CHAPTER NINE: Maelstrom

Pacing, wearing a path in her carpet, Kate's nerves are stretched tight, waiting for Castle to arrive. She's changed three times, every aspect of what she's wearing having undergone a thorough scrutiny. She donned sexy underwear, removed it, before putting it on again. She covered her lingerie with a dress, then figured she was trying too hard and went to the other extreme with yoga pants and a t-shirt. That wasn't right either – it looked like she wasn't trying enough. Finally setting on jeans and a long sleeved shirt, she strictly forbids herself to second-guess her outfit anymore. Looking around her room, she realizes there are clothes everywhere, the rejected outfits littering her space. She puts on some music while she begins putting everything away, before turning the music off again, feeling like its too much. They probably won't even progress this far. But they might. Nerves jangling at the thought, she paces, scared, wanting, uncertain.

When the silence becomes too much, she turns the music back on again, letting it infiltrate the corners of her apartment, soothing her tangled thoughts. Having straightened her room, she moves back into the main space. Unable to sit still, she begins straightening her throw pillows, dusting her shelves, putting little things away, making minute adjustments throughout her space. She's found a million little distractions to occupy her while her mind races with the possibilities. When she can't stand it anymore she returns to her pacing.

Everything felt so right this afternoon. They've been slowly marching towards this inevitable place. And she wants it so badly. But her anxiety and fear are competing with her anticipation and desire, making her a jumbled mess. If she's this anxious, what must Castle be feeling? The thought of his anxiety eases hers. Taking a deep breath, then another, she calms.

He must be an even bigger mess than she is. Smiling, picturing him as a stuttering, fumbling bundle of nerves, she thinks back to how he acts when he has a book coming out. She imagines he is feeling something very similar. Not that she knows she's that important to him, but she's aware enough to realize that this is something he's been pursuing and wanting since they met. So he must be nervous too. Feeling far more calm, realizing they're in this together, she begins to relax. With all the denial and evasion over the past few years, he's probably worried she's changed her mind. But she hasn't. She knows him. She sees the man he is behind the façade. And she knows this is right. And that it's time.

The knock on the door sounds like a thunderclap in her ears. Her anxiety returns in full force, the temporary calm before the storm a distant memory. Slowly, surely, she walks to greet him, automatically confirming it's him through the peephole. She sees him swallowing nervously, hand smoothing his hair down, a bundle of colorful flowers in hand, a bag of something else dangling from his fingers below it. Taking a deep breath, she opens the door, eyes searching out his.

"Hey, Castle." She manages, a small smile on her face as she drinks in his appearance. He looks great – anxious, but oh so handsome. He's recently showered and shaved, dressing casually in dark jeans and a soft shirt that hugs the contours of his chest and biceps. He looks yummy she thinks, then blushes a little at the thought.

Clutching the flowers like a lifeline, he smiles, expression unreadable, as he drinks in her appearance, eyes quickly cataloging her more casual clothing and sock covered feet before his eyes return to hers.

"Hi, Kate. I brought these for you" holding out the flowers, he offers them to her, his words a little stilted. "And food – ahh, dinner, like we talked about."

Reaching for the flowers, she takes them in her hand, smelling them briefly before bringing her eyes to his. "Thank you, Castle. They're beautiful." She tells him, before shyly reaching up and kissing him on the cheek. His surprised reaction tells her he wasn't expecting her simple gesture. Smiling in reassurance, she grabs his hand, pulling him inside.

"Come on in." Relaxing fractionally, encouraged, he follows her in, closing the door behind him, as he takes in her apartment, eyes skipping around before they track back to her.

Dropping his hand, she heads to the kitchen, reaching for a vase, as she opens the plastic encasing the lower half of the bouquet. Taking her time, she cuts the stems, carefully arranging the flowers in the cut crystal before adding water, the small task calming her, even as she feels the tension in the room growing as Castle watches her every move.

