Disclaimer: These characters are not mine but they're so damn fun to play with.
Rated M… not for the kiddies.
A/N: This one's for my good friend Denise who needs a smile and requested some smut from her straight-laced friend. I hope I did it justice Ducky. It's the first sex-scene I've ever written so I'm really nervous about it. I hope you all like it. And if you don't. Please blame Denise. ;-) Thanks also to Purplangel for the beta and encouraging me to post it without re-writing the Disney version. Thanks, Karen
Team Caskett
Chapter 10
The Afterglow
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CASTLE'S LOFT…
Alexis could hardly contain her excitement as she jumped out of bed. Today was the day – her Dad's surprise birthday party! It was also the day Team Caskett would find out if all of their efforts had paid off. There was still a lot of preparation to be done for the party tonight and she was supposed to meet her grandmother in an hour. She showered and dressed in a hurry, not wanting to be late, and then made her way downstairs with her overnight bag packed with clothes for later. The house was quiet. Too quiet. Her father was usually up by now. Maybe he still wasn't home? She wondered how the stake-out went and hoped that everything was okay. He could be at the precinct or better yet, at Detective Beckett's place she thought with a smirk.
It was then she noticed her father's jacket draped along the back of the chair, leading her to believe he was at home. She tiptoed her way around the loft looking for clues, careful not to make any noise. The living room couch was piled high with pillows and a blanket, all of which were absent before she had gone up to bed last night. Upon further examination, she concluded the bedding appeared not to have been used, so although her Dad may have planned to spend the night on the couch, those plans somehow changed. He must have come home fairly late from the stake-out with Kate, although she hadn't heard him come in. She checked his office. Nothing. The million dollar question therefore being… Where was her wayward father, and was he alone?
Alexis looked over at her Dad's closed bedroom door somewhat nervously and then let out a sigh. Oh, man… Her assignment as part of Team Caskett was clear. If the situation should present itself, she was to verify the status of a certain writer and detective and report back to Lanie, um, Raven Compass. In theory, while she was dying to know what lie beyond that door and if everything was going according to plan, she was faced with a dilemma; no teenage girl wants to spy on their parent in the bedroom – I mean, ew, that's just gross. She straightened her shoulders, stood tall, and took a deep breath. Time to take one for the team…
Alexis crept towards the door, and gingerly put her hand on the knob, careful not to make a sound. She covered both eyes with the fingers of her other hand, leaving only enough wiggle room for a partial view, and prayed the shield would be enough to prevent future therapy sessions. Please let them be sleeping, please let them be sleeping, she chanted silently, tossing in and not naked, here and there, as she slowly turned the handle. The door quietly opened and she dared a peek.
They looked so cute all cuddled up and spooning. She put her hand over her heart. They were absolutely perfect together. And thankfully both sound sleepers. They were mostly covered by the blanket – the picture of sweetness, so it looked like her therapy would wait another day. She already had mommy issues, she didn't need to add any daddy ones. Smiling, she backed out of the room and closed the door, hardly making a sound. She waited a few seconds to make sure she hadn't woken them up before running into her Dad's office to let out a whispered, fist-pumping "Oh my God!" and "Yes!", complete with happy dance. Operation Stake-Out was a success! She didn't know what to do with herself at first and found herself pacing his office. She had to call her grandmother! She had to call Lanie! Thank God she wasn't going to need therapy! She had to tell someone her news before she burst! She had to leave! This was HUGE!
Quickly, Alexis taped her pre-written note to the coffee maker, thankful she'd thought to prepare it ahead of time since she couldn't even think straight right now, let alone write. The message reminded him she was spending the day with her grandmother and not to forget he'd promised to meet them for dinner at eight o'clock – on the dot, at the Old Haunt. She said not to be late because she missed him and was looking forward to their "date" since she'd hardly seen him all week. Yeah, she knew she'd laid it on a little thick, but she'd needed to ensure he wouldn't cancel. A girl's got to do, what a girl's got to do. They couldn't very well have the party without the guest of honor. And now they had even more reason to celebrate. Although, if he and Kate were already together that would mean some major changes to some of the plans Team Caskett had set up for tonight. She started to panic. She needed to get in touch with Lanie pronto - right after she called Grams. They'd both know what to do. Grabbing her purse, phone, and overnight bag, Alexis quickly left the loft, hitting the speed-dial on her cell before the elevator doors even opened.
"Grams!" she exclaimed, stepping into the elevator. "You're not going to believe what just happened!"
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They'd all met up at Remy's after work. Ryan had filled the juke box with bills. Soft music and laughter drifted through the room, carrying with it the promise of hope and romance. Couples danced under the low-lights; Jenny and Ryan, Javi and Lanie, and other smiling nameless faces glided by happily, while she and Castle remained alone at their table nursing their drinks. She turned to him about to ask if he'd like to dance, startled to find herself the focus of his attention. A shiver instantly ran down her spine. He wanted her. This look, she'd seen from him on occasion; he wore it well. Usually, one or both of them would then shyly turn away; ignore the obvious attraction, but not tonight. She knew exactly what he wanted as he undressed her with his eyes. She wanted it too, and was so tired of pretending she didn't. The familiar ache between her legs revealed itself; she was unbelievably wet for him, there would be no denying it. Judging by the way he was looking at her, he already knew. Their coupling was inevitable, they've known it all along, and somehow tonight they're both finally ready to take that next step. Her eyelids closed briefly in sweet acknowledgement of the moment, and by the time she'd reopened them he'd already risen from his chair and was standing before her, his hand extended for her to take. She put her hand in his, every nerve ending in her body coming alive – it wouldn't be long now...
