Stopping at yet another red light Kate angrily hit the ignore button on her cell phone. Castle had been calling non-stop for the last 15 minutes and she was still not in the mood to talk with him. After storming around her apartment to make sure she had everything she needed, she quickly dressed and headed out the door. She was now well outside of the city, and was just making her way through a little town on the outskirts of the Hamptons. Due to her anger, Kate had been driving faster than usual, and had been making good time. Much to her annoyance, the five intersections she had to go through in this small town had all been red lights, not allowing her to continue her mind numbing speed.

Leaving the town in the dust as she entered 60mph zones once again, she relaxed some as the phone finally stopped its insistent buzzing. It was short lived though, as she heard the familiar ping that meant she had a new voicemail. Not trusting herself to listen to what Castle had left, she blared the heavy bass coming from her stereo and sped along, steeling her mind until she had reached her destination.

Pulling into the long, winding drive way, Kate couldn't help but stare in awe of the house before her. The large, beige stucco home had beautiful bay windows, a deep oak door, and bright colourful flowers surrounding its stoned walkway. Taking a quick look around the property and into the backyard, Kate discovered more beautifully landscaped gardens with stone walkways and a bench here and there. There was a large clear blue swimming pool and a hot tub placed under a large canopy attached to the house. Next to the canopy stood a spacious oak deck, with a large steel barbeque, and a set of plush looking patio furniture, perfect for working on a tan or reading a book. Just a short distance away was the ocean; it's deep rolling waves crashing gently along the shore line, which was littered with tiny rocks and shells.

Dragging her bags inside, Kate left them by the door as she explored the near mansion. The living room held a large L-shaped brown leather couch, along with 50' inch plasma screen and all the latest gaming consoles. A rich, thick rug decorated the middle of the room, topped by a green tinted glass coffee table, with matching end tables on either side of the couch. Various potted plants lined the room, and multiple dark green and brown cushions lined the window seat that faced the backyard.

The kitchen was no less spectacular. The counter tops all grey marble, and the appliances all top of the line, shimmering solid steel. An island, with a large sink stood in the centre, while a part of the countertop that stood away from the wall served as a bar, complete with three stools. Opening the fridge, Kate found it to be well stocked, a few bottles of good wine occupying the built in wine rack. She glanced over a note placed on the fridge that the maid had left, telling Mr. Castle had called and requested preparations be made for her stay.

Further exploration showed the house to contain a dining room, rec room complete with a pool table, foosball and a pinball machine, as well as four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master bedroom was spacious, but not overly so. The room was decorated in deep reds and golds, with crisp black accents. The king bed was plush looking, and immediately called to Kate, who resisted it for the time being. Moving into the adjoined bathroom she was delighted to find a Jacuzzi tub. Accompanying it were his and hers sinks and a sizeable shower stall with, after careful examination, held numerous shower heads, a bench, and various controls for water pressure and flow.

Kate couldn't believe all she was seeing. She knew Castle had money and great taste, but unlike the loft, the beach house was built to house more than three or four people. Its spacious rooms and variety of activities ensured she would never be bored, but the emptiness of the house set her on edge slightly. Eyeing the bed, she succumbed to the tiredness she felt and allowed herself to enveloped in the cushiony softness.

Lying there, staring at the ceiling, Kate felt the last of her anger slip away, and she was granted a few brief moments to just relax. Deciding she was ready to face her phone, she dialed her voicemail and waited for the sound of the writer's voice.

"Kate. Please pick up the phone." She heard him sigh heavily. "Fine, don't whatever. I get you're probably still mad, but I need to apologize for just assuming things would change between us so quickly. I know you're a private person and that you have trouble showing your feelings. I guess," she listened, waiting for him to finish his sentence. "I guess I just hoped that after three years of back and forth you would finally want to jump into this whole heartedly. I know you love me, I don't doubt that, but I can't wait here not knowing how deep that love lies. If you choose to leave me I will heartbroken, and it will take me a long time and copious amounts of alcohol to get through it. If you choose to stay with me, you will make me the happiest man alive, and I can promise to never stop loving you. But, like I said before, being separated from you is agony, and knowing that, I can only hope you care enough to make this work and put me out of my misery. If I don't hear from you in a couple weeks I'll take it as you have decided to move on and I'll stay out of your way. Please don't let this die because you're scared Kate. Please. I love you, remember that."

Quicker then she had hoped, she felt the anguish wash over her and the tears begin to well up in her eyes. Turning over to lay on her side, she closed her eyes and let herself sob, embracing all that had happened and had been said, and knowing that, just maybe, she made have made the biggest mistake of her life.