Chapter 4

Don't own the characters of Castle. Yes, I 'borrow' from Princess Bride (the all-time best fairy tale)

Kate and Castle lazily nudged their way up to the bar.

The ceremony had provided its own liquid courage. There was something intoxicating about watching two people who love each other, admit it and do something about it.

Castle took a careless look around and realized the crowd blocked any viewers. He raised his hand and playfully grazed his knuckles up and down Kate' available spine. Kate momentarily succumbed to his touch with a little shimmy and leaned into his touch.

Only to turn to face him, "Castle, if you want to keep that hand to eat with you'll keep it in plain view."

A sheepish grin danced on his face, he had seen the twinkle in her eye and the smile she saved just for him. "Detective…"

Kate shook her head and turned back towards the bar, so he couldn't see her blush. How did he make the word 'detective' sound so sexy? Gates said 'detective' and it brought about the urge to throw things. Castle said 'detective' and she felt like melting chocolate.

"…as you wish."

Did he know 'Princess Bride' was her all-time favorite movie? She could just imagine the mileage he would get out of knowing that.

"Richard Castle? Is that you? THE Richard Castle."

Castle quickly tugged at Kate's wrist and whispered. "Don't look, maybe he will go away." Ordinarily Castle was a gracious celebrity, but tonight he had no interest in playing to the crowd.

Kate spoke without censorship "No, happy it's a man and not an old flame or fawning fan." Crap did she just say that out loud. But it was true, all she needed was some chickie ruining the evening by trying to steal dances with her, her, her…words escaped her. Crap what was he? Her date, her soon to be lover, her one and done? Kate gave a silent laugh at herself - she really didn't want to share.

Castle chuckled and nodded in agreement, it was comforting to know that Kate was territorial. He admired that quality in a woman, especially a woman who had historically delivered biting remarks or who had only recently told him 'suit yourself' about going out on a date with another woman.

Castle felt an unavoidable tap on his shoulder. "Sorry to bother you at a social event, but I'm a huge fan and was surprised to see you here. Maybe I shouldn't don't you get inspiration from the 12th ? The groom is with the 12th . Just didn't think you were still tight with the 12th, thought I would've hear about it. I should stop interrupting your night. Enjoy."

Gratefully the man babbled and left. Castle ordered 2 champagnes. He quickly turned to Kate, "Is that okay? I should have asked what you would like to drink."

Kate quietly whispered, so only he could hear "Even I occasionally let my dates order for me."

And without missing a beat, she changed the subject "Castle that was weird. I thought I knew everyone associated with the 12th, especially if they know Ryan."

As they clinked glasses, each made a silent toast to themselves, 'don't let me screw this up.'

Castle furrowed his brow the, "The odd part was how he called Ryan 'the groom', it was like he knew of him, not knew him."

Kate started to nod in agreement, as shiver ran down her spin and she spat champagne out all over Castle's tux. She was standing so close to him that he had to lick droplets of champagne off his face. "I have had my share of my fantasies about you/me and licking, but really Katherine Beckett – at a wedding? That even goes beyond my wildest dreams."

She gave him a quick jab in the gut and hissed "Shut up. I think I know who that was."

"Who?"

"And it was no fan. Quick let's dance, I need to look around the room to make sure."

A wry smile played on his face "Kate you don't need to make up excuses to dance with me. Not tricks needed, I'd love to dance."

In a split second Kate's eyes went from soft to death stare. "Do you really think I'd spit out tasty bubbly to trick you into dancing?"

"Yes, after all you tricked me into being your plus one after you didn't have a date." As soon as it was out of his mouth and he saw the hurt in her eyes, he blew it. She thrust her glass in his free hand, turned on her heel and stalked off. Crap, crap – double crap. The drawbridge slammed shut so fast he felt like his fingers got caught in a rat trap.