Hello Caskett'eers! Well, this one has been a fun ride! Thank you for sticking with me and for all your lovely and fun comments and reviews! I love them all! Yes, this is the final chapter, following Jim's appearance at the loft for brunch...and tying up a couple of loose ends, including a certain missing watch. ;)

I hope you'll enjoy- maybe go back and read from the beginning - I know I need to! haha! And leave me a little more love and ideas for a new Caskett adventure.

Thanks for reading & KTCLF!
-adcg

WhenTimeExplodesWhenTimeExplodesWhenTimeExplodesWhenTimeExplodes

Chapter 11

When Jim left nearly two hours later, Rick went to the couch, sat down and leaned his head against the back of the couch. All things considered, brunch had gone pretty well.

Kate walked toward him after putting away their dishes and the leftovers. She stood at the corner of the couch and looked down at Castle with his eyes closed, taking some deep breaths.

"You okay?" She asked honestly, while telling herself he was just being dramatic.

Rick blinked a couple of times and then raised his head to look at her. "Yeah, how about you?"

Kate took the opportunity to sit down next to him with her legs curled under her body so she could take his larger hand in hers. "Thank you," she started, making Rick look at her with dipped eyebrows and a small smile, "What for now?" He asked, almost jokingly.

Kate shrugged and shook her head, "I had no clue Dad was coming here. I need to have a long chat with Javi about giving out your address, obviously."

Rick laughed, "I had no clue the boys even knew your father."

Kate glanced away from him for a second. "We go to ball games together sometimes. It started a few years ago when Dad wanted to meet some of my co-workers. Dad's got a couple of season tickets and he can usually snag a couple of others from his law firm buddies. I think he sees Kevin and Javi as my protective brothers. Especially Espo," she commented. "We go out to the ballpark, have some hot dogs and drinks and just enjoy the game. I think the boys like hanging out with my Dad. There's this silent understanding that they've got my back when we're out in the field."

"And Espo probably takes that very seriously," Rick interjected. "Kevin, too, I suppose. Both of them have sisters. You probably fit right into the mix for them." He smiled as she rolled her eyes. "So, then, it makes a lot more sense - that Jim called Javier. I don't mind at all that he came here, Kate. I understand it. I'm a dad. I'd want to see Alexis in person and check out the person she's rooming with, if it ever came to that, I mean," Rick shook off that thought.

Kate laughed at his little shudder but then squeezed his hand and raised her eyebrows, "Did you notice? He didn't ask me to come home with him. He didn't even ask if I've been looking at other apartments yet. That bodes well for you, Castle. Apparently you're taking good care of me," Kate smiled, leaned over and placed a kiss on Rick's cheek.

In turn, Rick squeezed her hand and pressed his lips together. "Speaking of that…" he licked his lips and looked down at their joined hands. "You know you don't have to be in any hurry to find another place, right? I mean, especially if this…thing…you know, this…us…thing… I just mean you can stay here as long as you like."

Kate nodded but felt a little uncertain as he was talking. There was more he wanted to say, she was sure. But she was content with the small smile on his face. And she was also sure that she wasn't quite ready to hear the thoughts going through his mind.

"I know," she answered simply, then opted to hit on a point that had been somewhat ignored while Jim was there. "Rick, I meant what I said to you and to Dad earlier. I do believe I'm falling in love with you. I hope you don't think I was putting on some act for him. I don't do that. When I told you that I'm falling in love with you, I meant it."

"Yeah?" Rick finally turned to face her and waited for another response with a hesitant smile on his lips.

"Yeah," Kate answered and was happy to see the little gleam return to his eyes. She placed a soft kiss against his lips before continuing, "So I won't get in a rush on finding a new place. But I am going to need new clothes starting tomorrow," she twisted her mouth into a regretful pout.

Rick smiled at her. He felt her effort to turn the conversation back to something more casual and accepted the fact that this probably wasn't the time for him to insist that she stay here, as her new place.

A few butterflies flipped in his stomach. "Kate?"

"Hmmm?" She lay her head on his shoulder comfortably, closed her eyes and smiled to herself as she began to realize just how much she liked having his body as her pillow.

