Chapter 37

The next day after a home-cooked brunch and a debate over the merits of pancakes versus waffles, Kate decided to go for some exercise while Rick retreated to his office to write the next chapters of his novel. Kate quickly donned loose running clothes and did her hair in a tight but messy updo. She also put on some sunscreen to protect against UV rays from the sun. The sun was already high in the sky, giving light to a beautiful clear summer day that was perfect for outdoor activities. After a quick stretch, Kate put on some upbeat music on her iPod and went for a light jog along the beach.

Thump, thump, thump. Kate matched her stride to the bass line of the song as she ran according to the tempo of the music. Each time her foot struck the dense sand, Kate propelled herself further along the shoreline of the ocean. The idyllic beachfront scenery flew by her swiftly as she made her way along the beach during her jog. With the salty ocean breeze blowing against her body and wicking away the sweat forming on her body, she felt like she was flying. Kate's heart was racing and blood pumping energetically through her body, giving her that familiar runner's high. When she felt like she had run far enough, Kate made a 180° turn and started jogging back home. She made her way back to the beach house in good time, walking the last bit to cool down.

Since she worked up quite a sweat while running outside in the hot sun, Kate chose to cool off by taking a dip in the pool. She stripped herself of her sweaty running clothes to reveal a strappy navy blue bikini. Kate slipped seamlessly into the crystal clear water which instantly cooled her of the excess heat. She swam a few laps with ease, relishing the fluid motion of the water against her body. Kate stepped out of the pool and toweled off then lay down on a nearby lounge chair to tan.

As she basked in the glow of the radiant sun, Kate re-evaluated her relationship with Rick. Things were slowly but surely getting better between them. They were talking open and honestly about what they were feeling, sharing their fears and doubts about their relationship, and forgiving each other for past transgressions. It seemed like they were on the path to a healthy and happy relationship. Kate was much more certain now of how she felt about Rick. After being away from him for the duration of his trip and then being at odds or fighting with him for the following few months, Kate knew that thing were so much better when they were together. He was her strength and support; she was his anchor and arbor. They were much better together than they were apart.

Kate couldn't believe she had given him up for even a second. It was so stupid now that she thought back on it. Hindsight is always 20/20 after all, as they say. She shouldn't have been so emotionally closed off and fearful about their relationship, especially since he had never really given her reasons to doubt his fidelity. She should have let him in sooner and been more willing to give him her heart. Maybe then they could have avoided all this heartache, but that was the past. The important thing was that they were here now moving forward in their relationship and trusting each other.

Kate was so afraid that Rick would break her heart that she hadn't even given him the chance to have it in the first place. But love is risking your heart; that's what makes it worthwhile. It was time that she opened up and let his love run through her. It was time she gave him back all the love he gave her. All the time lost, all the days cost, she would take what she took and give it back to him. Kate decided that it was her turn to make him happy, as he had invariably done for her ever since they met. He deserved to be loved and cherished to the fullest of her capability. He deserved the best and she hoped her best would be enough for him.

After tanning outside for an ample amount of time, Kate ventured back into the house to take a shower. Refreshed and clean, she wandered into the living room and approached the large bookshelf that lined the west wall. Kate traced through the novels, reading the titles off the spines. She choose a book that suited her tastes and retired to the couch to read, since she was a bit drained from both her afternoon jog and last night's physical activities with Rick.

An hour passed as Kate delved into the hardboiled crime novel, The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler. She followed private investigator Philip Marlowe as he uncovered the complexities of blackmail, murder, and missing persons cases all tied into one story. Kate had a penchant for weird cases and it showed even in her literary preferences.

Back in his office, Rick tiredly rubbed his eyes and shut off his computer. He had written three chapters of Naked Heat in that afternoon alone. This was the most productive he had been in a while. He got up from his mahogany desk and stretched out his limbs, which were a bit numb from sitting at the desk for so long. Rick decided to take a break and maybe take a stroll or a nap or see what Kate was up to. He exited his office and found Kate in the living room, curled up preciously on the couch with a pillow and a book.

"Hey," Rick greeted Kate, sliding himself onto the couch next to her. "What are you reading?" He nuzzled his head onto her shoulder to get a peek into the book she was holding.

Kate smiled at him and leaned her head against his affectionately. "The Big Sleep," she replied, turning the book to the front so Rick could see the cover.

"Ooh good choice," he commended. "It's one of my favorites. Definitely a classic hardboiled novel."

"Yup. You know I love crime and noir fiction."

