Thank you so much to everyone who favorited this story! And thank you so much to those who reviewed and commented! It means a lot, and helps me a lot.
Here's the next chapter. Sorry it took longer than expected…I've been sick and just got a chance to finish it last night. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 2
Kate lifted a large purple t-shirt over her head, pulling it down so that it fell beyond the waist of her black leggings. After unraveling the pale pink towel from her head, she used it to finish drying the brown hair that it had been covering. The bathroom air was still warm and thick from the steam that the shower had produced. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes as she moved the towel around, feeling the weight of the water as it was absorbed.
Spending time in the shower and allowing the comforting water to cascade over her, seemed that it had done what she wanted it to, and left her feeling like all the stress and confusion about Castle had been washed away. Sure, he had called her and told her that she'd won a date with him, but the decisive no that she gave him was the end of it. Castle would have to find someone else to fawn over him, while he ate at some fancy restaurant because it wasn't going to be her. Kate had no idea who had entered her in that stupid contest, but she was going to find out. As she was still using the towel to capture the water that had soaked her hair, she heard someone pounding on the door of her apartment. She wasn't expecting anyone, so after leaving the bathroom, her first instinct was to grab her gun off her dresser. Then, she continued through her modest apartment, walking toward the obnoxious sound.
Whoever was out there was still knocking loudly against the wood, as she came to stand beside the door. "Who's there?" She yelled over the drumming. The banging stopped abruptly, and there was a brief silence before she got her response.
"It's Castle!" Kate instinctively rolled her eyes at his name. She should have known he wouldn't give up easily. Cool air filled her lungs as she inhaled, composing herself before she slowly opened the door. He greeted her with one of his charming smiles, then glanced questioningly at the towel she held in one hand and the gun she clutched in the other. Kate could tell when he had made sense of the objects she was holding because the quizzical look was replaced by a desperate, determined look in his eyes that told her he wasn't going to leave until she let him in.
As her eyes briefly studied him, she noticed his brown hair had grown a little in the few weeks that she hadn't seen him, but other than that he was the same Castle. In other words, he was his usual good-looking self. She suddenly felt self conscious, standing there in her over-sized t-shirt and messy waves of damp hair. "Castle, what are you doing here?" She wondered, lifting her eyes to his, hoping that he didn't catch her momentary embarrassment, as she thought about her more than casual attire.
Blinking, he swallowed hard, almost like he couldn't believe she was actually talking to him. "Uh, can I come in?" Her eyes widened, and he saw the surprise and uncertainty at his forwardness. "I need to talk to you, and you weren't answering your phone."
He watched as the questioning look on her face turned into one of defense. "Usually when someone doesn't answer their phone, it's because they don't want to talk to anyone…specifically, the persistent, annoying writer they are trying to avoid." She put emphasis on the last word.
"Detective Beckett I'm hurt." He brought his hand to his heart in mock seriousness. "You know, I think you're the first woman to ever avoid me. Well, except for my ex-wives, but—"
A raised hand cut him off. "Now that I've wounded your pride, would you mind leaving? I don't think there's enough room in my apartment for your ego." Coming from anyone else, the words would have stung, but the small smirk that she gave him, told Castle that she was mostly poking fun at him.
He leaned into her, "You love my ego."
She shook her head, trying to conceal the smile that she could barely stop from lighting up her face. "Ha! If I love your ego so much, why do I always start dreaming up ways to kill you whenever it's around?"
Kate watched as Castle raised his eyebrow. "So you're saying you don't think about plotting my accidental death the rest of the time?"
A panicked look crossed her face. She tried to regain her cool, and did so barely missing another beat. "First of all, there is no 'rest of the time'. Your ego's always around when you are. And second, I don't think about you. Ever." She stressed to make a point.
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." He teased, unwilling to believe her denials. "If you never think about me and don't care, why were you so fast to call me back before?"