"I love you, too. And I know it's just been a few days now, but I like having you here. It's been a long time since I've had someone that I want to just sit with here on the couch, or have brunch with and cook with in the kitchen. I like getting to know you like this."

Kate pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and took a deep breath. She pressed her body closer to his and found a way to nuzzle her nose against his neck. There was that feeling again; this felt like home. HE…felt like home.

She really couldn't respond to what he had said. So instead she placed a kiss against the lower side of his jaw.

And, at that point, they both realized that perhaps a mini shopping spree would be a good idea before they turned their attention to other activities that just might keep them more than occupied for the rest of the day.

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Rick made a point of getting them back to the loft before 6:00PM. There had been a few times during their brunch with Jim that Kate had mentioned the missing watch. Specifically, she had tried to apologize for losing it.

Jim, to the man's fatherly credit, had quickly shushed his daughter and reminded her that he would rather have her there with him, sitting and chatting with a naked wrist, than seeing her in the hospital - or worse - with a piece of jewelry on her arm.

Still, Rick had gotten the message yet again. If Kate's first night in his bed hadn't told him just how important that watch was, brunch with Jim certainly explained it. She missed her mother terribly; cherished her father; and wanted to cling to anything and everything that held a part of both of them.

That was why, at 4:30, Rick balked at Kate's idea to get ice cream and pressed for them to make their way back home with the various bags and boxes that contained Kate's wardrobe choices.

The detective in her was suspicious of his insistence. But the woman-in-love was more curious about what he might have up his sleeve.

She felt a little like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman as Rick had offered his credit card to the cashiers at every store they had entered. Macy's, in particular, was a go-to for work clothes and Kate had found a number of items. She hurried to try things on, not wanting to leave Rick sitting outside the dressing rooms. And as they headed toward the checkout, she had begun digging for her purse - which Rick had tucked under his own arm specifically.

"I got this," he had told her which nearly started an argument.

Kate had ended up with two options: 1) Drop the clothing items on the floor and practically fight Richard Castle to get her purse… or 2) Just let him pay for her stuff.

"I am not a charity case," she insisted as they climbed into his Mercedes in the parking garage.

"I'm well aware of that," Rick had responded.

"Then let me buy my own clothes, Rick."

He had sighed heavily. And then he had smiled from ear to ear. "You wanna pay me back?" he let his voice drip with innuendo.

Kate turned in the passenger seat and looked at him. "I'm not a call-girl either, Castle. We are not playing out some Pretty Woman fantasy of yours. Matter of fact, keep annoying me, I'll take my new clothes up to my room and you'll be sleeping by yourself again."

He couldn't wipe the grin from his face. He loved their verbal sparring. He loved annoying her. He loved that she referred to his guest room as her room - and hadn't mentioned taking her new clothes to Lanie or Jim's homes instead of his…theirs.

As those thoughts crossed his mind, he noted that Kate hadn't said anything else. He figured she was letting her mind stew over some other revenge plot to get him back for playing sugar daddy.

Instead, when he glanced over at her, she was looking out the window and had her thumbnail between her teeth, a gentle smile on her lips - if he was seeing her reflection correctly.

"What?" Rick wondered curiously.

She shook her head quickly, shyly, not wanting to admit her thoughts. But, she turned toward him again after a moment. "I don't want you to buy all this stuff that I need. Or, I want you to let me pay you back, Rick, seriously. But…"

"But?" He pressed.

There was that shy shoulder shrug again. "I like it when we argue," she scrunched her face in disbelief that she was admitting this. "When you annoy me, it gets me out of my headspace and makes me realize that I actually appreciate you for it. It's like some magic potion. I get so focused on your antics that I forget some of the stuff that always hangs with me, you know?"

Rick reached for her hand, pulled it to his lips and held it there for a long moment.

"If you tell anyone I said this - especially Javi or Kevin - I will shoot you," Kate followed.

"Noted," Rick had grinned and held her hand in his as he drove to their next stop.

Kate blushed as Rick parked the car. "You really are not going into this one with me and I will be paying for my own stuff," Kate insisted as he put the car in park.

Rick's jaw dropped. "That's not fair. Haven't I been helpful in picking out your other clothing? I think it's only right that you let me accompany you in here."

