10. Chapter 10

Chapter 10

They ended their tour around dinnertime, at Bernie's, the little place where Castle bought dinner for them over Memorial Day weekend.

They arrived a little ahead of the dinner rush, so the place wasn't too busy yet; and a man about Castle's age met them as they entered the lobby. He was wearing an apron, was shorter and stockier than Castle, had a receding hairline, and wore a smile that said he was happy to see them. As he moved in their direction, he called out, "Rick. Good to see you. Where's that little girl of yours?"

"At a seminar at Princeton this summer. I brought Kate to meet you instead. "Bernie, this is Detective Kate Beckett, NYPD. Kate, this is Bernard Peterson…Bernie to his friends."

As Bernie shook her hand, a woman appeared behind him with another welcoming smile. "Kate Beckett?" Turning to Rick, she said delightedly, "You brought Nikki Heat with you?" Reaching for Kate's hand, she said, "Hi. I'm so glad to meet you."

"Just Kate," Beckett responded. "Nikki is his imagination. Nice to meet you, too."

"Well, I loved the book. Will there be another one?"

"I'm working on it now," Castle assured her. "Kate, this is Bernie's wife, Inez."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was so excited to meet Nikki…um…Kate…that I forgot to introduce myself."

Castle put his arm around Kate's waist and looked down at her. "I used to think I'd like to have you at book signings with me, but now I'm not so sure. Nikki shows up and suddenly I'm chopped liver."

"Never, Rick," Inez assured him. "You want your usual table?"

"That would be great."

"Take Kate to the table, would you, Honey," Bernie said. "I'll walk Rick back. I haven't had a chance to get a word in edgewise since you joined the conversation."

"Don't take too long," she warned. Turning to Kate, she said, "You don't want to leave those two alone together for too long. It's just courting trouble."

When Kate turned to see two equally mischievous smiles, it looked like a possibility. "So, does Stan ever come here with you?" she asked Castle.

"Oh, yeah," Bernie answered with a grin.

The two women were smiling and shaking their heads as Inez showed Kate to their table.

Obviously curious about Kate, Bernie quietly tested the waters. "You've never brought a woman here before…except your wife once, but she never came back with you."

"Kate is…" Castle hesitated, looking for appropriate words and settled for, "pretty special." He looked longingly in her direction.

"Yeah, I can see that," Bernie answered as he watched his friend. "We can talk another time." He elbowed Castle's arm and said indulgently, "I can see you'd rather be somewhere else."

"Sorry. She just got here this morning…and I've been missing her."

"Come on then," he said, picking up a couple of menus. "I'll drag Inez away so you can have her to yourself." When they reached the table, Bernie placed the menus on the tabletop and good-naturedly said to his wife, "Back to the kitchen, woman. Let's leave them to decide what they want."

Kate smiled when Inez waved and left with her husband. "She's fun. Are they always like that?"

"A lot of the time. They're good people. Look at the menu. Everything on it is good. You can't go wrong."

After they ordered, Castle pulled out the small notebook he kept in his pocket and flipped it open. "Here's the list we made while we were out today. Want to decide where we go tomorrow?"

"I don't even have to look. Let's go to the lighthouse. It's the farthest away. We might as well do that first. We can decide on anything else tomorrow."

"Lighthouse it is. Looks like we have a plan."

They were seated in a small space, a little out of the main seating area. Castle had preferred it when Alexis was small. It allowed him to avoid having her in the midst of adult guests who might not be as smitten with the toddler as he was; and as she grew up, it became their table. They were both disappointed the few times someone was already there when they came in.

"Inez said you only come here with Alexis."

"I brought Gina here once, but it wasn't classy enough for her. She liked to dress up and go to the places where we'd 'be seen'." The last words were accompanied with air quotes. "She enjoyed the social life; and mention on page six was good for documenting that, as well as good publicity. So now I bring you and Alexis here, but I'll take you somewhere we can dress up and be seen if you want to go. I'd be more than happy to show you off."

