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Disclaimer: Castle is not mine :/
[Chapter 9]
"You look smokin' hot, girl. Castle is gonna pass out when he sees you!" Lanie grinned, as she helped Kate finish her make-up.
"I should certainly hope not, wouldn't be much of a date if he's unconscious."
Lanie laughed along, almost done with the make-up. "There. All finished. You look beautiful, Kate."
She grinned, hugging her friend. "Thanks, Lane." Kate pulled back and headed for her bedroom, sitting carefully down on the bed to put on her high heels.
Lanie was right behind the detective and bent down to help her. "Let me."
She sighed in relief, sticking her feet out for Lanie. "Thank you."
"So, where are you going to dinner?" Lanie asked, strapping one heel on.
"Um...I don't know."
"You asked him out on a date and you don't even know where you're going?" She stared at her friend like she had six heads.
Kate hesitated, "I-I'm leaving that all up to Castle. I'm sure wherever we go will be perfect."
The ME rolled her eyes but a smile was on her lips nonetheless. "I never asked you this, but how'd things go yesterday? Seeing as you asked him to dinner and all, I'm taking it that things went really well."
Kate blushed, her thoughts being conceived by their fun filled day yesterday. She unconsciously raised a hand to her mouth, she could still feel Rick's lips on hers. A tingling sensation spread through out her body, her cheeks heated.
Lanie glanced up to see her friend grinning like the Cheshire cat. "Oh my gosh!" She exclaimed as she saw her friend's dazed expression. "You kissed!"
Kate gave her a knowing look, a sly smirk making homage on her ruby lips. "Maybe..." she teased.
"Details," she begged as she secured the final strap, reaching out for Kate's hands and lifting her up to a standing position. The detective now towered over her friend. "Come on, girlfriend. You've been holding out on me."
"Sorry. I don't kiss and tell."
Kate wasn't going to budge. "You're cruel...I still have no idea how you walk in those things by the way," Lanie commented, her hands on her hips, indicating the high heels her friend was now wearing.
"Years of practice," Kate winked, fetching a little black purse with her wallet and phone inside. Just then the door bell rang. Looking at the clock on her bedside, Kate grinned. "That'll be him."
Lanie squealed, grabbing her own belongings and following Kate to the front door. She stood there with her hand on the door knob, not moving. The nerves were settling in. Great. Lanie gave her a little nudge of encouragement, exactly what she needed.
"Hey, Castle," Kate greeted with a smile, a small pinkness appearing on her cheeks.
"Wow," Rick gasped upon seeing the beautiful woman in front of him. "You're absolutely breathtaking. Uh, these are for you," he offered with a nervous laugh, giving her the two dozen white roses he had picked up from a flower shop a few blocks away. Kate blushed even more as she took the roses, their fingers touching and creating a spark between them.
Lanie decided to make an appearance, stepping out from behind her friend. "What about me? Where are my flowers?" Her tone threatening. She was totally teasing but Rick didn't know that.
"I- uh..." He was at a loss for words. Glancing at Kate, he sent her a confused look. "Well, I-I um..."
Lanie laughed at him, getting the exact reaction she was hoping for. "Don't sweat it, Writer Boy. Only joking," she reassured, placing a hand on his forearm to calm him down. He sighed, relief washing over him. The ME scooted past Rick, leaving the apartment. She mouthed to Kate, "Call me later." Lanie called over her shoulder, "Have fun you two lovebirds!" She stepped onto the elevator and disappeared from their sight. Both Rick and Kate watched as she got on the lift, each letting out a small chuckle.
Kate turned her gaze to the handsome man before her, taking the time to check out his attire. He had on a white button-down with a purple tie. A matching handkerchief stuck out of his left breast pocket. The black suit he wore fitted his body in all the right places and showed off the muscles underneath. On bottom he wore simple dress shoes, completing the look. His hair was combed back, a single tendril of hair finding its way to his forehead.
"You dress up quite nice there, Mr. Castle," Kate grinned as she finally let the writer in her apartment.
