'd like this and I wanted it to be special."
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath trying to remove whatever look she was apparently giving him from her face. When she opened them again, he was watching her in concern. "I just can't believe you did all this. It's amazing."
His concern faded into a wide, brilliant smile. "No, it's not amazing yet. Just wait till you see the view from the bedroom balcony. Now that is amazing."
He was right. Two hours later, she was standing on that very balcony, looking out over an expanse of the bluest ocean she'd ever seen and sipping at a Mojito complete with a mint leaf sticking out of it. It was paradise and she was absolutely stunned at the grandeur of it all.
Rick had disappeared back to the kitchen to check on dinner, leaving her alone to take it all in. It was every bit as amazing as he'd claimed it to be. Beautiful beyond words.
She watched blissfully as the blue waters lapped at the white sand of the beach that was only feet from the house where she stood. The wind created a pleasant breeze that brought the saltiness of the ocean to her nose as well. A massive palm tree right off the balcony swayed in that breeze adding to the atmosphere.
She couldn't keep the soft smile from her lips. There was nothing she could do to fight it off. She couldn't remember ever feeling so relaxed and isolated. It was like they were the only two people in the world and nothing existed beyond them.
"Now that was the look I was hoping to see," Rick announced as he came up behind her and slid his arms around her waist, pulling her into his strong, bare chest.
He'd lost his shirt the moment they arrived and changed into a pair of tan cargo shorts that rode low on his hips. She'd replaced her navy suit with a red swimsuit he'd packed for her. Neither of them were planning on putting on any type of real clothing for the next few days and even that felt somehow relaxing.
"How could I not look like this?" she replied, snuggling further into his embrace. "Look at this place."
"I told you, did I not?"
She sat her empty glass down on the railing in front of her and turned in his arms, wrapping her own arms around his shoulders in the process. Then she leaned in and kissed him. "I love you," she said when she finally pulled away.
"Not as much as I love you," he answered. "And dinner is almost ready."
"Good, I'm starving."
He laughed and took her hand as he pulled out of her embrace. Then he led her back into the house. "Now we can't have that." He paused at the doorway of the bedroom and looked over at the huge, king-sized, four posted bed in the corner. "You need to keep your strength up. I intend to make good use of that later."
She followed his gaze to the bed as well then looked back at him with a smile. "Oh me, too. You have no idea what a treat you're in for tonight."
He laughed and pulled her along behind him. "I still have a few surprises of my own. Don't worry."
"I don't know, old man. I'm just hoping you'll be able to keep up with me."
He paused before they started to descend the wide, spiral staircase that lead downstairs. "Have I ever not been able to keep up with you?" he asked, pulling her into his chest and wrapping his arms around her.
"There's always a first time," she murmured against his lips before capturing them with hers.
Suddenly his face changed and his smile turned from wicked to whimsical. One of his hands came up to brush a strand of hair from her shoulders as he continued to look into her face and hold her close against him. She swallowed hard under his scrutiny and cleared her throat. "What is it?" she asked, having no idea what had invoked the sudden change.
"You," he answered, simply, quickly. "I'm not sure I've ever seen you like this before."
She felt the blush rising in her cheeks and she looked away from him coyly. "What do you mean?"
He paused as if he couldn't figure out which words he wanted to use to explain. "It's like you don't have a care in the world. Usually there is always something burdened about you, like there's a weight constantly pressing down on your shoulders. But now you seem..-" he paused again, then finally his smile widened as he found the perfect word. "lighter."
She couldn't fight off the smile that threatened to take over her face so she went with it and met his eyes again for an instant before leaning in to press her lips to his. "I feel lighter."
He laughed lightly and let her go before starting down the stairs. "You won't for long. Just wait until you taste this food."
She followed along behind him, practically skipping down the stairs. He was right. She hadn't really noticed it herself until he pointed it out, but she felt so carefree and unburdened.
