This is a continuation of "A Better Man," which I posted in December 2010. Lots of romance in this one, scenes perhaps that only a woman could appreciate, but I hope men enjoy it as well. There is a sex scene at the end, for mature readers only. After all the unresolved sexual tension from these two, I wanted to clearly show how the tension is resolved. I have no idea where I am going with this story, but so far I've enjoyed writing it.
The cell phone's ring pierced Beckett's sleep. She reached for the phone on her night table, saw the name on the screen, and smiled. "Good morning," she sighed.
"Good morning to you, Detective," said Castle. "I hope you slept well."
"Yes, once I did fall asleep. I have to admit, I was a little too excited, with all that we talked about last night."
"Unfortunately, as good as that was, that's all we did was talk," he said, slightly irritated.
"Not quite. I do remember kissing you quite a few times."
"I recall that as well, about the same time my knees went weak. So tell me again why you didn't stay with me last night?"
Beckett sighed again and tried to remember why she had thought it would be better if they didn't rush to make love just yet. At the moment, though, as she recollected her body pressing close to his at the bar for most of the evening, she wondered whether that was a foolish decision. "Well, you did say you had meetings starting early this morning." It may have been Saturday, but weeks ago Paula had scheduled Castle to meet at a suite in the W Hotel on Park Avenue South with columnists from The New York Review of Books, The New York Times, , and other media outlets for most of the day. "Letting you go so early in the morning—what fun would that have been?" she asked. "Besides, you mentioned that Alexis was home. I felt a little uncomfortable about that since this is all so new."
"Well, you'll be relieved to know that I've removed that obstacle. I've already told Alexis about us, and she's thrilled," said Rick, a smile in his voice.
"What? Did you wake her up this morning to tell her?" asked Kate, giggling.
"No, actually, I woke her up last night when I got home. It's Saturday, remember? And this morning, I woke my mother up and told her. She's thrilled, too."
Kate pushed her hair off her face, still giggling. "I guess I have no more excuses, then."
"Today should be our first—quote-unquote—official day as a couple, but since I can't be with you until this evening, I've thought of a few ways to romance you without being there," Rick said.
"And how are you gonna do that?" Kate asked, smiling at the phone.
"Watch, and be prepared for anything today. My heart is yours, Kate. I want to show you. I'll see you tonight."
"I love you, Rick. Until tonight." She rolled over, thinking about what he had planned.
##
About an hour later, the door buzzer rang. She bolted out of bed to answer. "Who is it?" she said into the speaker.
"Flowers for Ms. Kate Beckett," answered the voice.
She smiled and said, "OK, come on up" as she pressed the button to release the lock on the lobby door. A few seconds later, in came a delivery man with a glass vase filled with twelve long-stemmed red roses. Her eyes widened as he placed the vase in her hands and turned to leave. "No, wait," Kate stammered as she reached for her purse to give him a tip.
"That's OK, ma'am. The gentleman already took care of that. Oh, there's a note in there for you," he said.
"Huh? Oh. OK, thank you," she said, still standing, slack-jawed, with the gift in her hands. He shut the door behind him. She placed the vase on the coffee table and found a folded card tucked in the middle of the bouquet. It read:
Red is the color of my love for you, Kate.
To pamper you, the Red Door awaits.
(Be there at 10:00.)
(Remember, I'm a novelist, not a poet.)
Love, R
Kate's breath caught in her throat. "Oh my," she said. Knowing Castle was already in meetings, she texted his phone, then ran to the bathroom to get ready.
Castle was in midsentence with the Times reporter when he heard a text message come through his phone. "Excuse me a moment, sorry," he said. He read: Can't wait to show my gratitude to U 2nite. He smiled and wrote: Even more 2 come 2day.
Kate opened the red door to the Elizabeth Arden Salon on Fifth Avenue at 54th. As she approached the desk, a tall blonde-haired young woman approached. "Ms. Beckett," she said, offering her hand to Kate. "I recognize you from the photo Mr. Castle sent me. My name is Lisa Fremont. It's lovely to meet you. I'm your customer service associate today."