"You're here, Rick. I'm happy with that. And if those places lead to page six, let's avoid them…at least until we figure out what we're doing. I know we can't avoid it forever."

He reached across the table and took her hands in his. "I'm sorry that's a part of who I am. I know it isn't something you're comfortable with."

"You've worked with my job for a while now. I have to learn to work with yours. But I'd like to put that part off for a while longer if we can. If it throws itself in our path unexpectedly…"

"I'll talk to Paula. She's going to have to tone down my image soon, anyway."

"She won't like that, will she?"

"I don't care. I pay her, not the other way 'round."

They talked until the meal arrived, planned a little for the next day's trip, and exchanged a few more words with the Petersons before they left. After visiting a craft center and window shopping at a few stores close by, they went home.

"You interested in walking off dinner?" Kate asked.

"A walk on the beach?"

"Yeah. It's a little cool tonight, though, and it's close to dark. Let me go up and change first."

"I'll come with you. I might want something a little heavier than this shirt."

In his room, Castle pulled on a sweatshirt, and Kate took clothes into the bathroom and changed into jeans and a hoodie, switching her sandals for sneakers.

They didn't talk as much on this walk, content just to be together. They held hands as they walked and engaged in conversation sporadically; and on the way back to the house, they walked with arms around each other.

"Are you comfortable here with me?" Castle asked when they were about halfway back to the house.

"If I weren't, I probably would have stalled about coming back."

"And sharing my room?"

"I'm happy to be here with you, Rick. You still think I'm going to back out, don't you?"

"You're not the only one with trust issues, remember? I'm sorry."

"Looks like we both doubt ourselves."

"Then I guess we'll have to help each other get over that," he said, pulling her a little closer.

"I guess we will," she answered, leaning her head on his shoulder.

He leaned and kissed her head, and nothing more was said until they were close to home.

"I know you said you're ahead of your writing deadlines; but if inspiration strikes, you know I'm okay with hanging out and reading, right?"

"I know. But I'd rather spend the time with you while we have it."

"Just know you don't have to worry if you need to exercise the option."

"Duly noted." Changing the subject completely, he asked, "Will you have time to come back again before I go back to the city?"

"I was planning on coming back on my weekend off in August, but your mom and Alexis will be here then, won't they?"

"That doesn't mean you can't be here, too. I've told you, they'd love having you around."

"We'll play that by ear, okay? Why are you asking now? she asked flirtatiously. "I just got here, We have almost an entire week ahead of us."

"I'm greedy. I want more of us."

"Not a bad thing."

As they walked toward the house, Castle guided them to their bench, and told Kate, "I'm going to get us some wine, and we can drink it here if that's okay."

"Sounds nice."

She settled herself on the bench and closed her eyes, breathing in the ocean air as she waited for Castle. When he returned, he handed her a glass and sat down with his own, putting his free arm around her shoulders, and they sat and sipped their wine and looked for constellations before they went in.

"I'm going to take a shower before bed. Do you want to go first?" he asked.

"You go ahead," she answered, taking his glass from him. I'll take care of these and be up in a minute."

"I'll make it quick."

Kate washed and dried the wine glasses and put them away, then went upstairs, undressed, and put on a long, satin robe while she could still hear the shower running. She then went to the dresser and pulled out one of the things Lanie had packed and Kate had unpacked before she left her apartment last time he brought her here. She folded the soft, silk negligee into a small, neat bundle and waited until Castle left the bathroom in silk pajama pants…and no shirt.

"Your turn," he announced.

She kissed his shoulder as she passed him, and he smiled. It took so little from her to make him happy. As he heard the shower start, he wondered if she felt the same way about him. She seemed to want to be with him, but she was still wary. He could tell.

The shower stopped. That was quick. He wasn't sure he had ever known a woman to take that short a shower. When she opened the door, she was wearing her robe with something he couldn't identify under it. He was sure it was shorter than the robe, though, because he had caught a glimpse of bare leg when she turned.

