A/N: Slight time-jump in this chapter.
Thank you, again, for taking the time to read this! :) All mistakes are mine.
Chapter Fifteen
It was mid-morning, and the coffee shop was virtually empty, holding only her and Rick. Kate was thankful for the respite - between work, fighting Maelstrom, and going out with Rick, it was like she had barely enough time to breathe. - Even Rick looked worse for wear as he typed away at his laptop.
She was more than aware of how often their eyes met as she wiped off tables and other tasks in the quiet room, and each time it brought a smile, maybe a shiver of excitement down her spine. She enjoyed the time they had spent together and how easy it was to talk to Rick. It was amazing, how quick they had found their own rhythm and how in-tune they were with each other. There was still something Kate sensed about him - something he was hiding - but she had her secrets as well, so there wasn't much she could say. Everyone had their quirks, and this was probably one of his.
Rick began packing up his laptop as she sat down to take a break. She turned to speak, just as he had moved beside her, his hand so gentle at her waist. "Kate, it's a slow day, and you're exhausted. Let's get out of here, just you and me. I'll pack a picnic lunch and we can go to the park, or really, anywhere you want to go."
"I can't close early-" she started to argue, but even to her, her voice wasn't convincing.
"Yes, you can," he insisted, his eyes so clear and full of... something. "You need a break and maybe some fresh air."
She couldn't argue with that. Slowly, she nodded and said, "All right, come back in about an hour. I'll watch for you."
He smiled and kissed her cheek before stepping into the hustle of the city. Kate watched him as long as she could, thinking how close they had grown in such a short time. It felt amazing, the way he treated her, and she couldn't wait until he returned.