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Light found its way through the blinds rousing Kate from her slumber, effectively halting the dream, leaving her sighing in frustration. She'd been having such a nice dream too; she'd never wanted it to end. Five more minutes, okay, maybe ten if they hurried, was all she really needed. And why did they always have to end when they were just getting to the good stuff? She stubbornly tried refusing to wake up, but it was no use; the dream was fading fast, the image of Castle's hungry gaze as she put her hand in his, all but gone. Damn. She supposed she really ought to get out of bed and prepare herself for work, it was probably getting late. On the other hand, maybe she'd take the day off and play hooky instead; Castle must be rubbing off on her. Or at least she wished he would…she smiled at that. Ummm, Castle… five more minutes wouldn't kill anyone. She stretched her lithe body like a cat and then curled up again on her side. Her bed was so comfortable this morning, she never wanted to leave. She let out a contented sigh, cuddling further back into the firm mattress, it's warmth pulling her closer. Maybe she could jump right back into the dream where they left off, sometimes that worked. She moaned as her fingers caressed the soft fine hair on the strong masculine arm enveloping her and sighed happily as it pulled her tighter. She was off to a very good start. Dream man, here I come. The hairy third limb was new though– and a real eye-opener. Literally.
This was not her bedroom. She flipped over on to her back and found herself staring directly into the sweet baby blue orbs of her now bare-chested dream man.
"Morning Sunshine." He said, his gravelly bedroom voice greeting her from mere inches away. He'd been lying on his side for awhile now, propped up on one elbow with his other arm draped across his partner watching her have what he could only assume was a very nice dream – apparently about him, no less. The picture she made would be embedded on his brain for all eternity.
When she'd cuddled backwards into him, he knew there'd be no hiding the effect she was having on him. He'd come very close to kissing her awake, but remained still, transfixed by her beauty, content to watch her. It wasn't everyday he got the chance to memorize the face of the woman he loved. Besides, she was making some amazing little sounds. The "Ummm, Castle" she'd unconsciously moaned earlier had nearly thrown him over the edge - hence the blanket covering his lower extremities.
His mind was completely blown. They'd kissed twice last night, both kisses initiated by Kate; hot searing kisses he wouldn't be forgetting anytime soon. And just when he didn't think it could get any better, she's the first thing he sees when he wakes up.
There was a time, not too long ago, when he never thought he'd live to see the day Kate Beckett would wake up moaning in his bed. Today was a red-letter day. Of course, he'd always dreamed when it did happen that it would be after a night of insanely passionate, hot sex, and they'd be completely naked… but this was good too.
"Hey." She said, unsure if she was truly awake or still dreaming.
Grinning like a kid in a candy store, Castle watched Kate register her surroundings; long dark lashes fluttering in confusion, eyes darting around the room, then focusing once again back on him. She was starting to come around.
"Ah, the stake-out…" She said nodding, recalling the previous night's agenda. "…the wedding, and then I stayed over at your place." She smiled.
"What else do you remember?" he replied in a rather sultry tone, admiring how pretty her hair looked adorning his pillow. Maybe he should kiss her again; she appears to have forgotten they'd kissed not once, but twice. This surprises him since he plans to check Kate kissing him off his bucket list.
"I seem to recall some pretty impressive kissing…" She said teasing him, as he leaned in closer and closer, obviously about to do it again. "And then Gates gave us the day off."
"Kate?" He said stopping his descent.
"Yes, Rick?"
"Please promise me you'll never again speak of Gates while we're lying in bed together. It's just wrong on so many levels." He shuddered, making her giggle.
"Promise." After the past few weeks of him barely speaking to her, she was so happy to be lying there with him, laughing with him, half-dressed with him. Last night had done them both a world of good.
The magnetic pull she felt towards him was fantastic and she found it impossible to look away. Damn he's gorgeous. Even with his bed head, the desire to run her fingers through it was overwhelming. Upon his handsome face, he wore a smirk that melted her insides like butter, but not much else from what she could see; his broad muscled chest fully-exposed for her viewing pleasure. Yum.
She raised an eyebrow wondering what else he might not be wearing, and then lifted their blanket to sneak a peek, ignoring his bemusement. Unfortunately, he had on boxers while she wore one of his t-shirts and boxers. Very disappointing. She pulled the blanket back up over them and sighed. What the hell? This situation must be remedied.
"Nope – still decent." He said with a chuckle, amused at the garment check, but enchanted by her now rosy cheeks. He can't believe she just did that. And if he's not mistaken, he could swear she seemed disappointed.
"Too bad." She stated, her bluntness surprising him. Then again, she always did like to keep him on his toes.
He was dying to tease her about the dream she'd been having earlier, and the Ummm Castle she'd moaned. Instead, he vowed to make her do it again, manually, preferably in a few hours, after their unfinished business and if she was still talking to him.