Kate shook her head with purpose as she climbed out of the vehicle, "Nope, not happening. You can stay right here. Promise me," she climbed out of the car, turned around and ducked down to see his eyes rolling and the pout on his face.

"Scout's hon-" he began to mumble.

"You were not a scout, Richard Castle. Now promise me," Kate watched him like a mother watching a little boy.

"But Kate," Rick whined, "It's Victoria's Secret. How will I ever figure out what her secret is if you won't even let me go in?"

Kate threw him an eye roll. "Stop it, Castle. You probably know this store better than I do. I just don't need you in here watching me try on underwear."

"I've already seen you naked," he commented with a smirk.

Kate glared at him. "You said you weren't looking when you helped me out of the bathtub…both times. Besides, if you would like even a chance at seeing that again, you will let me shop alone in here, understood?"

Rick pressed his lips together and sucked in a breath. He let out a verbal sigh while his eyes wandered from her face, down her body and then back up to her eyes. "Yes, Ma'am and yes, please," he nodded.

Kate held his eyes for a moment and read the look of hope on his face.

Yeah, she wanted that, too. That's why she wanted this opportunity to find something special to wear for him when they reached that point. Hell, she could find bras and panties in Walmart. She wanted to buy something for him; something to share with him; something that would show him just how grateful she was to have him in her life.

Rick had been excited by the bag and boxes that she had carried out of that particular store. The blush on her face as she put them in the back seat and climbed into the passenger side told him there was more than just necessities in those packages.

So then, when Kate suggested ice cream, Rick had denied her request. He wanted to get home to see if she'd share her version of Victoria's secret…and he wanted to be there when the repaired watch was delivered.

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The nerves hit Rick around 5:45. They had been back at the loft for only a quarter hour and Lance had sent a simple text shortly after that: On its way.

They had chatted about Martha and Alexis getting back home; whether Martha would stay at the loft or go to boyfriend, Chet's, place; and…how to try and get back to a normal routine on Monday, heading back into the precinct.

His palms began to sweat and his conversational abilities pretty much went out the window as his mind focused on the return of Jim Beckett's time piece. Something inside of Richard Castle had him thinking of the watch as an engagement ring of sorts.

The dueling voices in his head made him very happy that Kate had taken her new clothes upstairs to put away. He told her to move whatever she needed to in the closet and in the dresser. The room was hers to make use of as she wanted.

Kate had thought about putting her new clothes in Castle's closet but that felt a little presumptuous, and, Rick hadn't suggested it.

Rick sat down on a barstool at the kitchen island once Kate was safely upstairs and stared at the spot in the room where he and Kate had kissed for the first time those days ago. The more he thought about that kiss and the others they had shared, the more he did not want her to move into any other apartment.

She would say 'no'. He knew that would be her immediate response. That would be followed by an argument saying it was too soon for them to move in together. But was it really? They've been getting to know each other for years now.

He knew her coffee order better than she knew it herself - he ordered it now, more often than she did. And he even knew that she preferred almonds on her bear claws and not pecans. He wondered if Mr. FBI Will Sorensen knew that?

So no, it was not too soon.

Then she would tell him she needed her own space. He had plenty of space. If this place wasn't big enough they could find a new one. It wouldn't be long before Alexis headed off to college. This loft had been spacious enough for him, his daughter and his mother for years. He could give her space in their space.

He sat for a moment, still and quiet. He could argue with any excuse she would give him. He would argue with any excuse.

Rick stood and began pacing back and forth. Was this what he wanted? Would Alexis understand?

The vision of the explosion played through his mind yet again. It truly was a nightmare that he wouldn't soon forget. He felt his heart in his throat as he saw the flames. He nearly cried at the thought of Kate not surviving the explosion. And then he recalled his instinct, the one that took him inside the smoldering building to find her.

He just wanted her.

And that's what this all boiled down to. He just wanted Kate Beckett. He wanted her to be part of his life, in his home, with his family. She needed to be part of that family.

The knock at the door had broken him out of his thoughts and he took a deep breath.

Rick quietly opened the door and looked at the courier who handed him a small gift bag and a card. He slipped the young man a $50 for his troubles and closed the door before opening the card.

