AN: I still don't have power at home, that I know of, as I sit here writing. Anyway, here's the next chapter and constructive criticism is welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own Castle.


Chapter 6

Kate stared at the man for a few seconds, wanting to slap herself. How could she have not put two and two together? After all, Castle was not exactly a common last name, at least that Kate knew of. After making sure her jaw was off the floor, Kate held out her hand for Rick to shake.

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Castle. I've heard some things about you from Alexis."

Rick quickly shook Kate's hand, giving her a charming smile. "Only good things, I hope. Also, please, call me Rick."

Kate chuckled lightly. "Don't worry, nothing too incriminating. I just know that I shouldn't go near you when you're playing laser tag."

"Ah, yes, those games can get quite dangerous," Rick joked. "I've also heard some things about you too, assuming you're the same woman my mother has met."

"Yes, that would be me, Kate Beckett."

"Then, I've heard nothing but good things also," Rick said, giving her a small smile.

"That's good, I wouldn't want you questioning my teaching skills."

"From what Alexis has told me, I doubt I need to. You're also an English teacher, which is bonus points in my book."

"I'm sure with your profession it would be," Kate responded.

"So, you've read my books?" Castle inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"I've heard of them," Kate said simply, not wanting to give away what a junkie she was when it came to his books.

Rick grinned. "You really should read them, they're pretty good if I do say so myself." Kate laughed, shaking her head. "What? A little self promotion never hurt anyone!"

"Indeed," Kate responded.

"Don't stroke his ego, he doesn't need it," Alexis said wryly.

"I'll keep that in mind," responded a grinning Kate. "Well, I'll be going. See you Monday, Alexis. It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Castle."

"The pleasure was all mine, Kate," Rick responded, flashing her another charming smile.

I will not act like a little school girl, I will not, Kate thought to herself, trying to ignore the author's charm.

"See you Monday, Ms. Beckett," Alexis said, as Kate walked away. Kate gave a little wave before heading further into the store.


Kate had decided to take another route to buy the author's book, not wanting him to see her. So, after she headed away from them, she entered the nearest aisle she could find. Deciding to wait a few minutes, Kate began to browse the books. However, her cheeks flushed in embarrassment when she realized that she had entered the erotica section. Kate was no prude, but she did not buy straight erotica. She preferred substance in the books she perused.

"If you're looking for something new, try this one. It's a fiery one," an elderly woman who had been standing next to her said. The woman held up a book with a virtually naked couple on it.

"Um, no thank you. I'm in the wrong aisle," Kate said, quickly leaving the aisle, trying to maintain an ounce of dignity.

Kate immediately went to the mystery section of the store. The book was not hard to find, since it was on a display near the first aisle of mysteries. Grinning, she picked up the book, and flipped it open to the information flap.

"I've heard that my books satisfy, but if you want something a little heavier, you might want to go to the aisle you were just in."

Kate almost jumped when she heard Rick's voice.

"So, heard of my books, huh?" Rick teased.

Kate huffed. "I was just...looking at it. You know, see what it's about." Taking off his sunglasses, Rick gave her a knowing look. "Okay, fine, you caught me. Yes, I read your books."

"Well, at least you have good taste. I was starting to question your mental capacity when you headed into the other aisle," he teased.

Kate raised an eyebrow. "You'll be happy to know that my mental capacity is just fine. I did go to Stanford."

"Impressive. So, what made you become a teacher, and not something higher up on the career chain?"

Kate shrugged. "I just really enjoy literature, and kids. I mean, I did originally go for law, but found my real passion in literature."

"You didn't want to become a college professor?" Rick asked, leaning against a shelf.

"No, I probably wouldn't do well with the politics of it."

"I have a feeling you would do fine."

"What makes you say that?"

Rick shrugged. "I'm a people person," he said, looking intently at her.

Kate felt slightly uncomfortable under his gaze. "So, I better go pay for this pay and be on my way." Kate began to walk away, but stopped when she felt him right behind her. She turned around, and faced him, raising an eyebrow. "What?"

Rick shrugged. "Nothing, it's just that you don't need all that makeup on your face." Kate frowned, not liking where the conversation was headed.

That's what you think, Kate thought.

"I like wearing makeup, most girls do."

"No, you're hiding something."

"Well, maybe I am. We all have our little blemishes that we don't want people to see."

Rick shook his head. "No, what you're hiding is not some little blemish."

"What makes you say that?" Kate asked, her hands on her hips.

"If it was a little mark or scar, you probably wouldn't bother covering it up; you're not that type of person. Also, you wouldn't get so defensive about it."

Kate tried not to gape at him, since he had pretty much hit the nail on the head.

"I need to go," she said, moving passed him, trying not to show how shocked she was.

As she walked toward the cashier, Kate almost considered putting the book back, but decided against it. Just because she was annoyed with the man, did not mean she still could not enjoy the book. As she paid for her item, she looked behind her to make sure that he had not followed her. Relieved that he had not, Kate left the store and walked back to her apartment. Once she returned to her apartment Kate opened her liquor cabinet, and pulled out a bottle of her favorite wine. After pouring a glass for herself, Kate grabbed the book from the coffee table and settled herself down onto the couch. Smiling in anticipation, Kate opened the book and began the first chapter.

AN: I tried to throw some humor in there, but I'm not very good at it. Anyway, constructive criticism is welcome.