CHAPTER ELEVEN: Dessert
The familiar ritual of passing containers back and forth, talking about simple things and fighting over the last spring roll relaxes them. Staying away from touchy subjects, they dance around what's happening with them and avoid discussing what they were feeling as they nearly died twice in two days. Although they spend some time speculating about what drives a man like Agent Fallon, they mostly stick to safe topics, such as the latest movies and his family's current interests.
After dinner, they clean up in companionable silence. The food, wine and emotions from the last few days have seemingly caught up with them, causing them to move at half speed, exhaustion slowly creeping over them. After the last dish is put away, Kate tops off their wine and grabs Castle's hand, leading the way to her couch, content to snuggle and let whatever else happens progress naturally.
Throughout dinner and beyond, Kate has been studying him, cataloging the way his strong hands move, watching the expressions on his face shift from serious to playful and back again easily. She's always found him attractive, but her newly intimate knowledge of him has her appreciating his physical qualities even as she anticipates a repeat performance. Taking another sip of her wine, she feels the first tendrils of arousal softly strumming through her body as she locks eyes with him, pulling him onto the sofa next to her, eyes wide and wanting.
The look of invitation in Kate's eyes has Castle swallowing nervously. Last time, everything happened so quickly he didn't get time to savor her the way he wanted to. While he's not complaining, he has no intention of letting things progress so quickly this time. He's waited years to worship her the way he's wanted to. This time, he's setting the pace. Swallowing a sip of wine, he watches Kate, anticipation permeating the air. Mesmerized by the movement of her throat as she takes a drink, his hands reach out and take her glass from her, setting it aside. Moving in, he closes the distance between them, wanting only to taste her again, his gaze intent on her soft lips, which are turned up in a knowing smile. His arm embrace her, fingers rubbing gently against her back and pulling her in even as he softly, gently caresses her mouth with his, relishing the tangy sweet taste of her mingled with the smooth red wine. Intoxicated, aroused, he wants to explore all of her.
Breaking away from their kiss, he feels his body quickly racing out of control. Fighting for control, he pulls back, resting his forehead on hers, breathing heavily, his hands igniting fires under her skin even as he tries to cool his own reaction. Silently, he encourages her to lie back. Pliant in his arms, she relaxes into the couch, trusting him enough to follow his lead. After a few more kisses, he knows he needs to take a break or he'll rush this again. Gentling his kisses, he slows down, soothing herself and him, before he rises up off the couch. "Be right back," he promises, before heading to the restroom, a reassuring smile on his face.
Kate, sweetly aroused, yet tired and content at the same time, stretches out on the couch, enjoying the gentle hum of her blood as she waits for his return. Relaxed, confident, knowing they have all night and all day tomorrow, she finds herself drifting, half asleep already, as she turns on her side, snuggling into the pillow. Hearing him return, she smiles, hearing him set something on the table before he kisses her softly, rolling her onto her stomach and moving pillows out of the way. He gently stretches her out, hands soothing her before straddling her hips, his large legs barely fitting on either side of her, the weight of his body pushing her more snuggly into the couch.
"Castle—" she begins, thinking she should roll back over, even as she wants to simply stay where she is.
"Shhh. Relax Kate, just enjoy."
Slowly, surely, he begins rolling his thumbs into her shoulder muscles. His fingers tease out a hard knot which he begins gently massaging, working it loose before moving on to the next spot. Relaxing at the feel of his hands moving across her back and shoulders, she lets herself enjoy the gentle kneading motions as he works his way down her spine. His hands hesitate momentarily when he realizes she's not wearing her bra, but she barely notices the brief interruption, mesmerized by the exquisite massage. As he works down to the base of her spine, he scoots further down her legs, freeing up more of her to his touch, his hands mapping her body, his own body becoming more and more aroused even as he feels her relaxing and responding to his soothing touch. Lulled by the feel of his big, warm hands, she feels her reserve melting away, responding to his ministrations, tranquility spreading throughout her body. As he continues, she feels her shirt bunching and pulling, getting in the way, even as he pushes it gently up and out of the way. Without thinking about it, she helps him remove it, baring her back to him, wanting his touch to continue unhindered by the uncomfortable cloth. He pauses a moment, reaching for the lotion he placed on the coffee table, squirting a generous portion into his palm, before briskly rubbing his hands together to warm the lotion, the lubrication aiding his movements on her back.
His hungry eyes trace the path of his hands, memorizing the slope of her back, the sweep of her ribs, the freckles dancing across her shoulder blades. His fingers tingle, the smooth texture of her skin combining with the slick feel of the lotion causing them to slip and slide across her body. The beauty of her form enchants him, the feel of her under him surreal, a dream he can't believe is real. She's so strong and confident he forgets how delicate her frame truly is, even as he admires the toned muscles rippling in response to his touch. Focusing only on her, he tamps down the desire threatening to overwhelm him and catalogs all the places that cause her to squirm and hum in appreciation of his touch, promising himself he'll revisit each and every place in his quest to please her.