"She must be a special woman, Amphib. If I can do anything else just yell. -Rana Verde"

Castle didn't even look inside the bag. He knew what was there. Even without seeing the outcome of Lance's work, he knew it was as good as it could be. He knew the watch would be working again, even if the cosmetic part of it was still damaged.

He glanced toward the second floor before he wandered back to the kitchen and sat the little bag on the counter top. He sat back down and let his thoughts start rolling once more.

That's where Kate saw him as she came down the stairs.

"Castle? Did I hear someone knock? My dad's not here again is he?" She laughed but then noted his more serious look. "Rick? You okay?"

Her voice broke him out of the multi-voice conversation that was trying to occupy his mind. He glanced up at her but didn't focus as he smiled in her direction.

"Yeah, I'm good. Hey, come here," He motioned her toward him with his index finger and a tilt of his head.

She wandered to him and easily found a spot to stand between his knees as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Kate watched him a little cautiously, rested her arms on his shoulders and let her hands join at the back of his neck.

"What's that?" she used her eyes to direct his attention to the bag.

"Open it," he instructed.

Kate squinted her eyes at him. "Did you go shopping while I was in Victoria's Secret?" she wondered with a little nibble on her lip.

Rick shook his head but stayed quiet as she turned in his hold and reached for the bag.

Kate began rattling the tissue paper and digging carefully into the gift until she felt the item on the inside.

"Rick?" She pulled it gingerly out of the bag and looked at him. Her eyes went wide, her breath caught in her throat and her voice softened, "My dad's watch?"

He stayed quiet still, knowing she needed to examine it. Rick kept his arms around her waist as Kate stared. He felt a little quiver when he heard the slight sniffle and knew she was in tears. And, he knew the exact moment that she spotted the damage on the back of the piece, thanks to her slight gasp.

"It's damaged, but it works," he commented softly. "They were able to get it back in working order. It's just," he paused, "the jeweler said it took a shrapnel hit. That's what damaged the back. He can get a new back and can redo the inscription completely if you'd rather-"

Kate was at a loss for words. Besides the tears that began streaming from her eyes, the only way she knew to express her gratitude and surprise in the moment was to wrap her arms again around Rick's neck and to softly sob against his skin, in that spot under his jaw where her face fit amazingly perfectly.

He gave her a few moments of silence until she pulled away and sniffled before looking back at the cherished item.

"How did you-" Her eyes looked closely at the hole as she ran a fingertip across it.

"CSI, and Ryan," he began, "Well, I called Ryan and asked him to see if he could get it back from CSI. They found it in the original sweep. Kevin took it over-"

Kate laughed just a little before he could finish the sentence, "Let me guess, you know a guy?"

Rick grinned at her and shrugged, "What can I say? Yeah, I know this jeweler guy who has helped me on a couple of Derrick Storm issues that I ran into."

Kate blinked and wiped the wetness from her eyes as the initial surprise wore off. She began looking more closely at the face and band of the device before she flipped it around again and looked at the back.

"He put something on the inside of the back, there," Rick pulled on Kate's hips until she was leaning into his lap so he could point out the repair that Lance had described to him. "So it should be water resistant at least. But he just couldn't fix the hole. And I know it knocked out the most important part of the inscription, I'm sorry. But he had a metal expert work on it as well and that was the best they could do without replacing the whole back. I didn't think you'd want that, but if you do, we take it back to them. Kate, you just let me know-"

"No, no," she shook her head, looked at the watch and then turned to look at Rick and put a hand on his cheek. "I want - I want to keep it just the way it is. It's a survivor with scars now, just like me and my dad," she smiled sadly. "I can't believe you did this for me."

Rick looked at her hands, momentarily avoiding her praise and gratefulness.

"I would do anything for you, Kate. Don't you know that by now?" He asked, still without looking at her.

"Rick," Kate whispered.

He cleared his throat and took a deep breath. It was now or never…

"Hey, listen," Castle reached up and took the watch from her hands and put the band around her wrist. He buckled it a little loosely and adjusted it before linking her fingers through his, "There's something I'd like us to talk about…something I want you to consider, seriously."

