Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last part of the story. I'm glad you're liking it, because I'm really enjoying writing it. I had intended to post this at the end of last week, but have had a lack of wi-fi due to moving house.

This is the second part of the chapter which takes place during the events of 'Heartbreak Hotel' and as always any dialogue taken directly from the episode is written in italics. There are also a couple of quotes taken from 'Knockout', and everything is the product of Andrew Marlowe et al so please don't sue ;)

I hope you like :) Constructive criticism is always welcomed.

Previously:

Castle's words seem to spark something in her and he lips quirk up into a proper smile, "Not trying isn't an option anymore. I – I don't think I could walk away from this if I tried." Her words come out quickly and she feels a rush of exhilaration because in this moment, it feels like the most important thing she's ever done. "But I just need you to be patient with me for a little while longer."

She lets go of his hand and returns it to the wheel as their lane of traffic begins to move again, so instead Castle's hand comes to rest comfortingly on her knee. "As long as it takes," He assures her, "Brick by brick, Kate. Brick by brick."

Chapter Two

(Part Two)

It has been a hell of a day. Stressful days are part and parcel of the job when you're a homicide detective so Beckett certainly isn't a stranger to them. Had she known how today was going to pan out though, her reluctance to leave Castle's bed would have won out, at least for a few more minutes. After all, it wasn't as if their victim was going anywhere.

It is just after 7pm and with the exception of Captain Gates – who is still holed up in her office – the bullpen is pretty much deserted. The only noise comes from an old air conditioning unit, which has clearly seen better days, making whirring sounds above Beckett's desk. She's perched on the edge scrutinizing the murder board and mulling over all the questions they have yet to answer.

Her hand absent-mindedly strays to her chest, feeling a sudden sharp pull and she begins to rub the area where the physical reminder of her shooting remains. The physical therapy is helping; especially the rigorous training sessions she'd had to go to in order to re-qualify under the NYPD's strict medical regulations. It doesn't hurt to breathe anymore, but sometimes – usually when she's tired or stressed – it flares up and she's left with a dull ache which penetrates her to the bone.

Her gaze wanders away from the murder board, eventually settling on Castle's empty chair, as it has done far too many times throughout the day and the frown lines reappear on her forehead. She is half-convinced that Gates has picked up on the change in their relationship, she seemed all too happy when she'd ordered him to go with Ryan and Esposito to Atlantic City earlier that day.

Beckett shakes her head, feeling a mild stab of embarrassment as she recalls the way in which Gates had witnessed her laughing at a text he'd sent her. The look she'd given her had held more suggestion than any of her words could have, although she'd also spent an unhealthy amount of time thinking on them too. 'I think you can be better if you minimize the distractions.'

She's always prided herself on being the consummate professional at work and anyone, if asked, would testify to the fact that she always goes the extra mile to bring justice to the victims and their families. For years she'd poured everything she had into becoming the best possible cop. She gets the closure for others which she's never been able to get for herself and she's managed to make some kind of peace with that in the process.

She'd probably still deny it if anyone else asked, but it's becoming easier to admit to herself that it is thanks in no small part to Castle. It's hardly a revelation to her that having him around makes her job that little bit easier, but what scares her the most is that she can't remember how she managed before he came into her life. The fact that it feels like Gates has almost called into question her professionalism today, makes the tiny niggling voice in the back of her mind wonder if that isn't without due cause.

Beckett is distracted from her musings by the repetitive buzz of her cell phone and a quick glance at the caller ID indicates that Ryan is on the line. "Please tell me you've found something concrete so that we can put this thing to bed." She listens for a moment, her eyes widening and then closing briefly in disbelief. "What? How did you guys get kicked out?" She hisses, mindful of their captain. Just when she was reassuring herself that at least it wasn't possible for her day to get any worse. She privately swears that if Castle has anything to do with this, she'll drive down to Atlantic City and shoot him herself.

Beckett listens to the boys putting together everything that they've learned so far, occasionally making a contribution to the case herself and together they come up with a new plan. "Okay, see what he knows," She rolls her eyes, unable to hide the trace of irritation in her voice when Esposito informs her that this won't be possible as their suspect is still inside the casino.