"I need to dry my hair, and I'm done," she reported.

"Do you mind if I shave while you dry your hair? Two sinks and two mirrors and all."

"Don't mind at all, as long as I can watch. I used to like to watch my dad shave."

He smiled at her, got out his razor, and lathered up; and she dried her hair giving it only half the attention that it usually got. He glanced at her now and then and found her paying close attention every time. Her hair was dry about the same time Castle put his razor down.

"That was a lot more entertaining than when I watched my dad," she said; and with a little eyebrow wiggle worthy of Castle, she added, "And kinda sexy."

"You like that? How about this?" He kissed her playfully before he had removed all the shaving soap residue, leaving a little of it on Kate's face.

She laughed, pushed him in mock protest, and rinsed her face; and Castle laughed as he cleaned up and patted on some after shave.

"Ready for bed?" he asked.

She nodded, and he took her in his arms and kissed her, gently at first, but the kiss gradually grew deeper until they lost track of who was pushing it farther. Castle maneuvered them to Kate's side of the bed, pulling her closer to him, and he encountered no resistance.

"You're sure?" he asked, stopping to let her know it was her choice.

"I'm sure."

He untied the belt of her robe and slid the satin covering off her shoulders, exposing the not quite knee length negligee. It wasn't overtly revealing, but it was soft and sexy and fell perfectly over her body. He looked at her appreciatively. It certainly looked like she was sure.

"Do you like it?" she asked, watching his expression.

"I can't imagine you'd have any doubts at this point. And you...in this. Extraordinary. As always."

"I like the silk on you, too."

"Should I get the robe to add to the picture?" he teased.

"No," was her emphatic answer as she smoothed her hands over his chest. "This picture is just fine."

He turned off the lights, and they both slipped under the covers, moving toward each other like magnets. Their hands moving over silk…then under silk, they took their time. The loving was slow and gentle…and extremely satisfying, and was repeated more playfully before morning.

Morning found them sleeping with their heads on the same pillow, snuggled close under the covers with arms and legs tangled together. They drifted in and out of sleep the way they had the first time they slept in the same bed, and eventually woke fully with smiles for each other.

"Last night was magic, Kate," Castle whispered before he kissed her gently.

"It was perfect," she agreed, leaning her forehead against his.

"You were right. I had no idea."

"Me, either." She smiled, looking amused. "I used to think our first time would be fiery and aggressive after we put it off so long…well, after I put it off. I kind of thought we'd…"

"You fantasized about us?" He asked incredulously.

She nodded and smiled. "I guess I can admit it now."

"Do I get details?"

"Didn't you fantasize about us?"

"Let me count the ways," he answered suggestively, making her giggle. "So, were you disappointed that we didn't rip each other's clothes off and…"

"Rick, there was nothing about last night that disappointed me. I told you…it was perfect."

"It was. We're good at this together, too."

"Yeah, we are."

He lifted the covers and peeked under them. "Looks like we're still naked."

She looked under, too. "I think you're right."

"We could always try for more amazing…"

"Less talk, Writer-Man."

He growled against her neck, and they played and laughed for a while before they got around to re-creating seriously amazing…with a couple of new twists.

Afterward, he kissed her as he balanced on his forearms above her, his breathing still a little ragged. "Variations on perfect?"

"Yeah." Her breathing wasn't too even, either. "But still perfect."

He teasingly collapsed on her for a long moment before he rolled himself over to his own side of the bed, and they pulled up the covers and both stared at the ceiling as they caught their breath.

"Are we going to be insatiable?" he asked.

"If it's always as good as this, I can see it happening."

"And happening, and happening, and happening?"

She laughed. "As soon as we can move again, we need a shower."

"Together?"

"Why not?" She lifted the covers and took another peek. "Looks like we're still naked."

He took his own look. "Yep. We're shower ready."

"In a little while."