"Oh yes, I'm very well aware of that."

"And so are you, judging by your extensive book collection" Kate nodded toward the bookshelf.

"I like to get acquainted with the classics to further improve and refine my writing. Helps me stay true to the genre," Rick explained.

"Speaking of writing, did you manage to get some work done?" Kate inquired. She craned her neck to look at him, which was rather difficult since he was in such close proximity.

"Yeah, I wrote three chapters."

"Mmm, that's good."

"What did you do while I was working?" Rick asked in return.

"I went for a jog outside."

"Oh how was that?"

"Good," Kate replied. "It was nice to run along the beach. It wasn't terribly hot and pretty quiet too."

"Perks of having private beachfront property."

"I also took a dip in the pool and tanned for a bit. I was pretty tired after the run so I decided to just unwind with a good book."

"Mmm, sounds relaxing. I'd read too but considering I've spent all day looking at words…" Rick yawned. "I think I'd rather just rest my eyes for a few moments."

Kate observed Rick's countenance and noticed he was looking a bit worn out. She reached her arm over to muss his hair gently and rub his face.

"Hey you look kind of tired," she pointed out softly.

"A bit…" Rick muttered. He nestled his head further into the crook of Kate's neck, relishing her warm, affectionate touch.

"Why don't you lie down and take a nap?" she suggested. Rick's eyes were already closed as he was cozied up to her.

"Hmm… I should get back to writing soon. The story is nearing the climax now which is my favorite part to write," Rick mumbled against her neck in opposition.

"Which means you should be alert with a fresh mind when you're writing it," Kate reasoned. "Come on, just lie down…" she enticed, patting the pillow that was on her lap.

"Maybe just for a little while," Rick acquiesced. He maneuvered himself to stretch out across the couch with his head resting on the pillow.

"There we go," Kate cooed. She looked down at him, smiling, and cupped his cheek with her hand, tracing it with her thumb. The wisps of her long hair lightly grazed Rick's face and tickled his skin.

"Your hair tickles," Rick commented, scrunching up his nose.

"Shh… just close your eyes for a bit," Kate instructed, leaning down to kiss him.

"Okay," Rick said sleepily.

His eyes fluttered closed automatically to receive her gentle kiss. Rick hummed with satisfaction at her tender caresses. Kate let out a pleased sigh and resumed reading her book.

Within minutes Rick was fast asleep. She could tell Rick was asleep because he was snoring lightly, which she didn't mind. Kate found herself absentmindedly playing with his hair with one hand as she read with the book in the other. At the end of the chapter, she set down her book on the side table to take a break from reading and observe Rick's sleeping form. He looked so peaceful and comfortable sleeping on her lap. A smile crept across her face as Kate realized how much she enjoyed being intimate with Rick like this. This was one of the things Kate missed the most about being with him. She loved how comfortable and relaxed they were around each other. She loved showing him affection and caring for him. She loved… him.

Kate Beckett loved Richard Castle. After years of being something between partners, friends, and lovers, somewhere along the way she had fallen in love with him. Warmth spread through her chest as Kate finally came to this conclusion. It wasn't a monumental revelation because it had always been in the back of her mind somewhere, but it was a conscious realization nonetheless. This was where they were meant to be—together. When she thought about it now, it didn't feel scary or tenuous. It felt right.

They had been through multiple harrowing, near-death encounters and several crucibles and flames of the hottest variety, yet against all odds they got through them together. Somehow they always made their way back to each other. If he was willing to stand by her while facing death, surely he would be willing to stand by her in life.

Kate was determined to show Rick how she felt about him and perhaps tell him when the time was right. All the time they lost she would make up to him. She would show him extra affection and love whenever possible. Based on the wine tour yesterday, Kate could tell that Rick was still a bit wary of where the boundaries lay between them, but Kate was ready to bring those boundaries down and let him into her heart. He already had it anyway.

Checking her watch, Kate saw that it would be dinner time in a few hours. This would be the perfect opportunity to start showing him a glimpse of her love, as Rick was currently tranquilly preoccupied in dreamworld. Kate slowly maneuvered herself from under the pillow carefully so as to not wake Rick from his slumber. She succeeded in removing herself from the spot and left him asleep on the couch with a soft kiss to the forehead. Kate remembered Alexis mentioning something about a dinner Rick had prepared for them when he got back from his tour. She smiled to herself, thinking about how thoughtful Rick always was. A candlelit dinner for two tonight it was, Kate decided.