She casts another glance in the direction of Captain Gates' office half wondering whether to inform her of this latest development, but reflecting on just how bad that would make them all look – not to mention given the intensity of her dislike for Castle – she decides against it. "Okay, just – sit tight. I'm on my way down." She ends the call, ignoring the simultaneous protests that the three of them have started to make.

And just like that, the notion of opening the wine she'd left chilling in her fridge and relaxing in a bath of bubbles goes out of the window.

'So much for decompressing' she thinks, rolling her cruiser forward several yards before coming to a standstill yet again. Traffic hasn't been on her side tonight and she's moved about ten kilometres in the past hour. A sigh escapes on an exhale and she's annoying herself by absent-mindedly tapping on the wheel. This certainly wasn't what she had in mind when she knew her evening out with Castle would have to be postponed. While she's been stuck in the middle of a line of traffic which goes back for as far as she can see, the sun has slowly descended behind the concrete jungle and the sky has darkened rapidly after that.

Beckett switches the radio station three times in quick succession and finds herself smirking as she acknowledges that this is behaviour which she'd ordinarily reprimand Castle for. She'll never admit as much to him, but she can't deny that he livens up a boring road trip.

And for too many times to count that day, she finds herself missing him. She doesn't know when it got to the point where his presence stopped becoming an irritation and looking back on it now it seems ridiculous that there was a time she couldn't stand him. But then he isn't the same person she met almost four years ago at the launch party for Storm Fall, and she knew even less about him the day she queued for hours outside a book store in the hope of meeting the man responsible for getting her through her mother's death. He's more responsible now for one thing and everything Kate always used to associate with Rick Castle the author, rarely crosses her mind anymore.

She continues to flick through the radio stations, occasionally crawling the vehicle forward. Her eyes close briefly and she leans back against the head rest, music reverberating throughout the cruiser and a tired smile plays on her lips when she switches it to the CD and discovers that Coltrane is in the disc drive. It hadn't been there the last time she'd used it and she made a mental note to thank Castle later. That man. That adorable sweet man. This is just one of the ways he's become attuned to her, because this isn't a conversation they've ever had although she can imagine he's taken great delight in perusing her music collection. From day one his observational skills have been impeccable and Castle quickly proved this didn't only extend to police work. Still though, he never ceases to surprise her.

Kate is broken out of her musings by the sound of a car horn blaring, and realizing that the lane of traffic has began moving along at a steady pace, she flashes her tail lights at the vehicle behind her in apology.

Night has well and truly fallen by the time she arrives in New Jersey and the closer she gets to Atlantic City, the busier the sidewalks become. Having slowed again to a crawl, Beckett impatiently abandons her cruiser at the kerb outside The Sapphire and clips her service piece into its holster before exiting the car.

She's about to call Castle and find out exactly where they've gotten to but is momentarily distracted by a pair of Elvis impersonators. Kate does a double take when she realizes that she's looking at Ryan and Esposito.

"Oh-" Esposito starts sheepishly, looking to his partner for help.

Ryan turns a light shade of pink, made obvious by the lighting outside the casino, "Uh, funny story?" He offers.

"No, I'm not even sure I want to know." There's a note of incredulity in her voice.

The boys exchange a glance and a silent conversation seems to take place between them, before they simultaneously speak, "It was Castle's idea."

Beckett's lip twitches and she's having a hard time hiding her amusement because despite the standstill that their case has come to, she's finding it pretty difficult to take Ryan and Esposito seriously dressed like that. This does have Castle written all over it though and when her annoyance at him has subsided, she thinks she might be slightly impressed at the way in which he got them to go along with his charade. Glancing away from them, she looks around for him.

"And it worked! I know who killed Sam." Castle appears from out of the casino, physically unharmed.

Ryan and Esposito exchange an exasperated look, Castle is crowing about his moment of genius and Beckett takes the opportunity to surreptitiously snap a quick photo of them because it really is a sight to behold. Lanie will be so sorry she missed this, Kate thinks, creating a new message and sending her friend the picture.

