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Rick opened the passenger door of the SUV, he watched as Kate lifted her dress to allow her to step upon the running board and into the vehicle. He waited for her to situate herself. He loved driving; she usually drove in the city. He wasn't allowed to drive the police vehicles.

They were headed back to Parliament Square, Café Matisse was centrally located in a centuries old building Bank Lane just off Bay Street. He'd read about it on the internet. The most picturesque Italian restaurant Nassau has to offer, featuring Matisse prints and impressions. Specializing in homemade pasta, seafood, real Italian pizza and delicious desserts.

The private dining room was generally reserved for groups of 15 or more, he'd requested the room for Kate and himself. His disguise; a ball cap and sunglasses would clash with his dress shirt and pants. He'd forgone the tie, Kate like his shirt open; she popped an extra button and slipped her hand onto his chest. "Much better" she'd exclaimed.

She was a vision, she could wear anything and it looked good on her. His favorite outfit by-far this weekend was seeing her in his shirt and boxers. In that moment, he felt 'this' was real. The entire week-end he'd felt as if he were in a beautiful dream, he was content to stay here. He knew the real world came back tomorrow. How am I going to survive three weeks without her now?

He was grateful for his past relationships. He knew without a doubt what he felt for Kate was different; the others didn't even come close. He cherished every moment he had with her. He would spend the rest of his life showing her how much he loved her. He wanted to give her everything.

They arrived at the restaurant; it was an old building creamy yellow with white shutters a royal blue awning covered the entryway. A marble statue stood sentry at the front door.

Rick guided Kate into the restaurant with his hand on her lower back. They walked thru toward their secluded dining area. It was beautiful; a table was set with fresh flowers and a linen cloth. The walls were painted lemon cream with a dark wood trim. He joined her at the table. Their sever handed him the wine list.

Rick scanned the list. "How about a bottle of Sancerre"

Very good choice sir it's from Loire Valley in France. "Would you care to start off with an appetizer?

"You choose Kate." Rick handed her the menu

Kate selected Frittura Leggera di Calamarie Crema al Chili (Crispy fried calamari with chili jam

Selezione di Salumi dFormaggi Italani (Selection of cold cuts and Italian cheese) she ordered in Italian.

The waiter disappeared.

"So very sexy to hear you speak Italian."

"So many layers to the Beckett onion." She smiled

The waiter came back with the wine. He poured and left the bottle.

Kate saw movement, and she turned as Rick said did you see that?

"Is that a cat?" he asks Kate

"A calico cat" Kate giggled. "You don't see that every day" Kate returned to studying the menu she peeked over the top, Castle was staring at her.

"I'd like for you to order for us Kate" His eyes crinkled as his smile covered his face. She loved to see him happy.

"Everything on the menu looks fantastic. I think I'll get two entrees, we can share."

He nodded in approval.

Kate nodded and selected her choices. She laid the menu back on the table and reach for her wine. "To many more adventures with you Captain" She raised her glass in a toast.

"..As long as you're my first mate." Castle winked at her and took a sip. "Mmm….that's good."

The waiter returned with their appetizer. "Are you ready to order?"

Kate picked up her menu; "Yes, we'll have the Aragosta Alla Griglia, Tagliolini Fritti, Salsa al Martini Secco (Grilled lobster with fried tagliolini and dry martini sauce) and Hog Fish con Patate, Asparagi eZafferamp (Grilled hog fish with potatoes, asparagus and saffron sauce. She handed her menu to their server.

"Very good" he bowed slightly and left them alone.

The candle light softened their faces. The chemistry between the pair radiated like a beacon of light, a ray of hope, their shinning love searching thru the fog to guide their ships in the night. Showing them the way to each other.

Rick was untethered, no longer bound to keep his feelings hidden. It was such a relief. He knew she was in this. She'd shown him, she'd stopped running and hiding.

Kate watched as Rick eyes shone with love, she'd never felt she could count on someone to be there for her. She knew without a doubt, Rick would. He loved her as she did him. She'd imagined he would be a good lover, now she knew; he'd surpassed any preconceived notion. The man had skills. He was so much more than the rich arrogant playboy she once thought him to be.

Kate picked up a bite of calamari and dipped it in the chili jam. "Umm Babe you have to try this it's so good." Kate dipped another calamari in the jam and fed her writer.

"That is surprising good. I was expecting a slimy texture, the sauce compliments the flavor." Rick selected morsels from the cold cuts and cheese appetizer. He popped a bite of cheese into his mouth. He finished chewing and dabbed his mouth with his napkin. He picked up his wine glass. "I'm so glad you came Kate."

Kate's smile stretched across her face, she reached across the table and took his hand. "Me too"

They sat enjoying the view, sipping their wine, enjoying the moment.

The waiter came with their entrée, their hands were entwined on top of the table, they had to let go. The server placed the hog fish in front of Kate and the lobster in front of Rick. They declined the fresh ground pepper. They gave each other bites from their plate, and then they traded plates.

They enjoyed the food, but the best part of the meal was sharing it with each other. It could have been burgers at Remy's or take-out, as long as they were together.

Kate was going to pass on dessert, until she saw the Affogato al Caffe (Warm coffee served with vanilla ice cream. She decided she had just enough room.

Kate scrapped the last of the ice-cream from her dish. "Mmm that was delicious."

Ricks heart was happy, for this beautiful complex creature before him. He knew a lot about her, but he discovered something new each time they were together. Some of his observations would be used in his books, some he would keep to himself. Some moments were too precious to share with the world.

"How about we take a stroll around Parliament Street?" Castle finished settling the bill he placed his wallet in his pocket.

"I'd like that" Kate said with a smile.

