Chapter Six: Dates and Daughters
Kate was waiting eagerly for Rick to show up. She cherished her independence but loved how neatly Rick had turned the date around to a more traditional style. She was still paying for it, just let him try to talk her out of that. She laughed at herself. Here she was a grown woman and she was as giddy as a teen-ager on her first date. Even though she was certain of how the evening would end she couldn't quell the growing excitement and really didn't want to. She checked herself one last time in the mirror. She was going for sexy but elegant. The dress matched the color of Rick's sports coat almost exactly. Silk, it hugged her slender body, the slightly flared skirt ending a couple of inches above her knees, displaying her legs perfectly. The spaghetti straps left her shoulders mostly bare and the cut of the bodice displayed just a hint of cleavage. Her hair was up, showing off her slim, elegant neck. She fully expected to end up in Rick's bed tonight so she'd made a quick trip to Victoria's Secret for a lacy push-up bra, matching panties and stockings. She'd also bought a negligee. She put her wallet in a clutch and packed a small bag with the negligee, toiletries and fresh underwear. Precisely at eight o'clock her doorbell rang. She opened the door. Rick stood there, smiling a bouquet of red roses in his hands. She kissed him, took the roses and put them in a vase. She smiled at him, her eyes sparkling and said; "Thank you Rick these are lovely."
He gently took her hand. "They may be lovely, Kate but you are stunning." She blushed and said: "Shall we go? Our reservations are at eight-thirty." She picked up her coat and they went down to his car. She had an appreciation for high performance cars and stood for a moment staring at the Viper. "A Viper SRT, wow Rick can I drive it?"
"Not tonight Sweetheart, tonight I'll be doing all the driving." Kate blushed again but giggled at the innuendo. "I'll bet you will!" She's still giggling as he fires up the big V-10 and roars out into the street. He's not reckless, the street is clear; she's pressed back into the glove leather seat, thrilled by the brief burst of power. He backs off the gas, grinning at the delighted expression on her face. Just for a moment she's thrust back into the world of Rebel Becks and night speed runs.
She dreams, briefly of a future night when this car is as much hers as his and she can be at the wheel with him beside her, the warm summer wind blowing through her hair. She glances over at him noting the slight smile on his face and the sure way that he controls the powerful car. Kate can't quite believe herself right now. She's fantasizing. The scar on his face gives him a feral look in the dim glow of the instruments. He could be James Bond and she a Bond girl. They're on a mission for Her Majesty's secret service, in New York.
Or perhaps he's Bruce Wayne and she's Barbara Gordon out to save Gotham. She giggles again, she is being silly and she knows it but it's liberating. She remembers the love of science fiction and super heroes he had as a teen and knows that he still has a vivid imagination or he couldn't write his novels. Just being with him allows her to fantasize and he won't judge her for it.
She never could have had that with any of the other men she'd been with. It's only been two days but oh how she loves him. She'd loved him for years, it was true but he was here and her love can blossom. She's almost but not quite sad when they arrive at the restaurant she has chosen. It's a small but excellent French restaurant in the provincial style. The food is delicious and the service excellent without the arrogance and supercilious attitude of most of the upscale French restaurants. The restaurant doesn't have valet parking but it does have a parking lot of its' own.
The place is full but their reserved table is waiting for them. The owner himself escorts them to their table. He knows Kate well as like Giovanni's she has been coming here for years, with her parents. She never brought Josh or Tom here.
"Mademoiselle Beckett it is so good to see you. It has been some time, much too long."
"Good evening Maurice, it is good to see you too. Rick this wonderful man is Maurice Lavelle an old friend of the family. We have been coming here for years. He and his wife Chantelle are the owners." Kate was looking at Rick, her face beaming then she turned back to Maurice. "Maurice I would like you to meet my boyfriend; Richard Rodgers." Maurice shook Rick's hand.
"I am pleased to meet you Monsieur Rodgers. Mademoiselle Beckett has never brought a young man here before, we are honored. He turned back to Kate. I must get Chantelle, she will be so pleased." He led them to a table. "I shall be right back."
