CHAPTER TWELVE: A New Day
The low hum of traffic outside the window wakes him from a deep slumber. Rolling over and stretching out, he hugs his pillow, reluctant to abandon the lingering feelings caused by his delicious dream involving his favorite detective. Last night's fantasies were so distinct and detailed they almost felt real, his body feeling satisfied and invigorated in a way he can't ever remember feeling.
Slowly, reluctantly, his senses intrude, nudging him into awareness. The sounds in the background penetrate, foreign and jarring. The texture of the sheet is slightly rough against his – naked – body? The subtle smell of vanilla and something earthier invade his nostrils, jolting him awake, as his eyes open, taking in a foreign bedroom. Reaching out, he feels cool sheets next to him, broken only by the subtle imprint on the pillow next to him.
Was it real? Taking in the context clues, he can't believe what his senses are telling him. Is he really in Kate's bedroom, snuggled in her bed, after the most amazing, erotic night of his life? His body springs to attention as images flash through his mind. Stretching fully, the slight ache of his muscles and subtle fragrance of Kate's body confirms the truth – it was real. Heart thumping in excitement, he feels the low throb or arousal pulsing between his legs.
The sound of soft footsteps draw his eyes towards the door, his eyes widening as he takes in the sight of Kate Beckett walking barefoot, clad only in his oversized shirt, gliding through the entryway, a steaming cup of coffee in each hand. Hair tousled and wild, face free of make-up, she carefully watches him as she approaches the bed, a shy smile flirting with her lips as she moves towards him.
Holding a cup out, she slowly sips at the other, the silence stretching between them, as her eyes catalog the newly familiar sight of his bare chest, her hungry eyes devouring everything in their path, taking in his morning stubble, her mind flashing to how it will feel against her even as her eyes linger on the sheet covering his lap, twinkling in delight at the tent created by his arousal.
A mischievous grin slides across her face as she breaks the silence.
"Looks like someone's feeling perky this morning." she teases, emboldened by their night together, ready for yet another round even as her body twinges due to their exuberant activities of the night before.
Off balance, mentally salivating at the sight of her sexy appearance, yet feeling far more exposed and vulnerable than he expected, he blushes, his body's automatic response to her causing him a moment of embarrassment even as he tells himself its completely natural.
Faking a bravado he doesn't feel, his mind still sluggish and overwhelmed by all that's transpired, he tries for a light tone. "I'm inspired by you – you bring out the lusty teenager in me." Thinking it really is true, he thinks about the four condoms they've already used and marvels at his body's restorative powers.
Reading him a little too well, she picks up on his discomfort.
She, too, woke up off balance and uncertain. The soft rise and fall of his chest and the warm feel of his body under hers were disorienting at first. When hers eyes snapped open, she panicked, unable to believe she was in bed with Rick. Then she recalled all they'd done the night before, from their quick coupling before dinner to the sensual massage, followed by a shower, after which they'd fallen into bed exhausted. They'd even woken in the early morning hours and languidly made love again. The unfamiliar feelings crowding through her prompted her quick and careful exit, easing out of bed without waking him. She'd deliberately shoved her feelings aside while making the coffee, determined to simply enjoy her time with him without overanalyzing it.
Knowing how much this probably meant to him, yet unable to verbalize where she's at with it, she wants to ease his transition. Ducking her head shyly, she hides her confused emotions from him even as she hands him his coffee. She's had a little while to acclimate to what happened last night, the routine of preparing coffee soothing her. She's never responded so completely and honestly to someone, letting her body's needs and demands override her cautious nature, opening herself up emotionally without realizing it. She's subconsciously accepted that he's seen her like she's never been before, acting in a way she didn't even know was possible. She's absolutely addicted to how he makes her feel, even though it makes her want to run and hide. But her desire to repeat the experience and avoid hurting him outweigh her need to run, which is why she pushes forward.
Understanding he's also off balance, she softens towards him, wanting only to reassure and comfort him as they settle into this new place together. She meets his eyes, tentatively suggesting what she really wants. "I, um, thought maybe we could enjoy a cup of coffee together, maybe snuggle in a little this morning, before we get up and face the day." Carefully, cautiously, like a skittish colt, she approaches him, setting her cup aside while leaning in for a soft kiss. She's never been much of a cuddler, but she finds herself drawn to him, wanting to be wrapped in his strong embrace, reveling in the feel of him wrapped around her, his strong body aligned with hers. And while she'd like to take it further, she knows the sex isn't as important as the comfort and contentment she finds being in his arms, something they both seem to need.
Reassured, feeling slightly foolish, a slow smile transforms his face as he captures her eyes with his, seeing affection and something indefinable and mysterious in her gaze. Responding to her tentative approach and soft touch, he gratefully accepts her kiss, tasting the subtle tang of coffee and sex on her tongue, even as he lifts the sheet, inviting her to rejoin him.