Trying not to give herself away anymore than she already had, she made sure not to lose the instinctual staring contest they were having. She tried hard to think of a witty comeback, but her mind had gone blank. Kate felt herself begin to worry that he had won this round. Their eye contact was broken, as Castle's phone went off, echoing loudly in the hallway, and causing them both to jump. "Hello?" he answered, giving Beckett an apologetic look. "Gina!" He exclaimed, turning on his charm. "I'm with the lucky woman right now." He watched as Beckett gave him a deadly stare that made his spine tingle. She was scary when she wanted to be. "Uh, let me call you back. Long story. The good news is I'm not disappointed with the winner. Truly the luck of the draw."
Kate felt her cheeks grow warm at his confession to his ex-wife. She forced herself to stare down at the floor, instead of into his blue eyes, and waited for them to end their conversation. Getting lost in her thoughts, it wasn't until she felt Castle's hand gently touch her arm that she realized he was talking to her. "Did you hear me?"
He caught the blank look on her face as she stared back up at him. "No, sorry." She pretended to yawn. "I'm kind of tired. Busy day. What were you saying?"
He smiled knowingly, and she knew he had seen right through her mostly feigned exhaustion. "I was saying, we are still talking in the hallway. We should probably move this talk into your apartment, so we don't disturb any grouchy neighbors you may have."
Looking around she realized he was right. They'd been in the empty hall for about five minutes now. Still, she wasn't sure about whether she should let him into her apartment. Things could end up going much differently than she needed them to, and then, she would most likely end up finding herself having to shop for a dress to wear out to dinner. "Castle, I know you came all the way down here, but I don't think—" She could see the disappointment slowly filling his eyes, even though a small smile remained on his lips. How could she let that almost invisible trace of defeat get to her? Nevertheless, for reasons she didn't want to acknowledge, Kate found herself giving into him. "Fine. Come in."
The door was pulled open with less reluctance than either of them had expected, and Castle stepped inside, and waited for the sound of her closing the door behind him. "Nice apartment," He commented sincerely, before turning around to face her.
She smiled her thanks. "So, you obviously want to talk about this date that I apparently won…"
"And you're obviously not a very good host. No, 'can I get you anything' or 'let's sit on the couch'?" He jabbed.
"Don't push it, Castle. You're lucky you're even standing in here," She reminded him with a threatening look in her eyes.
He rushed to apologize, raising his hands in a clumsy surrender, then decided he'd better say what he needed to. "Ok, so I just want you to know that I had no idea you were the Kate I was calling. Gina's forcing me to do this publicity-stunt-fan-date thing that I forgot was in my contract, and I told her to give me the person with the most names, and somehow it was you." He explained in a ramble, hoping that she would see he wasn't to blame. "I wouldn't have pegged you for the fan contest type, especially since you already turned my offer down."
"I told you that I didn't enter that contest! I haven't even had the chance to read the book yet." She quickly defended, maybe a little too passionately.
A frown became evident on his face, until his jaw dropped slightly. "Wait, I got you an advanced copy and you didn't read it?"
Damn! Why did she just admit that? She always thought Castle needed a better filter between his mind and his mouth, but now she thought she was even more guilty of saying things better left unsaid. Kate fumbled for words, so that he would understand what she meant. It was getting even later, and a whiney Castle with an even more wounded ego, was the last thing she needed to deal with at this point. "Well, I got to chapter two, but work's been busy. I don't have much time to read."
The look on his face lightened, and he gave her an understanding smile. "Busy solving crime." She nodded in response. "You know, vacation time is available for a reason. You should take advantage, and use some of your's. I know a lovely private beach in a tropical location."
"Really? You want me to use my vacation days to read your book?" She stared at him pointedly, until something struck her. "Or are you hinting at me taking a vacation with you?"
Castle felt his heart skip a beat. He hadn't been anticipating that. For once in his life he had no real ulterior motive. Beckett didn't need to know that, however, so he made sure the look on his face never faltered. "I didn't say it, Detective, you did." He grinned slyly. "Since you brought it up though, I thought I'd be more than lucky getting you to get dressed up and spend an hour or two at a restaurant with me. However, if you're up for a trip to somewhere with sandy beaches and clear blue water, I'd be more than happy to oblige." He winked.