Lost in the feel of the massage, she falls into a trance-like state sneakily induced by the feel of his hands moving over her, the warm lotion soothing her. Broad strokes up and down the middle of her spine mesmerize her, slowly moving up and down her back, then fanning out towards her sides, occasionally adding more warmed lotion, his hands sliding easily along her soft skin. The first time he lets his fingers slide down her sides, brushing the sides of her breast she's so relaxed she almost doesn't feel her heart stutter, the slow curl of arousal whispering through her, her skin sensitized and responsive to his touch. With each pass up and down her back, his fingers get more bold, teasing her breasts, causing them to get heavier, her nipples tightening in response even as her breath catches and quickens. Part of her badly wants to roll over and push her breasts into his hands and beg him to touch her front as intimately and thoroughly as her back. The other part of her can't wait to see what he has planned next. Her mind hazily drifts and debates what she should do even as her body trusts him to lead her where he pleases. Anticipation rising, she feels his hands moving lower, abandoning her breasts to focus more on her lower back and hips, hands pushing gently at the waistband of her pants, moving it down and out of the way, as he firmly kneads the tight muscles at the base of her spine, before moving over her jeans and massaging her butt and hamstrings through the cloth. The material of her pants is pulled tight by his up and down motion, the friction pulling the seam tightly against her center, causing her hips to jump in response. The feel of his hands moving, soothing the muscles even as he traces their curves causes her to shift her legs, pressure building inside her while moisture gathers between her legs, soaking her panties. Wanting to participate more fully yet not wanting to stop what he's doing, she holds herself still, savoring the feel of his hands on her even as she debates taking a more active role.
Unable to stop herself, she pushes her hips up off the couch, reaching in to unbutton and unzip her pants, fumbling, wanting them gone. Giving in to her unspoken demand, he peels her pants and underwear off, followed by her socks, one at a time. His eyes devour the luscious curve of her ass and firm muscles of her thighs, the darker shadow between them glistening in the light. Her musky aroma teases his senses, combining with the light scent of the lotion, intoxicating him. Grabbing the bottle, he warms more of the creamy substance in his hands, as he resumes his massage, this time starting at her feet and working his way up. He finds a sensitive spot behind her knee that has her squirming and giggling, which he soothes with a firmer touch. Watching her body's reaction, he sees a subtle flush spreading over her fair skin, as the gentle motion of his hands brings the blood to the surface, warming and arousing her in turn.
"You're so beautiful" he whispers out, his voice husky and deep, he's awed by the sight of her gorgeous body, his mouth unable to resist joining in the fun, as he begins placing gentle kisses all along her back and spine, moving lower, his mouth exploring territory already conquered by his hands. Even as he continues to pepper her with kisses, his hands continue their exploration, his thumbs tracing the elongated muscles of her butt and hamstrings, soothing over them before he finally lets his hands dip inwards. With each pass of his hands, he gets a little bolder, moving his thumbs closer to her center, before moving away, pushing back along her thighs and up and over her butt cheeks, the pull of her muscle and skin causing her core to tighten and tingle in response.
With each pass of his hands, the pull of the massage causes the most delicious ache between her legs. He's cleverly avoided touching her where she wants it most, the absence of sensation creating an exquisite need. His touch has evolved into a gentle caress, teasing her nerve endings, causing her to obsessively anticipate each and every move, her body on fire for more. The more he teases her, the stronger her response. She unconsciously opens her legs a little wider, wanting his hands everywhere, the subtle movements of her hips and legs a silent invitation for more intimacy, their increased tempo a silent signal that she wants and needs more. Giving in to her growing impatience, he finally allows his touch to reach up into her center, the slick moisture proof of her desire.
