Love's Journey 2
by Castlefan6
Authors Note This is the continuation of Love's Journey, originally authored by The Muse of Apollo, chapters 1-7 all following are work of Castlefan6' IF you haven't read the original Love's Journey please do so before proceeding with this,
I don't own Castle, I use the characters for amusement purposes only
Chapter 20
Previously
"Mike has always been a brother to me, but I don't think he ever learned how to be a gentleman when it comes to the ladies, he still thinks we are back in the service and all the girls love the Macho Men" Rick just finishes speaking when
Jess's phone pings with an incoming text, from Mike, "Jess need to talk to you today ASAP, better line up some replacements, got a new gig. Let me know when we can talk – MR
Castle's Loft
Same time frame
Jess shows Rick and Kate the text, "You really do know him don't you Rick" Might as well get this over with,
Jess texts back, "Come to the Loft all here now, need to go over your exit checklist, don't forget the AMEX card" Jess
"Well I would have loved to be wrong on this, but he's been the same since we got back, always on the move, hope he doesn't get his ass killed this time." Rick says, almost forgetting that Jess and Kate are still in the room
About 20 minutes later Rick answers a knock on the door to face this long-time friend, "Sorry Man, you know how I am I gotta go, just been here too long nothing personal Rick, don't be pissed, OK?"
"I'm not pissed Mike, disappointed but not pissed, Jess was counting on you to get the first wave of homeless safely into their new homes when she got the permits next week, What the Hell is so important it can't wait till after that?"
"It's a foreign gig Rick, all I can say, I leave tomorrow" "I'm going to miss you man, it was almost like old times for a while, but it's time to go"
Jess and Kate walk in from the Kitchen, as Mike looks up and says, "I'm sorry Jess, but I left you 3 contacts in your email, Kate can supervise them, and they'll be fine, plus won't cost you as much," he smiles trying to lighten the mood, without success.
Kate walks over, "Looks him in the eyes and said, Take care of yourself Mike, sorry you couldn't understand my position in this, just don't get yourself killed, I don't want to have to see Rick cry" as she hugs him loosely and kisses him swiftly on his cheek, he tried to turn for lips but Kate cut it short and wound up near the sideburns, turns and walks away.
Jess opens the iPad in a matter of fact way and begins to go down her checklist asking for keys, property locks, AMEX, laptops and continues through the list till it is complete. "Where do you want your last paycheck sent, same Direct Deposit?"
"Yes, that would be great Jess, thanks, I emailed you my new mailing address if anything comes up, I'll be over seas but will help in any way I can."
"Thanks Mike, Good Luck, thanks for all of your work, I'll leave you to say goodbye to Rick" as she rejoins Kate in the kitchen
Mike looks over at Rick, who just shrugs his shoulders, "What'd you expect a parade, you leave her with 4 hours' notice, and an email of possible resources, that sucks Mike, even if you got your heart rocked again, you could have at least finished this phase,"
"What do you mean my heart rocked? Did Kate tell you that, it's BS, I just thought she would want **"
"Don't say it Mike, you say a real man I swear they will burry you before you leave" Rick interrupts and Mike sees the fury in his eyes.
"I was going to say a Free man, she knows you are head over hills in love with Jess, why shouldn't she be happy as well?"
"Mike you haven't learned a damn thing since Melanie kicked your ass to the curb, Kate is capable of making her own decisions, whether you agree or understand them or not, she's not into you, take it and move on like the gentleman you want to be deep inside."
Mike looks up with a sad smile, and says, "you're right Rick, well take care of yourself, I'm proud of what you accomplished. I would say keep in touch, but we both know I'll see you when I see you, "Rick embraces him in a brotherly hug, then Mike is out the door.
Jess walks out first seeing Rick on the couch staring out the window, probably remembering some of the Good ole Days, she slips up to him, turns his head and kisses him passionately, sweetly and deeply, then says "I'm sorry Hun,"
Kate has kept herself busy in the kitchen for a few minutes to allow them some privacy, then announces on her way out, "Jess do you want to review the move plan now that we'll have new resources?" "And Rick, Thank You, we heard every word, I'm sorry I got you into an argument with your friend before he left."