He returned to the table with a matronly looking woman who once had considerable beauty and still retained most of it. She smiled and kissed Kate's cheek. "Kate, little dove, welcome, we have missed you. Maurice tells me that you have brought us a young man to meet."
Rick stood. "Richard Rodgers, Madam Lavelle, I am honored to meet a friend of Kate's, especially a beautiful one." The phrase was in French and rolled easily off Rick's tongue."
Chantelle's eyebrows rose. She looked at Kate and said; "Your young man is American is he not, little dove? He speaks like a Parisian." Kate's eyebrows rose as well. She didn't know that Rick spoke French. Rick laughed. "I am indeed an American, Madam Lavelle. Captain Richard Rodgers, United States Army. I learned French at the Army language school; our instructor was born and raised in Paris."
Maurice broke in. "So our little dove has chosen a great hawk for her mate. I knew that you were a soldier the minute I saw you. Only a soldier carries himself as you do, Captain. I know I was one a long time ago. Chantelle, sit with our guests while I get a bottle of wine." Maurice returned with a bottle of wine and four glasses. He handed the glasses around then poured the wine.
He raised his glass. "To you, our little dove and you, her hawk may you find happiness together." They drank and then Maurice took their orders to the kitchen personally. Chantelle smiled and said; "You must forgive Maurice Captain Rodgers, he is over dramatic but Kate is very special to us. She and her parents have been coming here for many years and we had no children of our own. As Maurice said; Kate has never brought a young man to meet us before."
She smiled, stood and kissed Kate's cheek. "I must get back to work. Please come in more often Mon Cherie." Kate's eyes were sparkling as she looked into Rick's and a lovely smile graced her face. "They are a little eccentric but they are wonderful people, very special to me. They're telling the truth, I never brought another guy to meet them, not even Will and I almost married him." I am going to marry you.
Their meal came. Simple but delicious they took turns, each feeding the other small pieces of their dishes. Rick had ordered Veal au provincial and Kate, chicken in wine sauce. Kate chose chocolate mousse for desert and Rick opted for a peach torte. Kate paid for the meal, over Maurice's protests and Rick left a generous tip. From the restaurant they drove to The Club Noir a nightclub that featured music and dancing with a forties and fifties theme. Kate wanted the dancing to be slow, intimate dances with his arms around her. To top it off one of her friends from college sang at the club. They made a striking couple as they walked through the club, receiving admiring and envious glances from both men and women.
They found a table and sat, a waitress appeared instantly to take their drink orders. Kate didn't like, at all, the looks she was giving Rick as she took the orders. "Would you like to dance Kate?" Rick asked. "Of course I would, she replied isn't that why we came here?" He stood and led her to the dance floor. The first song they danced to was Some Enchanted Evening. Kate melted into Rick's arms, closing her eyes letting the music flow through her, totally trusting in him. Their bodies moved as one. What an appropriate song for our first dance. It feels so right in his arms. I was born for him. I am completely enchanted. I think he is too." As if the band leader could read her thoughts the next song was Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered. When the band took a break, Kate went to the lady's room then went to find her friend and make a special request.
She was close enough to their table that she could hear the busty blonde as she leaned over Rick. "Hey handsome are you with anyone tonight? I could use a little company." Rick hadn't noticed the blonde approach, as his eyes were fixed on Kate as she crossed the floor. Rick looked up in surprise. Before he could say anything, Kate was at the table. She gave the blonde her best glare.
"He's with me and I'm not in the mood to share." The blonde took one look at Kate's expression and took off in a hurry. Rick smiled up at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He'd never had that happen before, a woman care enough about him to be jealous or protective of her interests. There was no amusement in Kate's eyes, they were stormy. She was even fuming a bit.
"How dare she try that, damn her, I wasn't gone that long." Rick chuckled at her statement.
She transferred her glare to him. "It's not funny Rick, not even a little bit. You're mine now, forever mine. I lost you once because I didn't speak up in time or fight for you. That will never happen again."
