This story is completely AU. So everything you already know about these characters and this show is wrong. I'm basically borrowing these characters for my own version of their love story.

Is a disclaimer necessary? If I were Milmar you all would get every Caskett wish you ever wanted! :)

Chapter 2

Kate quickly gathered her things and walked out of the diner. With her phone clutched in her hand she decided she might as well return her agents many missed phone calls. Deciding against a cab, she really could use the fresh air and her apartment was just a few blocks away. She dialed her number and was quickly greeted with Myra's sharp tone and a hint of attitude.

"Kate Beckett, we have been through this! You can't just ignore me and expect me to work my ass of for you."

Kate apologized promising to be better about returning her phone calls. She told Myra about her run in with Gina and let her know that she was actually really interested in Gina's offer.

"Kate, I agree I think this would be perfect for you. He's pretty well known and that can only help with your career. No press is bad press and I have a feeling the two of you will steal quite a few headlines. He's a little wild though, just a warning."

"I think I can handle it and I think it might be fun to be a little wild. Josh and I broke up."

Kate knew that Myra was never a fan of Josh's, and by the silence on the other end of the phone Kate knew that Myra didn't know what to say. Internally she must be jumping for joy, but she wouldn't dare make Kate aware of it. I mean Josh had attacked her personally a few times over jobs that Kate had gotten that he didn't really approve of. He wasn't a fan of some of the more racy jobs Kate had landed. He was a bit of the jealous type and that had caused a lot of arguments between the two. The job really had forced them apart. Kate enjoyed the job and it was something that she had always wanted to do. Josh on the other hand never really could quite get use to it. He was still stuck in the mentality of a high school boy fighting for the attention of his girlfriend. What he failed to realize in all his jealous haze was that he had already won the girl, and all he was doing was pushing her away.

"I'm sorry to hear about that. If there's anything I can…"

Kate interrupted..

"Yeah, yeah, I know your opinion on Josh. He was my high school sweetheart and I love him, but my wants and needs just don't match his and it was really wearing on our relationship."

"Well that will also make this job a little easier for you then."

Approaching her building Kate realized that the conversation between the two had already become one sided. Kate was a professional at zoning out when Myra went on her rants.

"Listen, Myra I've gotta go but I'll be expecting a call tomorrow about the details, and I promise to answer!"

"Okay, I'll ring you in the morning and set up a meeting."

As Kate entered her apartment she felt her chest tighten a bit. She couldn't help but notice Josh's belongings scattered throughout. Three years, three whole years together. Her mind started racing playing out scenarios in her head. Maybe she had made the wrong decision. Ending things with him, maybe he was the one. Maybe she was just going through a phase. Maybe it was just the stress of her first semester of college coming to an end and finals.

The anxiety was becoming a bit too much. She needed to get out of the house. She pulled on her jacket and out the door she flew. Looking for a bit of fresh air and maybe a good cup of coffee. There was a book store down the street that had a small cafe connected to it. Kate decided that if she was going to be pursuing Richard Castle she might as well read a book of his. She had always loved literature anyways. Were his books even considered real literature?

After ordering her coffee she plopped down in a lounge chair with her coffee and a copy of Richard Castles "Flowers for your Grave"

She looked down at her phone when she heard it buzzing in her purse. Wow! 8:44 already! She closed the book and realized she had already flown through half of the book. She slid the book into her purse and pulled her phone out. A text from Myra came up on her screen.

Kate, sorry it's such late notice but Richard Castle is attending a charity luncheon tomorrow. I think this will serve as a great opportunity for you all to meet. It starts at 11:30 am. Wear something tight and short.

After throwing her hair up and washing her face Kate sat in her bed dressed in a pair of flannel pajamas pants and a white camisole shirt. She couldn't put this book down. She had already finished more than half the book so she decided that she might as well finish it before she went to bed. And she did. She stayed up until almost 5 am reading it. When it came to the end she was so disappointed. Not by the story, that was amazing, but because it was over. She would have to start reading all of his books, she was becoming an actual fan. Maybe this would work out for the best. She might be able to swing a few freebies so she wouldn't have to buy all the books.

It was 4:47 when she closed the book and sat it on her night stand. When she reached for her phone she saw that she had received a text. She hadn't heard her phone go off because she was so focused on the book. It was from Josh. She almost deleted it without reading it. Knowing that he was probably going to be asking for forgiveness and another chance, but she was wrong.