"That wasn't your fault Kate, it was just Mike being Mike and trying to top me anyway he could, maybe someday he'll finally learn, anyway you and Jess are not Trophies that guys like that get to claim, you're my ladies." As he shoots a shy smile up at them both
Kate decided that since Jess had yet to get the permits, they would ask Montgomery for assistance and get some press coverage as they escort the first families to the Martha Rae Rogers Building 1, next week. They also decided to scale the occupancy, starting with the 10 most urgent cases, allowing staff to get up to speed, and double checking all systems, then 15 additional, then the balance based on need whether it be a family or individual. Everyone was pleased with the plan, although they couldn't help but notice Rick feeling some sadness with his friend gone.
It was still early afternoon, so Jess and Kate decided to go for a quick shopping spree, to prepare supper in the Loft, it was a surprise to Rick, but in all honesty, he was getting a little tired of restaurant food, no matter how many stars. He was going to get started with his notes for the next possible Innocence book, by reviewing what he had cut from the first novel, he had a great deal of his research already done, plus writing always made him feel better when he was sad, Damn Mike anyway.
Outside the loft Kate immediately asks Jess, "Seriously did I cause that because Mike wanted what I didn't want to give? " "I felt so helpless when Rick told him he would burry him before he left the loft if he said what he started to." "I just cost Rick his best friend and set the project back because he left"
Jess interrupts her, "The project is fine, if Mike was really a friend like Rick is, he wouldn't have even considered hitting on you, and if he had the first no would have meant no, and you never screw anyone that you don't want too, no matter the cost, OK?"
"Thinking about it, Mike was actually done with what we needed, and I like your idea to let Captain Montgomery get some good press as he moves the first occupants, great touch."
"Hey Kate, are you OK, I really want an honest answer, Girl, we are hitting crunch time, and we need to be on our game,"
"Jess, I'm doing better today than I was yesterday, I hurt every day, but I also smile everyday so as long as you and Rick are happy, I am happy."
"Not being too nosey Kate, but aren't you lonely in the least?" I know you have us, but you know what I mean"
Kate starts laughing, "Jess are you asking me if I get horny?" "And if I did there are more ways and choices to put out that flame" she laughs. "I promise you I am not near to the point where I am ready to have my way with Rick," which causes Jess to double over with laughter
The ladies made a fantastic dinner then Kate excused herself to get home, tasks remain to be done before she goes back to work on Monday and this is a big week, moving week, if all goes well. Jess bids her farewell with a hug and kiss, Rick stands gives her a nice kiss on the cheek and tight hug, "Good Night Kate, Text us when you get home", usually that was Jess's line but tonight Rick showed his concern.
Jess climbs into Rick's lap, "I've missed you all day, I know you have been right here, but I missed this", as she plants sweet kisses on his lips, neck, and works back to his lips. It only takes a second for her to feel Rick's response, as he breaths kisses back to her and gently begins rubbing her back with each stroke coming closer and closer to her breasts already trying to pop out of the blouse she was wearing. Jess is the one who stands takes his hand and leads him to the bedroom.
Rick picks her up and gently places her bed, and tonight the love making was all about her, and how Rick worshiped every part of her body. He had brought her over the limit twice before they even engaged and the love making seemed to wash away all the bad memories, all of the long days, and now the goal was in sight, made it even sweeter. God, she loves this man, and from what he just finished doing to her, he loved her as well.
A/N Good place to stop, how many were surprised Mike left? without hooking up with Kate? Next Chapter should close part 2, The center is opened and starts a living legacy to Rae, and Johnna, Jess has had the talk with Kate, Rick's book has been launched, and Mike has moved on. What will part 3 be? Suggestions welcome but as most have noted already I don't respond well to directions and demands from those who I am not able to have a dialog with. I have answered every review that I could, Thanks for the reads, favorites and reviews. Tim
