Okay guys, thanks for the persistence and for the patience, sorry it's been a delayed chapter. Enjoy this one :)

All humility was lost when Castle approached Beckett by the coffee machine.

A wide grin spread across his face. "Hey…"

Beckett instantly looked skeptical. "What?"

"Nothing," he shrugged.

"I don't believe you." She folded her arms across her chest and waited for him to speak.

Do I just ask her out? Do I play hard to get… Castle had never been very good at approaching women he ACTUALLY cared about, if they meant nothing and no emotional attachment had been created, then he was a chick magnet, nothing unnerved him, and his confidence shined like the first star in a dark sky. But now… as he looked at Beckett, while his arrogance remained centered, his confidence in himself lacked. When did I start CARING about her so much?

Castle could almost predict the answer. She'd laugh at him, accuse him of childish behavior and walk away like nothing had changed. She's act like it had been a joke at her expense, nothing more than an attempt to get a rise out of her.

But determination took centre place. He'd taken too long to make his move, for over a year he'd been playing games, flirting and getting no closer to what he wanted. He knew he had to be forceful, had to be serious if she was going to take him seriously. He loved how understanding she'd been when he'd spoken about Alexis, how easy it was for her to dole out advice, like she was a part of Alexis' life already. He liked how easy it was to be around her.

"Date me!" he stated matter-of-factly. Oh, well it was out now. "I mean, go out on a date… with me."

She stepped back slightly shocked. "Get real, Castle!"

"I am," he nodded. There was no hint of humor in his voice, all jokes aside, with a blank face, he waited for a response.

"Castle…" she was going to say no.

"Please, Kate, one date… I'll be on my BEST behavior."

"Why would I date you?" she asked.

Castle smiled, confident that the boys had told him the truth. "I have a hunch you've thought about it… maybe a little more than that even," he smirked.

"What are you talking about?" Panic streamed her face, as her eyes fleeted around the precinct, as if she'd find the answer. She looked back to Castle. "What does that mean?"

Castle smiled smugly.

The realization crossed her face. "LANIE!"

Way to leave you hanging huh? hehehehe

Review if you want another one :)