An hour and a half later, Kate was finishing up putting the final touches on their entrees and sides for their dinner that night. She had prepared lemon and dill baked salmon with a side of lime and cilantro brown rice. Rick awoke to the delicious aromas of the dishes tantalizing his senses. He groggily sat up on the couch and stood up, making his way to the kitchen. Rick found Kate standing over the dining table, pouring Sauvignon Blanc into wine glasses.

Kate heard him approaching and greeted him. "Hey there sleepyhead," she teased. "Had a good nap?"

"Yeah. What time is it?" Rick asked, rubbing his eyes.

A quick glance at her watch gave her the information. "5:30. You were out for more than an hour."

"Oh…" Rick surveyed the dining table that was dimly lit by candles on the table, cozily set for two. "What's all this?" he asked, approaching her by the table.

Kate moved forward to meet him and rested her hand on his chest. "I didn't know what time you were going to wake up, so I made us dinner."

"With candles and wine?" Rick looked at her curiously.

"Can't go wrong with some mood lighting," Kate posited, appreciating her handiwork.

"Hmm," Rick breathed skeptically.

"Actually," Kate turned to face Rick and sighed. "Alexis told me how you were so excited to see me when you came home and how you made a whole candlelit dinner for us, which I kind of ruined when I ended things with you," Kate explained with a regretful grimace. "I thought I could start making up for things with a candlelit dinner of my own, since I owed you one anyway." Kate searched his blue eyes earnestly.

He found genuine sincerity in her eyes, which touched his heart. Rick was moved by her thoughtfulness, but he didn't want her to feel indebted to him. Whatever mistakes they made were in the past and he wasn't holding any of it against her.

"Hey," he started gently. "You don't have to make anything up to me. You know I'm not keeping score, but I really do appreciate the gesture."

Kate smiled at him, appeased by his simplicity. "Okay."

She leaned in for a kiss, which Rick reciprocated.

"This is great," Rick mumbled, still half asleep and mid-kiss. "I love yo-it," he corrected himself as they broke apart.

"Good. Let's eat," Kate suggested.

They sat down in their seats and relished the vibrant, citrusy flavors of the dishes paired with the crisp, refreshing flavor of the wine.

"Mmm, this is so good. I didn't know you knew how to cook," Rick commented.

"You should pay better attention," Kate advised. "Alexis doesn't mind my cooking either."

"Oh you cooked for her while I was away?"

"Yeah, I didn't want her eating out all the time. She helped out a lot too. We ate pretty simple stuff; it wasn't a big deal."

Rick was touched and very grateful that Kate had taken such good care of his daughter while he was away from home. After the nutritious meal, Kate and Rick sat back with content.

"Sorry I didn't have time to prepare a dessert," Kate apologized. "You weren't asleep for long enough," she joked.

"No it's fine," Rick replied. An idea hit him when she mentioned dessert. "Actually this is perfect. There's somewhere I want to take you."

"Okay," Kate agreed. He helped her clear the table and wash the dishes after they finished their dinner.

Minutes later, Rick and Kate were outside making their way down the sidewalk on the main street by foot. It was a warm summer evening, the sky still lit with fiery hues by the sun. Hamptonites were still milling about during this hour, enjoying relaxing strolls and the fresh air. The couple walked side by side, heading toward a destination unknown to Kate.

"Where are we going?" she couldn't help but asking.

Rick knew the suspense was all but eating her up. "You'll see," he enticed tauntingly.

Rick slipped his hand into Kate's with a cheeky grin plastered on his face, casting a sideways glance at her as he giddily dragged her along. Kate rolled her eyes with fake annoyance at his juvenile ways, shaking her head and opening her hand to let his go. Kate saw the grin fall instantly from his face when their hands parted briefly. She could see the doubt lingering behind his eyes and sense the hesitation in his actions. Rick's heart fell inside his chest as he wondered why Kate was still so adamantly against public displays of affection whereas at home, they were openly intimate and affectionate.

His doubts were quelled when Kate moved her hand to lace her fingers with his instead, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze and flashing him a confident smile. Kate could have sworn she saw Rick's grin double in size. They walked hand in hand the rest of the way to some shops on a small street by the docks.

Finally they reached their destination, a vintage mom-and-pop ice cream parlor sandwiched in between a bait shop and a souvenir shop. A little bell overhead jingled as Rick held the door open for her. Kate stepped through the threshold and quickly scanned the surroundings. Black and white checkered floor, tall red bar stools lining the counter, and a vast menu detailing all the sweet confections the establishment had to offer.