"Hello. So nice to meet you." said Kate
"Mr. Castle e-mailed me that you're a hard-working woman who could use some pampering. We've got just the thing for you."
"Pampering sounds wonderful," Kate replied, happy that there were still some New Yorkers who didn't recognize her from the Nikki Heat publicity.
"Right this way." Lisa gestured to another red door and led Kate to what looked like a softly lit living room, filled with richly upholstered Queen Anne wing chairs and two traditional rolled-arm sofas. Several doors led off the living room area. "Today, Ms. Beckett, you'll be receiving our Detoxifying Seaweed Wrap, a Body Remodeller Massage, and our Recapture Facial. Louis, one of our hairstylists, will be styling your hair. And of course you will receive a complete makeup application, with Amanda. We promised Mr. Castle we'd have you ready between one thirty and two o'clock since you have another appointment this afternoon."
"I do?" asked Kate, her mouth slightly open.
"Yes. Oh, here. Mr. Castle wanted me to give you this," Lisa said as she handed Kate a notecard. She opened it and read:
Bloomingdale's has the perfect dress for you.
See your personal shopper at 2.
Kate felt her heart flutter. What has he done? she thought, her eyes wide. She clutched the note to her chest. He had her feeling like a teenager.
"This way, Ms. Beckett," Lisa said, smiling. "I'm sure you'll enjoy your day."
##
Ninety minutes later, between the massage and the facial, Kate curled up in a plush terry robe on one of the sofas. She sunk into the cushions, her muscles relaxed and tingling at the same time. Lisa brought Kate some Pellegrino water, a wheel of Brie and a wedge of Dubliner cheese, and a large assortment of fruit that included dark red cherries. "Mr. Castle specifically ordered the cherries, Ms. Beckett."
Kate smiled as she looked at them. She remembered that he once said she smelled like cherries. That seems so long ago, she thought, then sighed. My, how things have changed. She sampled everything on the platter, then was escorted to another room for her facial. She'd never felt so self-indulgent in her life.
After showering and changing into her street clothes, she met with the hair stylist, Louis, a trim man in his early fifties with silver hair cropped close to his head. "Your hair is in marvelous condition," he said, running his hands through it. "I was thinking of extensions, but we may not need them."
"I've worn them before, but I'd rather not today," Kate said. She had no idea what Rick was planning for the evening, but she wanted to look as natural as possible. "I think my hair is long enough for whatever you have in mind," she said to Louis's reflection in the mirror.
"OK. By the way, you're going on the town tonight, sweetheart. That's all Lisa's told me. Her lips are otherwise sealed. She's very discreet."
His assistant brought Kate to a bank of sinks and washed and conditioned her hair. She gently wrapped a towel around Kate's head, then led her back to Louis. "Here's what I'm thinking," he said to Kate as she sat in his styling chair. "I'm going to trim the ends. Then I'll gather your hair at the crown of your head, arrange some loose curls there. Soft on the sides. A few pieces of your hair will drift down. Sound good? I saw Jessica Alba wear something like that recently, and she looked fabulous. You will, too."
Kate smiled. "I can't wait."
Louis worked quietly as he cut, dried, and arranged her hair as he had described. When he was finished, he stood back and admired his work. "It's even better than Jessica Alba's," he said to Kate as he beamed. "What do you think?" he asked, giving her a silver-handled mirror.
Kate turned her head back and forth, then checked the cascade of curls in the back. She had worn her hair short for several years and still wasn't quite used to this longer length. But she smiled at what she saw. "I'm so pleased, Louis. Thank you."
Last stop was the makeup artist, Amanda, a twenty-something dressed in black jeans and turtleneck and wearing heavy black eyeliner and wine-color lipstick. She stared at Kate for a few seconds, studying her coloring and features. "Well, you have great bone structure, lucky girl," she finally said, smiling. "I only need to enhance what you have. You're headed out tonight I hear. Some hot club?" she asked as she rummaged through her drawer.