Rick stood and assisted Kate as she stood. He walked her thru the restaurant, noticing the heads turning to look at this beautiful woman, the one who stole his heart. He knew they were thinking he was a lucky Bastard, that's what he thought too.

Kate was watching the women in the restaurant. She saw them admiring Rick, some of them openly lusting after him. She felt like the luckiest women on the planet. He was in love with her, as she was him. Eat your heart out girls he's mine. Kate thought rather white whale is off the market. (She never liked him referred to as a white whale.)

The hour-glass was emptying quickly. They both felt it, their time was almost up. He would go back to his tour and she would go back to the City and back to the precinct.

They walked around Parliament Street; most of the business was closed as well as the government buildings. They strolled along the street stopping to peer into the shops windows. Some of the stores they hadn't noticed on their earlier shopping spree. This time when they stopped they embraced, Rick lifted her chin with his finger, and he leaned down to place a tender kiss on her awaiting lips.

Kate loved kissing him, their kisses told a story. The first time he kissed her it was to distract a guard; she'd been so distracted by it she almost forgot she was on a mission to save Javi and Kevin. That's what made her stop.

"I was thinking about the first time I kissed you." Rick looked into her eyes, the premise was fake, but my feelings were real. That kiss was amazing. "

Kate chuckled, "I was thinking about our first kiss just now. I felt it too. I didn't want to stop, I knew I had to I was with Josh. I knew after that kiss we were more than partners."

Castle grimaced, he didn't like to hear DR. Motorcycle boy's name, ever. He especially hated it to come from her lips. He knew she was with him, but he was still jealous of the lost time. Time she could have been with him.

They turned and started walking to the SUV, it was time to return to the Villa, and enjoy the little time they had left.

They had to be at the airport at 9:00 A.M. Rick would fly to NY with Kate and then he would fly to his next stop on the tour. Washington D.C.

The ride back to the Villa was quiet, neither of them wanting to address the elephant in the room. Their time was almost up.

Rick pulled into the Villa and shut off the engine. He walked around the SUV and opened Kate's door.

She took his hand as she stepped out of the SUV. They walked inside hand in hand. Kate headed into the bedroom; she wanted to change clothes. Rick stayed in the living room; she could tell she needed a few minutes alone.

Kate came into the living room she was wearing a sleep shirt. She walked to him. He held his arms open and she wrapped her arms around him. He enclosed his large arms around her and held her. They stood holding each other, until Kate spoke, her voice almost a whisper "I know this is our last night until you finish your tour, I'd like to get in bed and snuggle."

He smiled "I'd like that. Kate, I could call Paula and cancel the rest of the tour."

"No, I don't want you to disappoint your fans. I remember how excited I was when I stood in line to get you to sign my book. I'm not going to lie, I will miss you, but your tour is important. We have the rest of our lives. It just sucks that we finally got together and now we will be separated for a couple of weeks."

"I've had more practice waiting for you, but now that we have consummated our love, it's going to be torture. I'm thankful Paula has my schedule so full, it will help pass the hours. Let's get into bed."

He kissed the top of her head. They untangled from each other and walked into the bedroom. The bed was remade. They discovered fresh sheets when they pulled back the covers. Kate had already prepared for bed; she'd washed off her makeup and brushed her teeth.

Castle headed into the master bath and prepared for bed. He stripped down to his boxers and climbed into the four-poster bed, and slid in beside her.

Kate slid over into his arms. They laid side by side her body was partly on his her head laid on his broad shoulder. She felt safe.

He would do anything for her; protect her from harm, even if it meant losing his own life in the process.

"Kate, what happens when I get back from my tour?"

"What do you want to happen?"

"I'd like for you to stay at the loft with me." He paused and then said "I want everyone to know that we are together."

"Montgomery may not let you continue working with me. There is a strict policy against co-workers and relationships."

"Technically, I'm not an employee I volunteered; besides I've already signed a 'hold harmless' agreement with the city. So if I am injured or ….anything else happens (He didn't want to say killed and freak her out, she was a cop she knew the risks) the city is not responsible. I think the Captain will be accepting of our relationship. I think it will make us better, not weaker.

"He does like you"

"How could he resist, this ruggedly handsomeness that is me."

Kate laughed "Careful there Casanova, I see a glimpse of the Ass that I first thought you were."

"What! You were attracted to me."

"I was attracted to you, but I avoided relationships with men like you. I wasn't one of your groupies who would be satisfied by being a notch on your bedpost."

"Ahh, but then you got to know the awesomeness that is me."

"More like you wore me down; it took a while for me to fall in love with you. I saw past the image that Paula tries so hard to promote….. Speaking of no more chest signings mister." Kate poked him in the chest to make her point.

"Apples, okay no more chest signings. Do you want to go public with our relationship?"

"I'd like to keep it friends and family for now. I'd like to wait until you get back, we can invite the boys and Lanie to The Old Haunt for drinks. We can tell them all at once. You can talk to Alexis and Martha, and I'll take my Dad out to dinner and tell him. I owe him a dinner I canceled on him to make this trip with you. I'd like for us to have him over, so he can meet you in person. He's heard me rant about you for years."

"Does he own guns? I don't have to be worried do I?"

"Relax; I haven't ranted in a while. I think he's figured out that we are more than Partners."

"So just to be clear Kate, we are off the market, an exclusive relationship?" He was holding his breath awaiting her reply.

"You and me, this is it. No more bimbos for you no more filler for me. For better or worse."

"Deal." He turned and sealed it with a kiss. He returned to his former position.

"Hey, where are you going mister?

"Whatever do you mean my love?"

Kate leaned over him on one elbow "I mean I want you to make love to me."

"All you ever need to do is ask, my love"

They made love slowly and passionately, and then fell asleep in one another's arms.

The morning would come soon enough.