He's already set the bag on the counter and is now awkwardly trying to decide what to do with his hands, fidgeting with his jacket, setting one hand on the counter, before shoving it into his pocket. Thinking he needs something to occupy him, she grabs a bottle of wine from the rack and hands it to him, along with a corkscrew.

"Why don't we have a glass of wine with dinner?"

"Sure. Great."

While he uncorks the bottle, she grabs two glasses and places them on the counter, before setting the flowers on the dining room table. Returning to the kitchen, she reaches for plates, napkins and silverware for their dinner. Setting the table while he pours, she finds the domestic routine soothing, even as the silence causes the tension to rise, the subtle sound of the music doing little to ease their nerves.

Having finished his task, Castle approaches the table, two glasses in one hand, the bottle in the other. Setting the bottle down, he hands her a glass as he takes a sip from his before setting it down.

"Castle—"

"Kate I –"

Talking over each other, they both stop abruptly. Smiling, she nods at him "Go ahead."

"This is killing me, Kate. I'm so nervous I can't stand it. What are we doing?"

Nodding in agreement, she's glad he chose the direct route. Feeling more and more certain, she faces him and looks at him directly, her eyes tracing the contours of his face, lingering a moment on his lips, before returning to his intense gaze. "We're having dinner, Rick. And then we're going to go sit on my couch and talk, maybe make out a little. See how it goes. Okay?"

Nodding his head, adam's apple bobbing quickly as he swallows, he responds. "Yeah, yeah. Sounds great. Especially the making out part…." Blushing a little, realizing how goofy and overeager that sounded, he hastily continues, "I mean—"

"Shh…" stepping into him, she puts a finger over his lips, feeling their soft contours against her finger, along with the slightly rougher texture of his upper lip where he shaved. "Let's just get this out of the way so we can relax a little," she mumbles.

Grabbing his hands in hers, she brings them to her hips, encouraging him to grab hold of her, before reaching her hands up behind his neck, pulling his head down where she can reach him. Raising up on tiptoe she brings her mouth to his, softly, tentatively, tracing his lips with hers. Her gentle butterfly kisses nip at the seam of his mouth, before her tongue peeks out, seeking a little taste of him. His hands tighten on her hips, his large body dwarfing hers. Not wanting to push too far or too fast, he tentatively responds, restraint in his every move.

Turning up the heat a little, she pushes into him, getting more aggressive as desire coils through her. The subtle tang of the wine, mixed with his own unique taste, explode on her taste buds, causing her to linger over the kiss. She's kissed him before, both times filled with explosive need. But this is different. She feels him holding back and lets out a groan of frustration, not sure if he regrets their earlier kiss or is simply not wanting to push too far.

Aroused, a little annoyed, she creates a little space between them and looks him in the eye. "Castle! It's okay. I want you to kiss me." Eyes searching his, she sees the banked desire in his gaze. "I want to give us a chance, don't you?"

Nodding quickly, he confirms "Yeah, I do. I just – I just don't want to mess up."

"You're overthinking this. Don't hold back." She admonishes.

No sooner have the words left her mouth than he puts them into action. Swooping in, he kisses her the way he's always dreamed, the kisses that have gone before a simple prelude that only hinted at the full force of his desire. Freed to act, he lets the pull of Kate in his arms pull him under, drowning him in desire for her. Wanting to touch and taste everything at once, he dives into the kiss, trying to calm his raging need.

He lets one hand drift behind her back, pulling her into his body, crushing her breasts to his chest, even as his other hand slides over her, tracing the soft curve of her bottom, before his large hand gently cups and caresses her butt cheek as he fits her against him, setting her nerve endings on fire. Lips nibbling hers, tongues tangling, they start a nimble duet, giving and taking from each other, while their lower bodies start to pick up the rhythm set by their mouths. Sucking her bottom lip in his, he gently nips the soft, plump skin, before soothing it, wanting more and more of her. Already impossibly hard from the moment her lips touched his, he groans as he feels her moving against him, her soft to his hard.

