Chapter 2

Castle was woken by an assault on his eyes. It seemed that an angry sun had found that one sliver of space between Beckett's shade and the side of her window. He didn't like to wake up early, but this was unlike any morning he had ever experienced. She was beside him. In fact, she was draped over him. Her arm was across his chest, her head next to his. Her leg, her mile-long, flawlessly sculpted, naked leg, was intertwined with his. Even though her leg was colder than his, it was the perfect temperature for a leg to be. The sounds of her breathing were melodic and hypnotic. He consumed her scent. Even with his vast vocabulary, the only way he could think of describing her smell, was: 'contentment'. He wondered: How is it possible that she is somehow even more beautiful? Her makeup was either gone or severely smudged. Her hair, to put it kindly, had not behaved itself. She even had a tiny piece of drool on her cheek. Yet, here was incontrovertible evidence that female physical perfection existed. Castle thought to himself: It really wasn't a dream.

Now it was Kate's turn to be woken up. Somehow the sun wasn't in her eyes, but Castle was. She wasn't sure if it had been his tracing of small circles on her arm that had caused her sleep to end, and frankly, she didn't care. She greeted him with a 50-megawatt smile and said:

'Hey, you.'

He returned her smile and copied her: 'Hey, you.'

That earned him a kiss. The kiss was surprisingly chaste considering what had happened the night before. What happened three times, if you had asked him, or seven, if she would have answered the question.

She said: 'Can we stay in bed all day?'

He smirked, tightened his arms around her and replied: 'I can, but I believe that you have a job to get to.'

'No, Castle: WE have a job to get to. Or now that you've 'had me', are you not going to be my partner anymore?'

She had intended it as a joke, part of the banter that they loved so much, but if she was honest with herself there was a slight niggling feeling. This was, after all, the reason she had resisted for so long. The fear that after 'scoring' he would move on to his next conquest. That fear wasn't very deep or long lasting, but it was present. Had she been able to see three cases into her future, she may not have been able to dismiss the insecurity so effortlessly.

She was shaken from her thoughts when he said: 'Just try and stop me from shadowing you. Besides, I wouldn't want you getting fired because the team's closure had rate fallen.'

She rolled her eyes at him. That was just one more thing that he loved about her. Yes, she had magnificent eyes, but the rolling: that was his.

'Then get ready for work.' She tried to be Beckett, but after last night, she was still very much Kate. Even though it wouldn't be a surprise to anyone at the 12th that they had spent the night together, there was the issue of professional conduct in the workplace. It would be hard to hide such strong feelings from any co-workers, but with room full of detectives, they had to be on guard. Captain Montgomery encouraged their 'special friendship', but he had a precinct to control and wouldn't think twice about booting Castle if his presence disrupted the routine.

Castle didn't have a change of clothes, so he was forced to head back to the loft. He promised to meet her at the 12th with a coffee and a bear claw. She proceeded to shower and dress for work. As she went about her morning, she wondered: If this was a normal work day, why did it feel so very different?

She had spent the night with men before. She wasn't promiscuous, but she wasn't a virgin either. It had only been one night, and as fulfilled as she felt, she couldn't get ahead of herself. She then returned her focus to getting ready for the day.

Kate stepped off the elevator and looked for Esposito and Ryan, but they were nowhere to be found. She went to her desk, turned on her computer, and prepared to begin the day. She wondered if anyone would notice that she had dressed especially plainly. Her choice of wardrobe brought her back to the days before Castle, when her main concern was blending in to a predominately male workplace, hiding as much of her femininity as she could. She was still beautiful, but you didn't notice it as much. She had dressed this way today, to try and show that she was only interested in work. Was it really going to fool anyone? Maybe Castle wouldn't stare at her quite so much. It was only nine in the morning and she had already decided that this wouldn't work. She needed to do something else to disguise her feelings at work. Her thoughts were interrupted by a door opening and shutting.

Captain Montgomery came out of his office and walked over to her desk. His face was like stone. Kate was usually good at reading people, but there wasn't anything that she could have deciphered from his face, posture or movements. She was expecting questions about what had happened last night. What she got instead was a case.

'Beckett, there was a murder at a local baseball field, check it out.'

As if they had a sixth sense, the dynamic duo came walking up from wherever they had been.

Ryan said: 'I hear that we have a case.'

Almost as if he was being called onto a set by a television director, Castle walked out of the elevator on cue, and took his place with the team. He held out Beckett's coffee and a small bag. When she reached for it, he playfully pulled it away.

'What the hell, Castle? You know I only keep you around so you can bring me my coffee and a bear claw. If you can't do that, then what good are you?' It came out with more sting than she had intended. She instantly regretted what she had said. She tried to apologize with her eyes. He did understand what she was doing, but the smile still disappeared from his face. Even Ryan and Esposito looked at each other uncertainly. They never liked it when mom and dad fought.