She was standing there shocked. Why had she voiced the implication that she felt in his words? She really did need to start thinking before she spoke. The hole she was digging herself into was growing deeper and deeper. "No. No beaches. No vacations. No dinner. Not with you." She said, and a thump on the floor, told them both she had literally put her foot down. "Someone else got me into this, and I'm getting myself out of it."
Seriousness crept into Castle's features. "Fine. But if you didn't submit your name ten times, then who did?"
"I told you I don't know, but they better hope I don't find out." Kate threatened.
"Whoever did must have forgotten you own a gun." His eyes traveled to the weapon she was still holding.
"That must be it." She let out a small laugh, at the fear in his eyes as he peeked at her gun. "So, now what are you going to do? You have to know I didn't enter that contest. Only an obsessed fan-girl would."
His eyes locked on hers, smiling. "Detective, I recall you being one of my biggest fans."
"I never admitted that." She tried hard not to look away, strongly holding his gaze, so he wouldn't see the truth.
"You don't have to. You weren't very good at hiding it the first time you interrogated me." She felt her cheeks blush, remembering that day, and knowing he was right. Kate hadn't needed to confess. The fact that she read the novels that he considered his 'lesser works' said it all. "As for what I'm going to do," He changed the subject to spare her more humiliation. Castle knew he had tortured her enough, and didn't want to actually push her away. "I'm going to ask you to go on a date with me."
"What? No. Castle, I didn't win the contest." Kate objected firmly. "There's some diehard fan out there that has been going to sleep every night wishing that she wins this date. She wants this."
"And I want you." Castle replied automatically, without thinking about his word choice. When he heard the innuendo in them, after the words had tumbled easily from his mouth, he stuttered hastily, trying to explain. "I mean, I don't want you, want you. Or I do, but not if that's what you don't want. I just mean that…I want to take you on a date."
"Because you want me? Or because you don't want some creepy fan being the lucky winner?" Maybe he hadn't noticed, but Kate caught the slight cringe he gave at her mentioning of a diehard fan.
He grinned. "You know me well. Yes, it could partly be because there is a chance of a creepy stalker being chosen next time."
"I knew there had to be some kind of catch," She smirked, proudly. "And what if I say no?"
The wheels in Castle's head were visibly churning, after a worried look had fallen on his face. "I'm going to beg and plead until you cave?"
"You know I can just get a restraining order. "
He stared deeply into her eyes. "I don't think you would."
"Oh, yeah? Why wouldn't I?" She challenged, taking a step toward him.
"Because you miss me," He stated simply.
"Miss you? Yeah right, Castle," She scoffed.
"We made a good team, solving those murders."
Kate's hands moved to her hips. "You worked with me on one case."
"I was helpful." He reminded, knowing it was true, and if she said anything to the contrary his pride would be hurt.
She rolled her eyes, and knew she'd pay for the compliment that she was about to give. "Maybe a little."
"See! You do miss me!" He squealed, and for a minute he seemed to take on the persona of a little boy, instead of a grown man.
Beckett raised a hand to her forehead. "What have I gotten myself into?"
He surprised her and grabbed her shoulders excitedly. "I promise it will be the best night of your life."
"I highly doubt that," Her comment was half serious. "And for some reason, I don't remember agreeing to this date thing." She paused, taking in the worried look that had returned to Castle's face before continuing. "Oh yeah, that's right, because I didn't.
"Come on, Beckett. Even you aren't cruel enough to want me to end up on a date like that."
"Aren't I?" She quipped.
"I don't think so."
A puzzled look came over her face. "Was that supposed to be a compliment?" The question hung between them for a second, until Kate appeared to let it go. "I'm thinking it's time for you to start the begging you mentioned earlier."
