Chapter Twenty-Six
Tea Time
Post-season 7 (companion to Chapter Nine, Historic)

This is extravagant, even for him. Rick has never been subtle, especially not when it comes to spoiling her. But afternoon tea at the Savoy, when they're already on a whirlwind trip to London to celebrate her promotion, is way more than she ever expected.

Then again, maybe she should have expected it.

"Right this way, sir, madam," the host announces, leading them through the crowded tea room, to a secluded table in the corner.

Rick pulls out the chair that faces the dining room and motions for her to sit, then takes his seat opposite her. "I know we both prefer coffee, but…" He trails off with a smile, reaching his hand towards her. "I took the liberty of ordering our menu ahead of time. I hope you don't mind."

Kate hooks her fingers through his and flushes when he raises their hands to his lips and brushes a kiss to her knuckles. "We'll see," she teases. It must come out harsher than she'd intended, because his face falls. She runs her thumb over his knuckles. "I'm sure it will be wonderful, Rick," she assures him.

She's not disappointed; the service is attentive but not overwhelming, the scones and sandwiches are delicious, and just thinking about the desserts makes her mouth water.

Even the tea is good, although she still prefers coffee (and her husband's cocoa).

"Where to now?" she asks when they stand, an involuntary shiver running through her when he takes her hand. They don't often do this back in the city, walk hand-in-hand. But they're both more physical here, holding hands and stealing kisses when they can.

"As tempted as I am to take you back to our room," he husks with a squeeze of her fingers, "I want to show you around. I can't believe you never made it here when you were in Kiev."

Kate shrugs and follows him outside, squinting when the bright sunlight hits her. She digs her sunglasses out of her bag. "I was too busy studying."

"Studying?"

"Yeah. Studying the effects of vodka on my bloodstream."

Rick throws his head back and laughs, and she can't help but tug him to the side and lift her mouth to his. "What was that for?" he asks when she pulls away.

Kate lifts a shoulder. "Just felt like it." She steps into his solid frame, lists her hips into his when his hands drift down to her hips. "I love you."

Rick dips his head and captures her lips with his, but it's soft and chaste. "I love you too, Captain Beckett. Now come on, we have a city to see."