She motioned with her head for him to follow her into the breakroom. Taking his hand, after she had surveyed the area to make sure there wasn't anyone around to see them, she said: 'I'm sorry, Castle, I'm trying to hide how I feel about you and it will take me a little time get it right here at work. Can you give me that time?' Her voice was surprisingly unsteady, almost pleading. He squeezed her hand, smiled suggestively, and said: 'You can make it up to me later.' She let her eyes scan every inch of him, from his shoes to his hair, and everything in between. She could play the game too. They were good.

She had to do something about this girlishness. Not only for her relationship with him, but for her job and most importantly, for her sense of self. A romantic relationship with him would make her life better, complete. But she wouldn't, couldn't, allow it to cause her to disappear. She may not be interested in his celebrity, but it existed. He had a larger than life personality. He was smart, funny, rich, famous, charming, and gregarious. Women, and men for that matter, wanted to be close to him. She had to be Beckett, but today, she was very definitely Kate. A case would give her the chance to make things seem … normal.

When they arrived at the murder scene, they saw a large man who had been bludgeoned to death. Espo shook his head sadly and said:

'That's Cano Vega.' Castle said: 'Are you sure?'

She added: 'That's him, I almost caught one of his homers at Shea stadium.' After a preliminary examination of the crime scene, and having consulted with Perlmutter, Beckett and Castle went to Cano's house to speak to his wife. After having asked all the standard questions, they had a few possible leads. Unfortunately, none of them had panned out.

Castle and Beckett then found themselves at the office of Cano's agent, Bobby Fox. While they waited to see him, Joe Torre walked into the room.

'Rick? Rick Castle?'

Castle replied: 'Hey, Skipper. I haven't seen you since the big move. How are you, Joe?'

After Joe explained his friendship with Cano, Castle introduced him to Detective Beckett. After stumbling over her own name and title, she looked like a high school girl who had just met the Beatles. She then turned to Castle and raised her eyebrows, asking with her face, 'did you arrange this?' He thought of having a little fun with her after Joe had left, but this wasn't entirely funny to Castle. She had her insecurities, but so did he. One of his biggest was the fear that women wanted to be with him because of his money, fame and the people he could introduce them to. Kate had never shown any signs of that. In fact, that is one of the things that he liked most about her. Her reaction to meeting Joe Torre, then her unspoken question and finally the star struck call to her dad, caused concern in him.

The case was brought to a close fairly quickly. It had been Bobby Fox, his agent. Cano had found out about his daughter and the truth about his first wife. Fox couldn't let Cano go public with that information; it would have destroyed him. It was time to close the book on being Detective Beckett, and he very much looked forward to a real, honest date with Kate.

As they walked out of the building Kate asked: 'Do you want to pick up some takeout and come over and watch a movie?' 'Watch a movie' was said with an accompanying expression, and tone, that suggested that she really didn't mean, 'watch a movie'.

'I think I'm going to head to the loft.'

'Fine, if that's what you want.'

He suspected that she was hurt and fearful that she had indeed been just a notch on his bedpost. Her tone had changed from flirty to disappointment, or even anger. She was no longer looking in his eyes. She turned to walk away, and let out a breath of exasperation. She had apparently miss read him. He had to address this immediately.

'I am only going home because I want to do this right. I am going to call you, ask for your availability, bring you flowers and then take you out to dinner. A real date. One that I ask you to go on and that you accept. If after that you want to 'watch a movie' (his tone indicated that her television wouldn't be on) then I'll watch movies with you all night.'

Her smile returned. She looked at him flirtatiously and said: 'Well, if this is a real date then I better get home and get ready. I have something that I think you will enjoy seeing, but you won't be able to see it at the restaurant.' She raised her eyebrows and smiled sardonically to see if she could provoke a response. 'If you think you can handle it, I may show you a little of it before we go.' If she had been any more coquettish he might not have gone home first. As it was, Castle nearly ran to the curb to hail a cab. He knew himself well enough to know that his will power gauge was showing dangerously close to empty.

Now back at the loft, he was being derided by his mother and daughter for his nervousness.

'What is the issue? You know she is going to accept when you call and ask her for a date. She wanted you to just go over there, this was your idea.' After having shared a glance of amusement with Alexis, Martha then said:

'I don't remember you being this skittish on either of your wedding days.'

'This is more important than either of those days.' Suddenly he was overtaken by a sense of dread. He turned to Alexis and engulfed her in a bear hug. 'Pumpkin, I did do my best to be a good husband to your mother. I wanted us to be a family more than you will ever know. Whatever has happened between us, she gave me you, and I will never be able to properly thank her for that. We just weren't right for each other. My saying that this day was more important in no way reflects on how much I love you. Do you understand?'

"I do, Dad. And I know more about what Mom has done than you think I do.'