He looked back into Kate's face and saw the lines of worry on her forehead. Still he forged ahead.

"I know you're worried about finding a new place. But you really don't have to," he started.

Kate smiled as she wiped her eyes, "Castle, I won't be in a rush, I told you that already."

"Yeah, I know," Rick deferred and then breathed in, "But what I mean is… Instead of looking for another apartment, why don't you move in here, with me?" He stopped there and waited for any of the reactions, excuses or denials that she was going to throw his way.

Kate leaned back slightly just to see his face more clearly. She waited for more of an explanation from him or any of the quick-witted humor that would tell her he was joking.

He didn't say a word.

"You're serious?" Kate asked him simply.

Again, she waited for some kind of Richard Castle comic relief, but he gave her a one-word answer, "Yes," he nodded.

Kate swallowed. Her mind was blank except for the words, the invitation, that he had just extended.

I could argue with him. I could say 'no'. I could push myself out of his arms and go take a walk to think about this. But…

He would've been lying if Rick had said he wasn't thrilled that she was still nestled between his legs with his arms wrapped around her. Even moreso, she hadn't yet said 'no'. She seemed to actually be contemplating his offer.

"Rick," she practically whispered.

Well, here it comes… Rick braced himself, including tightening his hold on her.

Kate thought about her dad's words again. "It seems a little fast." But was it really? They had been getting to know one another for years now. Yes, she was concerned about Alexis's reaction - well this would add a new layer to that concern - but…wasn't this Rick's decision to make; Rick and her decision?

Another thought popped into Kate's mind as they stayed practically still and silent. It had been a long time - a really long time - since she had let her heart lead the way in her romantic life. There had been relationships that were meaningful, sexual - obviously, but not one where the words 'I love you' had been traded.

And without question, she believed Rick. She believed he loved her and wanted what was best for her.

So she looked back into his face and asked him once more, "You're really serious?"

Rick nodded slowly but didn't say a word.

With that, Kate smiled nervously. "Okay," she said meekly and then waited.

Rick leaned back with a serious look on his face. "Okay?" his eyebrows dipped. "No arguing about needing your own space; wanting your own apartment; paying your own way… Not even an 'I need to think about this'?

Kate pressed her lips together and laughed at him. "Have you thought about this?" she wondered.

She turned back toward him again and wrapped her arms over his shoulders, letting her fingers play with the hairs at the back of his neck.

"I've thought about the excuses you would make and how I would answer them," Rick responded. "I thought I'd have to put up more of a fight to get you to stay," he seemed honestly surprised.

"Do you want me to put up a fight?" She began squirming gently, as though she wanted to get out of his hold.

Rick's hands immediately moved to her hips and held them firmly. "No," he raised his eyebrows and answered her with confidence. "Although I think making up after arguments is going to become one of my favorite pastimes," he added with a quirky smirk.

Kate pressed her lips together and then looked at him with a smile. "Don't make me regret this hasty decision, Castle," she looked at him with a motherly glare and then grinned again. With a nibble on her bottom lip, she took a deep breath and let her smile widen. "Rick, I'm going to do something now that seems to be completely appropriate, considering this change in our relationship," she made the last word a slight question but knew he would understand, given the similar comment he had made days ago…before kissing her.

He did, and smiled widely as she moved forward to place her lips on his. Kate's eyes closed and her fingers easily carded into his hair while Rick wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly against him. She could feel the smile on his lips and matched it as they continued the lip-lock.

The two were so lost in themselves that they didn't even hear the door open, or notice the two people who stood staring at them for several long moments before offering comments.

"Well, I see you two have had a good weekend as well?" Martha commented.

"Dad, I thought you were going to behave," was Alexis's remark.

The couple froze, lips still meshed together before Kate pulled away slowly. Her cheeks were burning but she had to smile, given the ridiculous, annoyed grimace on Rick's face.

"Hi?" She turned slowly in Rick's embrace and acknowledged his mother and daughter. "How was the spa weekend?"

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Martha Rodgers grinned at her son and his lady friend. "I knew the two of you needed to come to some sort of understanding, but Katherine, Dear, are you sure you want to get to know my son on this level?" Her question was somewhat joking but held that hint of have you really thought about this?

