**Disclaimer: I don't own Castle, Nathan, Stana or any of the cast. I'm just missing them and like to write about them. They belong to ABC and Andrew Marlowe. **
They emerged from the bedroom at 6:30, showered and dressed for company. Kate was wearing a green v-neck sweater with jeans and thick socks. Rick had decided on a black and green plaid shirt with black jeans. They made their way to the kitchen to finish the meal they are started to cook.
Kate cut the chicken into cubes and deveined the shrimp. He pulled mushrooms, green peppers, and zucchini from the fridge and placed them on the cutting board. Cutting them into bite size pieces, he leaned over and kissed Kate's cheek. She leaned into him, giving him a soft kiss on the lips and smiling.
"Can we stay here forever?" she asked.
"Hmmm, that would be great. Fortunately I have a job that I can do anywhere." He replied, with a twinkle in his eye.
"Uggh...Don't remind me." She said, rolling her eyes. She put the kebobs together and seasoned them with salt and pepper. Handing him the plate, she leaned up and kissed his collarbone. His shirt was unbuttoned more than usual, giving her access to his chest. She planted a few kisses there before she pulled away, smiling.
"Let me go get this cooking, detective." He said, clearing his throat. "Would you mind starting the rice?"
Kate nodded and pulled the rice from the cabinet. She measured everything into a glass bowl, put it in the microwave, and set the timer. She chose a bottle of white wine, pulled the glasses from the cabinet, and waited for him to return. She heard the sliding glass door open, and laughter coming from outside. Peeking around the corner, she saw Rick and Laura talking. She smiled at the sight, and walked toward them.
Rick caught her eye and smiled. He kissed her softly before taking the dirty plate into the kitchen.
"Rick was just telling me how the two of you met." Laura said, pulling Kate into a hug.
"Ah yes, at the last Derrick Storm book launch party. He came at me with a Sharpie." Kate replied, laughing.
"Ah…that was before you charmed me, Detective." Rick said, pulling Kate close. He cleared his throat, and in his best detective voice he said.
"Detective Kate Beckett, NYPD. We'd like to ask you a few questions about a murder that took place earlier."
Kate looked at him, shocked. "You still remember that?"
"Oh yes. I was smitten from that moment. It only took you about 4 years to catch up."
He politely excused himself to check the grill. The girls went into the kitchen to stir the rice and grab the wine. Laura noticed right away that Kate couldn't stop smiling.
"So, you finally did it. You actually bagged Richard Castle. You know I need details."
"Well, I guess I knew he was different when he stuck around after I turned him down for a dinner and a debriefing after our first case together. Don't get me wrong, I was definitely interested, but wasn't going to give in. I dreamt about it for years, and now, it's even better than I imagined."
"Wait, you turned him down?" Laura asked, pouring the wine.
"Yep, I did. He told me it would have been great. I looked into his eyes, and whispered, 'you have no idea.' Then, I walked away, thinking I'd never see him again. Later, he told me that inspired him to write a new series, based on a female detective named Nikki Heat."
Rick returned with the kebobs, and the girls grabbed plates and the rice. They took everything outside and sat at the table on the patio. Rick refilled their wine glasses, and they started to eat.
Laura and Kate talked about how the town had changed in the last few years while Rick just looked on and tried to be quiet. They laughed about how Laura's brother had a crush on Kate and tried to sneak kisses from her. Kate said that Laura's family had a huge impact on life and got her started reading when they came to visit every summer. She would hang out in the store and read everything that came in, especially this hot new author, Richard Castle.
Kate started to blush as Laura told the story of how Kate used to hide in the back and read Castle's books. Once, she even stole the autographed copy that he had sent to them and took it for her own. Rick just smiled, and said, "Really now, what book was that. Ms. Beckett?"
Kate threw her napkin at him laughing. "I don't even remember what book it was, but I remember Laura's parent's coming out to the cabin and having a talk with my parents. They made me return the book, and I cried for days." Kate got quiet, as she took a sip of her wine. "Then, a few years later, they gave it to me as a graduation present. They always took care of me."
Kate gave Laura a side hug, and then excused herself to clear the dishes. Rick and Laura went over the details for the book signing that would take place on Monday. It would be for 2 hours, and people could either purchase books, or bring other Richard Castle novels they already owned. Gina had promised to send books from the publishing house, and Paula was sending 8x10s of him as well.
Rick was impressed with her and her business sense. The only think Rick added, was a used book drive of children's books that would be donated to his favorite charity, Kids Need to Read. Patrons could bring books from home, donate money to purchase books, or buy a book from the store. No matter the choice, children would receive much needed books. He also decided to donate his fee to the charity as well.
The business meeting took about 30 minutes, in which Kate cleaned up the dishes and the kitchen. She found herself looking out the window at them and smiling at his charm and grace. He really knew how to carry himself, whether it be business or pleasure. She couldn't help but wonder what a life with him would be like.
She dried the last pan, and Rick entered the kitchen, putting his arms around her.
"So, what's for dessert?"
"Down boy, you already had me as an appetizer." Kate said laughing, pulling him into a kiss. Just then, Laura came around the corner with a box in hand.
"Ahem." She said quietly, with a chuckle.
Kate pulled away, laughing.
"Just like old times." Laura said. "I was always interrupting you and one of your boyfriends, wasn't I?"
Kate laughed and Rick smiled.
Clearing her throat, Kate asked, 'So, what's in the box?"
"Your favorite…Krency's Red Velvet cake."
"Shut the front door! I haven't had that in years!" Kate exclaimed.
Kate asked Rick to make coffee as the girls cut the cake, eating the icing as they went. Rick couldn't help but notice how relaxed Kate was with Laura. He had rarely seen his carefree side of her, and he was determined to bring it out more often.
They decided to have dessert in the living room, as they tried to find something to watch on TV. When they couldn't find anything, Kate went to the cabinet to find something in the collection of DVD's that had been amassed over the years. They finally settled on Ghostbusters and Rick hit the play button.
They laughed throughout the movie and when it was over; Laura took her dirty dishes into the kitchen and washed her hands. Kate and Rick stood up and they all said their good nights. Laura gave Kate a hug and whispered, "He's a keeper Kate. Don't let this one go."
Rick reached out to shake Laura's hand and she pulled him into a hug. Pulling away, she took his hand and said, "It was a pleasure, Rick. I'm so glad to finally meet you. I must say you are much better looking in person, and a great guy. I'm really happy that Kate found you."
Since it was dark, Rick walked Laura to her car, and Kate rinsed the rest of the dishes. He came up behind her in the kitchen, putting his arms around her waist and kissing her cheek.
"Thank you." She said.
"For what, Kate."
"For being my friend, for doing a book signing for Laura, and for waiting for me. I've never been so happy, and it's all because of you."
"You're very welcome, Kate." He said, kissing her softly.
She leaned into him, and unbuttoning his shirt, ran her fingers over his chest. He let out a groan, as he ran his fingers through her hair. Lips touched, tongues dueled, and passion was ignited. Before Kate knew what was happening, Rick had picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. Placing her softly on the bed, he kissed her deeply. She pushed the shirt off his shoulders and reached to loosen his belt buckle.
"Oh Kate, I could get used to this."
"You'd better, because I'm never letting you go." Kate said, with lust and love in her eyes. Within minutes, all of their clothes were in a pile on the floor and they were united again.
***For those who may not know, Kids Need to Read is a non-profit organization co-founded by Nathan Fillion. They provide inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children. That's my shameless plug for a great charity. Off my soapbox now. **