"Is this ok, me and Detective Beckett?' He released her from the hug and took a few steps back. He searched her eyes for approval. He was the adult and would move forward, with or without Alexis's blessing, but it would be much easier if he had it. Especially when they were married and had children. While Alexis formulated her thoughts, he had one of his own: We have had one date, and I'm thinking of marriage and children? I need to get a tighter grip on my reins.

Mercifully, her response freed him from his self-created panic.

'Dad, I really like Detective Beckett. She's different from any of the other women that I've seen you with, she's … real.' He knew his daughter as well as he knew anyone, and she was being completely sincere. His elation only grew as she continued:

'She's not interested in your money, she hates your fame and she has no problem putting you in your place. She's good for you.'

'I'm glad that you feel that way Pumpkin, because I am going to my office call her.'

Kate answered the phone: 'It's about time that you called me.' Her voice made it clear that this was part of their game. He responded in kind:

'I was considering if I really wanted to ask you on a date, you were pretty mean to me today at our work.' But he stressed the word, 'our'.

She was continually astonished at how he always seemed to say the right thing. That one word was exactly what she wanted, no, needed, to hear. It was a commitment, without the pressure of needing a response. He had told her that he wasn't going anywhere, and he hadn't asked for anything in return. The finality of that one word, could, would, come back to haunt Castle in a mere ten days, but he didn't know it yet.

'Seeing as you probably got all dressed up, I supposed I should just go ahead and ask you.' She was about to tease him about the special garment he wouldn't get to see, but then he continued:

'Kate' His voice was somehow different, his voice was lower than normal. Huskier, sensuous and was as serious as he could be. This was the tone she would have expected a proposal to come in.

'I am only supposed to be asking you on a date, but I want more. I am making it unequivocally clear, that from this point forward we only see each other. I have already arranged for a meeting with Paula and Gina to discuss changing how they portray me. We don't have to go public with our relationship if that makes you uncomfortable, but there will be no more dates for me with anyone but you.' She was relieved that this was a phone call, because she had just dropped the glass she had been holding. She hoped that he hadn't heard it. As her knees became unable to support her weight and she began to literally swoon, she, rather ungracefully, made her way to the couch. This was happening so fast. No, she wasn't thinking of dating anyone else, but this sounded so … permanent. Castle then continued:

'Kate, you are unlike any woman that I have ever met. If you have the availability, I would be honored if you would share you company with me at dinner.' Again, she was grateful that this was a phone call. She had almost turned it into a video call to tease him with how she looked.

'Castle, I would love to spend tonight, and many, many more nights with you. I don't have your gift for words, but I am every bit as devoted to this as you are.' Feeling that it was getting too serious, she went for banter: ' Now, I'm dressed to the nines for you, and you're not here, so get your butt over here and take me to dinner.' Kate thought: this is precisely what equal partners look like. Sometimes he is in control, and sometimes I'll have the upper hand. He will be here for me and I will be here for him. In the end, we will just dive into it together. This is the type of relationship I have always wanted. A strong, confident, successful man that is attracted to me because of my strength, assertiveness and independence.

When Castle arrived at her apartment, he began to question his plans for the evening. First, the limousine. Kate wasn't ostentatious, would she be impressed by the luxury, or made uncomfortable by his choice? Next, the lilies? He chose them instead of roses because he knew that they were Kate's mother's favorite flowers. He wanted to show her that he was listening to anything and everything that was important to her. Now he was worried that that could bring a touch of gloom into a romantic evening. His decision to go to a small, family restaurant, as opposed to a more expensive and fashionable one concerned him. He knew she wasn't like the other women he had dated, but would she feel that he thought she wasn't worthy of his best effort? The last one really unsettled him: a call to Jim Beckett. He had tried to get insight into Kate's preferences regarding food, dress, glamour, transportation, flowers etc. Jim had politely (if you can be polite while chuckling at someone) said that he was on his own. No family secrets for Castle. He trusted Jim to keep it between them, but still feared that if Kate ever asked Jim directly, he would tell her. She was so private; this investigative phone call could have been a huge mistake.

He was at her door. It had been barely two and a half hours since he had seen her last. The fact that it felt like an eternity scared him. He knew that he had to find a balance between saying: 'you are my one and done. I am ready to put a ring on your finger, tonight, if you would accept it' and pretending that this was just like any other date. He decided to follow her lead with respect to how fast they move forward.