"Mother," Rick grumbled and hoped Kate would just ignore her.

Instead Kate looked at Martha and Alexis who had somewhat avoided anything further and just walked to her father for a hug.

She looked back at Rick's mother and smiled softly. "I'm afraid this was the inevitable next step, Martha. You have a determined son and although I'm stubborn, he's apparently broken through some of my walls."

"You two will be the proverbial poster children for the phrase Opposites Attract," Martha smiled back and stepped toward Kate with arms open for a hug.

Kate welcomed the older woman's arms around her and closed her eyes at the comfortable embrace. "I've not seen him this happy in a very long time, Sweetheart. Please, take care of him and let him take care of you," Martha pulled back and looked into Kate's face following her quiet instructions.

Kate simply nodded and gave Rick's mother an honest, "I'll try."

Alexis stepped away from her father and walked toward the other women. "Kate, are you feeling better?" She wondered with a hesitant, young voice.

Kate opened her arms and was happy when Alexis accepted her invitation for a hug. "I'm not sure I'm ready to get back to work tomorrow but I am feeling better, thanks to your dad and the two of you."

Alexis pulled back and smiled at her. "That's good. And did you decide to hang out here with us a little longer? I know Dad will feel better if you take your time looking for a new place."

Kate took a deep breath and looked toward Rick, "Ummm…"

Rick stood up from his seat and walked toward the group. He placed an arm around Kate's waist and put his other hand on his daughter's shoulder. He smiled and blinked a couple of times. "About that…" he began. "Kate's not going to look for a new place. She's gonna move in here with us."

Martha's eyebrows shot up and her focus immediately went to Alexis.

The younger redhead had wide eyes but no smile. It appeared she was letting the news soak in before saying anything - a trait her father likely needed to learn from her.

"Unless," Kate spoke up, also looking directly at Rick's daughter. "Unless that's an issue for you, Alexis," she deferred but felt the tighter grip from Rick's hand at her hip. To him this wasn't a group decision, even if that group was just him, Kate and the teenager.

Alexis tensed and looked up at her father and his girlfriend, apparently. She was old enough to know that she really didn't have a say in the matter. This was actually a discussion that she and Martha had shared during their weekend away - the growing relationship between Rick and Kate…and the fact that Alexis had already accepted this woman and looked up to her for many reasons.

"It's just going to take some getting used to," she answered with a closed-lip smile. "I'm glad you're staying," she added and then moved to give Kate another hug.

"Can we chat later?" Kate asked as they embraced. "I want you to be sure about this. I know it's unexpected and I won't insist on staying and upsetting your home," she explained.

Alexis pulled back and smiled with a blush on her cheeks. She appreciated Kate's consideration more than the woman could know. And she wanted her father to be happy. Really, no more discussion was needed, she just needed to come to terms with it.

"Maybe dinner this week?" Alexis offered. "Just me and you? That way Dad will think I'm giving away more of his secrets."

"Hey, I heard that," Rick squinted his eyes looking at both Kate and Alexis. "No teaming up against me, you two," he pointed a finger at them. "It's bad enough when the two redheads come at me. Don't think you can pull Kate into your devious plots as well," he pouted.

Kate grinned at Rick and then looked back at Alexis, "Well, there goes that plan. Guess I won't be moving in here after all," she joked.

"Now wait a minute!" Rick grabbed Kate's hand and pulled her back toward him. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder.

Alexis laughed and added, "I'll check my schedule if you check yours."

Kate nodded in agreement and then just stood there with a smile plastered on her face as Rick placed a soft kiss against her neck.

Martha and Alexis watched the two of them for another moment before Martha suggested she was tired and that she and Alexis both needed to unpack from their weekend.

Rick smiled at both of them and stood with Kate as they watched the two other members of the household climb the stairs to their bedrooms.

"That went well," he commented and began peppering kisses along Kate's neck and ear.

"You have a pretty incredible daughter. Do you really think she's alright with this?" Kate wondered with little shivers and a giggle when he hit a small ticklish spot.

"Mmm-hmm," Rick answered, no longer concerned that there were two more people in the loft again.

