So not yet there, but almost. The next chapter will be, you know what. ;-)

XXXXX

They sat in the back of the car without talking, neither of them wanting to disturb the comfortable silence that they had settled into. He had gotten into the car after her and his hand had found its place on hers as if it was the most natural thing in the world for him to do. Still he was nervous. He hoped she would like his surprise. The car stopped and his door opened, pulling her with him they got out on his side. She looked up at the impressive and famous building in front of her and gasped when she realized where they were.

"The Metropolitan Museum of Art?" she exclaimed. "But it's after hours!" She realized and looked at him confused.

"I hope so," he grinned. "I want you all to myself."

She was sure her heart had skipped a beat at his words. Getyourthoughtsoutofthegutter, she told herself and let him guide her up the stairs to the main entrance. She was anxious to see what he had planed. She had to admit that in their everyday life she often forgot that he was a rich man. It was another aspect of him that she adored. He didn't let his money define him. He wasn't one of the men who needed to constantly show it off to feel power over others. Whenever they went for a beer after work, or grabbed something to eat, whether it was just the two of them, or the whole gang they always went to places with cop-friendly prices. He never tried to get them into one of the fancy joints he certainly was used to. Yes, he did buy one or two rounds more than the others but no one minded that. And she would never forget how selflessly he had come up with the 100 grand to catch her mother's killer. He had never mentioned it again, even at their lowest points he had never used it against her. But now it hit her that she was on a date with a millionaire and that he had possibilities she could only dream of.

A door man held open one of the big front doors to them and helped them out of their coats.

"Castle?" she shot him a look between excitement and uncertainty.

He just put one finger to his lips and shook his head, putting his hand on the small of her back he guided her to their right. His hand on her naked skin, sent shivers down her spine and she wondered how such an innocent touch could make her feel so inappropriate. Lost in her thoughts she missed where they were going and only when the stepped into the big hall, she realized that he had guided her directly to the Egypt Art Exhibition. She stared, her eyes wide in awe. How did he know?

"How?" she asked, not trusting herself to get more words out.

"I saw the books at your place and assumed," he still looked unsure and hoped he really had done the right thing. "Do you like it?"

She turned around and looked at him, the most affectionate smile on her face, "Like? I love it!" She let her view wander over the Temple of Dendur and saw the table for two that was set in the middle of it. Lit by what seemed to be a million candles. "Thank you!" And then she reached up and pulled him down for a soft, tender kiss.

He smiled from ear to ear when she pulled back, "Hungry?"

She nodded and let him guide her to their waiting table, shaking her head in disbelieve, she sure felt like Cinderella. And it touched her deeply that he was so attentive, that he knew her so well. He pulled out her chair, being the gentleman that his mother had raised him to be, before he took his seat opposite to her. They smiled at each other, being unsure where to start.

A waiter appeared out of nowhere, filling their glasses with wine and asking if they were ready for the starters. With one look at Kate for affirmation, Castle nodded. Turning his attention back towards the beautiful woman in front of him, he reached over the table and laced his fingers with hers.

"How did you do all this?" she finally asked, looking at their intertwined fingers and started to wonder where hers started and his ended.

"I know a guy," he grinned and caused her to roll her eyes.

"Of course, you do!" But the twinkle in her eyes gave her away. She wasn't annoyed. She liked it.

They had a marvellous time, talking, laughing and exchanging meaningful looks. Both amazed that this was so easy for them. After all this dancing around they had finally found their rhythm. And as if on cue music filled the air and Kate looked up to see a small combo taking their seats in a corner near to them, "Too cheesy?" he asked.

She leant over the table, closer to him. "I'll kill you if you tell Esposito or Ryan, but I'm sort of the romantic type."

"I figured that. But don't worry. You're secrets safe with me," he had met her half way and stole a quick kiss from her lips. "Wanna dance?"

She slid her hand into his and followed him on their improvised dance floor. His right hand circled her waist pulling her close and for a second she was shocked at just how close, but her left arm came to circle around his shoulder nevertheless, her hand resting on his neck. Their other hands he held close to his heart, when he started to gently sway them to the music. She looked at him and then her view wandered over to the musicians and she grinned, "Let me guess, you know a guy."

He laughed, leaving her comment as it was and instead stole another kiss from her, before he was happy to see her head coming to rest on his shoulder. She breathed him in, finally being able to do so, without the fear of getting caught.

"Are you happy?" he asked into her hair.

She turned her head to look at him, was she happy? The smile on her face could have lit all of New York and he knew she was, "Are you?" she asked.

He haltered their dance to a sudden stop and kissed her, with such passion that she would have been a puddle on the floor hadn't his arms held her upright. When she finally came up for air, looking all dizzy, she saw the satisfied grin on his face and decided it was time for payback. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him down for a kiss that sent him straight out of the orbit. When they finally broke apart for the need of oxygen, they both looked dazed. He was the first to react, pulling her with him, he mumbled, "Let's get out of here!"

Shouting a quick thank you towards the musicians they were already on their way to the main entrance. Beckett couldn't help but giggle at his sudden urgency, but didn't mind it at all. They had waited long enough to get to this point. She wasn't willing to waste another second either. She needed him in many ways but right now there was only one way that mattered to her. Grabbing their coats they sprinted towards the waiting town car and got in. Not bothering about giving directions Castle's lips found hers again, while his arms sneaked around her and pulled her closer. She moaned when his lips met her collar bone and left a hot, wet trail on it. Her nails dug into his back and let him groan with pleasure. He was tempted to rip the dress off her, but given their current location he refrained from it, knowing she would hurt him, if he tried.

"Rick," she sighed when he started nibbling on her pulse point and hearing her say his name like this drove him crazy.

"Kate, you have no idea," was as far as he got, before she pulled up his face and started to kiss him on the mouth again. Their tongues immediately starting to dance, he couldn't remember a time when just kissing had turned him on like this. He was barely touching her. Her hands held his head and still he felt as if he would explode any minute.

The car finally stopped and Castle pulled her out of it, almost tripping over the curb, which caused her to chuckle, "Hey there," she spoke softly, "I know you're eager, but let's try to make it upstairs in one piece, okay?"

"Yeah, right," was all he could reply, straitening himself he linked arms with her and guided her into his building. Much to his dismay they had to share the elevator with an elder couple, restraining them from further explorations of one another. When they reached his floor, he took her hand and she followed him slowly down the corridor to his apartment. Opening the door they found themselves in his living room, suddenly unsure how to proceed.

They looked at each other, trying to read the others mind and before he could stop himself, he took a step towards her and reached out to touch her face, "I love you!" He said with such seriousness that she thought she would faint.

"I know," she heard herself say, before she could stop it.

He looked at her, a mixture of shock, hurt and confusion on his face.

"Rick," she reached out to him, but he shied away from her touch.

"You remember?" he asked his voice indifferent.

She just nodded.

"Since when?"

The look on her face was answer enough.