35. "You heard me. Take. It. Off."

She found him in the bathroom. The sink was on at full blast, so he didn't hear her approach. He was soaking a washcloth in the basin, but she already knew it would take more than that to clean up the mess that their daughter had created. Kate paused, hesitating at the door, leaning a hip against the jamb as she watched him scrub his face.

"Sorry about that," she said after an interval, stepping in.

"Huh?" Castle pulled the washcloth down, blinking at her through the reflection in the mirror.

Kate ducked her head down and chewed on her lower lip. "It wasn't exactly the best birthday party, now was it?"

He glanced at her with bright eyes, a twinkle in them, as there always was with her husband. Castle had an amazing ability to remain lighthearted and jovial in the strangest of circumstances. He offered her a shrug, before moving the washcloth along his jaw and down his neck, whipping away the mess.

"I'll admit, it will be hard to top that Rear Window inspired one," he concurred. "But tonight was great, Kate. I loved it. Having all my family and friends together, celebrating and sharing the day with me. Great food. Good company. That's all a man needs to commemorate the date of his birth. Oh, and cake. You always need cake."

"Yes, the cake," Kate nodded, stepping further into the ensuite and snatching the washcloth from him, taking over.

Castle raised his eyebrow, but did not object. She pursed her lips, concentrating on cleaning the mess from his shirt.

"Still," he prattled on. "I could have done without the projectile vomit."

Kate snorted. "We all could have. And you have no one to blame but yourself. I told you not to give her any cake, that the frosting would be too rich for her."

"How could I not!?" he hooted in protest. "She was shooting those big eyes at me. You know me, Kate. I can't resist my little peanut."

"Lily is still adapting to solid foods, Castle," Kate admonished. "You, over all people, should know better." She tossed the washcloth back in sink basin with a disgusted look, shaking her head. "There's no use for it. Just take it off."

"Hmm?"

"Your shirt… actually all of it," she gestured wildly to encompass his entire person.

"What?" Castle furrowed his brow. "But we still have guests."

"No. I sent them home," she said. "And I've put Lily down for the night."

"But… but…," he stammered, looking utterly perplex. It was rather adorable, really. It always gave her a thrill when she could fluster her husband so.

"You head me," Kate interjected, smirking, and adding a suggestive arch to her eyebrow. "Take. It. Off." She stepped back, pulling her blouse up and over her head. "Lily is asleep. And we have the loft to ourselves. So… we're taking this into the shower."

"Ooh!" Castle's eyes alighted with understanding, and lust, when she reached behind her back and unclasped her bra, tossing it over her shoulder in a casual manner that still somehow, because it was her, was utterly alluring to him. "I love how your mind works."

"I know," she responded in a husky voice.

Castle hurriedly fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, but knowing her husband as she did, that his brain would be too addled at the sight of her half-dressed—his eyes had already strayed downward—Kate batted his clumsy hands away, and took charge, deftly parting his shirt open with ease, seductively raking her fingers down his torso, until she reached his belt buckle. His chest heaved as she worked it free. Winking saucily, Kate stepped back and wiggled out of her slacks, tugging her panties down with them. Castle hastily pulled his trousers and boxers down, kicking the garments away with his feet as he jumped to join her as she stepped into the walk-in shower.

Ducking her head, Kate turned the knob and braced herself against the initial chilly spray of water. Castle wrapped his arms around her, holding her from behind, sharing his body warmth to keep her from freezing until the water heated. She twisted around in his arms, placing her hands on his bare shoulders, smoothing her thumbs in small circles over his warm skin.

"It's been a while since we've done this in the shower," Castle mumbled, his eyes dark with arousal. His need was already hot and hard, pressed against her stomach.

"Too long," she answered.

Kate then pushed on up her toes, capturing his mouth with hers in a passionate kiss, her tongue prodding, plundering, deepening the embrace as she pressed closer into his broader frame. He groaned, deep in his throat, causing her to moan in response. His hands skimmed down her back, cupping her ass, squeezing. A gasp of delight left her mouth as she dropped back down to her feet. He waggled his eyebrows at her, and Kate nipped at his jaw and chin, grinning as she glanced up at him from beneath her lashes.

"Happy Birthday, Castle."

Castle smiled, agreeing. "Happy Birthday to me."