A/N: Another chapter for you. ope you enjoy it and that you don't mind taking a little of your valuable time and dropping a review. Don't own any of the characters from the Castleverse and still managing to remain un-paid for this. Thanks to all you who have read this and sorry for the delay between chapters…the reason being, my scribbles over in the Chuckverse. If you have any interest, my pen name (key name?) there is jaytoyz. JT

Castle - Detective Lessons - Chapter 8

Kate Beckett had been watching Rick Castle ever since they'd taken over the booth at Remy's and despite the fact he'd called her on it twice, she just couldn't stop. Lexi and Juanita Esposito had been doing their best to steer the conversation away from the case and it's tragic outcome, often resorting to telling stories of old cases that Rick had been involved with. Kate had smiled and laughed at some of the outlandish tales, secretly pleased to be learning more about the man that was quickly becoming very important to her.

"So, isn't it about time that someone told me what happened to Kate's face?" Rick asked, looking directly at his daughter and when she ignored his request, turning his gaze to his ex-partner. When neither Lexi or Juanita seemed willing to tell him what happened, he turned his gaze to Kate Beckett who ignored him, suddenly finding something very interesting about the empty plate that was sitting in front of her.

"Ok, since no one wants to tell me what happened, I'll take care of the bill and get out of here" Rick announced as he slid out of the booth, reaching for the check while getting to his feet. He frowned when Kate's hand shot out, grabbing the check before he could. "Fine, I'll see all of you later" he growled, tossing a couple of twenties on the table before turning to leave.

"I told Demming we were sleeping together" Kate blurted out, moving to slide out of the booth but freezing when she noticed Rick staring at her, his mouth practically hanging open.

"You did what?" Rick asked, taking a step towards the table.

"Um, well, I told Detective Demming that you were giving me detective lessons and that those lessons involved 'undercover' work…lots of 'undercover' work" Kate replied, sliding back into the booth, her eyes finding their way back to her plate, hoping that no one mentioned the blush that she was sure was evident.

"And how exactly did that lead to the bruise on your jaw?" Rick asked while reaching out a hand and gently turning her face towards him.

"Well, I may have pushed her buttons…a little" Kate answered, struggling to keep herself from getting lost in the blue eyes that looked into hers. She ignored both Lexi and Juanita when they both snorted and then began coughing into their hands.

"Slide over" Rick commanded and then slipped into the booth after Kate, never taking his eyes off of her face. "Now, tell me everything" he said once he slid close, stopping only because his thigh was resting firmly against hers.

"Well, I was busy writing when Lexi called…" Kate started, her eyes locked onto his.

It took almost fifteen minutes to her get the entire story out, the interruptions from Lexi and Juanita slowing things down, and once she'd finished, Kate watched Rick's face for any indication of his reaction to the story. He'd been surprisingly calm, seeming to be more upset when Lexi tried to describe the detective with words that her father liked to pretend she didn't know than he was when Kate described Demming's attack. He almost smiled when she described Juanita Esposito's reaction to the punch and he actually laughed when he heard that the charges were still pending. Kate wanted to smile but decided to wait until the man, sitting so delightfully close to her, said something about what had happened.

"And 'Nita already got you a copy of the surveillance video?" Rick asked once Kate stopped talking and had allowed herself to settle back against the soft cushioning of the booth. He watched as Kate reached into her purse and produced the disc she'd been given earlier, offering it to him. Taking the disc, he turned and handed it to his daughter who looked at him questioningly. "I'm thinking that it might be a good idea if we have a back-up copy…or two."

"Good idea, dad" Lexi responded, taking the disc and putting it in her purse.

"So, Kate, are you going to go ahead and press charges?" Rick asked , a small smile on his face

"I thought I'd wait until the last minute before deciding what to do…you know, let her sweat a little" Kate answered, happy that Rick seemed to be, a least for now, moving past the tragic outcome of the case he'd been called in on. Hoping to avoid any negative drift in the conversation, she put her hand on Rick's thigh and gave a gentle squeeze. "Can I offer you a lift…somewhere?"

"That would be great, Kate" Lexi said with a wink. "I was just going to ask 'Nita for a lift home."

"Not a problem, Little Castle" the Latina responded, grabbing her purse and sliding out of the booth. "In fact, it's perfect timing since I was just going to head home before Lanie sends out a search party for me. Kate, it's always interesting to spend time with you. Let me know what you decide about pressing charges against Demming. Rick…" the detective paused and then pulled the big man from the booth, throwing her arms around his neck, "…call me if you need anything. You really did the best you could and everyone who matters knows that" she spoke softly into his ear before releasing him from her hug. Take care of the big lug" she said, winking at Kate Beckett before turning to leave. "Let's go, Lexi" she called back over her shoulder as she walked towards the front door.

