A/N: I'll talk more at the end of the chapter. For now,enjoy.

Disclaimer: Castle is not mine. I'm just playing with them for a little while.

Someone Like You

Chapter 14

Kate tried to roll onto her side, but found that she was pinned to the bed. Blinking sleepily, she grimaced when pins and needles shot up her arm as blood started to flow to her hand. She tried to think hard, closing her eyes to remember how she had gotten here with a completely numb arm that was now excruciatingly coming back to life and something clearly weighing her down, enough that she couldn't move.

Opening her eyes again, she decided her curiosity won out and finally looked down at whatever was holding her captive. She was in her bedroom – so that was a relief – and a head of messy brown hair had taken residence on her chest, she realized with a smile, as all the details of the night before returned to her with unbelievable clarity. Her entire body tingled now as she remembered all the delicious attention it had received last night as she ran her hand – now almost back to normal – through that messy brown hair. He was still dead to the world, but now she could feel his steady breathing on her skin as he slept on completely unaware he was being watched adoringly by a clearly enamored detective.

She had dropped Tyler off at the loft with a clearly excited Martha. She was glad that his mother approved of their relationship, but the woman had to be the most dramatic person she had ever met. Granted, she was an actress, but her flare for the grandeur was as scary as it was endearing. On her way there, Tyler had finally come clean with her that he knew she was dating Rick. She had been waiting for him to come to her about it and had been surprised he managed to hold out for so long. He was usually extremely upfront with her about everything.

Maybe it was the fact that this was actually the first time he was aware that there was another man in her life. It had always been just the two of them and any of the other relationships she had been in after he was born had been casual. She was always terrified of letting her baby boy get attached to a guy, only to have him walk away like Josh had. Until Rick – and she did admit she was still with her foot on the door with him, even though he made it very difficult to keep things that way with each passing day – she had never allowed any of her flings get anywhere near her kid, so Tyler had never been aware that she was seeing someone.

Now things were different. He had known Rick from the start and, although he clearly loved spending time with him and Alexis, she knew he wasn't exactly comfortable with his mom dating. When he asked her whether Rick was her boyfriend or not and she said he was, the look on his face had been slightly worrisome. He had looked out the window quietly for a minute, before turning back to her.

"I'm happy if you're happy, mom." He offered her a small smile and she watched him sigh through the rearview mirror.

His reaction worried her. Although she had never discussed Josh with him a lot, she knew he missed having a male presence in his life. He had asked her once a few years ago why he was the only kid in his class without a daddy. It had broken her heart to watch him try to understand at age 5 that he wasn't any different from the other kids just because he only had a mommy. The look on his face as understanding had finally dawned on him was something she would never forget and she had vowed to never let anyone get close enough to cause that look on her child's face again.

After dropping Tyler off at the loft, making sure he had come out of his funk and was happily playing with Alexis, Rick took her to a very low key restaurant in Midtown. She was grateful for his thoughtfulness and, as they went through a bottle of a very good Merlot, she voiced her concerns about Tyler.

"I'm just not entirely sure how to handle this, you know? You're the first guy that he actually knows I'm dating." She sighed after taking a sip of wine and Rick touched her hand, caressing her skin comfortingly.

"I can't say it's going to be easy. Alexis is excited about this whole thing, but that's because she likes you a lot."

"But Tyler does like you. You know that." She interrupted, but he shook his head.

"It's different, Kate. It's like you said, it's the first time he's aware that you have a boyfriend and he probably feels that he has competition as the only man in your life." He said and Kate sighed, thinking. This was exactly why she had always been afraid of getting involved with someone like she was with Rick. Tyler was the center of her universe, but how was she supposed to make him understand that when he saw her with another man?

"What should I do then? I mean, how did you handle this kind of thing with Alexis?" she turned her hand and he laced his fingers through hers.

"Every kid is different. Alexis didn't like Gina at first, but I just kept everything as normal as I could. I didn't change her routine much and still spent most of my time with her, which eventually was kind of why my marriage sank so fast. But she understood that just because I was dating a woman, it didn't mean that I loved her any less." Kate looked away for a moment, biting on her lip thoughtfully, and he squeezed her hand. "He'll come around, Kate."

"I hope so." She gave him a small smile that he responded by lifting her hand to his lips.