"Well, I'm in the dark about the destination," replied Kate, feeling a little helpless but excited. "I've been surprised at every turn today, and I guess there's more to come.
My . . . this guy I'm seeing seems to be pulling out all the stops," she said, still uneasy about how to refer to Rick.
"Hey, be grateful. He sounds like a real catch."
Kate sighed and a small smile crossed her lips. "I'm starting to believe."
Amanda applied smoky gray shadow, black eyeliner to the top and bottom of the Kate's lids, and black mascara, and she added highlighter under the browbone to catch the light. A creamy foundation was next, then a rosy blush to enhance her cheekbones. The finishing touch: lipstick in—what else?—Red Door Red.
"Fabulous," Amanda said to Kate as they both looked at her face in the mirror. "The lipstick is the long-lasting kind," the artist said, holding up the tube. "But just in case, you may need this tonight."
Kate grinned and took it.
"Oh, one more thing," said Amanda. She quickly spritzed a dash of Splendor fragrance to Kate's pulse points.
"Thanks so much for everything," said Kate as she squeezed Amanda's hand.
Kate entered the foyer area once more and saw Lisa Fremont. "I can't thank you enough, Lisa. Everyone is so good at what they do."
"I'm so happy to hear it, Ms. Beckett." Lisa helped her on with her jacket. As Kate reached the door, Lisa smiled and said, "When he sees you this evening, be prepared for magic."
##
The book reviewer from had just left when Paula called to Rick from the kitchen area of the suite. "Hey, there are some sandwiches and wraps in case you're hungry. The writer from the Review of Books will be here about two thirty."
"I'll be there in a second. Just want to make a call," Rick said. He speed-dialed Kate. When she answered, he said in a playful voice, "So . . . how is your day?"
"My day? Oh, just the usual," she said as she walked the five blocks to Bloomingdale's. "Wrapped in seaweed for an hour to get rid of all my toxins. Didn't know I had any, actually. A remodeling massage—the best ever, by the way. Facial, new hairstyle, makeup. I wonder if you'll recognize me."
"I hope so. There's no other face I'd rather see than yours."
"How are things going over there?" she asked.
"Good. Everyone's been very receptive to me and the book. Paula's happy, too. Where are you now?"
"Just reaching Bloomingdale's, as your note requested. I can't imagine what's next."
"Oh, it gets better. Listen, I gotta go now, but I'll see you later. I hope you know I love you, Kate."
"And I love you, Rick. I can't thank you enough."
"'Bye for now."
As she opened the door to the department store, Kate saw a petite, dark-haired woman in a trim red suit with a "Bloomingdale's" badge on the lapel. "Excuse me," she said to her. "My name is Kate Beckett, and I'm scheduled to meet with a personal shopper for a dress today."
"And you're right on time, Ms. Beckett. My name is Sonia Santiago," she said, shaking Kate's hand. "Come with me. We'll be going to the fifth floor. Mr. Castle said you have a special evening in store. But he also instructed me to keep it a surprise. Maybe there's more in this note."
Kate took the notecard from Sonia. It read:
Look for a red limo at 4.
Meet you on the 102nd floor.
"That's the Empire State Building," Kate said aloud.
"Oooh, that's romantic, especially at sunset," said Sonia as they entered the elevator.
When the doors opened, Kate saw a long hallway flanked by a series of three-sided alcoves with mirrors from floor to ceiling on every wall. Sonia grabbed a metal garment rack on wheels filled with dresses long and short—all red. Several customers were trying on clothes in the first four alcoves as Sonia and Kate walked down the end of the hall.
"Here we are," Sonia said, smiling. "Mr. Castle guessed your size, but he did say that he wanted you to wear red tonight. Some significance to that color, I suppose?"
"Yes," said Kate, blushing, remembering the first note she received with his roses.