Maybe it was the ocean air, or the fact that her entire life was so far away from her it couldn't possibly touch her here, or maybe it was the company. She was betting it was a combination of all three. But there was a vibrancy in her suddenly that she hadn't felt in longer than she could remember.
It was that vibrancy that inspired her next move. She quickened her step to catch up with him and stopped him with her hands on his shoulders. He was just about to turn towards her when she gave a little jump and wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his shoulders.
To his credit, he barely staggered under the sudden, unexpected weight of her body. It took him only a moment to shift her more comfortably on his hips.
They were both laughing as he took off towards the dining room with her riding on his back.
The dinner was everything he'd boasted about and more.
"This was delicious," she announced as she pushed her empty plate away and sat back with her wine glass. "I keep forgetting how well you know your way around the kitchen. "Of course I keep forgetting that you have a world class chef on speed dial, too."
He laughed at that, but shook his head. "No, this wasn't from Bobby. This was the woman that came earlier to open the house. She prepared everything ahead of time. All I had to do was cook it."
She took a hearty gulp of her wine before sitting the glass down and further reclining in her chair. "This is amazing. I know I've already said that a few times-"
He tipped his glass in her direction before setting it down beside hers. "But it bears repeating."
She gave him a smile and a nod. She loved that. The connection between them had only grown stronger over the last year. She still couldn't believe it had taken her so long to let herself enjoy this thing between them. She couldn't believe she'd ever been scared of it. It was the one thing in the world that made her feel safe, knowing he was there, knowing he loved her, it made it all worth it.
She laughed inwardly at her own musings. She wasn't the gushy type or at least she hadn't ever been before. Since Rick Castle began sharing her life, she found herself to be rather soft in the middle.
"You know I might have had an ulterior motive for bringing you here," he announced rather dramatically.
She watched him get to his feet and she raised her eyebrows at him in question. "Is this the part where you have your wicked way with me?" she teased.
He stopped beside her chair and gave her a soft chuckle. "No, that part comes in just a little while. This is the part.." He paused to kneel down beside her chair and her heart immediately stopped beating in her chest. She suddenly knew exactly what was coming. It had been coming for a while now. Then, sure enough, just like she'd been expecting, he reached into his pocket and extracted a small black velvet box.
Everything inside her froze on the spot, like her brain hesitated for a moment so it could be sure to capture the moment in it's memory banks. She had always imagined that she would be terrified when faced with this, but now, looking the moment in the eye, she felt oddly at peace and full of something she couldn't hope to explain.
"See, Alexis has really gotten used to you being around and so has Mother." His tone thus far was light and airy. But suddenly it turned deadly serious and all signs of humor left his face. "And me, well, I don't even want to think about ever having to wake up without you beside me or go to sleep without you in my arms again. You know how much I love you, Kate. So," He popped open the ring box in his hand to display a beautifully clear, several carat diamond solitaire ring. Kate barely gave it a glance. It was stunning. There was no denying that, but it wasn't important enough to take her attention away from him. "I was thinking, if you haven't made any other plans, maybe you'd like to spend the rest of your life with me."
She was completely speechless, utterly unable to make her tongue move like she wanted it to. No air escaped her lungs. And apparently years of on the job training had made her far better at hiding her emotions than she'd ever given herself credit for. The hopeful optimism slid from his eyes to be replaced with wary uncertainty. She wanted to tell him everything was fine, but still nothing moved or obeyed her commands.
Then suddenly he was on his feet. "You can't seriously be considering saying no," he began to rant and pace at the same time. "Kate, this is getting ridiculous. I've been patient. I've been everything you've wanted me to be. And I've done all that gladly because it meant I got to have you in my life. But give me a break here. There is nothing else I can do to prove to you that we are meant to be together. We've come so far in this last year, I really thought we were past the point of doubts and uncertainty."
He finished his speech and left the room without giving her a chance to respond.