Even though her thoughts kept coming back to Tyler's reaction throughout the night, Kate allowed herself to take comfort in Rick's words and chose to believe that he would eventually be okay with the fact that she had another man in her life, and that he would always be the number one guy in her heart. Rick managed to distract her enough that she enjoyed herself immensely throughout the three hours they spent at the restaurant. It didn't feel like a first date at all, given that they had already known each other for over a month and had spent that time practically attached at the hip. She laughed at his tale of setting his bedroom curtain on fire accidentally when he was 9 and she made him promise that he would never tell Tyler that, so he wouldn't get any ideas.

Three hours, a bottle of wine and a delicious meal later, they drove back to her apartment. Although the mood throughout their evening out had been more on the innocent side, now that they were alone on their way to her empty apartment made her hyper aware of everything. She could hear his breathing in the silence of the car as she drove and his touch on the back of her neck sent shivers through her entire body. When they stopped at a red light, she turned to look at him, only to find him watching her intently. Leaning in to press her lips quickly to his, she was breathless when he kissed her briefly but deeply. She tried her hardest to concentrate on the traffic, but his hand on her thigh was making that task incredibly difficult. Was this what a month of pent up sexual tension felt like? Because she couldn't quite control all the feelings and sensations running wild through her body.

Parking the car in her building's garage, she turned to look at him again and this time he pulled her to him immediately, their lips crashing together, tongues dancing and battling for domination. His hand snuck up her shirt and she felt his touch leaving a path of fire on her skin as he deftly explored her back and sides. Before she could start unbuttoning his shirt (and he was wearing a light blue button down that brought out his eyes and just made him look even hotter in her book), she pulled away reluctantly, breathing hard.

"We should probably take this upstairs, unless we want to give the doorman a free show." She pointed at the security camera outside with a breathless chuckle, her heart feeling like it was about to beat its way out of her chest. He laughed and pulled her in for another breathtaking kiss.

"Lead the way, detective." He whispered in her ear and she closed her eyes as a shiver ran deliciously through her.

They got out of the car and she locked it behind her. He took her hand, his fingers immediately threading through hers, and they walked to the elevator area. It was deserted at that time of the night as the garage was pretty much empty. Kate pressed the button and relaxed into his chest when he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled back against him. His lips started a very thorough exploration of her neck and she involuntarily tilted her head to give him better access. Every nerve ending on her body seemed to be tingling and she had to bite her lip to keep in a moan that desperately wanted to escape. Rick seemed to take pleasure at the situation he was putting her in because she could feel his lips curving into a smile against her skin.

The ride up to her apartment had never seemed so slow to her as he assaulted her skin with torturous butterfly kisses that were driving her insane. When the elevator doors opened, they stumbled out, tangled in a mess of lips, teeth, tongues and limbs. Kate thanked whatever higher power was listening for her apartment being so close to the elevator because she could not take this sweet torture any longer. He pressed her up against her door, his body tight against hers as he kissed her in a way that she was sure she had never been kissed before. His hands ran free all over her body, slipping under her shirt and assaulting her senses. If they didn't get into her apartment in the next thirty seconds, she was sure she would spontaneously combust.

"I'm not sure I can control myself if you don't open that door soon, Kate." He whispered breathless in her ear, his teeth nibbling on her lobe.

She laughed and pulled him in for another kiss (because she was feeling reckless and dangerous tonight) before turning around in his arms, trying to fish her keys out of her purse. His lips latched on to her neck and she found it very difficult to concentrate on getting the key in to unlock the door.

"You're not helping." She hissed at him after the third try at opening her door, gasping when he sucked on her pulse point. "Rick." She pushed his head away playfully and took a deep breath, relieved when she finally heard the click of the door unlocking.

Pulling him inside, she threw her keys and purse on the couch as they passed through the living room on the way to her room. She pressed him against the wall near her bedroom and sucked mercilessly on his neck, letting her teeth and tongue join in the action. When he gasped, she smiled wickedly against his skin, her hands already unbuttoning his shirt. She needed to feel him close to her and those clothes were annoyingly on her way. The warmth radiating off his skin was nearly intoxicating, as was his scent.

"You know, I had plans to offer you some wine when we got here, but I think it can wait, don't you?" she whispered huskily into his ear and nearly laughed, delighted, when he practically growled at her.

Pushing his shirt off his shoulders, she let her hands do the exploration they had been so eager to partake in ever since they had touched for the first time weeks ago. His arms wrapped around her waist and he pulled her tightly against him, making her feel just how badly he wanted her. She was breathless and eager at the prospect and teased him by moving tantalizingly slow against him. He took her lips with his, sucking on her bottom lip, his tongue soothing it afterwards. Before she knew what was happening, he flipped their positions and his body now pressed her tightly against the wall and his thigh found its way between her legs. The pressure, the friction was almost too much for her to bear as a moan escaped her lips. He pulled away for a moment, enough to take her shirt off and throw it away, before attacking her collarbone and chest with his mouth. Kate was panting now, her chest heaving when his hand slowly pulled her skirt down until it pooled around her feet.

