Chapter 3:

After a couple of weeks, Castle invited Beckett to the loft for an un-official date. Nothing overly serious, just watching a film marathon with him whilst his family were out of town. Alexis was having a weekend break with one of her friends in the Hamptons whilst Martha was visiting an acting convention in LA.

Castle grinned when he opened the door to see Beckett in more casual attire. Some neat denim jeans and a printed, faded T-shirt with a cast photo of 'Temptation lane' plastered over it. She had a pair of red sneakers on and she'd let her hair fall loose over her shoulders.

"Hey." She smiled gracefully

"Hey yourself." Castle replied his eyes drifting over her. It seemed she just naturally looked this good, all the time. Beckett gasped when she saw a small screen set up in the living area of the loft, with a large bowl of popcorn set out of the coffee table.

"I wasn't sure what you wanted to drink so I thought I'd wait til you got here." Castle explained as he got two glasses out of the cupboard of his stylish kitchen.

"This is wonderful Castle!" Beckett looked in awe at everything he had set up special for their evening together. There were some small speakers for surround sound and he'd even thought of getting a box of tissues should there be any truly emotional scenes in the films they would be watching.

"So, I got soda; juice; water… anything take your fancy?"

"Soda. With ice." Beckett told him as she made her way round the counter island to stand next to him. He poured out a neat soda and added two large ice cubes that made a satisfying 'plonk' noise as they impacted the drink and bumped the glass. He handed her the glass.

"Thanks." Taking a sip, Beckett eyed the stack of DVD's and blu-ray discs hiding near the screen.

"Okay, how many films are we watching tonight?" She laughed.

"Oh, not all of them. I thought you could choose out of my collection" Castle responded simply.

After shuffling through dozens of films, Beckett chose Pirates of the Caribbean.

"Ah, into swash-buckling are we?" Castle asked as he popped the disc in the blu-ray player.

"I'm always up for a bit of action." Beckett smirked and raised an eyebrow. Castle laughed nervously at her teasing words. She playfully hit him on the shoulder and he loosened up a little. As the film played, the pair found themselves getting more engrossed in the film, picking faster and faster at the bowl of popcorn resting on Castle's lap. He handed the bowl to Beckett and as she took it their fingers touched, causing a sensation like an electric shock to pass through both of them. They glanced to each other, holding their gaze for a moment before returning to the movie.

A little while later, Castle's arm found its way round Beckett and she snuggled up to him, eating the popcorn slower now. Subconsciously, he played with a strand of her long hair, stroking it between his thumb and forefinger. Reaching for another bit of popcorn, he grabbed the exact same piece Beckett went for. They looked at each other and smiled. Being a gentleman, Castle let go, allowing Beckett to take it. However, instead of eating it, she took the piece of popcorn and pushed it to Castle's lips. He stared at her for a moment before pulling the sweet honey-covered treat into his mouth. Despite the film still playing, their attention never went back to it, daring to continue holding their gaze a little longer. Castle got another piece of popcorn, this time giving it to Beckett. She took it, chewed, savoured the taste and swallowed. Momentarily, she broke the gaze to get her soda. Popcorn was delicious but it was a devil for making you thirsty. She gulped some down, put the glass back on the 'Richard Castle' coaster and looked back to Castle. The film was almost at an end. They both laughed as Captain Jack Sparrow made a getaway as he fell off the balcony into the sea to be picked up by a crew member. Both fell silent as Elizabeth and Will Turner kissed. It reminded them of their almost first kiss a few weeks ago. Beckett, whose head was resting just above Castle's collarbone, tilted to look up at him. He looked down to her, their eyes searching each others for some clue as to how the other was feeling.

"Who knew Pirates of the Caribbean was so romantic?" He whispered in her ear.

Beckett beamed gracefully but it turned into a long yawn.

"Someone looks tired." Castle noted as she yawned.

"Yeah, I am actually." Beckett replied sleepily. Then her cell phone rang.

"Murder?" Castle asked almost too excitedly. Beckett removed her slim Smartphone from her back jeans pocket and looked at the screen. Her smile faded. She got up off the sofa and walked into Castle's office, shutting the door behind her as she answered the call.