Reality hit him like a tidal wave. They have some major issues to resolve today; there's protocol to follow. He wants everything out in the open before they go down that unchartered road, preferably in a race car, but he should probably feed her first. She'd eat once a day if he didn't constantly watch after her, and the past couple of weeks he hadn't been watching at all; he'd bet she was probably starving. He should get up and make her coffee. Lord knows Ms. Beckett can be pretty cranky if she doesn't get her coffee in the morning. Better make her pancakes and an omelet.
Then after breakfast he'll lock up her gun in his safe and they'll finally have the talk. She'll be mad, of course, but he's confident he can convince her of his good intentions. And the big breakfast should slow her down a little in case he needs to make a run for it. They'll make up and then the massive amounts of amazing sex can begin. It sounded like a good, rock solid plan and he was quite pleased with his ability to think up such a plan considering the wonton look she was shooting him and her nearness. His plan wasn't the only thing currently rock solid.
"Hungry?" He asked, needing to get out of this bed with her immediately. He was on the edge of losing control of this situation.
"Oh, Castle, you've no idea…" She smirked and licked her lips, pulling him closer. "I'm positively famished." She purred, bringing her hand to his face and running her fingers lightly over his morning stubble. The thought of how that stubble would feel like against her skin everywhere sent shivers down her spine. There would be no more distance between them - she was done with it. The smell of his aftershave lingered in the air and sheets and was driving her wild. Satisfied he was indeed, very real and very sexy, she found she didn't want to stop touching him so she turned sideways, pulling her shirt up and over her head tossing it aside. Ignoring his stunned expression, she pushed her breasts up against his hard bare chest, adjusting her body so the rest of it followed and brought her leg over one of his instantly pulling him closer. Their first skin to skin contact caused them both to moan and the soft hairs on his chest made her tingle. He tossed his head back at the sensation which she found highly encouraging. If this didn't explain why breakfast could wait, she didn't know what would.
She'd kissed him only a few hours ago, and wanted to do it again, and again. She smiled up at him like a Cheshire cat, and he instinctively moved his hand down to her lower waist holding her tighter. She caressed his face and he responded with a kiss to the palm of her hand. The sheer pleasure of being so close to her, her bare gorgeous breasts pressed up against him, had his heart racing. She'd never wanted anything or anybody so badly in her life. Her fingers danced through his hair, down and around the back of his neck, settling on the baby fine hairs she found there.
"Kate…" he said, his resistance wavering, every hair on his body standing at attention, not to mention down below. She was intoxicating and he was becoming dizzy from the sensations she was awakening in him. His eyelids closed involuntarily at her ministrations. He was putty in her hands - the minx. She knew exactly what she was doing to him, and he in turn knew exactly what he wanted to do with her. What the hell, a little pillow talk couldn't hurt.
"No, wait!" He said, not sure where the strength came from. "Kate, not that I mind where this is leading, because I do, I really do, but we need to talk. There are some things I need to tell you first - important things." He said, as she kissed his chest before moving up to his neck. He was not ignorant to the fact that she was basically ignoring his pleas, but it felt so damn good and she smelled so incredible...oh yeah, right there - she wasn't making this easy. "Kate? Let me make you breakfast, then we'll talk, and after that, if you still want to …you know, well then Hell, I'm your guy!"
"Castle." She said focused on seducing him, and continuing to pepper kisses along his neck and then finding and sucking on his earlobe. She pulled back to look at him straight in the eyes, her arms linked around his neck. They loved each other, they both knew it. She didn't need the words from him right now. She didn't want to talk, she wanted action. "Listen to me." She said softly. "It's been a rough few weeks. Whatever it is, I'm sorry, you're sorry…we'll talk about it later and then we'll make it work. It can't be that bad. And judging from the evidence in your boxers, she smirked, looking downward, breakfast can wait." She said as she returned to kissing his face.
She was driving him crazy and he hadn't even properly kissed her good morning yet. Somehow, he'd lost control of this conversation, or maybe he'd never had it to begin with. He really wasn't sure anymore. Things had become a little blurry and he'd lost track.
"Um, Kate, actually it's important." He said starting to kiss her face in return. He couldn't help himself.
"More important than this Rick?" She whispered before attacking his mouth with agility and speed he didn't think possible, although he's seen the heels she runs in, so he really shouldn't be surprised. Once her tongue invaded his mouth all thoughts of her running evaporated and he was lost. She was right, practically a genius, and nothing was more important than what they were about to do. They'd talk later. Right now all he could think about was how she was kissing him, like she'd been doing so for years, well that, and being inside her. He felt her hand pump his hot, hard shaft and waved goodbye to his last shred of self-control as it left the building.
"You have a point." He replied. Time to get with the program. He grabbed both of her hands and pinned her to the bed, his hands itching to explore her.
"I'd say you're the one with a point Castle." She chuckled, looking down between them then back up to his eyes. "Make love to me."
He'd waited four years to hear those words from her lips. "I never could say no to you." He whispered, before his lips came crashing down hungrily on hers, pressing her deeper into the mattress. All joking ceased as their tongues dueled and battled for dominance. Never in his life had he felt so out of control, never before had he wanted to be. He made his way down her body, kissing and licking everywhere, not missing a spot. Her moaning, quivering body goaded him on, he could hear his heart pounding in his own ears. Her body was on fire for him. The clothes had to go. He dragged her boxers down and she arched her back, lifting her ass to help him remove the unwanted barrier fully. He reveled in the raw beauty exposed before him. He'd always known she was beautiful, but laid out bare, eyes wide open, watching what he was doing to her, arms above her head, and sheer ecstasy written across her face - he was blown away. And for once he was speechless.
