During dinner, they talked for a long time, sometimes serious, sometimes laughing but getting to know each other better the whole time. Afterward, Rick made sure she was comfortable, set her movie up for her- even provided popcorn- and kissed her softly before heading into his office.
When the movie ended and the sound died down, Kate could hear the subtle sounds of typing and she smiled. She was glad he was finally working. And she was looking forward to eventually reading the next Richard Castle book, regardless of whether or not she appeared naked on the cover again.
Kate slowly stood and walked into his office, not wanting to distract him, but wanting his attention at the same time.
When he didn't look up, just kept typing, she finally said, "I'm headed to bed now."
"Okay," he mumbled, continuing to type. Eventually he looked up and smiled at her. "Good night."
The happy smile encouraged her, so she approached his chair and said quietly, "Come say goodnight to me before you go to bed."
He grinned and teased, "Do you need someone to tuck you in again? Would you like me to read you a bedtime story, too?"
She kept an impressive poker face, but Rick could tell she was thinking some pretty scathing thoughts at that moment. But she just admitted, "Something like that." Then she leaned down and kissed him.
The kiss began soft and sweet but quickly intensified, as Kate deepened the kiss, threading her fingers through Rick's hair to hold him close. The way her tongue invaded his mouth took his breath away, and when she finally broke the kiss, he was panting.
"Just come say goodnight to me," she commanded and Rick was impressed by how strong and smooth her voice sounded. He wouldn't have been able to sound so collected had he spoken just then. In fact, as he tried to respond, he found his muddled brain couldn't even think of something to say. So he just nodded and watched as Kate smiled down at him, then turned and sauntered away, closing his office door behind her. He simply sat and stared at that closed door for a long moment, thinking.
Rick knew exactly what Kate was offering with her words and her kiss. If he went to her room tonight- even if he only intended to tuck her in and kiss her goodnight- he knew he'd end up in bed with her. As much as that was exactly where he'd longed to be since he'd first met her, he now knew he wanted more than just a weekend. He…
Just admit it already, Ricky, he scolded himself. Then he continued with the accusation, You're in love with her. You want more than just a weekend of what is sure to be incredible sex. You want a lifetime of it.
He ran his hands through his hair in frustration. As long as he'd known her, Rick had longed to feel her soft- looking skin against his- longed to feel her lithe body wrapped around him. But as much as he wanted that- wanted her- he wanted her to love him even more.
So for tonight, he would keep pretending to write until he was sure Kate was asleep and not take her up on her unspoken offer.
When his attention finally returned to the computer in front of him, inspiration struck. He scrolled to the top of the document, deleted the working title and tapped in 'Naked Heat.' And as soon as he had the title nailed down, he realized he wouldn't have to pretend to be writing all night.
A/N: I know this is starting to drag on, but I really did have a plan for this story. I didn't want them to sleep together too early because I thought that would defeat the purpose of getting to know each other. At least in my limited experience, sex changes a relationship and you stop trying to get to know the person and get wrapped up in the physical side of things. I didn't want that to happen yet, so Castle is acting a bit out of character I guess. Sorry! And please have a little patience, they WILL get here.