The MC took the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen for your listening pleasure Club Noir isproud to present Miss Rachael Townsend bringing her own unique style to the beloved classics of the big band era and the debut of rock and roll." Rachael came on stage. She was a striking brunette wearing a classic evening gown in the style of the late forties. She smiled at the audience.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Although I do have a set of songs I usually do I welcome requests from you. Therefore my opening number is one of my favorites and it is a request from Kate for Rick. I only have eyes for you. She began singing in a throaty contralto; My love must be a kind of blind love I can't see anyone but you…Rick was mesmerized as Kate pulled him to his feet and onto the dance floor. The Kate he remembered would never have been this bold. Dancing with both arms around his neck Kate pulled him to her and kissed him. It was not only that she wanted to kiss him, along with the song it was her statement of possession, one that she would not allow to be disputed. After her first set was over Rachael came over to Kate and Rick's table. She smiled at both of them and said; "So you're Rick, the one that got away and broke Katie's heart. I see that she reeled you back in. Good job Katie." Kate blushed and Rick raised one eyebrow. "Rather outspoken aren't you Ms. Townsend?" That didn't faze Rachael at all. "Always have been, Rick. Just ask Katie. I'm glad to see that you finally got your head out of your ass and came back to Katie. Then she leaned over and whispered into Kate's ear. "Nail him down this time girl."
They danced a few more dances, almost in a world of their own. A couple of guys tried to get Kate to dance with them but she had absolutely no desire to do so. She politely refused the first one, not so politely the second. She was getting more aroused each time they danced, as was he. Ending a dance, she whispered; "Take me home Rick, I have another kind of romantic activity in mind." Rick had drunk only one glass of wine at dinner and limited himself to one drink at the club. He had to drive and he was taking no chances with Kate in the car.
He started to take the route to her apartment but she squeezed his hand, shaking her head she said; "Your loft, Babe." The significance of those words with "take me home" eased a decade old ache in his heart, one that none of the many women he had known could soothe. She seemed to know what he was thinking because she said; "My apartment is just a place I rent. My home is where you are."
In the loft, Rick asked; "Would you like a glass of wine or something stronger?" She shook her head. "I don't want anything to drink, it's wasting time." She led him into his bedroom and said; "Take off your coat and tie and sit on the bed. Do you have an IPod dock?" He nodded and showed it where it was. She took her IPod into the dock and selected a song from the list and started dancing. She was going to do something she'd always wanted to do for her man but had never felt secure enough to do so. The sensuous music wove a spell in the room and Kate began a slow striptease, turning herself on as much as she was him.
When she was down to her panties she moved to the bed. Sitting on Rick's lap she started unbuttoning his shirt as she kissed him, her mouth hot and eager on his. She stopped kissing him long enough to remove his shirt and impatiently pull his t-shirt over his head. Then she was back to kissing him, guiding his hands to her breasts. Kissing down his neck she suddenly fastened on his pulse point, biting and sucking at the same time. He let out a surprised yelp.
"What the hell, Kate?" She grinned very salaciously. "Just marking my territory, want to return the favor?" She moaned as he did, writhing in his lap then sliding off so she could reach his belt buckle, unbuttoning and unzipping his slacks. She pushed the slacks off him taking his boxers with them. Her panties followed. That night she experienced something she never had before, a skilled and patient lover that made love to her three times before the dawn.
She awoke deliciously sore but she wouldn't trade that soreness for anything in the world. Stretching luxuriously she looked over at the man sleeping next to her. She stared at him for a few minutes. He seemed to sense it, awakening to gaze back at her. She smiled and kissed him. "Good morning my love." He smiled back pulling her down for another kiss.
"I could get used to this, he said. Waking up with a beautiful, naked woman in my bed every morning." She put on a fake pout. "A beautiful naked woman?" He grinned. ONE beautiful naked woman. I believe her name is Kate." That earned him another kiss that went on long enough to leave them breathless.
She sat up, the sheet falling away, exposing her upper body. She grinned as he admired her. She got out of bed and walked, naked and unashamed to retrieve her phone. She called her office and said that she was taking a personal day then grabbed her bag and headed to the bathroom.
While Kate was showering Rick headed to the kitchen to make coffee. That at least he had in stock. Kate was quick in the bathroom. She needed minimal make-up. Just a touch of lip gloss and eye shadow. Her mascara was still good from last night. She put on her panties, bra and the negligee and padded, barefoot into the kitchen. Rick looked at her and grinned.