Rick looked her up and down as well, grinning from ear to ear. "I could say the same about you, Miss Beckett."
The color of her dress matched his tie perfectly. It was a floor length dress with a slit that went all the way up to her mid thigh, showing off her long, toned legs. It was a v-neck cut with the straps hanging on the edge of her shoulders. You could barely see the pinkness of her scar from the shooting almost a year ago; the dress covering most of it. It hugged her curves in all the right ways, showing off her luscious body. She wore simple gold high heels that brought her to Rick's eye level. Gold earrings decorated her ears and a matching bracelet laid upon her right wrist. Kate's hair was put up in an elegant bun with a few tendrils loose.
"Thank you," she blushed, moving over to her kitchen counter and setting her purse down to get a vase from a cabinet under the sink. "Alright, let me put these flowers in some water and then we can go."
Rick looked around the space, grinning; the room screamed Kate. It was all so her. "Take your time. I booked our reservations for eight-thirty."
Kate filled up the crystal vase a little more than halfway full. "And where are we going exactly?"
He laughed, "Nice try. But that's for me to know and for you to find out."
Kate began to cut the ends off the stems, sticking them in the vase. She gave him an apprehensive look, "We're not going to The Jolly Roger again, are we? I'm sorry but I think once was enough."
He acted like he was stabbed in the heart. "I'm hurt, you think I'd take you there? Especially dressed like that. You have no faith in me," he complained, acting like he was going to burst into tears.
"Oh, hush. Leave the dramatics to your mother."
Rick shot her that smug grin, loving to mess with her. "But really, we're going to a fabulous restaurant that I know you'll love. Trust me."
"You're not going to tell me are you?" He just shook his head, that grin still plastered on his face. "Yeah, I thought so," she sighed. Soon, Kate was done cutting the ends and the arrangement looked beautiful. "Okay, all set," she smiled softly as she approached the writer, who had his arm out intending for her to take it.
"Shall we?" He asked, extremely excited.
Kate took his offered arm, her left hand gripping onto his forearm. "We shall."
Rick led Kate to the open door, escorting her out to the elevator. They rode down to the main lobby in silence, both content with not speaking just enjoying each other's presence. Kate's body pressed to his in a delicious way. She looked absolutely radiant.
"Your chariot awaits, madam," he waved, opening the doors for Kate.
She carefully stepped down the stairs that led to her apartment building and rolled her eyes at what laid before her. "The Ferrari? Really?"
Rick merely nodded, the little boy inside of him bubbling out. Escorting her to the high-powered vehicle, he opened the door and helped her inside. He quickly got into the driver's side and started the car, it's engine roaring to life. Rick merged onto the busy street, maneuvering it with relative ease.
Kate sat silently in the passenger seat, gazing at Rick, a tiny smile tugging on her lips. She was in for the date of her life. She had no idea what the ruggedly handsome writer had in store. She was giddy with excitement, happy she had the guts to ask him on a date in the first place.
It was definitely going to be a date she would never forget.
"Welcome to Marlowe's. How may I help you?"
"Reservations for Jameson Rook," Rick smiled at the man.
Glancing at the list the maitre'd had, he answered. "Ah, yes. Follow me Mr. Rook," he instructed, leading a grinning Rick and a confused Kate.
She leaned into Rick's ear. "Jameson Rook? Couldn't you have used, I don't know, your actual name?"
"I didn't want anyone pestering us because the famous author Richard Castle is here. I knew that if we used other names then we'd be left alone. And, I just did it because I knew you'd get a kick out of it."
Kate rolled her eyes, a hint of a smile on her lips. "You're something else."
"Your private room, as per requested," the waiter told Rick and Kate as he opened the doors to a room located on the far left side of the restaurant.
A single round table with a deep red cloth on top sat in the middle of the room. A lone candle on the center of the table lit up the room in an orange glow. They had an incredible view of New York just outside the balcony doors.
"Oh my," Kate gasped as she walked over to the balcony doors, opening them and stepping outside.