The young red head had replaced the detective, her arms wrapped tightly around her father. "I love you dad. Why don't you take the day off? I can handle anything that comes up and you don't have any really important meetings. Please?"

"Call me if you need anything" Rick Castle replied before releasing his hold and then watching as his daughter hurried after her ride. Turning back towards the booth, he found Kate Beckett standing inches from him, her purse in her hand. Raising a hand, he gently touched the bruise on her jaw before leaning in and placing a light kiss o her jaw. "So, Miss Beckett, would you mind giving me a lift home?"

Looping her arm through Rick's, Kate pulled him towards the front door. "I was hoping you might let me drag you back to my place."

"I'm not sure that I'd be very good company, Kate. I'm tired, I stink and …"

"Rick, I'm taking you back to my place after we stop at yours so I can get you some clean clothes. You'll take a shower, get into something clean and then you'll go to bed where you'll wrap your arms around me so we can sleep. Any problems with the plan?"

"The plan sounds fine but I have to say again that I don't think I'll be very good company."

"Rick" Kate replied, "you don't have to talk to me about…anything. I just want to be there for you in case you do want to talk."

"Alright Kate, we'll do it your way" Rick said with a small smile.

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Kate Beckett stood at the edge of her bed, watching Rick Castle as he tossed and turned in his sleep, unsure if she should wake him or simply crawl back into bed and hope that her presence would serve to calm him. She remembered earlier, wondering if she should offer to wash his back when he'd headed towards her shower or if she should simply surprise him by shedding her clothes and joining him, finally choosing a third option and giving him some space while she went into her office and spent time checking emails and posting another chapter on her web page.

As usually happened, she lost track of time while sitting at her computer, the sound of her house guest clearing his throat snapping her back to reality. Looking up she felt her heart rate jump when she took in the worn sweat pants and white 'wife-beater' that Castle was wearing…and wearing very well. She tried not to be too obvious as she took her time admiring the muscular shoulders and arms that his undershirt showed off. When her eyes finally met his, she felt herself blush at his knowing smile.

"Hope I'm not bothering you" he said, moving from the doorway he'd been framed in, crossing her office and sitting down across from her, his blue eyes never leaving hers as he made himself comfortable. "Adding another chapter to the web sight? So, does the new chapter have any shower scenes?"

"You've been reading the story on my web-site?" Kate had asked, suddenly feeling self-conscious about the intensity of some of the sex scenes contained in the story.

"I have to admit being a little confused because the character seems to have a strong physical resemblance to me but I don't seem to remember any of the 'fun stuff' you've included" Rick had replied.

"Um, well, artistic license and all that" she'd offered before getting to her feet and moving towards the door. "C'mon, Rick, let's get you into bed".

"Alright, Kate, but I have to ask if you're planning to sleep in that outfit?"

"No, Mr. Castle, Once you're tucked in, I'm going to take a quick shower, throw on some sweats and then I'll join you" she remembered telling him as they stepped into her room. After watching him climb into her bed, she'd fought against the urge to simply peel off her clothes and join him, tearing her eyes away from his and turning to head off to her bathroom. Once she'd gotten ready, she'd returned to her room only to find that Rick had already fallen asleep and she silently cursed herself for not following her first impulse.

She'd left him sleeping and went out to her kitchen to brew a cup of tea. When she'd returned, she found him tossing and turning which led to her current predicament, wondering what she should do. Making up her mind, she dropped the sweat pants she'd been wearing, checked to make sure the t-shirt was as long as she remembered it to be and then climbed into her bed, sliding across the silk sheets until she was able to ease her back against his side. She held her breath, waiting to see how he responded and then smiled when he seemed to clam down, responding to her presence by rolling onto his side and pulling her to him, his arms finding their way around her. Within minutes, Kate felt her breathing fall into the same rhythm as Rick's and faster than she could believe, she felt herself drifting off to sleep.

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Rick Castle opened his eyes, confused for a few moments until he realized the un-familiar room and bed where Kate's. He smiled at the faint scent of cherries that filled his nostrils and then he slowly began taking in his surroundings, a little embarrassed when he realized that one of his hands was cupping one of his bedmate's breasts and the other was resting gently just a little below her belly button. Just as he started to withdraw his hands, Kate wiggled a little closer to him, rubbing up against his morning wood with a low groan,

"Morning, Castle" she said with her voice a little scratchy from sleep. Before he could move, she placed her hands atop his, encouraging him to continue his exploration. When she felt Rick's warm breath against her neck, she tried to wiggle even closer to him, finding the feel of him against her very thrilling.