"Ice cream?" Kate asked rhetorically. "I could have guessed that."

"Yup," Rick smiled widely. "I take Alexis here every year we come to the Hamptons. We've done it ever since she was a little girl. It's one of our favorite parts of the trip."

An older, friendly-looking man behind the counter acknowledged the new guests and quickly recognized the familiar face.

"Ricky? Is that you?" He eagerly made his way to the door to greet Rick. "It is! Come here," he exclaimed, embracing Rick in a warm hug.

"Joey, nice to see you." Rick patted him on the back.

"I was starting to wonder when you would stop by. It's near that time of year again."

"Yup. We couldn't vacation in the Hamptons without stopping by our favorite ice cream place."

"And who's this lovely woman?" Joey inquired, turning his attention to Kate.

"Joey this is Kate Beckett, my uh…" Rick began to acquaint the two, glancing at Kate.

"Girlfriend," Kate chimed in, finishing the sentence for Rick since he was a bit hesitant to use the term. She extended her hand and shook Joey's graciously.

"Right my girlfriend," Rick repeated with a hint of elation in his voice. So now they were using that word. "Kate this is Joey Cavanaugh, and old friend of mine. He owns this place."

"So nice to meet you," Kate greeted with a friendly smile.

"It's my pleasure." Joey turned back to Rick. "Girlfriend huh? Well it's about time Ricky," Joey clapped him jocularly on the shoulder. "I always wondered why you never brought a ladyfriend up here. I was worried you were having trouble with the ladies, but clearly that's not the case. She's very pretty Rick," Joey winked at Rick. Kate blushed at the compliment.

"I know," Rick grinned proudly.

"Well have a seat you two," Joey motioned toward the shiny red and white booth in the corner.

Rick guided Kate with his hand on the small of her back as they made their way to the booth. Kate slid in first and Rick followed suit, draping his arm casually around her shoulder.

"How's business been?" Rick inquired of Joey.

"Oh it's been good. Summer's in full swing, so all the tourists as well as regulars have been coming in. I go through at least 5 buckets of ice cream a day."

"That's great."

"Speaking of regulars, this one right here is my most loyal customer," Joey patted Rick's shoulder. "Did you know he has been coming to my ice cream shop for over 10 years now?" Joey informed Kate.

"Really? That I did not know," Kate remarked.

"Yup. In the early days, he would come in and sit here for hours writing and drinking my famous milkshakes. I gave him a few ideas for his novels here and there too," Joey elaborated on their history.

Rick leaned into Kate. "I like people watching and coffee shops are a little too cliché," he explained. "Plus the milkshakes here are delicious."

"You bet. Then when Alexis was old enough, he started bringing her along too every summer around the Fourth of July. I remember the first time Alexis came in she was so excited to try all the different flavors of ice cream and toppings. She piled up her bowl with so many ice cream flavors and toppings that you couldn't even tell what was what. It looked like a mess, but she devoured the whole thing with help from this guy of course," Joey reminisced nostalgically.

"Alexis always did have a sweet tooth," Rick mused.

"Where is my favorite little girl anyway?" Joey asked, noting her absence.

"That little girl is at a pre-freshman summer program at a nearby university so she couldn't make it this year," Rick explained Alexis' conflict of plans.

Joey's eyebrows rose with genuine surprise. "Alexis is going to college? Already?"

"Yup," Rick affirmed.

He looked down, shaking his head side to side, and sighed. "My, my. They grow up so fast."

"They sure do."

"Well send her my love next time you see her," Joey requested.

"Of course."

"So what can I get you two while you're here?" Joey addressed them both.

Rick turned to Kate. "Are you craving anything specific?" he asked her.

"Hmm… nothing in particular," Kate shrugged. "You know the menu better, so I'll let you choose."

"How about the usual then?" Rick requested. More surprises were in store for Kate. "She likes chocolate," he added as an aside.

"You got it." Joey scurried off to prepare them a decadent dessert.

"You have a usual?" Kate raised an eyebrow at Rick.

"Yup. Alexis and I come here so often that we've tried practically everything on the menu, but we always come back to this one which is one of our favorites. We've even concocted a few of our own sundaes that Joey has put on the menu."

"Really? That sounds like so much fun."

"Yeah. Smores, Oreo, Reese's, Rocky road sundaes—you name it, we've combined it. I remember one time we gave Joey the idea to make these ice cream bowls out of cookie dough and he served us a banana split in it. Alexis was absolutely floored that the bowl was made out of chocolate chip cookie and that you could eat it too."