"I'll leave you two in peace. David should be right with you," the maitre'd stated, exiting the room and closing the door behind him. It was just the two of them now.
A small wind blew, Kate wrapped her arms over her chest trying to stay warm. Her eyes scattered all around, taking in the picturesque view. Suddenly, a pair of strong arms encircled her middle, wrapping themselves around her. Rick kissed her temple, his cheek pressed close to hers.
"Beautiful view, huh?" He murmured, his breath tickling her skin.
Kate squeezed his forearms. "Gorgeous," she whispered, enthralled with it all.
"Not as gorgeous as you."
Turning in his arms, Kate bit her lip. Her long arms finding their way up his chest and securing themselves behind his neck. "You sure know how to charm a woman."
Rick tugged her closer, eyes locked. His mouth skated over hers. "You haven't seen anything yet."
Their lips met, colliding together and becoming one. It was a slow and sweet kiss that had their bodies growing warmer by the second. They continued to stand there for a few moments before they were forced to break apart by a cleared throat. "I beg your pardon, but I just wanted to see if you were ready to order," a timid young waiter said, his upper half poking out of the partially closed doors. "If you need more time..."
Rick shook his head, "No, we're ready. You must be David."
The waiter nodded, entering the room completely. Rick led Kate to the table, pulling out her seat for her before he took a seat himself. His mother engraved it in him at a young age: always be a gentleman to a lady.
David handed each of them two large menus. He folded his hands behind his back. "Can I start you two off with some drinks? We have this delicious red wine that I would highly recommend. It's called Chateau Les Graves de Barrau. It has a hint of cherries."
Rick silently asked Kate. She nodded. Rick turned to David, "We'll take it."
"Excellent," David grinned, nodding to another man who had just appeared at the doors. The man left and then quickly returned with their bottle of wine, pouring it in their glasses and placing it in a small tub of ice located on the right of the table. "Now, which appetizer fits your fancy?"
Kate looked over the large assortment of choices. There were many different choices from Calamari to Shrimp to Mozzarella Bread. "I can't decide between the stuffed mushrooms and the mozzarella bread. What do you think...Jameson?" She asked, playing along with his little game. Kate still couldn't believe he put the reservations under his character's name. It was such a Castle thing to do.
Rick raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Well...Nikki. I, like you, am unable to decide between the two. They both sound great."
"May I make a suggestion?" David prodded. "The Sicilian Scampi is absolutely delicious. It's shrimp sautéed in a white wine, with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic and tomatoes. We serve it over a delectable ciabatta bread."
Rick grinned. "That sounds perfect!"
The waiter smiled, writing everything down. "I'll have that out for you in about twenty minutes."
"Thank you," the duo chorused, each letting out a chuckle after the words were uttered.
The young man smiled. "It is not a problem." And with that, he let the room giving the two their privacy.
Kate sighed. "This quite the restaurant, Rick. Very...high class."
He shrugged. "Only the best for you, Kate."
She blushed before raising her wine glass in front of her. Rick did the same, the wine sloshing in the glasses. "Here's to a fantastic date with one handsome fella."
Rick added onto her toast. "To an extraordinary night with a beautiful gal."
Their glasses clinked together.
"Would you like to check our desert menu?" David asked, seeing that the couple was finished with their meal.
The shrimp they ordered for an appetizer was scrumptious. Rick and Kate devoured the shrimp as soon as it arrived to their table. As soon as they finished that, the main course was on its way. Rick ended up getting lobster which he kindly shared with Kate. The dinner was filled with laughs, flirting, and meaningful glances.
Before Kate could answer, Rick interrupted. "Uh, we'll have to pass on that. I've got something special planned," he informed David, shooting his girlfriend a smug grin.
David was completely understanding. "Not to worry. We appreciate you spending your evening at Marlowe's. I will go get you your check then."
As soon as David left to fetch the check, Kate pestered him. "Castle? What exactly do you have planned? Because I really wanted to see what desert they have here," she poured slightly.
Rick reached across the table, capturing her hand and giving it a small squeeze. "I have something set up for desert already. Trust me, it'll be worth it."