"Well, based on the picture of you he e-mailed to us, I chose a few things, as you can see. He said either long or short would fit the occasion."
"So the Empire State Building is not the last stop?"
"Not with dresses like these," Sonia replied, giggling.
Kate walked to the row of gowns and party dresses, marveling at each one. She just smiled and shook her head, bringing her hands to her cheeks. "I don't know where to start," she said. She thought a moment. "But, you know, I'm in pants so often for my job, I think I would like to wear something short."
"Good, that narrows it down. Let's figure out the size, and I can bring out more, if you'd like."
As an attendant brought out a Waterford pitcher of water and a small vegetable tray, Kate tried on all the short dresses on the rack—an off-the-shoulder silk sheath, a fitted satin dress with a huge bow from the waist to the shoulder, a strapless number with a feathery skirt, another strapless with a peplum, a body-hugging rhinestone-encrusted V-neck. Kate asked Sonia for her opinion on each. The woman smiled politely, every time saying, "Let's keep looking."
Then Kate tried a Ralph Lauren strapless silk dress and asymmetrical pleats that encircled the bodice. Small rosettes filled the flirty full skirt, which stopped about four inches above her knees.
Kate studied herself in the mirror. She turned for a view of the back, then looked at Sonia, who had a wide smile on her face. "I think this is it," Kate said, looking at the woman. "Tell me honestly."
"I knew it as soon as you put it on," Sonia replied, still smiling.
Kate beamed, then she looked puzzled. "I need shoes and a bag. Oh, what about a coat? I don't think I can wear my jacket over this. It may look a little funky."
"Funky is for another occasion. I have just what you need," Sonia said. She disappeared behind the mirrored door, then came back with what Kate knew was a mink coat. "Here, try this on," she said, opening the coat for Kate.
"Oh God." She gasped as she placed her arms in the sleeves. She took one look in the mirror and put her hand on her head. "I can't, this is too much."
"He asked me to have it ready, in case you wanted it," Sonia said.
"No, no. I'm . . . not a mink kinda girl," Kate said, her hands to her cheeks, still admiring the coat.
"What about fox?"
"No . . . no . . . Fur is just not my thing."
"Well, I tried. Lucky for you the dress has a matching coat," said Sonia, laughing.
She brought out several different pairs of black pumps, sandals, and evening bags, as well as some undergarments. Kate chose a Kate Spade black satin high-heeled pump with a small rosette at the toe and a plain satin clutch bag. Sonia gathered Kate's clothing and put them in the store's familiar brown shopping bag.
"I think the limo will be waiting for you on Lexington Avenue, Ms. Beckett," Sonia said, walking with her through the main floor. "You look absolutely stunning," she said as several customers turned their heads to admire Kate. "Enjoy your evening."
It was 4:10. Kate saw the red limo through the door, then turned and hugged Sonia. "You've been wonderful, Sonia. Thank you so much."
"I don't know about you, but I feel like a fairy godmother," Sonia said as she laughed.
##
The interviews done, Rick showered and changed into a black Hugo Boss wool evening suit. In the mirror, he fussed with a red satin tie and handkerchief. He heard a knock at the bedroom door.
"Are you decent?" Paula asked.
"Yes," he said, opening the door. "Come on in."
"So, big date tonight, huh?" said Paula.
"Yep," said Rick as he took another look in the mirror. He straightened the tie and grinned, satisfied with what he saw. He tossed his toiletries and clothes into his duffle bag. "Big," he said, smiling at his agent.
"Anyone I know?"
"Well, I normally don't divulge the identity of my dates—"
"What? Since when?"
"But . . . because I will be with twenty-five hundred of my closest friends, you'll probably find out anyway. I'm taking Kate Beckett out for the evening."
"What? You broke up with Gina?"
"Yes. Yesterday. It was never going to work, Paula, not up against the way I feel about Kate."
"Wow. And she feels the same way about you?"
"Yeah, I think so. At least, I'm surer today than I've ever been."
