So here you go, another chapter so soon. You're being spoiled, so don't get used to it. I'll try to update soon, but no promises.

Chapter 25

The poker game went on for a few more hands before they both decided to go all in and determine a winner. Lanie and Jenny sat next to Kate, being her personal cheerleaders, while Javier and Kevin sat next to Rick cheering him on.

"So Kate, whatcha got?" Rick said, eyeing her cards.

She smirked and laid down her hand. "Straight." She said with a smirk.

The three girls looked at the men with triumphant grins.

"So Rick, whatcha got?" She said, mocking him.

He looked at her cards on the table. "A Straight. That's pretty hard to beat."

She smirked and nodded.

"But, I believe this does." He said, laying down his hand.

"Straight flush?!" Kate said in disbelief.

"Read 'em and weep ladies." Rick said with a giant grin.

The boys cheered and the ladies sighed in disappointment.

"Well Rick, looks like you win. But…I'm gonna kick your ass next time." She said with a smirk.

"I look forward to it." He replied.

Esposito, Lanie, Ryan, and Jenny stayed for a couple more drinks before they decided to head home. Castle and Beckett were left with the loft to themselves. Alexis was at her sleepover with Paige and Martha was out late with her acting friends. She wouldn't be home until the early morning hours, doing her too familiar "walk of shame".

Kate was in the kitchen getting rid of the empty beer bottles and wine glasses. Castle came up behind her and put his hands on her waist, giving her a kiss on the neck.

She smiled and turned around to face him and wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

"That went really well huh?" He asked timidly.

She looked at him closely to see if he was teasing her, but she saw nothing but nervousness. It melted her heart that her friend's approval meant that much to him. Kate ran her fingers through his hair and kissed him softly.

"They love you Rick."

He smiled shyly and kissed her. "I'm really glad."

They kissed softly for a while, and then decided to watch a movie. They turned off the lights and snuggled together on the couch.

Kate tucked her body into Rick's and laid her head on his shoulder as the movie played. Castle rubbed light circles on her thigh. Just past halfway through the movie, Kate's eyes could no longer stay open. She was so warm and comfortable tucked up against him. She wanted to stay there forever. As she dozed off, Castle listened to her breaths even out and the soft noises she'd make every once in a while. He thought to himself how perfect this was. He could imagine many more nights like this one.

When the movie was over, Castle turned off the TV and carefully lifted Kate into his arms so he could carry her to the bedroom. She stirred and spoke groggily. "What are ya doing?"

"Shh, I'm just carrying you to bed. It's late."

"Mmkay." She said sleepily.

He laid her down on the bed and carefully took off her pants and shirt, leaving her in panties and a matching bra.

"Kate." He said quietly.

"Mmm what?" She replied after a moment.

"Is it okay if I take your bra off and put a t-shirt on?"

"Rick." She laughed. "You've seen me naked plenty of times."

"Well I, uh…I didn't want to assume or anything." He said seriously.

With his statement, Kate woke up a little more and saw the serious look on his face. She sat up and padded the spot next to her. "Come here babe."

Castle sat next to her cautiously, not sure what she was going to say.

"Rick, why are you so nervous? It's just me. Don't get me wrong, it's so sweet that you're asking, but you don't need to, you know that right? I know you'd never take advantage of me or hurt me."

He nodded his head in agreement. "I'd never intentionally hurt you. Ever."

She moved closer and sat in his lap, wrapping her legs and arms around his body.

"Rick, I love you and I trust you. I don't say that easily, so know that I really mean it."

She cupped his cheeks with her hands and gave him a soft kiss. "Now, what do you say that you get rid of the rest of my clothes, and I'll get rid of yours. Suddenly, I'm not so tired."

The next morning, Castle watched his girlfriend lay asleep in bed.

'She's so beautiful.' He thought to himself. 'How did I ever get so lucky? God I love this woman so much. Everything about her: that gorgeous long hair, those dazzling green eyes with the little specks of hazel. And oh god, you can't forget about those legs. Those smooth legs that seem to go on forever. Everything. I love everything about her. I've never felt like this before, with anyone. This woman is so extraordinary, and she doesn't even know it.'

He was pulled out of his thoughts by the familiar voice of the woman lying next to him.

"Staring is creepy Castle." She said in a groggy voice.

"You know you love me." He said, leaning in to give her a kiss.

"Good morning." Kate said, smiling against his lips.

"Good morning beautiful." He said, kissing her once more.

"Mmm what time is it? I gotta go in to work today."

Castle rolled over to look at the clock on his bedside table. "It's almost seven." He said, rolling back towards her.

"I should get up and get ready." She said, still not moving.

"Can't you stay in bed a little longer?" He said, burying his face in her neck.

Beckett smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "I'll make you a deal." She whispered in his ear.

Castle pulled back slightly to look at her. "I'm listening."

"How about…I take a shower," when he opened his mouth to interrupt her, she placed a finger over his lips to quiet him. "I take a shower," she repeated, "and you join me." She smiled at him and bit her lip.

"God you're so sexy when you bite your lip like that."

"So, what's your answer writer boy?"

In response to her question, he lifted her from the bed and threw her over his shoulder, carrying her into the bathroom. She squealed loudly and smacked him playfully on the ass."

"Yeah, I know you love my ass." He replied smugly.

In response, she pinched his ass.

"Geez woman! No need for violence." He said, placing her on the sink countertop.

"Oh shut up." Kate said, sticking her tongue out at him.

He laughed and kissed her soundly.

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