Taking a drink of his own coffee, he realizes she's fixed it exactly as he likes it. Setting it aside, he responds to her suggestion. "That sounds really nice. And don't worry about my morning visitor. I know you must be feeling sore after last night and it'll eventually go away on its own if we ignore it. Besides, we used the last condom a few hours ago…." He trails off, his frank talk making him even more self-conscious, awkwardness creeping back in.
Raising her eyebrows, she rakes her eyes over him again before reaching into the night stand, her hand blindly searching behind her, where it grabs hold of something and brings it between him. With a quirk of one eyebrow and a naughty expression on her face, she hands him the box, an unopened jumbo pack of condoms.
"I've got us covered, Castle." She tells him drily. "But we don't have to do anything you don't want to" she reassures, even as her hand creeps across his lap, seeking out his erection and grasping it firmly in her fist.
"I thought you wanted to cuddle?" he responds, shyness fleeing at the touch of her hand, as his cock eagerly twitches against her palm, the faint beat of his pulse transmitted through the sensitive flesh, his blood quickly heating.
"Cuddling's overrated." She responds, diving under the sheet, her mouth trailing across his hip and stomach as she slowly makes her way south, her fingers brushing the soft curls surrounding his cock before exploring his length. Nuzzling him with her nose and cheek, she inhales the musky scent of him, her body tightening in response, moisture flooding her core, even as she anticipates the feel of him in her mouth.
They'd touched and tasted again and again last night, each time different. Their bodies flame hot for each other; her impatience and desperate need to join with him overriding her desire to enjoy him in this way. While she wants to be joined yet again with him, she wants to pleasure him this way even more. Determined to finally have her way with him, she opens her mouth and sucks him inside, her tongue circling his head, tasting the salty drops of moisture already present, even as she catalogs the sensations that cause him to groan and buck against her.
Taking her time, she circles his length with her tongue and mouth, alternately sucking and licking, before letting him go while she travels to the base of his shaft, exploring every inch of his thick cock. Her hands gently palm his balls, the faint rasp of his curly hair tickling her palm even as the soft skin causes her to carefully explore all of him, seeking out the sensitive nerves that draw moans from him. Slowly, deliberately, she works him, starting with a light touch before increasing the pressure of her hands and mouth, drawing him deeper and deeper into the recesses of her mouth. She's never done this with someone so endowed and wonders whether she'll be able to fully fit him in her mouth. Determined, intrigued, turned on, she begins the process of taking him deeper and deeper, delighting in the sounds she's able to draw from him. Her senses are engaged as she feels his hands gently massaging her shoulders, unconsciously caressing and clutching at her and moving around to her boobs as she pleasures him, her body responding even as she tries to focus solely on him.
Without warning, he pulls her off of him, throwing the sheet off, his chest heaving. Leaning down, he pulls her up, crushing his mouth to hers, tongue tangling, even as his fingers go to her core, feeling the slick moisture between her legs. Pulling back, he gives her a quick grin, releasing her entirely, before spinning around, upside down, facing her, his head diving between her legs. Eyes flying open at the sensation of his tongue stabbing into her, she reaches her hand out and grabs ahold of his cock once more, moving her head in, so she can take him back into her mouth even as she feels his tongue working her throbbing clit while stretching her body with two thick fingers inside her, working her into a frenzy.
Wanting to give as much as receive, she renews her prior activities with a newfound vigor, the nimble dance of his tongue driving her to a quicker, more frenzied pace as she continues to suck and work him, her hands moving rhythmically on his shaft and balls in time with the tempo he's established within her body.
Flushed, thriving, she feels her body begin to fly. Taking care not to bite or hurt him as she feels her climax building, struggling to maintain control as she increases the suction of her mouth, flattening her tongue against the slit at his tip, humming against him, sending him into sensory overload even as she swallows him deeper. Feeling him mumbling something incoherent against her, she senses he's ready to come. Driving him on with her hands and mouth, she relaxes her throat, swallowing him as deep as she can, feeling his hips thrust once before stilling, the salty tang of his come filling her mouth, causing her to moan in response even as she swallows his essence.
Taking her time, she cleans him with her tongue, savoring the taste and feel of him even as she feels him doing the same with her. Body sated, she feels her heartbeat returning to a normal rhythm. Invigorated, feeling even closer to him than before, she lets him fall from her grasp, scooting her body around so they are once again face to face, a satisfied smirk on her face. Leaning in, she kisses him, their tastes mingle together, as she revels in the feel of his arms pulling her in close, his body cuddling hers. Sighing, feeling vulnerable again, she eventually breaks their kiss, soothing him before rolling over, drawing his hand and arm around her even as she pushes her bottom into her groin, encouraging him to spoon. A satisfied sigh escapes from her as she feels him aligning his body to hers, his frame dwarfing hers, settling in behind her from their shoulders to ankles. Bringing his hand up between her breasts, she cradles her hand in his, bringing their joined hands close to her heart. She slowly drifts to sleep, satisfaction, fatigue, and the night's activities once again catching up with her as she falls peacefully asleep, safe in his arms.