"Kate, as much as I want to continue this, I have to take care of something first" he said into her ear, once again trying to move away.

"Yeah, me" Kate growled, grasping his hand that was resting on her stomach and pulling it downward, intent on showing him that her t-shirt was her only clothing.

"Oh god, Kate" Rick moaned into her ear, "you're driving me crazy but I have to go."

"What? You've got me ready to go and you're going to leave?"

"Kate, I don't have to leave, I have to go" he answered, slowly pulling away and then climbing out of her bed. "Morning needs and all that" he added before moving towards her bathroom.

"Oh, I get it" she replied, rolling onto her back and slowly stretching her arms above her head while turning her head slightly to watch as Rick padded out of the room, admiring how good his butt looked. Closing her eyes after the bathroom door closed, she couldn't help imagining how he would look out of the sweats and t-shirt, hoping she'd be able to make the vision a reality. Rolling onto her side, she raised her head and waited, hoping she wouldn't be getting out of bed for the rest of the day.

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Kate was amazed when she was finally able to get out of bed, her body aching, in all the right places like it hadn't ached in a very long time. Bending over, she grabbed the t-shirt she'd been wearing earlier and pulled it over her head, smiling as she remembered Rick's strong hands pulling it off of her earlier. He'd left just a few minutes earlier, promising to return with some food so they could enjoy a night in and she'd smiled at the thought of cuddling up with him and watching a movie and, if she had her way, missing most of the movie while necking like horny teenagers.

The sound of someone knocking at her door snapped her out of the fantasy she'd been indulging in and she wondered why Rick hadn't just let himself in. Crossing the loft, she opened the door and stepped back in surprise when she found Detective Sloan Demming standing in her doorway.

Miss Beckett, I hope I'm not interrupting anything" the blonde said, taking in the oversized t-shirt Kate was wearing. "I was hoping I could speak to you about the unfortunate incident at the Precinct. Would you mind terribly if I came in?"

"Well, actually, I'm waiting for the delivery guy to arrive with dinner…"

"I hope that this won't take long" she responded, looking a little uncomfortable when Kate made no move to invite her in. "I just wanted to apologize for my behavior in the hope that we could put what happened behind us."

"You mean, you hope that I won't press charges against you?" Kate asked while raising a hand and gently rubbing the large bruise on her jaw. "Isn't that the gist of this little conversation? And, correct me if I'm wrong, but should you be visiting me?"

"Well, um, I guess my visit my be frowned upon but I was just hoping that we might be able to…"

"Demming, what the hell are you doing here?" Rick's voice sounded from behind her, causing the detective to whirl around, a look of concern suddenly on her face.

"Rick, I, uh, I was just speaking with…"

"You know you're not supposed to be bothering Kate when there's an on-going investigation that involves you. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't make a call to the 12th and have you arrested" he said as he pushed past the blonde, his hands filled with bags of take-out food.

"You're the 'delivery' guy?" the detective asked, jealousy flashing in her eyes before she managed to get her emotions back under control, her eyes taking in Castle's casual clothes and Kate's t-shirt/dress.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am" Rick answered, moving to stand beside Kate.

"And he really delivers" Kate added, making no attempt to hide the innuendo and smiling when she saw the anger in Demming's eyes. "And once you've left, he's going to be delivering again…and again."

"Kate, please" Rick said, trying to keep from smiling at Demming's discomfort. "Detective, I think it would be best if you were to leave. I'm sure Miss Beckett will make her decision within the next day or two but until then, I'd recommend staying clear."

"Yes, that sounds like a wise course of action" the blonde managed to say through clenched teeth. With a last look at Rick and Kate, she spun around and made a hasty retreat, grumbling under her breath until she turned a corner and disappeared from sight.

Rick turned and found Kate smiling at him with the hem of her t-shirt in her hands. He watched as she slowly began pulling the t-shirt upwards, demonstrating that she still hadn't added shorts to her outfit. "You evil temptress" Rick said with a smile as he used a foot to kick the door closed. "Dinner?"

"And a movie" Kate replied, dropping her hold on her t-shirt and taking one of the take out bags from Rick and then heading towards the couch.

"So, what movie will be watching, Kate?"

"Don't worry, Rick. We won't be watching that much of it."

A/N2: Your reviews are always welcome and very much appreciated.