This chapter is all Rick and Kate! Reminds me of that "hot and cold" video someone put together over on youtube.

Chapter 10 – Say what?

Later, Kate felt Rick pressing into her back. She looked up to see that dinner was over. Alexis was still scooting out one side of the booth and Rick was prodding her toward the side her father and his friend had just exited. Kate slid out the booth, and stood on her all-to-weak feeling legs. She was thankful Castle was behind her. Kate ran a hand through her hair and excused herself to the restroom.

Kate stepped into the stall and leaned her cheek against the cool metal. She needed time alone. Time to think, but she knew she couldn't stay here. It was time to say her goodbyes, head home. She was feeling more like herself, knowing she had a gracious escape plan in place. But, when she stepped back out through the waiting area, she was surprised to find only Castle, holding a takeout container.

"Castle. Where is everyone?"

"Oh, they left already. I said I'd wait for you."

"Ah," Kate said stepping out the door.

"Everything, okay?"

"Yeah, just surprised they didn't say goodbye. Uh, I'll see you later Castle." Kate glanced at him and headed down the sidewalk.

"Kate!" Castle called to her.

"What, Castle?"

"Where are you going?"

"Home, Castle. I want to go home."

"You can't what do you mean, 'I can't?' I most certainly can. Look," she said walking backward, "Perfectly capable." She turned back around and clipped off at a fast pace.

"Kate!" Castle said with a quick sprint to catch up with her. He grabbed her elbow to spin her around. The moment she felt his hand on her, she had her hands on his chest, slamming him into the side of the building. He dropped the Styrofoam container he'd been holding.

"Dammit, Castle." Kate's fiery breath raked across Castle's face. He pulled in a sharp breath and winced. She's so hot. He tried to focus, but was too fascinated with how her eyes had darkened. Kate was pressed against him and none too pleased with the reaction she had to being so close to him. Castle's dazed look only further pissed her off. "I'm leaving. Now." She released her hold on him.

"Fine, but two things. One, when you're hungry later, don't blame me because that was your dinner," he said pointing to the pierogies spilled out onto the ground. "Two, your car is over there," he said pointing across the street. "Not that I think you should be driving."

"Oh. Thanks."

"Let's make it three things. If I have your attention?"

He really didn't want to make Kate mad or hurt her. "Uh, Kate you insisted your dad and his, uh, friend come back to my place to watch a movie with us. So, if you really want to go home, that's fine, but how 'bout you call your dad and let him know you're not coming?"

"What? Castle? Why would I do that? That doesn't even make sense." She was waving her hands around. "Are you messing with me, Castle? I'm not in the mood." She was still irritated, but he could hear the doubt in her voice.

"Text Alexis, Kate. They're on their way to my place."

"We weren't even planning on a movie after dinner."

"No. Not that I, we, would have minded spending more time with you."

"Why would I do that?" she asked again, but this time he could hear doubt in her voice.

"Well, your dad insisted on paying for dinner."

"You let my dad pay for dinner? You never let me pay."

"I was trying to decline, or make my way to the register to pay, but then you agreed that he could pay for dinner if they agreed to join us for a movie back at my place."

"So, what you're saying is that I invited myself and my father and some woman I don't even know back to your place?"

Rick smiled, wanting to inject some lightness into the conversation. "Mi casa es su casa?" She gave him a weary smile.

"Come on, Detective." He pulled her toward her car. "How about I drive? I'll fill you in on the dinner you missed."

Rick pulled open Kate's passenger door, and settled her in. He climbed into the driver' seat and pulled the lever to adjust it. As tall as Kate was, he needed a bit more space. He glanced at Kate, her head leaned back and eyes squeezed shut. Her stomach rumbled, and Rick laughed.

"You should have eaten. As I recall you were famished. Two glasses of wine doesn't count as dinner."

"I had two glasses of wine?"

"And, sadly, that's not even the reason you're out of it. You're got a far better excuse." He started the car.

"Hmm. Yeah. My dad. Or rather, his…" Kate realized she didn't even know for sure what they were. Were they dating? Was she his girlfriend? Why hadn't he mentioned her?

"Girlfriend?" Castle finished for her. "Can't even say it, Beckett?" he teased.

"Castle." Her warning tone. Right, too early to joke about.

"Kate, let me ask you a question. Do you even know her name?"

Kate looked away with shame and embarrassment. Some detective I am. Attention to detail and all that. "Sharon?" she asked tentatively.

"Close. It's Sheryl." Rick was realizing she'd been more out of it than he thought. Not just lost in her thoughts; but a world away. "What do you remember?"

"Alexis. I put a lot on her. I guess I owe her an apology. And my dad. And Sheryl." Kate turned misty eyes toward Rick, her head still leaned against the back of the seat. "I don't really remember anything else from the last hour." Except you. "I'm going to have to re-have every conversation we just had, aren't I?"

"I'll do my best to fill you in on the way, Kate. You know I'm good with the details. What kind of partner would I be if I couldn't recall them for you?"

Kate smiled her thanks. Then another worry crossed her mind. "Rick," she reached out, touching his arm before he pulled into traffic. He stopped and looked at her. "You can't tell anyone about this. Please?"

He didn't put private moments with Kate in his books. They were just for him. And he didn't discuss them with others, but he knew Kate still worried about it. He wished she trusted him more.

"Don't worry, Detective." He put his left hand over hers and held it in place on his arm. "You secrets are safe with me."

Reviews are appreciated. I love knowing what you think. Also, can I just say how excited I am for the next episode? Someone put up sneak peaks that make me want to melt!