"There are no words to describe this Kate. You take my breath away."
"We don't need words, Castle. Show me."
So he did. He moved up her body planting kisses here and there at a maddeningly slow pace, pausing for a second when he felt her hands grasp his hair, egging him on to move faster, with her whimpers and sighs, showing him she liked what he was doing to her. Her gorgeous legs went on for miles and he made sure to kiss every inch of them, while his fingers slid idly over her body, trailing along her sides everywhere at once.
He licked and suckled the sensitive skin of her inner thighs anxious to reach her glistening center. Her hands in his hair drew him in, leading him to where she wanted him most. His tongue reached out to taste her, the need to feast upon her intensifying. She tasted of cherry wine and his cock burned with the need to fill her. Just when he didn't think it possible to become any harder for her, his name escaped her lips followed by an ah, fuck. She was so wet for him and he loved it…he loved her, and relished the power of being able to do this for her. He drew sounds from her he'd only ever dreamed of hearing as he continued to ravish her sensitive bundle of nerves with his tongue like the starved man he was.
"You're so fucking beautiful Kate."
He pressed two fingers into her tight folds, swirling her hard clit with his thumb causing her to moan loudly and brought his other hand up to caress her smooth perfect breasts gently rolling each nipple, his lips seeking out her mouth as he continued to fill her with his fingers. She was bucking on his hand, quivering from the friction, her eyelids closed tight from the exquisite torture he was inflicting on her body. He suckled each breast swirling his talented tongue over the hard peaks, reverently kissing the scar that lie between them, thanking God for keeping her alive.
Her fingernails trailed up and down his back as he moved lower down her body, his strong hands lifting her bottom to bring her center up higher, and then he placed her legs to rest upon his shoulders. She whispered she was close and he wanted nothing more than to make that happen. He ravished her center once again with gusto, suckling the swollen nub, nipping gently with his teeth practically demanding the orgasm from her loins. He knew exactly how to pleasure her and she never wanted this feeling to stop.
"Let go Kate. I want to see you…come for me." he demanded, his voice washing over her, the vibrations pushing her nearer the cliff until she finally let go. He was captivated as her crescendo hit, her head falling back in ecstasy, yelling out his name and God's. He's certain he'd never seen anything quite as wonderful and he couldn't wait to do it again.
He kissed his way gently up her body, allowing her time to come down from her high, and then lay next to her on the bed. He was trying to be patient, but he was going to explode if he didn't get inside her soon. She opened her eyes and grabbed him, still panting but kissing him hard and pulling him down on top of her.
"That. Was. Amazing." She said, pulling his face down for a scorching kiss and then smiling contently. "Your turn Castle." She said and he rose to his knees.
"Oh, thank God." He said, making her giggle.
She helped him to pull off his boxers, her hand reaching out reflexively for his swollen cock as he kneeled before her. She stroked the hard velvety length of him, gently squeezing, and watched in awe as he grew harder in her hand, his head lobbing back in bliss. She licked her lips in anticipation of what he would feel like deep inside her walls. She ran the fingers of her other hand slowly down the front of his chest, as she continued to pump him, her mouth leaving a trail of butterfly kisses as she traveled lower and lower down the hard planes of his flat stomach, skimming over every spot of his flesh she could find before reaching her prize. She so wanted to give him, what he had given her and was about to take him in her mouth when he stopped her. Watching her lick her lips released something feral within him. He was all out of patience; he wanted her now.
"No, Kate…they'll be plenty of time for that later, right now it's our turn." He said, before pushing her back down into the mattress, and crawling slowly up her body like a lion over its prey. "Tell me you want this."
"Yes." She answered, kissing him once more before wrapping her legs around his waist and placing her hands on his shoulders. "Damn, Kate, wait. Do we need to uh, use anything, protection, I mean?" he asked, praying that the answer was "no". He wouldn't mind for a second if they made a baby right now. Probably too soon to mention that though.
"No. I'm on the pill." She replied, flashes of a mini-Castles, zipping through her head and Someday.
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"It appears we've reached a pivotal point in our relationship Kate." He said, poised at her entrance. "Last chance to turn back." He stared intently into her eyes and wondered if she could see how deeply in love with her he was. He wanted so badly to say the words.
"I don't want to turn back, Castle. I want to move forward – with you. I love you." She held her breath waiting for his reaction. She'd finally said the words aloud.
Her words had caught him off guard and he sucked in a breath. He couldn't believe she'd said it first. Well, technically he'd said it first, but this time they were both conscious. The widest grin she'd ever seen filled his face and then he kissed the stuffing out of her with everything he had; a kiss filled with love and promise and hope.
Like a thunderbolt – the epiphany struck him. This would be his last first time and he planned to savor every moment. She was it for him. He'd never been more certain of anything in his whole life. "I love you too Kate. Always." He told her as he thrust home, stretching her slick, hot walls as he did, and filling her to the hilt. She'd been right; the third time was a charm.