Kate gazed at him curiously, but slowly nodded her head. "Okay," she agreed, squeezing his hand in return letting him know that she trusted him completely. In everything.
David returned about a minute later with their check. "It was a pleasure serving you two tonight. I hope you join us again soon. Have a good night, folks."
Rick paid for the dinner, not giving Kate the chance to pitch in her half. She gave up quickly seeing as how Rick wasn't going to change his mind. His stubborn, stubborn mind. Rick escorted Kate out by the arm, a bit nervous as to what she was going to think of what he had planned for desert. There was a tiny spring breeze that followed them as they got into the Ferrari.
With the top down, Kate's once elegant bun was beginning to fall apart. A few piece of hair had escaped, falling on her neck. She didn't seem to mind though, and neither did Rick. He thought she looked stunning.
Hell, she could be wearing a brown paper bag and she'd be glowing.
Rick took a quick glance at the woman next to him. His heart pounded in his chest at her beauty. Kate looked radiant and he couldn't believe that he was on a date with her! This weekend has been the best weekend of his entire life and it wasn't even over yet. He still had desert planned for himself and the detective.
Twenty minutes later Rick pulled up to the curb, cutting the engine off. "Here we go," he exclaimed. Unbuckling his seat belt, he ran to Kate's side of the car and opened the door for her. Kate gave him a thankful smile. "Welcome to Sprinkles. Home of the most amazing cupcakes in the entire world."
Kate looked up to the building in front of them. It had glass windows giving you the chance to look inside. One large window was decorated with a ton of differently sized and multicolored circles. He escorted her to the door, opening it for her.
"Wait, how is this place even open? It's going on ten o'clock," Kate stated, looking around the cute little shop.
Rick grinned at her, going behind the serving counter. "Being me has its special perks."
"Let me guess...you know a guy?" Kate teased, walking over to the counter and seeing various different types of cupcakes.
Rick shrugged, giving Kate her answer. She laughed, a laugh that sounded like music to his ears. It was nice to hear Kate laugh and to see her let go of that rough exterior she always wore at work.
"So, my dear," Rick began, bracing his palms flat over the counter. "Pick your poison."
Kate gave him a smoky look, but it quickly vanished. Scanning all of the options, Kate leaned on the counter. Her bottom lip finding its way between her teeth. "Let's see..." The cupcakes varied from dark chocolate to strawberry to red velvet to banana. The choices were endless! "I think I'll have the red velvet," Kate said, pointing to one of the cupcakes.
"An excellent choice, madam," Rick smiled, opening the little cabinet and with prongs he grabbed Kate her cupcake. He placed it on a plate and handed it to her. "Go ahead and take a seat over there, I'll be right with you."
"Ordering me around there, Castle?" Rick looked up to find Kate with a raised eyebrow, a hand on her hip, and an intimidating look.
He was a deer in headlights. "What? No!"
Kate let out a deep throaty laugh. "Too bad," she breathed. "It's quite the turn on..." She raked up some of the cream cheese frosting on her index finger and raised it to her mouth, sucking on the digit. Kate's eyes were trained on Rick, giving him a sultry gaze.
He nearly passed out just from her words, but when she sucked up that frosting from her finger he was a goner. He gulped and tried to get himself together. Taking longer than needed, Rick eventually joined Kate at a table.
"H-how's your cupcake?" Rick asked, taking a bite out of his own. He ended up getting a dark chocolate cupcake with fluffy chocolate frosting.
Kate was half way done with hers. "It's delicious," she moaned. "Here try it." Picking up a little chunk of her cupcake, Kate raised her fingers to Rick's mouth.
He eagerly ate the cupcake. Rick's eyes on hers as his warm mouth touched her slender digits. Kate stopped breathing as she felt him suck on her fingers. Rick slowly pulled his mouth away, kissing Kate on the palm briefly before completely pulling away. "Yummy."
Kate was frozen. She gave him a weak smile before turning her focus to her cupcake. Rick grinned, doing that small act was a turn on. He couldn't believe that she actually let him do it! This was a Kate that he'd never seen before. And he was liking it.