"Rick?" Kate tried to distract him but obviously his mind was somewhere else.

"I'm ready for bed," he commented with more kisses to her skin and now with more confidence, allowing his hand to crawl under the hem of her shirt. "How 'bout you?"

"Castle," Kate admonished him but didn't deter his hand completely.

"I want you," was his simple response which made Kate close her eyes.

Her breath caught in her throat, the butterflies began coming to life in her stomach and her heart felt like it was skipping beats. This was what she wanted. That, she was sure of. But, wow, the past hour or so had progressed quickly.

She placed a hand over his which was slowly creeping up her torso, and raised her other to the back of his head. "How about a shower first?" She suggested.

Rick's hand paused its journey and he pulled away from his kisses. When she turned in his arms her eyelashes fluttered and she could see the want in his eyes. The deep blue went straight to her heart, tossing out those slight insecurities and reminded her that the only thing standing in her way of happiness with this man was her mind.

"A shower?" He questioned.

"Together," she nodded, then had to bite her lip as he quickly took her hand and began pulling her toward their bedroom.

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Nearly an hour later Rick was thanking his lucky stars for the unlimited hot water that their building provided as he sat on the floor of the oversized shower with the stream still sending steam throughout the room.

Kate had taken the built-in seat and was just beginning to catch her breath from two glorious rounds of lovemaking, with Rick's head lolled against her naked inner thigh. Both of her legs were wrapped around his shoulders while she lazily combed her fingers through his hair.

"What are you thinking?" Rick finally asked.

Kate let out one hearty laugh before admitting, "You think I'm having any coherent thoughts after what you've just done to me?" She huffed another laugh and then sighed loudly.

"Did I tell you showering together was good?" Rick turned and placed a kiss against her thigh before taking a deep breath and enjoying the full scent of her.

Kate groaned a pleasurable noise. "I knew showering with you would be good," she said, "But I can now multiply that by about a zillion," she hummed again with the recalled thoughts of how he had touched her body and made her melt from the wall of the facility all the way down to the floor.

The feel of him inside of her had truly been a life changing experience and one that she wanted to have for the rest of her life.

"Was it…" she hesitated and Rick raised his head, feeling something like a nervousness coming from her now.

"Was it what?" He turned his body and leaned his head back on her knee to look up into her face. My god, she's beautiful… passed through his mind for about the thousandth time that day.

"Was it good for you?" Kate finished her thought. She wasn't a virgin. She knew how to pleasure a man, but this time she prayed his mind, body and soul were as pleasured as hers had been.

Rick smiled. She wanted reassurance, from him, about their lovemaking. "Do you remember when we solved our very first case and we were talking about debriefing each other?" He loved the sight of her looking down at him, her hair soaking wet, water dripping from those long eyelashes. He particularly loved the passion that he now knew intimately in those dark eyes of hers.

"Yeah," Kate answered simply.

"You told me I had no idea…about you…and how good it could be. Now I do," he smiled up at her and was pleased to see her pull that bottom lip between her teeth. "And now that I do, I am spoiled to anything else. I only want you, Detective Beckett."

Kate smiled shyly but worked to pull him up onto his knees so they were practically face to face. "And I'm yours, Mr. Castle. Don't you forget it."

They continued to enjoy their new togetherness into the wee morning hours. And both were so sated that Kate was nearly late for work the next morning. A knock on the door from Martha made them both sit up in bed with his mother's announcement that Captain Montgomery had called her when Kate nor Rick had answered their phones.

"There's a new murder to investigate," Martha called through the closed door. "And the Captain says if you're not on your way to the scene in 15 minutes he's firing Richard."

"Dammit," Kate cursed but Rick grinned from ear to ear. "Castle, if you say a word about any of last night to Javi, Kevin or the Captain, I'll kill you," she threatened.

"I love you, too, Kate," he grinned, "always."

-The End-

WhenTimeExplodesWhenTimeExplodesWhenTimeExplodesWhenTimeExplodes

Afterthoughts... I just wanted to thank you all again for sticking with me - even when I went off on another story before finishing this one! You know how it goes when the Caskett muse hits.

Everyone take care and KTCLF!
-adcg