Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I don't own squat.

Thanks for the reviews, working hard to get this wrapped up by January 9th.

With a quick little hip check Kate, pulled back to a more respectable distance between their bodies and began to lead. She wanted to work their way around the dance floor to confirm who the mystery 'fan' was before she updated Castle.

Although scanning the room for the 'fan' Kate still kept a keen eye on Castle. She tried to use a reassuring voice "Hey…"

Was it hurt or confusion that briefly washed across Castle's face? Only to be replaced by his 'book jacket' smile. Castle usually reserved that smile for mandatory press photos or when she had a boyfriend in the room.

Castle simply shook his head in disappointment and super glued the canned smile to his face, carefree Kate had reverted to control freak Beckett.

Kate continued "…it's not like that."

Afraid his voice would falter, his eyes asked "Not like what?"

Kate struggled for a moment "There's no one else."

Castle's eyes pleaded "Then what?"

A smile began to dance on her face, "Remember the 'fan' from earlier tonight?"

Castle nodded his head and arched his eyebrow giving her a curious look.

"Come on Castle, you know the one who knew OF Ryan, but didn't actually know Ryan?"

There was something in her voice that made Castle relax. He still had to put it out there "Old boyfriend?"

Castle finished his question just as Kate located the 'fan' and his date and her suspicions were confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Kate's entire body began to shake, until the laughter rumbled out of her body… 'boyfriend' that would be rich. She let go of Castle and grasp at her sides as her laughing fit took her entire body…'boyfriend.'

Couples dancing nearby slowed their dancing and began to stare.

Castle was at a loss, tears where steaming down Kate's face as she feebly attempted regain her composure. Castle placed a hand on each shoulder and shoved her off the dance floor.

He turned over his shoulder to say to the growing crowd of staring dancers "Apparently I have that effect on women."

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Castle had guided a semi-hysterical Kate to a private spot, although after her display of uncontrollable laughter on the dance floor there was nothing short of leaving that was going to give them privacy. Kate was busy wiping away her tears and barely controlling her laughter. Kate asked herself 'boyfriend how creepy would that be?'

Castle wore a confused smile - sure the guy was a little old for Kate but it wasn't that funny a joke. "Kate, get it together, how much have you had to drink?"

Which only brought about another fit of giggles, what had gotten into her? It felt so good to laugh, really laugh.

Castle replayed the dance in his mind's eye…she had let him lead, he was sure the hip grinding was instigated by her and now Kate Beckett was giggling. Kate Beckett was totally drunk. He didn't know when or how she had that much to drink – but she had to be drunk.

Kate shook her head, ran a hand thru her hair, snatched the end of his tie and dabbed away the last of her tears. She ran a quick hand down his arm, played briefly with his exposed wrist, flashed a massive ear to ear smile and said "Let's go. I have someone you need to meet" as she walked away.

Castle was baffled, she didn't sounded drunk. What the hell was going on?

He couldn't move.

Kate's cop ears where on the job and she knew Castle didn't follow her. She turned on her heel placed a hand on her hip, runway walked back to him as she used her smoky eye trick to hypnotize him.

Castle's jaw dropped open as he watched her come back for him. She never comes back for me, he thought, and then to walk like that in public was just wrong. Who was this woman?

When she reached him she leaned forward, deliberately not touching him, only purred in his ear "You coming Rick? I'll make it worth it."