"Oh, my god Castle." She said in awe, opening her eyes to look up into his. Finally. Finally they were where they should be. Fears and yearning melted away; nothing else mattered. Wonder and love shone across his face, as her strong long legs gripped him tighter, holding him nestled safely in her narrow channel until they both caught their breath. She ran her fingers through his hair and pulled his mouth down to meet hers, kissing him tenderly. Her trembling walls contracted around his manhood and he sighed as pure pleasure washed over him. He was drowning in her depths, completely overwhelmed by her.
"Jesus, Kate. We're finally here." He whispered, before he started moving in earnest, his body leaving hers, only to return again and again, the exquisite friction setting them both ablaze. She surrendered all control, clinging to him for dear life as he pounded into her over and over again, his long, hard, powerful thrusts, leaving her begging for more. She'd imagined them together before, but nothing could have prepared her for this.
He forced himself to slow down. It would be so easy to rush this, to give in to his primal need for release, but he wouldn't allow it. He slowed his pace, wanting it to last forever, but slow was driving her mad, and she would have none of it. She brought her arms up over her head to grip the bed sheets, arching her back and accentuating her womanly curves, and he grew even harder. His hand reached down between them searching out her most sensitive spot, and he transported her to new heights. She begged him to drive into her faster and harder. As he proclaimed earlier, he could never say no to her and willingly obliged. The room smelled of sex, and her skin was like silk it was so soft, he couldn't get enough of touching her. He suckled her breasts, starved for her, marking her with his lips leaving her moaning and writhing beneath him.
He could feel her urgency, for it matched his own. She was close and told him so. He linked his hands with hers above her head and together the hard and soft planes of their drenched heated bodies mingled in perfect harmony. He sank deeper and deeper, as her body started to quiver and quake and she squeezed him so hard he thought he might pass out from sheer ecstasy. Her climax hit and she came apart before his eyes, shouting his name as her body yielded to his, her cries pushing him past his limits, telling him to let go, to come for her. He couldn't hold on any longer, the need for release too great and pounded into her body until he finally exploded within her, yelling her name, and branding her forever his.
His first coherent thought was of the proper etiquette time before he could propose. What came out of his mouth was…
"Wow."
"I'll say." She seconded.
It had been exactly what they'd both hoped it would be.
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They lay there a short time after, bodies still fused together, until they could both breathe normally again and their heartbeats slowed, then he flipped on to his side pulling her close up against him.
"Tell me why on earth we waited so long to do that?" he asked, before kissing her cheek gently.
"We're both idiots?" she replied.
"You may have something there."
"You think?"
Her stomach growled, and her hand reached down to cover the noise emanating from her belly. He moved so she lay on her back, leaning down to kiss it lovingly and then told it to simmer down.
"I'm sorry." He said nuzzling into her belly with his lips. "I tried to feed you earlier but your owner was insatiable and insisted you wait."
"Castle?"
"Yes Kate?"
"You're nuts, but I love you." She smiled then kissed him full on the lips.
"Some might say that makes you crazier than me. I love you too Katherine Beckett." He said kissing her again. Time to get up.
"Rise and shine buttercup." He grinned, as he forced himself out of bed and started to search for his clothes. He decided to forgo the shirt and just wear boxers since it was late and he was certain Alexis had already left for her shopping spree with his mother. He strode into his bathroom, took care of business, washed up and brushed his teeth, then came back out. Kate didn't appear to be moving from her current position. He was tickled by the fact he'd tuckered his woman out.
"Come on Kate, up and at 'em." He said merrily. "I'm going to make you an enormous breakfast – the works – out of bed with you." He demanded.
Kate was enjoying the view direct from his comfortable bed. He was being silly, practically giddy, and looked happier than she'd seen him in a month. The afterglow suited him, it was music to her ears.
She begrudgingly got out of bed and looked for something to wear after realizing her clothes from the night before were the only things she had with her. "Can I borrow a pair of sweats and a t-shirt?" she asked.
"Of course." He said, finding some comfy clothes in his dresser for her and handing them to her. "You can wear my clothes anytime you want, but I'd rather you be wearing nothing at all." He smirked wolfishly, pulling her to him, planting one on her lips. She was addicting, and the bed was only inches away.
The kiss quickly got out of hand as she responded without hesitation. He thought about going another round but knew he needed to get her out of his bedroom and into the kitchen. His woman needed nourishment. It was going to be a long day. Feeding first, then talking, followed by hopefully tons of amazing sex. The great plan he'd come up earlier – well, half of it had gone out the window the minute she removed her top, and although he didn't regret a second of what had happened between them, today was their day of reckoning and therefore, couldn't be postponed any longer.
"Meet me in the kitchen for even more Castle-icious delights."He said wiggling his eyebrows and then releasing her. "We need to keep up your strength." He grinned.
"Castle-icious, Castle? Really?" She rolled her eyes and shook her head at him but was unable to hide a grin.
"Too much?" He asked, smiling like a goof, and really not caring that he was. "There's a new toothbrush in the bathroom for you and some towels, but don't take a shower…without me."
"I wouldn't dream of it." She teased staring after his ass as he left the room. She washed up, brushed her teeth, got dressed, and then met him in to the kitchen. He was already flipping pancakes when she snuck up behind him putting her arms around his waist when she got close enough.