Kate laughed at their creative ice cream adventures.

"But don't worry; this one isn't a weird conglomeration. It's a classic which I'm sure you'll love," Rick reassured her.

"Chocolate is my kryptonite…" Kate admitted.

"Mmhmm," Rick confirmed knowingly. "And do you know what else I know you love?" he questioned expectantly. "Brownies," Rick answered for her.

As if on cue, Joey brought an indulgent-looking hot fudge brownie sundae to their table. It was a warm dark chocolate Ghirardelli brownie dusted with powdered sugar, topped with vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream, and drenched with hot fudge in a tall conical glass. Joey set down the masterpiece in front of the couple with care and offered them two spoons and napkins.

"Enjoy," he grinned, retreating back to the counter to serve other customers.

"Oh my god," Kate groaned. "This is so going to undo all the calories I burned from my jog this morning. But it's totally worth it," Kate articulated emphatically.

Rick laughed at her conflicting lamentation. "Dig in."

Kate eagerly snatched up a spoon and loaded it with a hearty chunk of brownie, ice cream, and whipped cream. She lifted it to Rick's mouth and instructed him to eat.

"Open up," she smiled as she offered him the first bite.

"Ahhh." Rick complied, tasting the sweet confection off her spoon. "Mmmm, delicious. I want you to try some."

He took the spoon from her, scooped up some more brownie and ice cream, and fed it to Kate. The cold ice cream complimented the warm brownie and fudge perfectly in thermal contrast. "Mmmm, this is so good. I haven't had a hot fudge brownie sundae since I was a kid," she remarked.

They continued taking turns feeding each other spoonfuls of sweets with plenty of smiles and laughs in between. Joey could tell from afar how happy they were together. He was delighted that Rick had finally found someone to share his heart with.

Rick and Kate devoured mouthful after mouthful of chocolaty ice cream goodness until the brownie mountain was gone. After they finished, Kate noticed a spot of chocolate on the edge of Rick's mouth and wiped it off with a napkin.

"Thanks," he grinned and kissed her briefly.

With their sweet tooths thoroughly satisfied, Rick and Kate went to the cash register at the counter. Rick pulled out his wallet to pay for the dessert, but Joey waved his hand to dissuade him. "On the house."

"Thanks Joey."

"Of course. Come back soon and bring Alexis along next time would you?" he entreated Rick.

"Will do."

"And Katie," Joey addressed her amicably. "Take good care of this one," he said, referring to Rick. "He's a keeper."

She smiled at his advice, leaning into Rick automatically. Kate took his hand and squeezed it. "I know."

"I hope to see you back again next year. And perhaps with more little ones too?" he suggested pointedly. "I'd love to have a family of Castle youngsters become regulars at my parlor."

Rick and Kate shared an incredulous look. "Uhh we'll see about that," Rick quickly answered for Kate. "Thanks again for the sundae, Joey. We'll see you soon."

After they bid Joey farewell, Rick and Kate exited the ice cream parlor and headed home. Rick was worried Kate might be mortified by Joey's comment, but she seemed unfazed.

"That was fun," Kate gushed with her arm linked with Rick's. "Joey seems like such an amiable guy."

"Yeah, he's the best. That's partly why I love this place so much."

Kate turned to face Rick. "Thank you for sharing this with me," Kate expressed appreciatively. She knew how special these traditions were to him and how close these memories were to his heart. For Rick to share them with her meant that he trusted Kate and was slowly willing to let her back in to his heart.

"You are most welcome," Rick accepted graciously. They paused in their stroll so he could pull her in for a kiss, lingering in the sweet moment. Kate had her hands wrapped around his waist, holding him close.

"Hmm…" she pondered out loud when their mouths parted. "You know, I think I'm going to need to do some more exercise to burn off some of those calories I just ate…" Kate looked at Rick suggestively with a darker desire evident in her eyes. She leaned in close to Rick. "I can think of one exercise we can do together," she whispered hotly in his ear.

Aroused by her impressive libido, Rick grabbed her hand with a newfound sense of urgency.

"Come on let's go," he grinned at her. They took off, hand in hand, heading back home for a different kind of dessert.

With that, they walked together into the distance to where the road met the sun.

Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you

A/N: Back to good ol' fluff/smut with a bit of substance. As "research" for the Hamptons chapters, I watched Stana Katic's film "For Lovers Only." It was pretty good except that I had to cover Mark Polish's face whenever he was making out with Stana, which was basically half of the movie. Also, I hit the 100K word mark! Cheers!