She meant only to get their first kiss out of the way, figuring they'd both feel more comfortable if they didn't dance around the issue. But they've held back for too long, years of fantasies and yearning driving them forward. She dives into the kiss, her body caroming out of control as her blood sings in response to the feel of him against her. A sharp throbbing ache between her legs causes her inner muscles to clench, desperate to be filled. A low moan is torn from her as the edge of her pubic bone catches against the hard ridge of his erection, sending a bolt of need straight through her. Her curious hands begin wandering and she traces the contours of his shoulders and biceps, feeling the muscles jump and move under her touch, as she brings them to his chest, the solid feel of his pectorals surprising her. Her hands brush her own breasts on their journey south, causing her nipples to tighten further, followed by a corresponding twinge below as her body sharpens with desire. Pushing back a little, trying to create space so she can continue to explore his body, she feels his stomach muscles jump as she pulls his shirt loose and hooks her fingers in his waistband, tracing his belt to the middle and down, where his erection pushes against the fabric of his jeans. Feeling the full length of him with her hand, she has a moment of panic as she wonders if they'll fit together.

The feel of her hands testing and tracing him through his pants pulls a low moan out of him, echoing her need. As if the dance of her fingers south have freed him, his hands abandon their position behind her as one comes up to caress her breast, while the other reaches between her legs, seeking out the heat he knows he'll find there. Caressing her through her clothes, he flattens his palm against her core, rubbing a tight rhythm as his fingers cup her between her legs, hand mimicking the actions of his tongue. Feeling light headed, she throws her head back, pulling great breaths into her lungs as her body storms out of control, racing towards the pinnacle as he plays her like a virtuoso. His mouth follows the invitation, trailing kisses down her neck, before he lingers at the juncture between her neck and shoulder, sucking gently, before trailing lower, teeth scraping her collarbone as his hand pops her shirt and bra open, exposing her breasts to his view. One hand closes over one breast and mimics the movements of his mouth, as his tongue gently circles the nipple of her other breast, before pulling the tight peak into its warm depths, suckling her gently at first, before pulling harder, the ache he creates causing her to grind down on his hand.

Impatient, wanting more contact, feeling constricted, she unbuttons his shirt, popping a button off in her haste before she begins fumbling with the buckle on his belt, wanting to feel his skin against hers. Without hesitation, his hand abandons her core and moves to the button of her pants while she struggles with his, his mouth moving across her chest, trailing fire in its path.

With the rasp of her zipper still echoing in the air, he pulls open her pants, exposing her lacy underwear. His hand doesn't hesitate as it slips under the waistband of her panties, seeking out her core, finding her dripping with moisture. Sliding his fingers into the velvety wet seam between her legs, he gently probes her entrance, testing her readiness, even as his thumb seeks out her clit. His other hand continues the task of pushing her pants out of the way, struggling with the tight denim.

Moaning at the feel of her slick, hot flesh, he nuzzles her breasts before resuming his assault on her senses, his mouth coming back to hers, wanting that connection, even as his hands continue to feverishly work her. Abandoning his pants, she hastily pushes her own down, kicking them off even as she bucks against him, the feel of his fingers dancing along her body causing her to tighten with need.

Once free of her own pants and underwear, she resumes her earlier task, her hands finally getting his belt buckle undone, while she continues to struggle with his button and zipper. Hands clumsy with desire, the feel of his cock pressing against her causing her to fumble, her mind and body scream out for more. Moving his hips slightly, his hand dives into the pocket of his jeans, jumbling around for a minute, before finding the condom he was searching for.

Pushing his pants down and out of the way, Kate's hands free him, causing his erection to jump and bob. Finally! Looking down at her prize, Kate's eyes widen at the sight of him. Body clenching in anticipation, she grabs the condom from his hand and tears the packet open with her teeth. Rolling it on, she takes a moment to appreciate the silky smooth length and width of his member, his thick head straining towards her, before she begins pushing him back towards the nearest chair, desperate to join her body with his.