She found him only a few moments later with his back to her and his forearms resting against the rattan railing that surrounded the hardwood deck. She glanced at the clear blue water of the pool briefly as she passed it on her way to him.
The wind was blowing his hair around, pushing it into his eyes and causing him to squint as he stared out at the ocean beyond the beach.
He straightened at hearing her approach and turned to look at her.
"I wasn't going to say no. I wasn't even thinking about saying no," she announced, raising her voice to be heard over the wind and the surf. "I hadn't even considered maybe. I was just surprised."
His face registered shock for a moment, then self condemnation. "How could you be surprised? You had to know this was coming," he smiled sheepishly.
"I did. I just wasn't expecting it right then. It was my first proposal. I was a little caught off guard."
He rubbed his hand across his forehead. "And I hardly gave you a chance. Wow, that might be a little telling."
"It did kind of seem like you were expecting it," she nodded. "That speech sounded well rehearsed. Did you think I was going to say no?"
His back was resting against the railing now and she made no move to step any closer to him. So they stood there almost in arm's reach without closing the distance. That too, was very telling. Normally when they were alone they were always touching, even if it was in just the smallest way.
"I thought I was going to have to talk you into it," he admitted with a slight nod.
Her smile was soft and whimsical as she considered his words carefully.
"And that would have been okay with you? The fact that you had to convince me to marry you wouldn't have bothered you?" She wanted to know.
He crossed his arms over his chest and looked off over her shoulder for a moment before finding her eyes again. "It wouldn't have been ideal but I was prepared for it."
She took a deep breath, bracing herself for his answer to her next question. "Do you really think I still have so little faith in this, in us, that I would have thought about saying no?"
He dropped his arms to his sides. "Sometimes it's hard to tell where your head is, Katie. But I know this thing that we have is never going to go away. It's never going to change and I see no reason why we shouldn't get married and let the entire world know about it. I am so sure about us that I was completely prepared to talk you into it if I had to because I knew without a doubt that you would thank me later."
Her smile widened, but only slightly and only because she couldn't stop it. She was trying to play this cool. She stepped to the railing and looked out over the ocean mimicking the pose she'd found him in. She was suddenly very grateful she'd pulled her hair back or it would have been right in her face, just like his was.
He was watching her closely, looking for any signs of a response to his words. She redoubled her efforts to remain calm as he continued to scrutinize her.
"It's a beautiful night," she commented, glancing up at the myriad of stars over her head.
"Yes, it is," he nodded, stilling eying her suspiciously, trying to figure out where she was going with this sudden change of subject.
"You really couldn't ask for a more stunning location. I mean the waves, the ocean, all the stars, it's perfect."
It didn't take him long at all to catch on to her hints and the smile that spread across his face was the one he used when she surprised him. It was exactly what she was hoping for.
He had the ring box back in his hand when he stepped closer to her. Then he again bent to his knee and opened it. "Marry me, Kate."
She smiled as she looked down into his upturned face. "Absolutely, Rick, without even the slightest hint of hesitation."
He had her in his arms before she could blink. She hadn't thought him capable of moving so fast. "I love you," he said before kissing her breathless. "I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions."
"It's okay," she whispered against his neck. "I know I make it really hard on you sometimes."
He pulled back and looked down at her. "That's crazy talk. You don't make things hard on me. You make everything easy."
She rolled her eyes and questioned his sanity when his face and tone told her he was being sincere and not sarcastic. "I love you," was the only response she could think of.
He stepped away from her and took her hand in order to gently slip the ring onto her finger.
Then he yanked her back into his body a trifle roughly and wiggled his eyebrows as he leered down at her. "Now's the part where I have my wicked way with you."
She leaned her face up to meet his lips and tighten her arms around him. "That is exactly what I was hoping you were going to say."
A/N : Hope you liked it. IF so, don't forget to push the little button and tell me so. And don't forget about gizzymoon dot blogspot for the lastest chapter of Evernights. Now up and loaded for you.