"And what do you mean, twenty-five hundred friends?"
"Never mind. Gotta go." He quick-kissed Paula on the cheek. "Thanks for arranging the interviews. I'll talk to you soon." He grabbed his duffle and walked out of the suite.
A twenty-block cab ride later, he was on the elevator toward the observation deck of the Empire State Building.
The red Town Car sped south to 33rd Street. Hakim, the driver, already gave Kate her ticket to the observation deck. "You can keep your shopping bag in the car, Ms. Beckett," he said as he stopped at a light. "I'll be driving you and Mr. Castle until the end of the evening."
"Oh. Good, thank you," she said. I'd better not get used to this, she thought. This limo could become a pumpkin any minute, and Hakim could turn into a mouse.
"I don't mean to be nosy, but are you that detective that Mr. Castle shadows?" asked Hakim. He smiled at her for a second in the rearview mirror.
"Yes. With all the publicity around his books, I'm surprised no one else mentioned it today. And believe me," Kate said, looking at the driver, "I'm not complaining."
"Yeah, I guess being a celebrity isn't all its cracked up to be."
"You're right, especially if you're a private person."
"Well, life comes with compromises, I guess."
Kate sighed. "You are a wise man, Hakim."
###
Rick looked around quickly to see if Kate was already there but didn't find her. He positioned himself a few yards from the elevator doors so he could spot her when she arrived. He was so excited to see her, he felt like doing cartwheels across the floor. He looked into a mirrored pillar and caught himself grinning. People must think I've come here to jump, he thought.
He looked outside to the west for a few seconds, admiring the sun's glow over the horizon. Then he heard the ping of the elevator's bell and turned. The doors opened slowly, and out stepped Kate, a vision in red that rivaled the sunset. She saw him immediately and smiled broadly. He took a few steps to her, but she was already dashing toward him, her four-inch heels clicking on the floor. Her outstretched arms reached around his neck and she brought her lips to his, a deep, lasting kiss.
Several people milled about the couple, but the two of them barely noticed.
"I don't know how to begin to thank you," she said, finally looking into his eyes.
"That's a great start," he said. He smiled and glanced down at her dress. "You look absolutely . . . delicious . . . good enough to eat," he said in a voice that only she could hear.
She lifted her head back slightly. "Is that a promise?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
He grinned like the devil. "You have my word," he whispered as he nuzzled her ear. He caught sight of Kate's small diamond-stud earrings and said, "Oh, that reminds me. My mother wanted you to have this for the evening." From his pocket he pulled out a small box and opened it to reveal Martha's "lucky necklace," the one his mother gave Kate to wear for the charity function she had attended undercover with Rick two years ago.
"Oh yes, it's perfect," Kate said as she turned so he could fasten the necklace. "I'll call her tomorrow to thank her." She faced him once again. "What I want to know is, How did you pull this all off? You were barely home from the time you got in last night to this morning when your interviews started."
"Well, my mother was a big help, in more ways than one, which I will explain once we get to our final destination."
"And why the Empire State Building? It's one of my favorites, but . . ."
"I had tried to persuade the owners to light the top of the building in red, but my request to celebrate this day simply didn't move them," he said as he led Kate to a window. "Even Mother Teresa didn't catch a break. They refused to light it in blue for her recent birth anniversary."
The sun was lower in the sky now, giving it a crimson hue before disappearing for the evening. "Even without the red lights, though, I thought the building symbolized my feelings. My love for you makes me feel as if I'm floating, transported to a higher level. That probably sounds cliché, and as a writer I should find better words, but at the moment I can't think of any. But they are heartfelt, Kate."
She put her arm around his waist. "I'm starting to feel the same way, though God knows I'm a bit more cautious than you are."
"Really? I hadn't noticed."
Kate smiled up at him and said. "I want to believe, Rick. Help me do that."
"I will. You'll see." Rick looked at his watch. "Hey, we have to go."
"Are you going to tell me where?"
