A/N - I hope you guys enjoy this! I loved writing it.:P R&R!

XOXO

-Nina K.

Kate woke up when the sunlight, that was streaming through the shutters, hit her eyes. She could feel something warm against her back and across her stomach. Then, she remembered the nightmare she'd had the night before.

She had been in the Hamptons, with the Rodgers, for about 5 days now. Rick and Kate would stay in the heated pool in the mornings - just swimming and having fun - and, a while after lunch, they'd go outside and play in the snow. The days, though they passed too fast, had been great so far, but still couldn't keep the bad dreams away.

That night, Kate was in the spare bedroom, which had been set for her, when she started tossing around on the bed and fisting the covers tightly, as memories from her mother and brother flooded her previously peaceful slumber. She woke up sweating, shivering and crying, and ran to Rick's room. He was, instantly, worried about her, as he noticed the tears that slid down her flushed cheeks.

He pulled her to his bed and hugged her, tightly. She snuggled up against his chest and cried herself to sleep in his arms, as he whispered that everything would be okay and that he was there. He fell asleep right after her, not really wanting to let go.

She was glad to know he was there for her, and she felt so safe when he was close. She could feel his breath on her neck and knew he was still sleeping. She tried to move out of his embrace, even though she didn't want to, but he tightened his grip on her waist. "Don't get up just yet." he mumbled and she laughed. "I'm serious."

"I'll be back, I promise. I just have to go to the bathroom." he let her go and, soon, she was back in his arms. "See, I'm back."

"Good." he pressed his lips to her cheek. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm better now, much better." she replied honestly.

"Because you're with me, right?"

"Oh, don't flatter yourself, Rick, I never said that." she slapped his chest playfully.

"It was implied!" he joked and pecked her lips. "What would you like to do today?"

She took her time thinking. There was something she'd been wanting to do ever since they arrived... "I know it's winter and it's really cold outside, but... can we take a walk on the beach?" she asked shyly.

"Sure, Katie. I'll take you there. We can go after breakfast okay?"

"Okay."

They ate quickly and changed clothes. Martha was off to a friend's house and they were by themselves again. They walked to the beach slowly, hand in hand. They walked by the shore and Kate stared at the horizon. "Mom and I used to build sandcastles when I was little." she told him.

"That's nice, Kate! My mom was never one to like doing something with me, unless it meant taking me to watch her work. I would've liked to meet your mom."

"She would've liked you too." she smiled and leaned in for a kiss, before leaning him back to the house.

As soon as they reached the foyer, Rick kissed her again, this time, though, it was way more intense. He moved his hands up and down her back, beneath her clothes, and she moaned in his mouth. "Do you want to, Kate?"

"Yeah. I want to. I want you, Rick."

She ran her fingers over his chest, moving them randomly, as she smiled at him, both laying on his bed. "So... You liked it?"

"Yeah." he answered numbly.

She looked down and bit her lip. "Me too."

He leaned and caught her lips with his, sweetly. "I love you, Katie."

"I love you too.

The ride back to New York a couple of days after was absolute fun. She was much more relaxed around Martha and life finally felt right again.

Kate rang the doorbell of her grandfather's loft and smiled up at Rick, who was kindly carrying her bag for her. "You don't have to do that, you know?"

"What kind of man would I be if I didn't?"

She was about to reply when the door swung open and she smiled sweetly at Phillip. "Hey, grandpa!" she hugged him and he stiffened under her touch. "What's wrong?"

"Hello, Katie" she heard someone say and immediately regretted not accepting Rick's invitation to stop by at his loft first.