The light touch of his fingers against her core are accompanied by the gentle brush of his mouth trailing kisses down her spine, setting her on fire, his occasional moans and sighs fueling hers. She feels his thick fingers tracing the wet lips between her legs, dipping into her and retreating, the teasing motion pulling an answering moan from her. She's fantasized about those fingers so many times and now he's teasing her with them, the tactile sensations easily setting her aflame. He continues trailing kisses all over, nuzzling her breast from the side, sucking on her hip, his mouth lingering on the rounded curve of her ass, marking her here and there. Spreading her legs a little wider, he drags some of her wet heat up to her clit as he gently presses his thumb into her channel, its gentle motion inside of her creating a delicious friction outdone only by the feel of his two fingers lightly dancing on either side of her clit. She feels her body climbing the peak, her response pulled from deep within her, the languid stimulation from earlier replaced by a thundering beat, driving her up and up, her need becoming more frantic with each sweep of his hands. Her body instinctively seeks more pressure, chasing his fingers. In response, he quickens their tempo in time with her hips, stimulating her further, the exquisite torture they create causing her to gasp and moan in response. Just when she thinks she's about to come, he stops abruptly, leaving her poised on the pinnacle. She lets out a groan of protest even as he smoothly rolls her over. His eyes widen at the sight of her flushed face and body, her eyes almost black with desire, her tight nipples begging for attention, dark and dusky, calling out for his mouth and hands. Reaching out one hand, he fills his palm with her even as his thumb and forefinger pinch the nipple firmly, her hips bucking in response to his touch. Exerting tight control over his body, he pushes his own need aside and dips his head lower, seeking out her clit with his tongue, even as he gently pushes two thick fingers into her. One hand alternately working both of her breasts, he tentatively feels his way with his tongue, licking and parting her lips and tracing them up to her clit, seeking out the hard little nub, tracing and retracing his journey several times before settling in. Feeling the erect little button, he flattens his tongue strongly against it, feeling her hips buck, before he opens his mouth wide and begins alternately flicking and sucking it, working her quickly. Unable to stop herself, one hand moves to the back of his head, holding him against her even as her other hand finds her other nipple, picking up the motion and rhythm of his hands as he enthusiastically works her, her hips jerking in response to the sensations. Her orgasm hits her hard and fast, a sharp jerk of her hips pulling a scream from her as she tumbles over the top. Relentlessly, he continues to work his tongue against her clit even as his fingers seek out her g spot and stimulate it, not letting her come down. Quickly, ruthlessly, he drives her towards a second, even stronger orgasm, his focus solely on her pleasure. Body overly stimulated, unable to sit still, she writhes against him, stuck on the edge of another orgasm, the sweet pain a delicious torture. Just when she thinks she won't be able to reach the peak another time, he hums against her, the vibrations from his mouth sending her racing over the edge, everything within her tightening exquisitely. Screaming his name in release, her whole body clenches as she comes, a flood of moisture from her channel running down her thighs, as he continues to lap and suck at her, drawing out her orgasm, a satisfied smile sneaking across his expression even as he begins soothing her body.
Giving her a moment to recover, he languidly climbs his way back up her torso, nibbling and kissing as he goes, paying each of her breasts careful attention before he looms over her, his expression filled with love, lust and unmistakable pride.
Overwhelmed by her body's response, she meets his eyes, too satisfied to care that he's reduced her to a melting puddle of goo. She's not even annoyed by how smug he looks, acknowledging he's entitled to what he's feeling. Vulnerable, open, she realizes that she trusts him completely, her body responding to him in a way she's never before experienced. Instantly addicted, she unexpectedly acknowledges his mastery of her body.
"You're incredibly good at that." Her husky voice spills the admission before she can censor her thoughts, satisfaction coloring her tone, making her voice the sexiest he's ever heard it.
Mesmerized, he memorizes her features, wanting to always picture this moment with her. Unable to say anything, throat clenching tight with emotion, he brings his mouth to hers, kissing her deeply, letting her taste herself on his tongue, the combination of flavors pulling another groan from him as his body screams for completion when she responds by tangling her tongue with his.
Her arms come around him and she realizes he's still wearing most of his clothes.
"I want these off." She commands, pulling at his shirt, even as her small hands travel down and firmly squeeze his butt, enjoying the feel of him against her, the hot, hard length of his arousal pushing against her hip. Realizing how much he's put off his pleasure in order to satisfy her, she wants to return the favor.
Posturing up, he quickly takes off his shirt, fully exposing his upper body to her for the first time. Her breath hitches as she takes in the cut muscles of his chest, a light smattering of hair fanning out over his small dark nipples, before narrowing over his abs and drawing a line south of his navel. His biceps bulge and move as he begins working on the closure of his pants, the bulge of his erection testing the strength of the fabric as he strains to be free.
Eyes devouring his beautiful form, Kate realizes her speculation about his body failed from a lack of imagination. The reality is so much better, and firmer, than she ever expected. Amused and aroused by her perusal, he lets his hands linger at the open front of his pants, waiting for her gaze to catch up, before he reveals the rest of himself to her.
Not content to let him control everything, she brushes her hands over the firm muscles of his chest before lightly trailing them lower, the muscles jumping under her touch as she teases her way to the partially open jeans before pushing his hands out of the way. Eyes dancing in anticipation, she watches him watching her, even as she lets her hands explore the full length and breadth of his erection through his boxers, pulling a moan from him even as she feels him pulsing against her. "I can't withstand much of that" he warns her, wanting her hands on him but knowing his resistance is low at this point.