"Alright Elvis," She deliberately rakes her eyes over Castle's outfit, an amused smirk firmly in place, "Out with it."

They've managed to formulate a plan to catch their killer and after checking themselves into a local hotel for the night,wind up in a booth at a small smoky Irish bar. They knock back drinks for a couple of hours talking about everything and nothing; Ryan and Jenny's upcoming nuptials, Alexis' latest internship and they find themselves awkwardly avoiding mentioning Lanie after Esposito's little display that morning. Ryan drains the rest of his glass and slides it away from the edge of the table, a little after eleven. "I'm out guys," He says, standing up from his chair and grabbing his jacket, "Jen and I haven't spent a night apart since we got engaged and I want to call her before she goes to bed."

"Seriously bro?" Esposito looks visibly disgusted and Beckett can't help but to laugh at his look of distaste. "I need another drink."

He heads over to the bar as Ryan leaves and both Castle and Beckett are aware that this is the first time they've been alone together all day. "Hey you," He bumps against her gently, leaning in towards her

"Hey yourself," She allows the arm he wraps around her, feeling herself starting to relax for the first time that day, and seeing that Esposito is paying them next to no attention, ghosts her lips across his cheek, "Thanks for the CD," She says, almost shyly.

"You're welcome," He grins warmly, "I noticed your collection at the weekend and I saw you didn't have that one so-" He shrugs, "I'm sorry about tonight."

"Oh I don't know Castle," She grins, holding up her glass, "Today hasn't turned out the way we expected it to but it needn't be a complete write-off."

There's a moment where they sit in a companionable silence, which Castle eventually breaks, "So how much did you miss me really?" He teases.

Kate suppresses the eye roll which has become a natural response over the years and pretends to consider it for a minute, "Well I'd almost forgotten what it was like to make myself a cup of coffee," She jibes back gently, "So I guess I missed you a little."

"You're a cruel woman, Kate Beckett," Castle declares in mock-indignation, poking her playfully in the ribs.

"Yet you love me anyway," She counters, and they both freeze up at her words, neither knowing that they're both reliving the exact same set of memories. He thinks she has no idea. And she doesn't know how to tell him she remembers everything, from the ironically dazzling blue skies and brilliant sunlight beating down upon where she lay, to the desperate pleas falling like a litany from his lips. 'Stay with me, okay? Kate, I love you. I love you, Kate.'

Her hand comes up to touch her scar, and when she realizes where they are and how much damage that gesture could do, she picks up her glass to distract herself - just hoping he can't see the slight tremor of her hand.

"I do," Castle answers without thinking, and they both sense the heaviness that settles on their conversation at his accidental admission. There's a brief moment where Kate just looks confused, and he can pinpoint the exact moment when his words hit her, paling visibly even within the shadows of the dimly lit bar.

He glances down at the remainder of his drink and downs it in one, the alcohol that night having made him decidedly bolder, "Love you, I mean," He continues, deciding that even if him saying it makes things awkward between them for a while, he can't bring himself to regret it. "You may not be ready to hear it and you don't have to say it back," He starts, seeing the deer trapped in the headlights look on her face, " It can mean as much or as little as you're ready for it to mean, and if you need to, we can pretend the last five minutes didn't happen." He lets his palm slide over her knee, and leaves it there for the briefest of moments before retracting it. "I'm gonna get another drink."

When he returns, he sits down a little further away from her, giving her the space he thinks she needs to put herself back together. She just gives him a look before sliding along the wooden bench and putting them in greater proximity than they were before. Her heart is thrumming nervously in her ears and she crosses her legs beneath the table, tentatively rubbing the toe of one boot against his calf muscle in an attempt to relax him. Because she'll be damned if this night becomes about something that she is still too broken to be able to fix.