Kate, I will always love you. Maybe this break from each other will be temporary, although much needed. -JD

What did that even mean? Yeah the break was much needed, and as far as she was concerned it was final. Turning out her bedside lamp she closed her eyes and fell into a peaceful slumber. Knowing she would only get a few hours of sleep before having to get up and get ready for the luncheon.

Kate's hand unconsciously picked up her phone and turned off the alarm. Was it already 9:30? She knew she didn't really have any spare time so she sat up and threw her legs over the side of the bed. She rubbed her eyes and stumbled to her bathroom to shower.

After an hour of primping her hair was put up into a messy yet sophisticated bun and her makeup was painted on. Now if she could just decide on something to wear. Myra of course wanted her to wear a short, tight, skimpy dress but this was a luncheon not a club on a Friday night. Oh and not to forget that it was mid December. Who wears short dresses to lunch in the middle of a New York winter? Kate opted for a tight pair of black skinny slacks that she could tuck into her stiletto boots and a white button up blouse with a black blazer. Sure she looked more like a lawyer than a model but wasn't that the point. Kate wasn't too fond of the whole New York model look. She was pre-law so she might as well dress the part. She also didn't want to look like she was desperate for attention. Subtlety…. was more Kate's motto.

After looking herself over in the mirror for was felt like the hundredth time, Kate decided that she was satisfied and pulled her favorite pea coat from her closet. Throwing it on, and wrapping a scarf around her neck, she grabbed her purse and out the door she went. She decided that she had plenty of time to stop at the corner coffee shop for a to go cup before she hailed a taxi. Knowing she couldn't really function without at least one cup.

When she arrived at the hotel where the luncheon was being held she noticed that there were already quite a few people there. Mostly the mature business types, ones that she knew would probably be the big donors. Not many people her age, which she was fine with. As she entered the great hall where everyone was mingling she immediately made eye contact with Gina who rushed over in her direction.

"Kate, I'm so glad you could make it!"

"I mean it was my job to show up, right?"

Gina nervously looked into Kate's eyes and Kate could see that Gina was a little weary. A smile broke across Kate's face and she threw her hand up to Gina's shoulder.

"Look, Gina, I'm only kidding. I'm here to have a great time and I know what you're asking of me. You have absolutely no worries."

The relief spread across her face. "Good, because he has been a complete ass today. I really think he just needs someone to pay attention to him. So basically when you do talk to him make sure to talk about him, you know, stroke his ego a little bit."

Kate rolled her eyes, letting out a small giggle. "I think I can manage!"

Before the lunch started Kate decided she better use the restroom so she left the great hall to find the nearest one. As she rounded the corner she saw a little red headed girl, around the age of 4 spinning in circles and humming a song. Before Kate could avoid running into her the little girl knocked into her knees and felt straight down on her bottom. Kate caught her balance and immediately bent down to help the little girl up.

"ALEXIS!"

The little girls eyes shot up to a tall, dark headed, very well built, handsome man in a suit and tie. It was him, this was the guy she was here for. Kate knowingly placed a smile on her face and gently held out her hands for the little girl to grab, pulling her up to her feet.

He was walking towards them at a fast pace like he was anxious or nervous. She greeted him with a smile and his face suddenly relaxed.

"I am so sorry ma'am, she had a little too much sugar for breakfast."

"No harm done here, she was just practicing those dance moves." Kate gave the little girl a wink and a nod.

"Yeah daddy! I was practicing my dance moves." She said with a little wiggle of her tail.

Rick picked up the girl and swung her over his hip nuzzling his face into the side of her head and kissing her cheek.

"Next time be more careful baby." He said as he placed her back on the ground and she ran off towards another woman waiting to the side.

"Again I am so sorry, what did you say your name was?" He said throwing his hand out towards her.

She placed hers in his and gave him a light shake. "I didn't say, but it's Katherine, Kate, actually."

"Well Kate, sorry again. Are you here for the luncheon?"

His eyes were beautiful and they were set on her. She could tell that there was an immediate connection and she was pretty sure that he was also aware of it. His eyes were so focused on hers that she almost didn't know where to look. So she looked straight into his and even though she was a little nervous she didn't show it.

"Yes, the luncheon, that's what I'm here for."

"Alone?"

She giggled aloud.

"Yes, alone..."

"Well we have an extra seat at our table, I was suppose to bring a date but I didn't, and you'd actually be doing me a favor. Maybe my publisher wont be too hard on me if I show up with you by my side."