"No reason to now. You'll find out in a few minutes." He took her hand and they headed toward the elevator to the waiting limousine.
As the car headed uptown, Rick and Kate settled in to the backseat, his hand caressing hers.
"So tell me, how did you ever arrange my incredible day on such short notice?" Kate asked, offering Rick a wide smile.
He grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "The flowers were easy. I did that online last night. My credit card has a personal relationship with both Red Door and Bloomingdale's, thanks to my mother. She knows Lisa Fremont personally, so I was able to contact her before seven this morning. Alexis used Sonia Santiago's help last year for the prom and some other events in the past, so I had her e-mail address to get you an appointment. And I sometimes use this car service to go to the Hamptons. So there you have it. And it made you happy?"
"Enormously happy." Kate shook her head and smiled. "But . . ."
"But what?" He looked at her to figure out what was coming next.
"You don't have to spend so much to win me over. I—"
"OK, stop right there," he said, putting his palm up, then placing it on her cheek. "When it comes to giving you things, please avoid starting the conversation with the word don't. It pleases me to make you happy, Kate. You have changed my life for the better. And I want to thank you for that."
She stared at him for a moment, then put her head on his shoulder. "I just want you to know that it's not necessary. It's appreciated, but . . . I love you for many reasons, none of which have anything to do with what you can buy me."
He lifted her chin and left a soft kiss on her lips. "I love you, too. Indulge me every so often, OK?"
Kate was about to respond, but as the car turned, she noticed the broad expanse of Lincoln Center coming into view. The Town Car slowed to join the web of black limos surrounding the plaza. She gasped and turned to face Rick. "Are we going to the New York City Ballet? To the gala?"
Rick grinned at her. "Yep. Cocktails, ballet, then dinner on the promenade."
Kate felt almost giddy. "I read about this in the Times a couple of days ago. I love the ballet. But the gala . . . It's almost too much to ask for. How did you get tickets?"
"Mother and I are patrons. We go every year, but she gladly gave up her ticket for you."
"Oh, now I really have to thank her tomorrow." She threw her arms around Rick's neck and drew him close. "Thank you. Thank you. I don't know what else to say."
The car finally reached the entrance. "Wait, Mr. Castle. I will open the door for you," said Hakim.
"No need. I've got it, Hakim. Thanks. I'll call you when we're ready." Rick hopped out of the car and then offered his hand to Kate.
She stepped out, beaming at him. She slid her hand under his arm and they walked along with the crowd on the red carpet. As Rick and Kate turned the corner to face the theater doors, a squad of casually dressed men and women aimed large cameras in their direction. Kate's face dropped, stunned for the moment. "Oh, Jeez, I should have known," she said, looking at the photographers.
"I forgot to tell you. I'm sorry, Kate." He knew she was skittish about publicity and should have warned her. He felt as if he let her down. "Let's just stop for a second. Let them do their job. Then it's over."
"Not really. What about tomorrow? We'll see these tomorrow, even tonight for that matter if they post these online."
He put his hand over her shoulder and looked at her. "We'll handle it together, OK?"
She offered a weak smile and took a deep breath. "OK. My thick skin starts growing tonight."
They stopped and smiled for a few moments so the photographers could do what they came for. Then they walked hand in hand inside the theater.
Kate didn't know where to look first. The promenade was an explosion of tiny golden lights. White tulle fabric floated from the ceiling and landed gently against the atrium railings. The highest of New York society, elegantly dressed and jeweled, mingled in small groups or gathered around the portable bars stationed along the perimeter of the room.
"Champagne?" Rick asked Kate as he led her to one of the bars.
"I may need something stiffer, but that would be fine for now," she replied.
As they approached the bar, Rick heard his name called from across the promenade. They both turned, and walking quickly and waving was Sarah Jessica Parker.
"Rick, it's so good to see you," she said, reaching up for a hug.
"And you, Sarah." He turned to Kate, whose mouth was suddenly dry as dust. "Sarah, I'd like to introduce you to Kate Beckett."