Eyes locking with his, she maneuvers him into a sitting position, even as she feels the first wave of her orgasm starting to hit her, drawn forth by the clever movements of his fingers. Every nerve she has alert and enflamed, she grabs hold of him, guiding him to her entrance, as she spreads her legs wide and lowers herself down, feeling him stretch and fill her, every inch of him pushing deeply into her, filling her in a way she's never experienced before.

Groaning at the sensation, her body tightens around his, her orgasm causing her to clutch greedily at him as she savors the feel of him inside of her. Her hips move instinctively, desperately, driving her higher and higher, her body spiraling up and over the peak. Not content to sit back, he grabs her hips and surges up into her, hitting a spot inside her she didn't even know existed, tearing a scream from her as he stimulates the sensitive nerves. Unable to stop, driven by frenzied need, they establish a quick rhythm, his body driving up into hers even as she sets up a counterpoint, wave after wave of her climax washing over her as he takes her higher than she's ever been before.

"I can't hold back" he gasps out, wanting to make it last.

Nearly incoherent, she manages to stutter out a response. "I couldn't either. It's okay. Next time"

Giving in to the feelings coursing through him, he climaxes, pulled over the top by the feel of her body surrounding his, ecstasy rushing through him as his body lets go. Riding the waves of passion, bodies drawn tightly together, they hold on, anchoring each other in a world that has been upended.

Chests heaving, perspiration dotting their bodies, they slowly come down from their intense encounter, hands caressing and soothing, as they pepper each other with soft kisses.

When he can think again, he breaks the silence. "Now that was amazing." he says, a mischievous grin on his face.

Ducking her head, a little overwhelmed by her feelings, she shyly looks at him through partially lowered lashes, feeling both proud and a little embarrassed. She can't believe the frenzy they created from a simple kiss.

"Yeah, that was - wow." She finishes, blushing profusely now.

Pulling her in for another kiss, she feels his body shift beneath hers, his softening member still cocooned within her warmth. Feeling a little awkward, a lot overwhelmed, she starts to rise, only to be stopped by his hands on her hips.

"Hey, you okay?" he asks, feeling the slight change in her mood, his eyes seeking hers, filled with understanding and something more she's afraid to look at too closely.

"Yeah. I'm more than okay." She responds, realizing its true, even as she feels the heat from her blush intensify. Awkward aftermath or not, she's not ready to walk away from what she just experienced. Shoving her deeper feelings for this man aside for closer examination later, she gives him a reassuring smile.

"Maybe now that we've established we're great together this way, we can work on the other?" she asks, a little tentatively.

"I'd like that. I'd like that a lot."

"Good. Me too." She admits, ducking her head again.

"You know, I didn't come over here thinking this would happen." He tells her, wanting her to know, even as he gives her a soft kiss.

"I didn't invite you just for this either," she admits.

"Although I thought it was possible. And you must have too or else you wouldn't have had that condom so handy."

"Well, I did hope…" he admits. "But that was it – I was hoping more that you'd give me a chance to prove we could be great together."

"Mmmm, I think it's time we see, don't you?"

"Yeah. And next time," he waggles his brows at her, "you did say there was going to be a next time" he reminds her, "I promise I'll make it last a lot longer."

"If you'd held out any longer I might not have survived" she admits, giggling a little with her admission. Still feeling a little shy over his witnessing the most explosive orgasm she's ever had, intrigued and off balance by her body's response to him, she tries to relax. "Yeah. There's definitely going to be a next time."

Giving him a quick kiss, she reluctantly rises up, feeling him slip from inside her. Knowing he needs to take care of the condom, she stands on two shaky legs, a hand on the table to help her balance.

Watching him, she sees the powerful pull of his muscles as he rises, pulling her in for a quick hug before he heads towards her bathroom, his firm butt peeking out from under the tail of his open shirt. Enjoying the view, already looking forward to next time, she jumps when she hears him tease her.

"Like what you see, Detective?"

Yummy, she thinks, a quirk of her eyebrow and a saucy smile her only answer.