A/N: I have no excuse for the delay of this chapter other than I was trying to get through writer's block. I originally was going to take this in a different direction, but I'm glad with how it came out. Enjoy!

Standing on the stoop of Rick's house facing away from the door, Kate used the sleeve of her oversized hoodie to wipe away the tears that had already ruined her date-night makeup. She didn't care if the mascara stained the white sweatshirt; she had more important things to worry about.

The front door opened and Rick's joyful greeting had her turning toward him, wanting to be wrapped in his arms the instant she saw him.

Behind the storm door that separated him from Kate, Rick saw her runny makeup and the sadness seeping from her eyes and his heart stuttered. "Kate, what's wrong?"

"Can…can you come with me?"

"Where?" Rick asked, opening the storm door and stepping out on the stoop with Kate.

"To New York."

"What's wrong? Did something happen to your dad? Are you okay?"

Kate pulled up on her right sleeve and held out a small cassette tape in the palm of her hand. "I found this while I was getting ready to come over here. It was wedged inside this elephant statue that belonged to my mom and tonight I accidentally bumped it off my desk causing this to pop out of a secret compartment. I didn't know what it was, but I knew it had to be important if my mom stuck it in there in the first place." Kate paused to take a breath and compose herself. "Lanie was over helping me get ready and she insisted we go to the library since we have a micro cassette player in storage. She found the tape player and we listened to it. It's a conversation between Captain Montgomery and the person who ordered a hit on my mom. I need to get this to the NYPD and I was hoping you'd come with me, that is if you can and want to."

"Kate, of course. Of course, I'll come with you. Anything you need."

Kate released a shuddering sigh as Rick put his arms around her and rubbed his hands up and down her back.

Kate muttered into the fabric of Rick's shirt, "I know this is a lot to ask of you…"

"No, Kate," Rick interrupted. "If you need me I'll be there. Always." He pulled away from her just enough to catch her attention. Rick gave her a warm smile then pursed his lips to hold back the emotions that were urging him to confess. If he didn't kiss her soon he'd reveal too much at a moment that wasn't right. Kate rose to the balls of her feet and pressed her lips to his. Rick responded immediately, moving his hands up her back to weave his fingers through her hair, grateful that his mouth was now distracted enough to keep his professions of love at bay for the time being.

They pulled apart with reluctance and met each other's gazes. Kate's makeup was still a disaster, but her eyes were less anguished the longer they looked at one another.

"When were you wanting to leave?"

"Tonight, if possible. Is Alexis here?"

"No, I knew you were coming over and I not-so-subtly encouraged her to sleep over at a friend's house. I can call her and tell her we're going to New York and that we don't know when we'll be back."

"Rick, I don't want you to come if this is going to cause a problem for you and Alexis. I don't want to burden you with this." Kate furrowed her brow.

"Alexis is seventeen years old and if we need to be gone for longer than a day, she is more than capable of handling things by herself. You do not need to worry about burdening me. I lo… I care about you, Kate." Rick wanted to smack himself at his almost-admission and hoped it wouldn't scare Kate off, but if she noticed his near slip-up, she didn't show it.

"I packed an overnight bag just in case we are there longer than expected. I figured we could stay at my dad's place, unless you wanted your own space that is, then I suppose you could go to a hotel or your mom's or something…" Kate began to ramble.

"I want to be wherever you are, so whether that is at your dad's place or our own hotel room is up to you."

Kate's cheeks reddened at Rick's implication. "Despite how much I want our own hotel room, I'd kind of like to be in some place familiar while we deal with this."

Rick nodded then jutted his thumb toward his house, "Let me get some things together and we can head out."

Rick held open the door for Kate to enter before disappearing down the hall and to his bedroom.

Throwing a small suitcase on his bed, Rick stuffed a couple days' worth of clothing in it, as he hurried around the room, grabbing toiletries he would need. He was so focused on his mission that he didn't notice the figure standing in his doorway until she spoke.

"Rick?" Kate whispered, causing him to stop his frantic rush despite how quietly she spoke. She crossed the threshold of his room, the first time she'd ever been in it, and approached him. She stood directly in front of him, struggling to look him in the eye. She swallowed down the fear in her throat and lifted her gaze. "I don't know how to tell you this," Kate paused, "but I need to."

"Okay." Rick's voice wavered, expecting the worst.

Kate brought her hands to his cheeks and rubbed her right thumb under his left eye. She briefly glanced at his lips then smiled like she found the courage she needed.

The weight of fear on his chest lifted at the sight of her smile.

"It's probably crazy to say this, but I'm in love with you," Kate admitted.

Rick glowed at hearing her words. He pulled her against his chest and before kissing her senselessly whispered, "I'm in love with you too."

A/N 2.0: I had someone ask me what Patterson book was "their" book and I was hoping I had made it somewhat clear in the last chapter but maybe I didn't. The title is Kiss the Girls.

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