"Kate, a pleasure to meet you," she said, extending her hand. "You must be the detective Rick has been following."
"Yes." She cleared her throat. "I'm thrilled to be here. Rick's mother was kind enough to give up her ticket tonight."
"Yes, I know. She called me this morning to tell me everything, perhaps more than you wanted me to know. Martha finds it hard to keep secrets sometimes."
"Indeed," Rick said. "But no harm done. How can we be secret in a place like this?"
"You can't, darling, and I'm glad you've made this your first date as a couple."
"Hey, congratulations, by the way," Rick said to Sarah. "I heard you were named to the board of directors of the ballet."
"Yes, thank you. It's one of my passions." She looked directly at Kate. "Rick's told me about you. He's been a casualty of love for too long. I have a feeling you'll fix that."
"I think that will go both ways," Kate replied, smiling as she looked at him.
###
The evening continued. The performance featured a new ballet by principal dancer Benjamin Millepied as well as works by Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Dinner and dancing followed, once again on the promenade. After dinner, the mayor, who was sitting at Kate and Rick's table, swept the detective to the side of the room for some shoptalk. Rick was caught between two chairwomen and their husbands as they discussed the latest Jonathan Franzen novel. As the orchestra played the first chords of Leon Russell's "Lady Blue," he glanced over to Kate and saw her heading to the dance floor across the room with Mikhail Baryshnikov. Kate, who had met him earlier in the evening, towered over the former ballet star. She craned her neck to look for Rick over the crowd, but with the crush of couples on the floor, she couldn't find him.
"Excuse me," Rick said to the group, putting his coffee cup down. He walked quickly to the two of them and tapped Baryshnikov on the shoulder. "Misha, isn't she a bit too tall for you?" Rick asked, smiling at them.
The dancer turned to him and grinned. "Nonsense, Ricky," he replied. "I danced with Makarova, and she was taller than me when she was en pointe."
Rick took Kate's hand, smiling. "Well, this isn't Sleeping Beauty, and I'd like to have the first dance with this woman." He kissed her fingers and guided her to the middle of the floor.
Kate turned to Baryshnikov and said playfully over her shoulder, "I tried to tell you."
Rick enveloped her in his arms and moved gently to the music.
"I lost sight of you," she said, lifting her face to meet his.
"You may have noticed that I can't take my eyes off you this evening, so I knew exactly where you were. He's a big flirt."
"Bigger than you are?"
"That's 'bigger than I was.' Flirtation is superficial. I've finally found something much deeper," Rick said as he kissed her cheek.
"Well, Baryshnikov can flirt all he wants. But I know who I'm going home with."
###
Hakim dropped them off at Rick's loft around two a.m. Arms around each other, they walked through the building and into the elevator. "Tired?" he asked Kate.
"That depends," she said, her back to the wall. "Are your mother and Alexis home?"
"As a matter of fact, no," Rick replied, pressing his body against hers, his hands around her waist.
"Then I feel wide awake." She placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
He felt an electric current run through him, and he surrounded her lips with his, both exploring sweetly with their tongues. "God, how long is this elevator ride?" he said, breaking their kiss. "This building only has five floors." Then he heard the elevator's bell. "Hallelujah," he said as they both smiled. "Come on." He grabbed her hand and headed for his door.
Kate took off her coat and he, his jacket, tossing them on the sofa. She turned to him and pulled at his tie, undoing the knot. As he planted delicate kisses up and down her neck, he slowly walked her backward toward his bedroom and then stopped in the doorway. "As good as you looked in that dress tonight, I spent half the time wanting to get you out of it," he whispered in her ear.
She turned her back toward him and placed his hand at the top of the zipper. He grabbed the tab and pulled down, the dress dropping to the floor. She kicked off her shoes, pushed the dress to the side, and turned to face him again. All that was left on her body were a black lace thong, a matching garter belt, and Martha's necklace. "Your wish, granted," she said.