"Fine. I'll beg in the form of free coffee delivery, spa days, designer clothes and bags—anything you want. You name it, it's your's."
At the pathetic, pleading look he gave her, she knew how they could make this work. "Ok, I've got it. I'll go on this date with you. That way we'll satisfy your publishing company and you won't have to deal with any weirdos." She could see the relief slowly setting in, but knew he was still wondering on what condition she was agreeing to this. "All you need to do in return is promise to leave me alone, and then, actually do that."
Everything stopped. Her words fell like heavy weights, and were barely carried to his ears. Castle had not been anticipating the deal she had come up with, and Kate's eyes were saying that she hadn't expected to hear her voice say anything like that either. If there was one person Castle felt he had to honor in a situation like this, it was Kate Beckett. There was no way he would promise to do what she wanted, and then not keep that promise. That's not who he was, and that's not the kind of person he wanted to be toward her. But the feeling that she didn't really want what she claimed she did, gnawed at him. Still, if he agreed, then it would be a done deal.
Yes, he wanted a date with her. And yes, part of it was that he didn't want Gina to end up setting him up with his worst nightmare. But the even bigger part of it was that he missed Beckett, and after three weeks, he just didn't even want to try to get her off his mind anymore. So, was one date worth leaving her alone and never seeing her again? The answer was a no-brainer. If that's the way it had to be, then of course, a few more hours with her was better than none at all. However, what Castle had decided unbeknownst to Beckett, was that up until the last second of that date, he was going to do everything to have her change her mind, and force him to break the promise.
"Ok. If you want me to leave you alone, then I promise to do just that." The shocked expression on Beckett's face that went as fast as it came, didn't go unnoticed by Castle. Yet, he smiled smugly and held out his pinky finger. "We can pinky promise if you want?" There was an inevitable eye roll from her, but then he felt their pinky fingers link. The warm, tingly sensation traveled through both of them at the uncommon, yet somehow familiar connection. Then, they separated. Castle grinned inwardly. For him, the moment that had just passed between them meant game on. "So, what night works best for you? I have to call Gina back."
Kate felt like she was dreaming. Everything was happening fast, and she had just started going along with it. She tried to concentrate on the calendar she was visualizing in her mind with everything on it. "Um, I think Saturday?" She squinted, as if that would make her imaginary calendar appear clearer.
"Saturday it is!" Castle exclaimed, and clapped his hands together.
"I have to say though, Castle, this has been the most random and unromantic way I've ever been asked on a date." She didn't mean it in a rude way, just a stating the facts kind of way, and she could see by his reaction that he took it the way she intended. For a minute, it almost seemed like he was bothered by the way he had been forced to ask and plead with her.
Coming out of his thoughts, he finally responded to her comment. "Hmm…I agree. That is, I've never asked someone this way." Again, he appeared to reflect on it and think it over. Then, she saw the traces of a smile he was trying to hide on his lips. They may have only worked together for a short time three weeks ago, but she knew him well enough to understand that that look meant he was planning something. "Now Detective Beckett," He announced abruptly, "you look like you could use some sleep. Until Saturday." He said, and gave her a quick smile. "And thank you!" He called over his shoulder, before completely leaving her apartment.
Once he was gone, her eyes stayed fixed on the door that stopped her from watching him walk into the hallway. Kate could not believe that she had just agreed to go on a date with Richard Castle. Was she out of her mind? It was awful how easily he got to her. Why couldn't she just say no? Why did she have to have sympathy for him, and not want him to be forced to endure a night with some crazy fan? And most importantly, why did it bother her a little bit that after they had their night out, Castle would be leaving her alone? How could there be a part of her that didn't want the annoying writer and his ego out of her life? Here were those thoughts again, and with them came the pulsing at her temples that she had experienced early while doing work at the precinct. The man drove her absolutely crazy! He was the only one she had little to no control over, and she found that she was losing control over herself more and more when she was around him. That was not good. Whoever had put her name on those cards, and submitted them, should be worried about much more than her gun.