Hi all, just a quick note to say that i hope you enjoy this chapter and i promise that I am planning some fluffy and sappy moments. If you have any suggestions just leavea review. Reviews make me so happy!

Enjoy!

His witty comment dies upon his tongue as his eyes meet the lovely green orbs of his partner. He smiles mischievously, as he beckons his guests in. He pushes a calm and relaxed vibe into the room while internally he tries not to panic.

He wants nothing more than to take Kate in his arms and never let go but fears rejection. He realizes that the evening will be awkward but he so desperately wants to start the snuggling. If he is honest though he just doesn't want Kate to know how he feels.

Kate can feel her stomach churning as Rick's fingers brush across her neck and he helps her with her jacket. She feels the electricity of the contact jump through her. She wants him and has for a while but now she has a lot of things to think about and it is confusing. She wants nothing more than to be in his arms, there is where she will make her decision.

The time is approaching but as eager as she is to snuggle with him, she doesn't want to be the one to mention it. She can see something in Rick's eyes, some emotion that she dare not label. At that moment, as she sees his nervousness through his calm act, she has to stop herself from hugging him.

He can see something in her eyes, as clearly as he can see her nervousness. The thought that she's nervous about him strikes him and as the realisation really takes hold he has to work to hide a silly grin. Luckily

Alexis breaks the moment with a carefully planned entrance, not that either of the two know that. She bounces in and after a hug and hello to Kate she turns to Jim and greets him with the same enthusiasm, possibly more. As soon as she can she leads Jim out the room and the two are left behind. They assume it's for a tour of the loft or to get seated for the films.

Trying not to laugh at the girls happy antics, Kate turns to her best friend and the earlier tension is gone. "We've been replaced, you know that right?"

"Nah, she'll come back to us eventually, I have all the money," Rick responds.

"Right, but until then?"

"How long do you reckon?"

"I don't know, depends on what you do. Just be glad for now."

"You don't mind him spending time with Alexis?"

"She'll be good for him; I haven't seen him this happy in a long time."

"Apparently she reminds him of you. How accurate is that?"

"Quite I think, now that it's mentioned. But at least now you have someone else to help terrorise boyfriends. He probably still has the shotguns from when I was her age."

"Shotguns?"

"Yeah, but then again I had some wild boyfriends, unlike Alexis so I think you'll be fine."

"Does this mean I can get permission to hear stories about you?"

"No, definitely not."

The two have moved now, walking in sync without even realising it, and enter the living room. She smiles when she sees the sheet and when Rick places his hand upon her back and leads her to the sofa, she lets him. Her spine tingles at the touch despite the fabric between their skins. He feels it too but they both hide the reaction as he motions for her to sit upon the sofa.

As she does so he turns to go find his daughter exiting the kitchen with Jim behind her. In their arms are three bowls of popcorn. Alexis happily announces this and sits her bowl upon her chair.

Jim speaks as he seats himself on the other chair. "This is quite the place you've got here Rick. Alexis gave me a quick tour. Those books of yours must be doing well."

"They are, the latest one is the most popular yet, not a surprise really considering the inspiration."

When he leaves the room to find the drinks, Jim shoots his daughter a pointed look. As said daughter looks away, he sends his newly appointed granddaughter a grin. When Kate turns back to him his face is once again neutral.

He smiles as Rick's voice shouts from the kitchen. "How about milkshakes while watching the movie?"

The three in the living area look to one another before agreeing and Kate stood to go help with Alexis's unspoken encouragement. She doesn't notice the gleeful look shared by the other two as she went. The sight in the kitchen makes her smile as she watches the man become totally engrossed in the task.

His bubble was broken by a ringing laughter and he turned to see his friend standing watching him, a gentle smile upon her face. He went to ask for the source of her amusement when she stepped closer and with her thumb wiped something from his cheek.

He watched with hungry eyes as she licked her thumb and spoken gently into his ear. "Aren't you a messy boy."

Unable to speak he just nods wildly making Kate laugh more as her inside twist at his adorableness. She can feel her heart melting at him. In this moment she realises that all her dad said was true and that it was time for that step. Letting the moment pass, the duo quickly made the milkshakes and returned to the sofa to let Alexis start the movie. Kate and Rick sit side by side upon the sofa but when the titles are done Alexis pauses the film and looks pointedly at them. "I thought that you two wouldn't need to be told again, move closer and just snuggle. It's not going to kill you and for gods sake you're acting as if cooties actually exist."

After a shared look the two know that it is best not to argue and move closer. Rick turns and open his arms to let Kate move close into him. She rests her head upon his chest as he brings his arm round and holds her close. Satisfied Alexis looks away and the movie resumes but the duo barely registers this.

The lack of further awkwardness surprises Rick and he pushes it to the back of his mind and just enjoys the moment. His heart soars as she cuddles in closer and Rick has never been happier in his life. Hope begins to flicker within him, perhaps one day soon he will be able to hold her with no excuse.

Kate can hear his heart beat against his chest and she can feel her own keeping time with it. A smile slips across her features as she relaxes into his side. Her heart makes the decision, and pushes all doubts from her mind. This is where she belongs.

With him.

Always.