Body clenching in anticipation, recalling vividly the feel of him inside of her, she moves from teasing to determined in the span of a heartbeat. Carefully, she pulls his soft boxers over the head of his penis, before shoving everything down.
"Help me." She commands, wanting him naked and inside of her. Stilling her hands, he reaches into the slack pocket of his pants and pulls out three more condoms, tossing two on the table, even as he quickly gets up and shucks his pants before repositioning himself over her.
"Feeling lucky?" she teases, eyes dancing with mirth as she sees he came prepared to have a really good time. Unconsciously licking her lips as she eyes his impressive member, she knows she wants to taste him even as she realizes she doesn't have the patience for it right now.
"It was wishful thinking." He admits, even as his cock jumps in response to the blatant desire in her eyes. Then, with a leer and a boyish grin, he confesses. "Now I'm thinking I didn't bring enough."
"I think we'll manage" she flirts back, as her hands take the package from his hand and tear into it. "I've got some ideas for later" she teases, as she rolls the condom over the wide head and soft length of him, her hand squeezing him lightly in the process, her inner muscles contracting in anticipation.
"Right now, I really want you inside of me." She confesses, her hips lifting up towards him, seeking out the feel of him against her.
Fighting for control, he lowers his hips to her, letting his erection glide through her moisture, coating the condom as he rubs his cock across her opening and up, pressing against her even as his head teases her clit with the solid feel of him. Moaning in response to the feel of her warm, slick center, he repeats the motion, stomach quivering, balls tightening in anticipation.
Body instantly responding, still on alert from before, she quickly becomes frustrated by his teasing and brings her hand between them, firmly grabbing hold of his shaft and positioning him at her entrance.
"Rick….quit teasing!" she admonishes
Eyes locked with hers, he holds himself poised above her, his body quivering with the need to plunder. Gazes locked, his penetrating stare piercing straight through her, he thrusts into her, one firm, long stroke joining them together, burying him deep inside of her, all the way to the hilt. Her eyes widen in response, her face flushing with pleasure, as her body softens and stretches to accommodate him.
"Oh my god that feels so good." She groans out, squirming a little as she instinctively seeks out pressure against the tangle of nerves deep inside of her. Sighing in pleasure when she feels him hit the perfect spot, her eyes remain locked with his, specks of green and brown barely covering the emotion swimming in their depths.
Savoring the feel of being cocooned deep inside of her, he stills for a moment, emotion swirling around them, his heart singing with love for her, before he begins to move, driving deeply and firmly in and out, his body setting a steady rhythm designed to drive them both wild.
Picking up his rhythm, she moves in sync with him, the sensation of him inside of her feeling as natural as breathing. She feels her body quickly climbing back up, muscles clenching and sliding against him, his thick cock driving her higher and higher. Wanting more, needing more, her movements become sloppy and more frantic.
"More, Rick." She demands. "Harder." Giving in, he begins pounding into her, his movements strong and firm, the tight feel of her driving him crazy. Knowing he promised to hold out longer, amazed at how quickly his body is driving towards home, he fights off his climax, watching and waiting until he's certain she's with him.
"I need more, Rick, please. I'm almost there." She begs, desperate for release, her fingernails digging into his ass as she pulls him more deeply into her. Pulling her hips up, he changes the angle slightly, driving his cock more fully against the front of her, his pubic bone hitting her clit even as his tip rubs against the sensitive nerves deep inside of her. Body driving hard into hers over and over again, he drops his head down and latches onto her breast, pulling her nipple firmly into his mouth, the suction he creates causing fire to shoot straight to her core.
She screams as her entire body clenches in response, her orgasm ripping through her, ravaging her body, eyes closing reflexively as she's overwhelmed with sensation. The feel of her muscles tightly clamping down on him pull him over the edge, his face flushing red, jaw clenched, body freezing in response. The force of his ejaculation cause his buttocks to tighten, his whole body trembles with the force of the storm moving through him as he pours into her.
Stunned, shaken, he closes his eyes and cradles her small frame close to his body, as his heart pounds and his lungs heave. He can feel her body's response, her muscles shaking and clenching rhythmically against him, her skin lightly coated in moisture, even as her hands begin soothing up and down his back, her touch gentle and loving.
He knew he was in love with her. He never realized how completely until this moment, when his only thought is of holding her and never letting her go. Scared by the depth of his feelings, afraid of her reaction if he lets it show, he clamps down tightly on his emotions, wanting to tell her he loves her, but trying to control his reaction so as not to chase her away. Driven by the need to express what he's feeling, he kisses his way up her neck and to her mouth, keeping his eyes closed, shielding his emotions from her even as he gives her a long, slow, deep kiss, which she gently returns.