The counter was filled with breakfast goodies. He was either cooking to feed a small army or he wasn't kidding about her needing to keep up her strength.
"I hope you're hungry." He said.
"Wow. How much food do you think we can eat Castle?"
"You're stomach was very growling very loudly so don't deny you're starving. I'm cooking you a breakfast befit a queen. I made you cup of coffee, it's right behind you, and it's just the way you like it."
She took a sip and let out a contented sigh. "Oh, that's heavenly. Thanks." She said. "You do know what I like."
"You have trained me well, m'lady."
"I'm working on it…" she teased. She noticed the eggs looked like they needed to be scrambled. "What can I do to help?"
"Nothing. You're not to do a thing. Your choices are to either enjoy your coffee lounging on the couch or you may sit and admire my culinary expertise from right there on that barstool. This will only take me another minute. I'm making us omelets and pancakes. Prepare to be dazzled."
"I believe you already accomplished that this morning Castle." She blushed.
"I believe you're right – but now I must also feed you. You'll learn I have many hidden talents. And besides, Javier says it's the proper way to say thank you for you know…before." He said nodding in the direction of his bedroom.
"Really? What would a girl have to do to get dinner out of you I wonder?" She said making him laugh.
"Ask me again later. But for now come sit." He told her, leading her over to the barstool and placing her coffee in front of her. He needed to ply her with coffee and food before they had "the talk". He was hoping he'd do the talking and confess all, while she snored through it with a full belly. At least that was what he was going for.
She sat for a moment before getting restless, then meandered around the living room for a little bit, admiring some of his family photos, most taken of Alexis when she was younger, then sat back down at the kitchen counter content to watch him work his magic in the kitchen. She knew she was gazing at him like a school girl with her first crush, but she didn't care. First they'd made love, and now the man was cooking for her while she drank the fine coffee he'd made her; life was good and things were most definitely looking up.
He was a sight to behold. His hair was sticking up, he desperately needed a shave, the eggs were burning, and he was so damn cute making her breakfast shirtless and in his boxers; she couldn't believe he was all hers. While he joyfully busied himself flipping pancakes she spotted a note lying on the counter. He was to meet Alexis and Martha at the Old Haunt at eight pm.
His surprise party was tonight. Not that she'd forgotten. She was picking up the cake later, she'd bought a gift, and even invited her Dad to the party. Castle was going to be completely shocked when he walked into the Old Haunt, since she's certain he hasn't a clue about it. She was actually surprised he hadn't figured it out by now. Everyone had somehow managed to keep it a secret. She finished her coffee and thought about buying a new dress for tonight, one to knock his socks off. She'd have time to shop later, if they didn't end up back in bed again, that is. She could always pull out something she had in her closet.
She glanced at the note again and realized Alexis must have left it for him this morning. "Oh, my God Castle. Alexis was home last night when we got back. What if she knows I stayed over. What if she heard us this morning?" What if his daughter objects to the turn their relationship has taken?
"It's fine Kate, don't worry." He said calmly trying to reassure her. "She left the note for me on the coffee pot so she probably thought I was sleeping and didn't even know you were here, not that it matters. I want Alexis to know. Hell, I want the whole world to know. I'm thinking of buying some commercial air-time." He was serious; he wanted to shout it from the rooftops. He piled food on the plates before her, shut off the burners on the stove and moved around the counter to where she sat. She had her worry face on. "Come here." He said stopping to pull her into a hug.
"I'm not so sure I'm her favorite person Rick. I get the impression she thinks I've been stringing you along and I admit it might have seemed that way, but it wasn't intentional."
"Water under the bridge Kate. Things are going to be different now. You'll see. And she'll come around, I'm certain of it. My amazing and brilliant daughter only wants me to be happy and YOU make me happy, so there you have it." He said with a kiss. She didn't look too convinced. "Kate. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks, except us. We're both single, consenting adults – well, you are anyway – so we're free to do as we choose. Now let's eat. I'm starving."
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Thirty minutes later breakfast was finished and the dishes were mounted in the sink; he'd wash them later. Satisfied she'd stuffed herself, he told her it was time to talk. He took her by the hand and brought her in to his office and sat her down on the couch.
He sighed heavily running a hand through his hair. He was nervous as a cat and she was starting to get a little worried. But nothing was going to ruin this day for them, nothing, so she tried to put him at ease. "It can't be that bad castle."
"Um, yeah actually it can Kate." He said locking eyes with her. He prayed she'd forgive him. "You know, you look tired. Maybe we should take a nap? Doesn't a nap sound good?"
"Quit stalling Rick. Just tell me what's wrong and get it off your chest already. You're starting to scare me."
Time to rip off the band-aid, as they say. "We writers prefer to show, not tell." He said picking up the remote from his desk and turning on the big screen. The board lit up and her photo appeared. He looked at her longingly. "Forgive me."
He hit another button and her face was surrounded by all the main players on her mother's case. Kate's mouth hung open in disbelief. What the hell was he up to? She was afraid to ask but forced herself. "What is all this Castle?"
"It's everything I have on your mother's case. There are…some things you don't know. Things that I haven't told you in order to keep you safe."
"What are you talking about Castle? What the hell have you been keeping from me? Tell me."