"Yeah. A little while."

Before they made it to the shower, they had fallen asleep, holding hands. When they woke again mid-morning, they both recognized the need to get out of bed. They shared the shower, washing each other's hair and taking turns washing one another, holding and kissing as they went. Then they made themselves a much needed brunch.

As they were putting the dishes in the dishwasher, Castle asked, "Does the lighthouse still sound like a good idea for today?"

"Not as good as it did yesterday."

"What happened to change your mind since yesterday?"

"Last night."

"Last night." Castle stopped what he was doing, sighed contentedly, closed his eyes, and savored the thought for a moment. "Soooo nice to remember, Miss Beckett." Opening his eyes again, he added, "But I'm having trouble relating it to sightseeing."

She grinned at his dramatics before explaining, "Well, before last night, we could have gone sightseeing as far away as we wanted…the lighthouse, for instance…but after last night, being that far away might not work so well," she answered flirtatiously.

"And why not, pray tell?" he asked in the same manner.

"Because after last night, at any random time, I might be stricken with an overwhelming need to rip your clothes off and have my way with you. And to avoid page six at best, and the front page of a tabloid at worst, I think we should be closer to home if that urge strikes."

"Rip my clothes off?" he repeated, quite clearly delighted.

"You heard me."

"So we could shop in town, or visit a little museum not too far from the house?"

"And not have to travel far to get back here for said clothes ripping."

"Are you just messing with my mind?"

"Maybe a little bit," she answered, then paused a beat for effect. "But not entirely."

"I've imagined ripping your clothes off many a time, but the idea that you're after mine is going to take some getting used to." He went back to his original question then. "So, seriously, you'd rather stay close to home today…or …"

"I think I would. You kind of wore me out last night…and this morning."

"There was mutual wearing out, Kate," he responded, kissing her gently. "We'll find something else to do today. I don't care what it is, as long as it's with you."

They didn't rush to leave the house, enjoying that there was nowhere they had to be. Later in the day they parked the car and wandered around a few places close by, Castle relating the history behind them. Then they went to dinner before going back home.

The week was spent talking through a few more things that needed to see the light of day, familiarizing Kate with her new territory, spending time at the beach, meeting a few of Castle's friends, enjoying each other's company, and making love. And it went by way too fast.

On the last evening Kate was there, it was raining and stormy as they finished straightening up in the kitchen. Castle was standing at the French door, hands in his pockets, watching the burgeoning storm while Kate put away the last couple of dishes. She joined him, slipping her hand over his arm at the crook of his elbow, and they stood side by side looking out at the roiling ocean.

Without looking at her, he asked, "How is your honesty holding out?"

"Still making me nervous, but surviving."

"There's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?" She turned to him, sounding worried.

"I think I'm falling in love with you."

"That sounds awfully close to one of those big commitments we weren't going to make yet."

"It doesn't have to be a big commitment to be falling in love. It can be a small commitment to hope for a bigger one. We're still being hopeful, right? And honest?"

There was a little pause as if she were gathering her strength. "We are. I think I'm falling in love with you, too."

He finally turned to look at her and saw how vulnerable she seemed. "Your heart is safe with me, Kate. I'll never be careless with it."

"I know."

He put his arms around her and rested his forehead on hers. "I'm falling in love with you, Katherine Beckett, and I'm hoping for something much bigger for us."

"Do you think we can get there one day?"

"I do. I think we can."

"I don't want to run anymore, Rick. I want your heart to be safe with me, too." She put her arms around his neck a little desperately, and let him hold her close. "Can you be the strong one for now…until I can catch up?"

"We'll take turns being the strong one," he promised.

Unable to simply let her go back to the city alone, Castle packed an overnight bag with a couple of changes of clothes and went back with her when Darrell returned to pick her up. She was on call over the weekend, but they had until Sunday afternoon together before she was called in. This time it was Castle who went home with an empty overnight bag, leaving his clothes at her apartment.