"One condition." He said as she looked back up at him. "No talking about business or about me. God, can we please not talk about me!" She laughed and nodded.

"I'm not too interested in anything you have to say anyway!" She said with a wink. He knew she was being a smart ass and he let out quite a chuckle.

The entered the hall and he led her straight to his table. This whole thing had actually been a lot easier than expected. She made eye contact and gave Gina a hello nod as she sat down next to Rick at the table.

"Gina, look I brought a date. Her name is Kate."

Kate's eyes shot up towards him and he let out a laugh. She could tell that he was just trying to get under Gina's skin, which he was appearing to be really good at. Gina rolled her eyes at him and turned away.

"I think she is a bit annoyed with me. She always wants so much from me and I think she forgets that I have a semi normal life, and a four year old. I don't have time to date with all of her deadlines, much less a child." he said in a mocking tone. He was clearly a bit annoyed with Gina's intrusions in his life

Kate couldn't decide what was making him so open to her but he was acting like he had known her for a while. Like they hadn't just met.

"I can't even imagine what hell dating must be like for you anyway, right." rolling of her eyes. "I mean I see you in the papers, young, hot celebrities on your arm at every event. Dating must be so hard for a young, rich, handsome millionaire." Kate was throwing her hands around being as dramatic as possible.

"You know, I like you. Not intimidated by me. This is rare." She thought he was replying in a joking manner but his face was straight and she could tell that he appreciated her humility.

"Yeah, I get a vibe now that you aren't really what I've seen plastered all over page six either. Not that I pay much attention to that garbage anyway."

This was true. Kate stayed away from celebrity gossip. She might be a model, but she was still not well known and she liked it that way. She got to do something she enjoyed and it didn't control her life.

"So what do you do for a living Kate?"

"I am actually pre-law at NYU and I do a little modeling on the side for extra cash."

"THAT'S WHERE I KNOW YOU FROM."

Her eyes widened and she didn't know what was coming next. Was he going to know she was hired to befriend him.

"You're on that hair infomercial aren't you?"

Relief crept over her face and an annoyed smile replaced the fear.

"Yeah that was me, but keep it down I don't want people knowing how famous I am." She said with a small wink.

He placed his hand on her knee and made a single small circular motion.

"Your secret is safe with me." He whispered so only she could hear and gave her a wink back.

By the time the luncheon was over Rick hadn't mingled much with anyone. He spent most of his time focused on Kate. It was weird because Kate didn't really feel like this would be much of a job for her. She had taken a genuine interest in him. I mean he was smart, kind, charming, and tall. How could she forget he was tall. By the end of the luncheon Kate had made up her mind that she was going to be the one to show extra interest in him and ask for his number. She knew that he was definitely in to her. So why not take control.

"Soooo. Rick, I was wondering if maybe we could exchange numbers." Kate gave him a shy smile as she poked around at the food on her plate.

"Ohhhhhh." Rick said a little nervously. And Kate's eyes shot up. Had she overstepped already?

He laughed and threw his hand over his mouth. "I'm only kidding, I would love to exchange numbers. I mean If you hadn't asked I was definitely going to get yours and if you weren't giving it to me I was going to track you down somehow so this makes things easier." ... "and less awkward" he said under his breath.

Kate couldn't control the laughter. That was something he was good at. Making her laugh.

"Well then I'll give you my number Rick, and you can do with it as you please." Kate took out a pen from her purse and on the paper napkin she wrote her name and number. She folded the napkin up, grabbed his hand and placed it in his palm.

"I'm gonna get going. I told my mother I would come by today to help her with a few work things. She's a lawyer. Always on a mission." Kate let out an annoyed breath.

"Well Kate, it was a pleasure." He said as he stood with her. He leaned in and placed a kiss on her cheek. A small blush spread across her face and neck but she did her best to hide it. He smelled so wonderful. She didn't think she would be able to get that smell out of her head.

"Hopefully I'll be hearing from you soon." She said with a shrug of her shoulders and a sly smile. She patted his shoulder and walked away.

He quickly turned his whole body so he could watch her exit the room, and it was grand, to him. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. He reached into his pocket pulling out his phone and sent her a text.

Is it too soon to ask you on a second date? ;) – Castle

Okay, well that's two chapters today. I am actually a little overwhelmed by the follows already on this story. Thanks to everyone!

Oh and reviews would be amazing. Don't be afraid to criticize as long as its good natured. No hateful comments please. :)