Castle was inquisitive as to who it was, particularly as after a few minutes he heard her arguing with a raised voice. Then he heard:

"For God's sake Josh why can't you just leave me alone?" Everything was clear to him then. Josh was trying to weasel his way back in. Beckett didn't seem prepared to let him, thankfully. He could hear her starting to get agitated and after a few surprising expletives, she appeared from behind the door having hung up.

"That was just…"

"Josh." He finished for her.

"How'd you know?"

"The walls to my office are made of bookcases, or rather just shelves. I can see and hear right through them." He grinned, pointing at the shelves that climbed from the floor to the ceiling with books stacked in some kind of order only known to the author himself. Beckett rolled her eyes and sauntered over to sit back next to him.

"I can't believe he still wants to get back together." She exclaimed, hiding her face in her hands.

"Maybe you should tell him…" Castle began. Beckett lifted her head and stared at him with a 'are you serious?' face.

"And then prove him right?"

"Not 100% right. You didn't cheat on him; we started up after you two broke up."

"Yeah like an hour after. Don't you think that was a little bit wrong on my part?"

"It wasn't an hour after. You broke up with him earlier, he just didn't get it! You needed some comfort and I was prepared to give you some. It was totally innocent, I mean its not as if we fell into bed with each other is it?" Castle chuckled. Beckett nodded. She blushed at the thought of sleeping with Castle… or rather not sleeping at all but doing other… activities. Praying he didn't notice she cleared her throat.

"Guess you're right." She admitted, "Is there a reason though?"

"A reason for what?" Castle asked, unsure of what Beckett was on about.

"Well… you do have a… reputation for picking up women quite easily." Beckett tried to explain what she meant without causing any offence.

"You mean why I didn't try to get you to sleep with me?"

"Yeah."

"Well… truth is, I've been in love with you far longer than you think. Now that we've finally admitted we do like each other a bit more than friends it doesn't seem appropriate to just leap into bed. This feels more serious than just a one-nighter or anything. I want to take it one step at a…" Castle didn't get chance to finish. Beckett put a finger to his lips.

"I appreciate that." She smiled and he smiled too, "And you know what? I think you're right! Next time he calls or storms into the precinct, I'll tell him. Everything". Castle nodded.

"But if he dares lay a finger on you, I'll have him for dinner." Castle warned.

"Ooh playing the tough card are we?" Beckett giggled, rising up on her knees and turned to face Castle where he sat on the couch.

"Yes. If anybody hurts anyone I love… they will regret it." Castle told her seriously, fixing his eyes on hers. His voice was so full of compassion for her that it made her heart flutter.

About an hour later, Castle walked Beckett back to her apartment. It was a very dark night. Castle wanted to know she got home safe. They walked side by side, about 20 blocks to Beckett's apartment. Both decided not to hold hands just yet. If the paparazzi caught them, they're new found relationship would make page six of the New York Times before either of them could say 'Nikki Heat'.

Beckett unlocked the door to her apartment, flicking the light switch on.

"Well thanks for the movie. I had a great time."

"Me too." They both smiled sheepishly. Castle glanced around her small but homely apartment, had she decorated since the last time he had visited? Something was different…

"You can stay a bit longer if you want…" Beckett suggested shyly. He didn't quite catch on to what she was suggesting- something she was thankful for because the invite had slipped out before she had chance to think over it.

"It's really nice of you, but I ought to get home, it's late." He replied, hoping not to disappoint her too much.

"Ok. See you sometime then." Beckett smiled, giving Castle a long, amorous hug. A perfect fit in his arms, she noted.

"Yeah see you." Castle replied. Beckett leant up and planted a kiss on his cheek. Neither of them spoke, Castle, a little surprised and Beckett not really sure what to say at all. They just stayed in each others arms, staring at each other; unsure if either one should make a move or leave. Finally, Beckett averted her eyes and stepped out of Castle's arms. Glancing back up at him they shared a smile.

"Night."

"Night."

Castle let himself out, waving and making his way down the hall.

A happy grin was plastered over Castle's face. This time though he'd take a cab. He didn't have a savvy female detective to back him up should someone decide to jump him.