He starts to draw away from her and her strokes become bolder, more insistent. Castle looks at her questioningly and she gives him a casual shrug of the shoulders. Just go with it. "If I didn't know you any better, I'd say you were trying to get me drunk." She inclines her head towards the other drink sat in front of him and her lips curve up into a smile. There's that familiar teasing lilt to her voice and it lets him know that things are okay between them, that even if she takes him at his word and never brings it up again, she knows how he feels.

Castle flashes her a grin, sliding the other tumbler of scotch along the table towards her, "I know better than to try, Detective," He breathes, the use of her official title rolling off his lips and elevating the tension of a completely different kind. Beneath the underlying banter, she can hear the complete sincerity in his words.

Kate leans in closer still, her tongue darting out to wet her lips and she takes a long gulp from the glass. After her earlier invasion of his personal space, he's more acutely aware of her than ever; the warm weight of her body pressing firmly against his side, scorching despite the layers of clothing between them. Her thigh nudges against him as she shifts deliberately in the booth and this time he knows it's completely intentional. He watches riveted as her tongue chases away a droplet of scotch from her upper lip, and with a considerably drier throat, he has to swallow a couple of times.

Her gaze flicks briefly to his mouth and when it flicks back to his eyes, a shade darker than before, she knows she has him. She hasn't had enough to drink that she's no longer in control of what she's saying, but it's just enough to make her brave. "You wouldn't have to try very hard tonight, Castle." She admits, and if he asks, she'll firmly assert that the sudden rush of heat to her cheeks is purely due to the liquid courage lacing her veins.

When Castle doesn't speak straight away, Kate can tell he's busy considering the implication of her words, "We're not just talking about the alcohol anymore, are we?" He says, watching her intently for any of her little tells.

"You wanna go someplace else?" Kate answers his question with one of her own, slipping her hand into his, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip.

"What about Espo?" Castle is already reaching behind him for his jacket.

Kate jerks her head towards the bar, to where Esposito is now sat. They both watch as he slides a drink across to a pretty blonde and can't fail to notice the way in which she is obviously hanging on to his every word. "I'd say it's a pretty safe bet he won't notice we've gone."

"Something tells me you shouldn't mention this to Lanie," Castle says in an undertone, sliding out of the booth and holding out a hand to pull her up from the seat. Kate murmurs in agreement, using him to steady herself. She feels the hairs on the back of her neck stand up when – in the process of helping her on with her jacket – his fingers come into contact with her skin. "C'mon let's get out of here!"

He pulls open the door and they're hit by a sudden blast of the cool night air. Kate tightens her scarf more firmly around her neck, and slides an arm easily around Castle's waist. He lets his arm wrap around her shoulders and they head down the alley which will take them back onto the main street.

The silence between them is comfortable although she keeps darting little glances at him and it quickly becomes apparent that there's something on her mind. "Castle, about what you said earlier –" She starts.

"You don't have to say anything –" He interrupts, and their walk slows to a complete stop.

"You were right," She silences him with a look. She can't put either of them through this a second time and while she may not be ready to acknowledge her lie, she won't deny him again. "I can't say it back yet, but I don't want to pretend that you didn't say it."

Castle looks at her with an unreadable expression on his face, before reaching out and touching a hand to her cheek. And then right there in the middle of a shadowy alley, he engages her in a kiss which steals all the breath from her body. He reaches up behind her back, pulling her hair from the bun it's in and letting his fingers tangle in her curls.

Her mouth parts in desperation to feel more of him and the rational part of her brain goes ignored when he uses his body to propel her backwards. She feels her back collide with the wall behind her and his leg slides between hers, pinning her there.

The noise that escapes her mouth sounds foreign to her, something somewhere between a gasp and a scream that might have been a variation of his name. She doesn't resist him when he reaches for the zipper on her jacket and later, a part of her will wonder if she'd have stopped him even with rationale talking. Right now though, she can't find it in her to care.

Castle tugs the scarf away from her neck, his mouth leaving hers and allowing her to take in shuddering breaths of air, while he lets his lips descend lower. He lets out a frustrated huff when the material of her blouse refuses to give, denying him access to the skin at the column of her throat.