Now only dressed in her undergarments and heels, she pulled away from him, only to pull him into her room. Closing the door behind her, she slipped off her heels and looked up at him, smirking when he stared at her intently. With a grin, she closed the distance between them, pushing him in the direction of her bed, laughing breathlessly when he fell down, pulling her with him.

The things he did to her after that had her blushing pleasantly now as she watched him sleep. Running her fingers gently through his hair, she looked at the clock on her bedside table. It was almost 9 and she was really tempted to go back to sleep. She looked down at Rick once more, smiling at the sight. He was lying almost on top of her with his head on her chest, an arm around her waist holding her close, and his legs intricately tangled with hers. She lifted her head just enough to press a kiss to his hair, sighing contently. Whatever had led them to this, however they had gotten here so quickly, she was infinitely glad for his presence in her life. She couldn't remember a time when she had felt so content and happy and complete than how she was feeling now. Running her hand down his back, she delighted over the fact that she could touch him like this now.

Their night had been – and she cringed at the clichéd description that popped up in her head – magical. He was so attentive to her; they had been so wrapped up in each other, fulfilling every need and desire for a touch, a kiss, a caress. She tried to remember if she had ever experienced what she had with Rick last night with anyone, but nothing came to mind.

"You know, I'm flattered, but this watching me sleep thing is slightly creepy." His voice startled her out of her thoughts and she laughed, slapping his shoulder playfully.

"Shut up." She mumbled and smiled when he turned to look at her, chin resting on her chest and his hair a complete mess. "Morning." She whispered, touching his stubbly cheek. He turned his head and kissed her palm.

"Morning." He croaked out, leaning in to press a kiss to her lips. She ran her fingers through his hair and held him there for a moment, reveling in the feeling of having him so intimately pressed against her. "How'd you sleep?" he asked, pressing a kiss to her neck.

"Like a baby." She told him and tilted her head to give him better access. He showered her skin with open mouthed kisses, his tongue joining in on the fun. "You?" she asked with a gasp as he sucked on the sensitive spot behind her ear.

"Best night ever." He murmured against her skin and she giggled, pulling him in for a kiss. "What time did we say we were going back to the loft?" he was now fully on top of her, his arms supporting his weight as he hovered over her.

"Around ten, I think." She grinned at him devilishly and flipped them over.

"Maybe we can…" he wiggled his eyebrows at her comically and she laughed, leaning down to kiss him again as his hands ghosted over her sides, before settling on her ass.

"I believe we can, Mr. Castle." She whispered in his ear and laughed happily when he flipped them over again and pressed her into the bed, silencing her laugh with a kiss.

"I could get used to this, you know." He commented as they rode the elevator up to his loft. He was leaning against the back wall, holding her closely with his arms around her waist. She leaned her head back on his shoulder and sighed.

"Guess that makes two of us." She murmured, turning her head to press a kiss to his neck, smiling when his hold on her tightened. "We are ridiculous. You do know that, right?" she chuckled and he captured her lips with his.

"I don't care. I like being ridiculous." He mumbled against her lips. She was about to turn around to kiss him properly when the doors opened on his floor.

They stepped out of the elevator and made their way to his door, still wrapped in each other. Rick pulled out his key and unlocked the door, stepping away to let her in first. They could hear laughter coming from the living room and Kate smiled when she found both Tyler and Alexis huddled under a heavy blanket watching a cartoon.

"Hey, guys." She called to them and both turned to the sound. The smile on Tyler's face was all she could see, relieved that he was okay and happy to see her.

"Mom!" He threw the blanket off of him and ran in her direction. He was still in his pajamas, an old Sponge Bob sweater warming him up. "I missed you." He said, crashing into her, his arms hugging her hips tightly.

"Hi, baby." She knelt down to his level, taking him into her arms. "Did you have fun last night with Alexis and Martha?"

"Yeah, Mrs. Rodgers is really cool." He smiled at her and she kissed his nose lovingly. "We watched movies and she let us build a fort. It was really fun."

"That's great, Ty. Were you good to her?" he nodded and hugged her again. Kate picked him up and stood up with him in her arms. He wrapped his little legs around her waist and even though he was a bit heavy for her to carry already, she made her way to the couch, where Rick had Alexis curled up in his lap. "Did you have fun last night, mom?" he asked quietly and she pulled away a little to look at him.