It was time: it was seven sharp. He tentatively knocked on her door. The door immediately flew open. If Castle had been capable of thought, he may have said: 'She was just as excited as I am, she was waiting at the door.' Instead his mouth fell open. He battled himself for control of his own eyes. He wanted to be a gentleman and look in her eyes, but it had become so hard. His brain wasn't getting the oxygen supply it needed to function properly. He had never seen her, or any woman, look like this. The purple, silk dress covered enough to be considered appropriate for a dinner out. However, it clung to each and every perfect curve that she possessed, which meant all of them. She stood there in 4 inch stiletto heels, her hair in an upsweep, she wore tasteful jewelry and intoxicating perfume. His lungs began to fail him. His vison blurred and his heart raced. He was suddenly mindful of his own perspiration. How can she affect me like this? He adjusted his tie and handed her the flowers in a lame attempt to gain time for himself to rally. She knew what was happening, and she loved it. She was used to this type of reaction from men.

She smiled and walked into her living room, 'Come in, Castle. These are beautiful, let me put them in some water.' After finding a vase for the flowers she continued: 'where are we going tonight?'

'It's a surprise.'

They pulled up to a small, hidden, unpretentious restaurant. Kate would almost have described the appearance as a diner … until she went inside. There was a very talented man playing the piano, the smells wafting through the air had Kate instantly feeling hungrier than she had been just moments ago. It was crowded, yet somehow felt private at the same time. There was an unusual amount of space between tables, and many of them seemed to be behind half walls, affording additionally privacy.

Just as she was about to ask if they would be at one of those tables, a short, round woman, who would have loved to have been called middle-aged, wearing an apron, rushed over and practically knocked Castle over. While pulling him down and kissing both cheeks, she asked: 'Ricky my boy, why do you not come see us more often? I miss Alexis and so does Angelo.' She then turned her attention to Kate, and said: 'Did you forgot your manners my boy? The first time you ever bring a date here and you are going to make me guess her name.' Rick had opened his mouth to answer for the second time, but she just kept on talking. Now it was Kate's turn to be pulled in for a couple of European style kisses. 'My dear, I am Bianca. How did my Ricky get so lucky? Clearly, he doesn't deserve you.' Her tone was playful, she loved 'Ricky', like a son.

'Are we going to 'paradiso'?' Asked Castle. Bianca looked at him as if he had just said the most imbecilic thing possible. 'Of course, my foolish boy. It hasn't been used in days. The list of the people that we allow in there is very short. You, and the lovely …' Kate smiled, and then supplied her name, 'Kate, are welcome as often as you like.'

He led her into a backroom that was difficult to immediately appreciate. It had too many sights, sounds and smells to take in all at once. The walls and ceiling looked like it was the Sistine Chapel, the seats were covered, in what felt like velvet. There was soft music playing and the floor looked like marble. Kate then noticed an intercom, she must have looked quizzically, because Castle said: 'It's to ensure complete privacy. No one will come in here for anything unless we call them.'

The food was spectacular, the ambiance unequalled. The staff, and particularly the owners, treated her like … family. When Castle stood up, she followed his lead, but he wasn't leaving. He took her hand and led her through a back door. It was dark for a moment, until a magnificent chandelier lit a small private dance floor. He bowed, smiled, and said: 'May I have this dance?'

This was so unlike, and at the same time, exactly like, last night. In just 24 hours she had become comfortable with the idea that she could dance with him whenever she wanted. She could touch him, kiss him, however she liked. She could tell him anything, yes, they talked now. She really could do this forever.

On the ride home she asked: 'How come Bianca and Angelo treat you as family?' He smirked and said: 'It's my charming personality.' When he got the Beckett glare, he continued: 'About 13 years ago, after I had only been in a handful of times, Bianca was diagnosed with breast cancer. They didn't have insurance, or any money, and were considering selling this restaurant to pay for her treatment. I stepped up and paid for the treatment and 'invested' in the restaurant.' The look on Kate's face couldn't be described: was it admiration, recognition, reverence? It bordered on … love. She couldn't be in love after one night, could she? Was it really just one night?

However one described it, this was a good guy. Nothing had been done for publicity, in fact most of the things he had done, he did anonymously. She leaned into him as they were driven to her apartment. She kissed his cheek. She didn't need words for him to understand.

The time spent at her apartment felt … comfortable. They talked, they drank, they laughed, they never turned on that movie … they did other things. It felt so natural being together. He couldn't believe he could be so serene. They drifted off into sleep: exhausted, sated and together.

The next case was solved without too much difficulty. Castle did get into a little trouble with Beckett at the sex dungeon. He couldn't seem to help himself. He was caught as he stared at Mistress Irene's lipstick. As if he wasn't in enough hot water, he turned up the flame with a few frat boy comments about, 'the toys'. Kate wasn't thrilled, but she was a good sport: she only threated him a few times.

Three days later, Kate's desk phone rang: 'Beckett.'

A disembodied voice spoke: 'I'd like to report a murder.'

'You got an address?'

'Where's the fun in that?'

Castle and Beckett's lives were about to be forever changed. Transformed in ways that they never could have imagined …

TBC

A/N Thank you to everyone that read, reviewed, followed, favorited and sent PMs. You really made my day! Thanks again to SonicMessiah for her help with this story.