"Oh, Kate," Rick whispered. He wrapped his arms around her back, feeling her bareness as he kissed her deeply, longingly. She hopped up and entwined her legs around his hips. He carried her to his bed, sitting at the edge, Kate on his lap. She raised herself so her breasts were level with his mouth, and he took them, one, then the other, then the first one again, sucking and then caressing them with his tongue and hands. She held his head to her chest, her hands in his hair, pressing into him and crying out in the pleasure he gave her.
After several moments, she broke his mouth away and bent down to kiss him while fumbling at the buttons of his shirt. He swiftly took the shirttail out of his pants and stripped the shirt off. Rick moved to the middle of the bed with Kate following, her mouth skimming his chest while they loosened his belt and pushed his trousers and boxers down. As they rested on their knees, they pulled their bodies tight, feeling their skin on skin for the first time, their mouths and tongues discovering each other. She lowered her head and took one of his nipples in her mouth, sucking then teasing it gently with her tongue.
"Oh, Kate, how did you know?" he groaned.
She responded by taking the other one, and listened to his jagged breathing.
He lifted her head and kissed her again, then gently laid her down on her back. He removed his trousers and boxers from his legs, then her panties, garter belt, and stockings. The skin around his member was stretched and engorged. She reached for him. "No, not yet," Rick said as he pushed Kate's hand away. "We are so not ready yet," he said.
He slid next to her until his mouth was even with her breast, sucking once more. He heard her gasp, then he continued downward leaving small kisses on her belly as he held her buttocks and squeezed gently. He worked his way to her inner thighs and trailed his tongue to the musky scent inside her. Lying on his chest, he lifted her buttocks slightly, then pulled her to his mouth, kissed her drenched lips, and probed deep inside her with his tongue.
Kate writhed with pleasure that only intensified with his touch. "Oh, God, Rick, get it with your finger now," she pleaded.
He lifted his head and reached across her body to kiss her, his lips wet from her desire. "I love you, Kate," he whispered in her ear as he placed his middle finger inside her, finding and caressing what they both wanted.
With her hands in his hair, she couldn't respond in words, only with her soft, rhythmic whimpers. Then with his finger still inside her, she reached between his legs, and bent her head down to take him. But he gently lifted her chin.
"Let's save that for the next time," he said, kissing her neck.
"Then come inside me now," she panted.
He slipped on a condom, straddled her, then gently slid inside her, their torsos pressing tight against each other. As one, they rocked back and forth, back and forth, hands gripping each other's shoulders, their breath ragged. Time stopped for them, any pretense stripped away. All at once, her chest rose, a deep cry came from his throat, and for many seconds their bodies shook with sweet convulsions.
Kate trembled a few seconds more, and Rick reached for the blankets at the foot of the bed to cover them. He laid his body next to hers, drawing her close and smoothing her hair away from her face. "Are you OK?" he whispered.
Kate lifted her head. She looked into his eyes and smiled. "'OK' can't begin to describe how you made me feel." She sighed. "You are a man of your word," she said as she pressed her lips to his.
He chuckled. Their faces touched and they could feel the warmth of each other's breath. "You know, it's funny. I was crushed that I couldn't be with you for much of the day, but at the same time it was one of the best days I can remember, because I could make you happy even though I wasn't by your side."
"I felt you there, you know. . . . I certainly thought of you every minute. Not just about what you gave me today but . . . about how far we've come." The warmth of Rick's embrace was starting to relax her.
He felt her body soften, and he was aware of his chest slowly rising and falling. He realized that tonight his passion for her said everything he wanted to tell her. But he also wanted her to know this: "I am yours, Kate. I want to prove that to you every day."
She raised her head once more. "Mmm, I love you, Rick. . . . You've got me believing," she said softly. She reached her arm completely around his chest, hugging him tight. Moments later, her eyelids flickered and her head lowered into Rick's shoulder.
He reached to his bedside lamp and turned off the light, then he cradled her body as their breath deepened into sleep.