"I did, baby. A lot." She assured him and he nodded, resting his head on her shoulder again. "Missed you, though." She whispered in his ear and felt him smile as his hold on her tightened. "Tell you what, why don't you go change and we'll go out? Just the two of us." She smiled when his features lit up, a happy glint appearing in his eyes.

"I'll be right back." He announced and she put him down, sighing in relief when he dashed away up the stairs excitedly.

Sitting on the couch next to Rick, she pressed a kiss to Alexis' hair, smiling when the girl looked up at her with a small smile before turning back to the cartoon playing on the big screen in front of them. Relaxing into the couch, she felt Rick's arm pull her into his side and she went willingly, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Told you he'd be okay." He whispered in her ear and she nodded. "I wish you could stay, but you're doing the right thing by spending some time alone with him."

"I know." She sighed and took the hand that was trailing up and down her side, threading her fingers through his. "Thank you." She murmured in his ear, kissing his neck gently.

"For what?" he turned to look at her and she gave him a small smile, squeezing his hand.

"For everything." She said and his happy smile was contagious.

"Always, Kate. Always." He kissed her cheek and breathed her in.

"Mom, I'm ready." Tyler announced running back down the stairs. "Where are we going?" he asked excitedly and Kate chuckled, getting up.

"It's a surprise, young man." She brushed his hair away from his eyes and reveled at the happy look in his eyes. Yeah, they were going to be okay, she thought to herself with a smile. Turning back to Rick, she leaned down, pressing a kiss to Alexis' cheek and smiled when the girl hooked her arms around her neck, pulling her in for a hug. After Alexis released her, Kate leaned down and kissed Rick's lips softly. "Thanks for last night." She whispered against his lips and smiled when his lips tugged up in a small grin. "I'll call you later."

"I'm going to miss you." He told her, pressing his lips to hers one last time after she nodded, and let her stand up.

"Tell Martha I said thank you."

He nodded and led them to the door. They stopped just outside the loft and Kate turned back to him. He knelt down to Tyler's level and motioned the boy closer, telling him something so quietly that she couldn't quite make out what it was. Whatever it was, though, had Tyler smiling and nodding so she was okay with it. She would get it out of him later. Bumping fists with Tyler, he stood up and smiled at her.

"I'll see you later?" he asked and she nodded, pressing an innocent peck to his lips. They said their goodbyes and walked towards the elevator. Just as they entered it, they heard Rick's voice again. "And Ty?" Her son turned around to look at him as the doors started to close. "I really mean that." He said and Kate watched as a small smile appeared on her son's lips and he nodded.

"What was that about?" she asked curiously as the elevator rode down to the lobby.

"It's a secret, mom. Can't tell you." He grinned happily and Kate bit her lip, curiosity already gnawing at her. "He'll tell you soon." He assured her and she decided to let it be for now.

As they walked out of Rick's building, Kate took his hand in hers and led him to the car. After making sure he was settled in the backseat, she drove to his favorite diner near their apartment. Tyler was ecstatic as it had been months since they had last been here. Looking at his happiness at spending the day with her, Kate realized she should do that more often. She had been working too much in the past couple of years and her little boy paid the price.

After lunch, they went to Central Park, where they spent hours strolling down around the big lake, having a snowball fight and just enjoying each other. She took a picture of them with her phone and Tyler looked so happy that she sent it to Rick, saying he was right. When the New York chill started to get to them, she pulled Tyler to his feet and they walked out of the park, making their way to a café a couple of blocks away.

"What do you say we get a cup of hot chocolate, squirt?" she asked him and he nodded enthusiastically. The temperature had dropped drastically and they could definitely use something to warm them up.

They entered the café and Kate sent Tyler to procure them a table while she ordered their beverages. Sighing happily, she took her phone out and laughed quietly to herself at Rick's text that had been flashing on the screen. She started to compose a reply to his completely inappropriate, but ridiculously funny message when the kid on the counter called out for the next customer. Distracted, she accidentally bumped into the guy in front of her. Mumbling an apology, she looked up quickly and focused on her phone again. Then she did a double take.

Standing in front of her was the person she had thought she would never see again.

A/N: Okay, first, please don't shoot me. Second, I can be persuaded to post a more detailed version of this chapter separately. I just didn't want to change the rating here as the story is not about that. It's up to you guys. Third, I hope you liked it and that you don't hate me. Please tell me what you think?