"What did I do to get lucky enough to have such a gorgeous woman sauntering in to my kitchen in the morning? I made coffee and I've ordered breakfast catered. I'll just take a quick shower before it gets here." Rick took off for the bathroom and Kate poured herself a cup of coffee, sipping it thankfully.
Rick was equally quick in the bathroom, emerging ready for the day in class b uniform. Service blue trousers and a short sleeve white uniform shirt. Kate raised an eyebrow, clearly unhappy with the uniform. "Why are you in uniform Rick?"
"We have that appointment with Liz at her studio. While you're doing that I have a short meeting with the movie people for a couple of publicity shots. Then we'll go for a late lunch."
Kate sighed. She didn't like how the uniform reminded her of how close she had been to losing him forever and she wouldn't have even have known had it happened. Actually it wasn't the uniform itself it was that purple and white ribbon with two oak leaf clusters on it.
"If you don't mind, can we skip the late lunch? Mom wants you to come to dinner tonight."
Rick nodded his agreement just as the doorbell rang. The deliveryman was there with breakfast. They ate breakfast quietly then Kate went to put her dress back on. They drove to her apartment so she could change. As they got into his car she said; "You know I really didn't want to put this dress on , I wanted you to take that negligee off me." He reached out and caressed her thigh.
"Believe me, I wanted to but we have a lot to do today. But there's always tonight."
She huffed. "Don't be too sure of that. I'm not very happy right now." Oh who am I kidding he is so going to get lucky tonight. We've wasted way too many nights as it is."
Teasing him as she slipped her dress off, she changed into a light gray skirt and green blouse topping it with lighter green blazer. At the studio, they were ushered directly in. A blonde woman about Rick's age came out of the office. She had the looks and poise of a fashion model but Kate instantly recognized her. She stopped and stared at Rick.
"Oh my God, Rick. You kept in touch over the years but you never told me you're a soldier and a Green Beret at that!" Rick smirked. "I'm a soldier Liz, a green beret is a hat."
Liz Ravenscroft laughed. "Still a smart ass I see, that at least hasn't changed. You must be Kate. I'm Liz Ravenscroft. I swear Rick must have bent my ear for an hour about you. I must say that I'm amazed. I didn't think anybody could tame "Wild Ricky." She shook Kate's hand.
Kate gave Rick a speculative look. "Wild Ricky what's that about?" It was Liz' turn to smirk. "Oh I see you haven't heard about Rick's college days, the nickname was well deserved. Oh he never did anything illegal but his apartment was party central for a while and a couple of pranks he pulled were pretty hair-raising."
"Rick said you need a gown and you need it by Friday but didn't tell me why."
Kate blushed then smiled and said; "Rick's taking me to the premier of Hawk's Nest we'll actually be on the red carpet." Liz' eyes widened and she took a good long look at Kate.
"I made the dress for the female lead in that movie. You could be her double!" Then the truth hit her. "I was told that the script for the movie and the book it was taken from were both written by a serving officer. That's you isn't it Rick? You're Richard Castle! Oh this is just too good to pass up. Vanessa has got to hear about this. She'll never believe it. Normally I would never accept a rush job like this. Only for you Rick.
You see Kate, back in college Rick did two favors for me that I can never repay. Actually he did several favors for me but these two pretty much saved me from a lot of trouble. I got in with a bad crowd. Rick kept me out of jail, got me out of there just before a drug raid. He also beat the crap out of an abusive boyfriend. Come on Kate let's get started. Rick go do whatever you do for a couple of hours and no you don't get to see the gown before Kate wears it."
Rick went to the Photo shoot, getting it over with as quickly as he could. He then went to Macy's and bought a pair of slate gray slacks, a light blue shirt and a medium blue sport coat. He wanted to look nice for tonight's dinner but not too dressy. Making one more stop he bought a bottle of very good wine and a box of chocolates for Johanna. Somehow he'd managed to get everything done in two and one half hours.
He returned to the studio to find Liz and Kate drinking coffee and laughing together. He caught the tail end of the conversation. "You wouldn't believe what a heart-breaker he was in college." Kate looked up as Rick walked in. She gave him one of Those looks. "Oh I believe it all right."