Their bodies are flush and she's about to cave and unbutton the shirt herself, but that means taking her hands from where they've dipped beneath the hem of his black button-down. Every inch of him is pressing insistently into her smaller frame and his mouth moves to cover hers again, regretfully swallowing the noises he's imagined her making ever since he first knew what it was like to kiss her.

When her hands slip down into the back pockets of his pants, he's about to tell her they need to stop because this really wasn't his intention when he initiated the kiss, and they can't do this here anyway. But with the way she has herself pressed against him, it's impossible to tell where she ends and he begins.

"Oi, what the hell do you think you're doing?"

There's a forced intervention just then in the form of the bartender who has spent the evening serving their drinks. In their haste, neither of them have noticed that they're stood directly next to the side entrance into the bar.

They break apart, Kate blushing furiously; her hair distinctly rumpled and her shirt having accidentally been torn in the process. Even Castle has the good grace to look embarrassed as he moves in front of her to allow her to make sure she's adequately covered. He can't help but to catch her eye though and they both quickly look away to prevent themselves laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation and risking incriminating themselves further.

Beckett bites her lip and with barely a couple of inches between them, they can both feel the way her shoulders are shaking with silent laughter. "They have motel rooms for things like that." The barkeeper reprimands them sharply – leaving them feeling thoroughly chastised – and wanders off muttering under his breath about young people and their lack of self-respect.

When he's gone, another glance in Castle's direction is all it takes for them both to simultaneously start laughing. "Did you see his face?"

"How old do you think he thought we were?" She snorts, in a manner that is so distinctly un-Beckett-like that it delights him to see. Kate wipes a hand across her face, regaining some of her composure. "So as first dates go-"

"Well it certainly takes me back a few years," Castle concedes, when he finally coordinates himself to be able to move.

Kate suppresses another snort, "Only a few?" Her eyes twinkle with mirth and there's no mistaking the smirk painted firmly across her lips.

"How about you?" She looks confused at the question and he fixes her with one of his curious stares, elaborating further. "What did young Katie Beckett get up on dates?"

A slow smile crosses her face, when she realizes what he's getting at. "Why Castle? Surely you're not implying that I'm one to kiss and tell."

"You show me yours, I'll show you mine," He gives her a winning grin.

Beckett smirks, "Same story, different city," She replies nonchalantly, flashing him a smile that is all tongue and teeth. "Although there is one college memory, I wouldn't mind reliving with you." Her teeth sink into her lip and she regards him with an arched eyebrow, knowing she has him exactly where she wants him. "You game?"

On the way to their hotel they stop off at a liquor store and Kate makes him wait outside while she goes in, returning a few minutes later carrying a brown paper bag. He tries to ask her what she's planning but a couple of looks later and he knows he'll just have to wait and see.

Reigning in his curiosity was only ever going to last for so long though and he takes the first opportunity that presents itself. When Kate returns from the bathroom she regards with amusement the shots of tequila, salt and limes which he's taken the liberty of slicing, now sat on the coffee table and the somewhat incredulous look on his face.

"Body shots?"

"What's up Castle? You afraid of a little action?" Kate feels a sense of victory as the challenge rolls off her tongue; she's been waiting a long time to throw his own words back at him.

Never one to back down, Castle unbuttons his shirt and removes it completely, abandoning it across a chair, "Why don't you show me how it's done?"

Kate picks up one of the shots and hands him one of the wedges of lime, motioning for him to lay back on the bed. Castle does so and she picks up the salt, forming a line of it across the broad expanse of his chest.

Leaning over him and using the bed to brace herself, she places her hands either side of his body, lowering her head and allowing her tongue to traverse his abs briefly before joining up with the line of salt.

Kate then sits up to take her shot, downing it in one swift movement and uses her mouth to take the lime from him. "Your turn," She winks, biting into the citrus fruit and relishing the acidic taste it leaves in her mouth.

The twinkle in his eye is back and he allows his gaze to deliberately roam her curves for a minute before travelling back up to make eye contact, "You're gonna have to take off your shirt."