"Roy. He sent a package with information harmful to the person responsible for your mother's murder. He sent it to someone he trusted, a man with the ability to negotiate on your behalf and keep you alive. His name is Mr. Smith, which is probably not his real name."
"Why would you hide this from me? Why?"
"I was trying to protect you."
"Protect me? Protect me how? By lying to me with the only new lead I've had for a year? What exactly was your role in all of this?"
"He said I was supposed to keep you from investigating, encourage you to drop it."
"Oh, my God. I cannot believe you…" she said shocked. "You should have just told me. Instead you treated me as if I was a child. I'm a cop Castle, I don't need protecting."
"This is bigger than you can handle Kate. And cop or not, they shot you once, and they'll do it again in a heartbeat. You have to let this go. I know you Kate. You would have ran head on, straight into this, and you'd be dead by now. I refused to let that happen."
"You had no right, this is MY life Castle." She said.
"I know that now. It is your life and I hated keeping it from you, but you have to understand Kate, I only did it because I love you. I almost lost you once. I couldn't take the risk. You have to believe me."
"You say you love me? And this is how you show someone you love them? By lying?"
"Damn straight I love you! I'm completely in love with you, but you've known that for a whole year now haven't you Kate? You heard me the day you were shot, and you let me go on believing I was alone in this relationship. So I know you understand how lying can sometimes seem like a good idea at the time."
She had the decency to look guilty. "I was working through my issues."
"I was trying to save your life."
They had come to a standstill; tempers were rising, each partner more stubborn than the other.
"You should have told me sooner." Kate said. "Instead you waited until after we…oh my God, you waited until after we had sex to tell me the truth!"
"Don't even go there Kate. I wanted to tell you earlier but you wouldn't listen. And it wasn't just sex. We both know it was more than that."
"You should have told me first!"
"Are you saying you regret what happened in that bedroom?"
"No. Yes. I don't know what I'm saying right now. I'm so damn mad at you! You should have told me before we went into that bedroom. You should have blurted it out for god sakes!"
"I tried, I really did, but you were all over me. I was helpless."
"I was ALL OVER YOU!" she yelled. "That's your defense?"
"Yes, you were, and the feeling was mutual, I assure you, but there was simply no stopping you. You were a hellcat! I tried, I really did, but that part's all your own fault – you and your feminine wiles." He realized his mistake a moment too late. She had that look on her face. The one she used on suspects twice her size she knew were guilty. Right before she put them away for life in prison. Crap. He forgot to put her gun in his safe. He starts back-peddling.
"I couldn't help myself. You overwhelmed me! I had everything I'd ever wanted right there in that room and I lost control of the situation Kate – I admit it, I'm not Superman. Actually, I'm more of a Green Lantern, bit of a bad-boy and slightly more flawed."
Her face is getting redder, she's not laughing and she looks about ready to scream. "Castle. FOCUS!" This was not going as smoothly as he'd hoped.
"Kate. I planned on confessing everything to you last night, but we had the stake-out and the wedding, and by the time we got home it was too late - we were both exhausted. And then this morning, you were all I'm positively famished Castle and We don't need words, Castle…"He mimicked, missing her eyes widen in anger. "And the next thing I know you're kissing me and touching me…quite nicely I might add, and I even tried feeding you, but you refused to leave my bedroom!"
Her mouth hung open in horror. What an ass! How can she be so in love with this infuriating man? She needed to get the hell out of there. Away from him. Now. She needed time to absorb everything he'd told her, to clear her head. She turned away from him, marched across the room and headed straight into his bedroom. He followed on her heels still talking.
"Where are you going?" He demanded to know, although panic was starting to set in. She's running. "Don't leave." He pleaded.
She completely ignored him and angrily picked up her scattered clothes, removing his borrowed t-shirt and boxers, not caring that he was watching. She re-dressed quickly. If she didn't get out of his loft soon, she was going to say things she'd regret, things she wouldn't be able to take back. She had to get her temper in check before they discussed this any further so she didn't kill him first. It wasn't boding well for him.
"Don't run from this, Kate. Stay here and face me, talk it out."
"I'm not running Castle, we'll talk later, but I need to get out of here and calm down. I get why you think you did what you did, but it doesn't change the fact that I'm so mad at you right now I can't even see straight." She looked around the bedroom. She was fuming. "God, what I really want to do now is just hit something."
"Hit me."
"What?"
"I said hit me." He grabbed a pillow and shoved it in her hands, making her take it. He was serious. The man was out of his mind.
"Here, go on. Do it. It'll make you feel better. I can take it. Give it your best shot." He raised an eyebrow in challenge. She had a death-grip on the pillow and her knuckles were turning white. She was thinking it over.
"I don't want to hit you Castle." She soooo wanted to hit him. He was being ridiculous, and making her as crazy as he was. She tried to hand him back the pillow but he refused to take it.
"You know you want to. Come on Kate I dare you." He smirked, not believing her for a second, egging her on. "I double-dog dare…"
The sheer blunt force took him by surprise. He really should have seen it coming.
"Ow…you." He added weakly. She'd slugged him as hard as she possibly could with it, right smack across his head, nearly toppling him over in the process. Note to self: The woman was freakishly strong, buy softer pillows.
