Author's Note: I'm finally home! I'm so sorry about the long wait for this chapter. I've been touring colleges all week. I fell in love with UVA, by the way. Now I just have to focus on getting in, which isn't easy. Spring Break ends tomorrow, so I'll be back at school. That actually means I can update quicker though. I write during class a lot. I know, real good way to get into UVA, right? Ha. I know. Thanks always for reading and reviewing!

The next morning Beckett woke later than she was accustomed to. She stretched her legs out in front of her but didn't want to leave the bed. In a sleepy haze she found that she was slightly cold and in turn, she scooted further into the warm arms that surrounded her.

The body that surrounded her was undeniably comfortable and Beckett found she wanted to be closer.

Still without clearly thinking she turned and muzzled her face into Castle's chest. His heartbeat was nearly audible as she turned her face to his chest. Castle's breathing was slow and rhythmic. It drew her nearer to sleep again.

Wait.

Nuzzled into Castle.

Castle's chest.

In bed.

The events of the night before suddenly rushed into her mind. They were not supposed to be touching. They were just sleeping. Only sleeping.

No funny business. Nothing else. Just sleeping side by side.

Now that Beckett was very, very awake she was aware of exactly what was happening. She was cuddling. Cuddling with Richard Castle.

Oh, this was bad. This was very, very bad.

He was never going to let this go. If anyone at the precinct ever found at she would never hear the end of it. If Lanie found out… Beckett shuddered at the thought. She would be tortured.

The only saving grace was the fact that Castle was still asleep. Still in his arms, Beckett craned her neck to see his face. His face was smooth and he seemed entirely at peace.

Beckett couldn't ignore that she too had slept wonderfully. In fact, she had slept the best that she could remember in years. In Castle's arms she felt safe, whether she wanted to admit it or not. But it didn't matter. Safe or not, she had to get out without him waking up. She could only imagine the awkwardness that would ensue if he woke up. Well, Castle would probably be delighted. The awkwardness for her that would ensue.

As silently as she could, Beckett started to slide out of Castle's grasp but as soon as she moved, he pulled her closer into his arms.

Of course Kate knew this was all unconscious. He didn't even realize he was doing this. She couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed at this realization. So what if she wanted Richard Castle to consciously wrap his arms around her?

The man groaned quietly and Beckett was quickly pulled back to reality. It was now or nothing. She was just going to lurch out of his reach and pray he didn't wake up to realize what was going on.

In her mind she counted to three… and wretched herself out of the bed. She nearly tumbled to the ground with the force of the fall, but she was able to gracefully turn her body and land on the ground, crouching stealthily.

To Kate's avail, Castle remained asleep. His eyes fluttered and he shifted, but he didn't fully wake up.

The detective grinned to herself, stood up, and straightened her shirt triumphantly. With one last lingering look at Castle, she headed to the kitchen to find breakfast.

After Kate had fixed pancakes and set out plates, Castle walked sleepily from the room.

"Good morning." He said with a smirk.

"Morning, Castle." Beckett mumbled, avoiding his eyes.

"Sleep well?" He asked, pouring himself some coffee.

There was an air of humor in his voice. Kate could hear it perfectly. It was as if he knew something. He was keeping some secret…

"I slept fine." Beckett said coldly, deciding to brush off the feeling. She was just paranoid. Of course Castle didn't know anything.

"I slept well too." He said. "It was very cozy. Very warm. Very comforting… Very…"

Beckett's heart sank. He knew. He had woken up at some point of her escape and realized what was happening. Knowing Castle he had probably woken up before her and pretended to sleep. She really wouldn't put it past him. Prankster, he was.

He enjoyed a good laugh and telling the boys at the station would certainly give him one.

"Castle!" Kate interrupted, setting her coffee mug down on the counter loudly.

"Yes?" He grinned.

"We're not talking about it." Beckett answered, her tone sharp. "I mean, it never happened. It… Just please don't tell anyone at, uh, the precinct." She finished finally, letting her guard down enough to truly ask that he didn't open his mouth about this.

Castle took a moment to simply gaze at the beautiful girl before him. He wouldn't tell. She'd worked hard for her respect at work and he would never dream of putting that in jeopardy. Even if it would be fun to let everyone know that Kate Beckett really, really liked to cuddle…

"Okay, fine." He walked closer to her and leaned down so his face was directly in front of her. In a sultry whisper he said, "But I know you liked it. It's alright to admit it. I'm cuddly too." He smiled in the sexiest way possible as he pulled away from her.

Kate felt her face growing red in embarrassment. She was having an extremely difficult time finding any way to respond.

"Let's just go change your bandages." She said finally, deciding that ignoring him was simply the easiest way to handle his words.

After all, he was right. She had enjoyed spending the night in his arms. Of course, that was for only her to know though. As far as Castle knew, it would never, ever happen again.