"Wanna try mine?" Rick asked, indicating his cupcake. He thought he'd ask since she offered him some of hers. It was worth a shot.
She timidly nodded. Rick, like Kate before, picked up a bit of his cupcake and offered it to Kate. She grabbed his wrist, guiding his fingers into her mouth. Licking off the cupcake and the frosting, she kissed the tips of his fingers before releasing her grip.
"Delicious."
The duo left Sprinkles, both content. And, if they were bring honest with themselves, a little aroused. Kate reached for Rick's hand, having him follow her lead. Walking right past the Ferrari, they headed down the block. "Uh, where are we going? I parked back there." Rick had no idea what was going on. "Kate?"
Kate glanced behind her shoulder at him. "We're going on a little adventure."
"And are you going to tell me where it is that we're going?"
Kate smirked, walking down the next few blocks with Rick in tow. "Nope. You've had your surprises, now I get to have mine."
He caught up to her long strides, their hands still connected. Squeezing her hand, Rick let Kate know that he trusts her. Kate gave him a smile as they crossed an intersection and headed for Central Park. He suddenly got very excited. Jumping up and down, he exclaimed, "Are we going to Central Park Zoo? I use to take Alexis all of the time. We both just love the polar bears! They are so-"
Kate pressed a finger to his mouth, stopping him from his rambling. "We're not going to the zoo." Rick frowned, his head falling in defeat. "But where we're going is a whole lot better than the zoo."
Rick perked up. "What could be better than the zoo?"
Kate smiled a smile that reached her eyes. "You'll just have to wait and see. Now, come on. We're almost there." And she pulled him along, Rick happy like a kid on Christmas. Kate couldn't help but chuckle to herself at his antics. He was so adorable!
They reached Kate's intended location. "Take off your shoes and socks," she instructed, taking her high heels off and setting them down on a bench, along with her purse.
Rick was puzzled. "Uh, why?"
"Don't ask. Just do."
He shrugged, going along with it. Removing his socks and shoes, he set them by Kate's belongings. He put his wallet, phone, and keys with her purse. Rick followed Kate. He stepped on the ground bare foot, getting a feel for what lay beneath him. "Why are we standing on asphalt? And why is it squishy?"
She took both of his hands in hers and grinned mischievously. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough..."
And less than ten seconds later, did fluorescent lights come on and water began to shoot out from the ground. Rick's eyes widened as he realized where they were.
"You took me to Heckscher Playground?" Kate nodded. "H-how did you...? The lights?"
"I've got people, too, Rick."
He grinned like never before. Picking her up into a crushing hug, his lips molded into hers. "Best date ever," he whispered against Kate's mouth. She pecked him on the lips once more. Setting her down, Rick yanked Kate to where the big sprinklers were. "We're gonna get so wet!" He shrieked, the water hitting them in every direction.
Kate giggled, skipping. Their entire bodies were soaked from head to toe, but neither seemed to mind. The suit that Rick had on was pressed tightly to his body, showing off the defined muscles. Kate's dress, like his suit, was pressed to her body displaying her womanly curves.
Taking off his jacket and throwing it on the bench, Rick spread out his arms and began to twirl in a circle. Kate laughed, copying him. The two spun until they got dizzy and collapsed on the ground. Both were cracking up, having way too much fun.
Rick stood up, helping Kate. He stuck out a hand and bowed down. "May I have this dance?"
Kate grinned, curtsying. "Why of course you may."
The two met together. Rick's left hand holding into Kate's right while his right found homage on her petite waist. Kate's left hand rested on his shoulder. The two danced in a circle, the lights sparkling in their eyes.
I hope you guys enjoyed it! Please leave a review with your thoughts! They are always welcome! Hopefully, I'll be able to update soon! Love you guys! And Rick's suit is based on what Nathan wore to the 2012 PCA's and Kate's dress is based on what Stana wore to the 2012 Elton John AIDS Foundation Benefit. Until next time!
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