Rick glared at Liz. "Damn it Liz, you're supposed to be my friend, not a female Brutus." Liz laughed gaily. "I am your friend Rick but we girls have to stick together, especially since Kate wants to keep you. By the way, can you get me a ticket? I'd really love to see two of my creations on the red carpet." "I can do that Liz as long as you promise not to tell any more juicy stories."
Kate and Rick left the studio. Rick said; "Okay no late lunch but how about stopping for coffee and a cronut?" Kate grinned. "Well I just finished a cup but I can always drink another one. I know just the place. It's a little mom and pop place that I usually stop at on my way to work."
It really was a mom and pop place with only four tables, the counter and a display case full of pastries. A couple in their sixties were behind the counter. The woman smiled as Kate and Rick came in. "Kate, what brings you in this time of day? We missed you this morning."
Kate returned the smile. "I took the day off Mrs. Johnston, I had a couple of personal matters to take care of. Speaking of that, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Richard Rodgers. Rick, Shellie and Ray Johnston." The man came over and shook Rick's hand. Looking him up and down.
"What can I get you Captain, I already know Kate's coffee order. I was in Viet-Nam Captain. Anything you want is on the house." Rick smiled and said;
Thank you Mr. Johnston but I can't accept that. This store is your livelihood. Coffee beans are expensive these days. I'll have a large coffee, a cronut for me and one for Kate." The Johnston's didn't have any other customers so Mr. Johnston poured himself a cup and said; "May I join you?" "Rick looked at Kate. She nodded so he said; "By all means."
"I wanted to thank you Captain. I was in Nam' but I was just a clerk-typist in Mac-V headquarters. I never left Saigon. You've seen action, a hell of a lot of it."
"Yes I have Mr. Johnston but don't sell yourself short. The army can't function without support personnel. Somebody has to fill out supply requisitions and cut orders. Or we don't get what we need to fight. It might not be glamorous but it is important. You did the job you were told to do. The army's choice, not yours." Kate was smiling as she watched Rick talk to Mr. Johnston. It wasn't at all what the media portrayal of combat officers was. None of the arrogance of "I'm a fighter and you're not". Mr. Johnston stood up. "Can I ask one favor, may I have a picture with you?" Rick smiled and put an arm on Mr. Johnston's shoulder as his wife took a picture.
After they left, Kate said; "That was a nice gesture, I think you made his day." Rick shrugged. " It wasn't a gesture Kate, it was the simple truth. What time am I supposed to be at your parent's place?" "Seven O'clock." Rick dropped Kate at her place and went to his to get ready.
Rick rang the Beckett's doorbell at precisely seven O'clock. Johanna answered the door and gave Rick a beaming smile. "I see that you didn't forget where our house is, come in Rick." She kissed his cheek. His return smile was surprisingly, a little shy. He handed her the box of chocolates and the wine. She couldn't resist teasing him a little. "Who are you courting Rick, Kate or me?" They walked into the living room and Jim Beckett rose to shake Rick's hand.
Johanna held up the chocolates. "You could take lessons from Rick, Jim. You know I love chocolate." Jim gave Rick a mock glare. Rick greeted Natalie then Kate was kissing him, not at the least shy in front of her family. Rick handed her a bouquet of roses. "Two bouquets in two days. Thank you Rick." Kate put her hand out to Lisa, who was sitting on the couch.
"Come here Sweetie I want you to meet my friend Rick." Rick went down on one knee. And held out his hand. "Hello Lisa, I'm Rick." The simple act of getting down on her level erased any shyness the little girl might have felt. She took his hand just like she'd seen the adults do. "Hello Rick." Rick reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny stuffed elephant. "Do you like elephants like your mommy does?"
Both Kate's and Johanna's hearts melted at the smile on the little girl's face as she hugged the toy to her chest. Kate didn't even have to prompt her as she said; "Thank you Rick." The dinner was a huge success, with much laughter and gentle teasing. Lisa demanded that she be seated next to Rick and chattered at him all evening.
As Rick was bidding everyone good night Kate leaned in and kissed him, whispering; "Meet me at my place in an hour." Kate was shocked when Lisa held out her arms and said; "Kiss Rick."
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