"You're right Castle." She said, tossing the pillow to the floor, then looking him in the eyes, tongue in cheek. "I do feel better. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm outta here." She grabbed her purse and bolted from the bedroom, throwing open the entrance door, making her escape into the hallway.
"Kate, wait!" he cried following her in his underwear. She'd hit the elevator button before he could stop her. "Please don't leave like this. Everything was so perfect. I'm sorry, you're sorry. I love you, you love me. Remember? Stay and talk this out with me." She shook her head and then hit the elevator button ten times.
"What are you doing for dinner? Have dinner with me." He asked, leaning on the frame of the elevator door, trying to appear debonair in his current attire. All this earned him was a Beckett eye-roll.
"You have a date with your daughter and mother later tonight, and as it so happens, I also have plans." She said, as the elevator doors opened and she got in. "We'll talk about this later Castle. I need some space."
"What? No kiss good-bye?" He asked giving it one last shot as the elevator doors closed in his face. He's left staring at them, shirtless and in his boxers, unable to run after her in his current state of undress. What the hell does she mean, she has plans?
He stumbled back into his apartment, slamming the door behind him. "Damnit!" He yelled to an empty loft.
"Well then…that went well."
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Down at the precinct Javier answered his ringing cell phone.
Ryan moved closer to his partner for an update. They were both dying to know what happened on the stake-out last night. All Karpowski could tell them was that Caskett dropped off the witness early this morning and that Gates gave them the day off. Ryan could hear a woman's excitement echoing loudly through Javier's phone and his eyes widened in anticipation. Javier didn't say a word for awhile, letting her yell, then finally said "No way! Okay. Got it. Will do. Uh, huh. Uh, huh. Got it. Okay, yeah. Right. I'll talk to you later." He disconnected the call and let out a resounding "Yes!"
"What happened? Tell me! Was that Lanie?" Ryan asked.
"Wrong number." Javi said with a straight face.
"Very funny. Now tell me what the hell she said."
"Alexis called Lanie and told her Kate stayed the night at Castle's place."
"That's it. That's not very big news." Ryan said. "They got in pretty late, so she stayed over."
"In his bed, numb-nuts – with Castle." Javi added, as if speaking to a child.
"Oh." He grinned, the realization settling in. "So the stake-out worked. I'll be damned." They took a moment to feed the birds. "What do we do now? I mean, besides up our ante in the office pool."
"Change of plans. I have to call Paul and let him know not to come tonight. Martha already knows, so you call Jenny, and then ask her to call Madison. They'll know what to do. Then tonight - we par-tay, my brother."
Ryan called his wife and after he ended the call he turned to Javier. He looked confused and a little afraid.
"What?" Javier asked him. "What did she say when you told her about our two resident love birds?"
"Oh, she was thrilled. I think I have only partial hearing left in one ear." He said tugging his right one.
"Then what's wrong?" Javier asked.
"It was what she said next that worries me. Jenny told me she called and invited Gates, and her husband to the party tonight."
"Yeah, so what? Mayor said she had to make "nicey, nice" Javier said using finger quotes. "Remember?"
"Yeah, so she and her husband are both coming tonight, but that's not the part that scared me." Ryan replied. "Jen said and I quote, "Captain Gates was really sweet about it, said she would be delighted to attend, and thanked her for the invitation. Jenny thought she was really nice. Can you believe that? What the hell?"
"Dude? Are you sure Jenny hasn't taken any bumps to the head recently?"
"Pretty sure."
"Maybe Gates is getting caught up in the romance of it all." Javier said.
Two beats of silence later and they both burst out laughing.
"Yeah, she's a regular walking Hallmark card." Ryan laughed, missing his partner's warning.
"Detectives. Working hard I see." Ryan's eyes shut at the sound of his boss's dulcet tones behind him. Damn, the woman was stealthy.
"Afternoon Captain." They both said trying to look innocent, returning to their paperwork, and fiddling nonsensically with the office supplies on their desks. She gave them the once over, scary eyes piercing their souls, then uncrossed her arms. "Are you done with the Miller Case?" She asked them.
"Almost finished Sir. Just wrapping up our final report." Javier said.
"You'll have it on your desk before we leave tonight, Sir." Ryan added.
"See that it is." She told them sternly. "You boys wouldn't want to be late for the party now, would you?"
"Right."
"Nope."
She turned to leave but then pivoted back to face Ryan. "Oh, Detective Ryan? Before I forget…I spoke with your lovely wife this morning…." She said, letting it hang there a second for effect, "Thank her again for me for the invitation." Then she turned on her heel and headed back to her office leaving them staring after her. They didn't see her small smile.
"Will do, Sir." Ryan yelled a moment later, after realizing her remark probably warranted a response.
He turned to Javier. "I think I may have just crapped a little in my pants."
"TMI dude."
"Do you think she's up to something?" Ryan asked him.
"Nah. I think you're being an overly suspicious police detective, that's all." Javier replied, wondering the same thing.
"Cause that was just weird. That was weird right?"
"You're being paranoid Bro. Let's finish this report so we can get out of here on time. You heard the lady, we've got a par-tay to go to!"
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A/N: A review would make my day. Thanks! The Surprise Party is up next…and don't worry, Castle WILL get another chance to call her out about on calling him a lier when she's just as bad!