THE SECOND OFFICIAL DATE
Hope I'm not overplaying the Johanna thing, but this chapter involves her again. She's just so central to who Beckett is, I thought I had to give her proper attention.
Thanks for all of the feedback, especially pointing out my errors. I'm trying to get this finished before the finale and I'm not proofing as much as I should.
Chapter Seven
Kate awaked to find herself on her side, with Castle spooning closely behind her, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. His face was buried into her hair, and she could feel his rhythmic breathing against her naked body. It all felt incredibly wonderful.
She was slightly curious as to what time it was, knowing that they had gotten very little sleep. She smiled, thinking back to the amazing night they had shared. Making love with Rick Castle had been everything she could have imagined.
He had been gentle, passionate, powerful, loving, and even creative. She blushed at the sheer intensity of what had gone on between them. And she knew they had just scratched the surface of their lovemaking.
Kate suddenly felt Rick stirring next to her.
"Hey, tiger," She purred softly," How are you feeling? I hope I didn't wear you out last night."
Kate could feel him chuckling. She rolled over to face him.
Castle grinned at her. "Hey yourself. And if I'm a tiger, you're definitely my sexy lioness." He reached up to stroke her face, his voice filled with amusement. "But as I recall, you were the one who begged for sleep last night! I was good for at least another round."
"I was just worried that you wouldn't have the stamina to climb the lighthouse today," Kate teased, gently leaning in to nibble on his neck.
Rick reverently kissed the top of her head. "It's my antiquing abilities that are going to wear youout today, my gorgeous, insatiable, incredible, tenacious lioness." He paused, the author in him taking over. "Correction, Goddess. You are an absolute, perfect goddess, Kate."
"God help me, he's good with words in the bedroom, too. I don't stand a chance with this man," Kate laughed to herself before replying, "We'll just see over these next four days who ends up yelling 'uncle' first, tiger."
Castle gently positioned Kate's head into the crook of his shoulder, placing an arm lightly around her thin waist, their bodies intertwined. They lay there dreamily in each other's arms, neither one in a hurry to get up. Exploring the charms of Cape May would just have to wait a while longer.
Rick finally spoke. "Actually Kate, I'm feeling slightly embarrassed."
"After that magnificent performance?" She was surprised.
"Why thank you, Detective. Might I add that you were in superior form as well! My former nanny had nothing on you."
Kate giggled. "I'm confused," she mumbled into his skin, while beginning to place gentle kisses on his body.
"Confused. Barefoot. Pregnant. That's how I like to keep my harem," Rick replied.
Kate lightly bit his shoulder to show her exasperation.
Castle winced. "Ouch! Actually Beckett, I'm not embarrassed about anything that occurred last night under these fine, silky sheets. And also on top of them, now that I think back. "
Kate knew that tone. "He's up to something," she thought.
"You've lost me, Castle." She decided to play along.
"I'm afraid that in my haste to follow you upstairs so that I could finally make desperate, passionate love to you - three glorious times, I might add - that I neglected to do something important. Common courtesy, really."
"What?"
""I didn't say goodnight to your Mom." Castle said quietly.
"You think it's crazy that I talk to her." Kate sighed.
"No I don't, Kate, not anymore. I don't want you to think I'm crazy either, but last night I could almost feel her presence, too." His voice was filled with sincerity.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Thanks Castle. I just want you to know her as much as possible."
Kate felt contentment overwhelm her. Even though they would never have the opportunity to meet, it had been important for her to feel Rick and her Mom together. And as he always was, Castle had been by her side, going along effortlessly with Kate's sacred Johanna rituals, never questioning. "He gets why I need this," she reassured herself.
Castle interrupted her thoughts. As usual, they had been thinking along the same wavelengths. "I realize that I never even met her, Kate. But last night when we were talking, she felt so close, it was almost..." his voice trailed off, for once not sure of the word he wanted to use.
"Magical." Kate whispered.
"Yea. Magical." Rick whispered back. His fingers made gentle circles on her back.
"Is it OK if I talk with her sometimes, too?" He finally asked.
"Yea, I think I'd like that, Rick," she whispered. Mom, he really gets me. And you.
They lay quietly, both lost in private thoughts of Johanna, the Mother Kate lost and the woman Rick was getting to know.
Suddenly Kate felt Rick take a deep breath. "Uh-oh." She knew that he could only stay serious for so long. She braced herself for some vintage Castle.
"You know she thinks I'm ruggedly handsome." Castle was grinning confidently.
"Castle." Kate whispered in her own classic monotone, a slight smile forming on her face. "Here he goes," she chuckled to herself.
"She also considers me charming and witty."
"Castle." She raised her tone a notch.
"I mean, Beckett, the woman has impeccable taste! Cape May. The antiques. Me!"
"Castle." Her voice registered slight annoyance.
He turned on the jets. "I'm sure she thinks I'm a great catch too. She spotted that as soon as she met me, unlike you. In fact, I think her and I will chat over coffee this morning about how you could possibly have been blind for so long to my obvious charisma," he said in his familiar rapid-fire delivery.
"Castle." Her voice tone was now official annoyance.
"She's probably going to give you hell for making me wait so long for sex. Just a guess." He added haughtily.
"Castle!" Kate voice turned to playful exasperation. "There's just one little problem."
"What would that be?" He asked in mock confusion.
"Your head's so big right now I don't think it can get through the bedroom door to go downstairs for coffee."
"Why Katherine Beckett! I think that's just an excuse to keep me in your bed a little longer this morning!" He smirked.
"Why would I want to do that?" Kate deadpanned.
"Hmm. I guess I'll just have to show you!"
Castle quickly rolled her onto her back and moved over her, planting a deep, long, passionate kiss on her lips. Their hands quickly began exploring each other's bodies, while their lips continued their frantic assault on each other's mouths.
Suddenly Rick raised his head and stared mischievously into Kate's eyes.
"Do you think your Mom will be mad if I'm a little late for coffee?"
