Disclaimer: These characters are not mine. I'm just taking them out for a ride.

A/N: After receiving some wonderful advice, I reworked this story and switched to all 3rd person. I applaud anyone who can write in first person. I'm not worthy… and my head still hurts. If you like this story at all, one short review goes a long way in my book. I asked Santa for a beta for Christmas -wrapping optional. If anyone's interested in a quick review of my work prior to posting, shoot me an email. I'm already half way through the next chapter. Happy Holidays! Karen

Chapter 1: Man of Action

Rick's POV, the previous week

She'd lied to him. She remembered. It was her "tell". There was no way he could miss it. She denied it too quickly, wouldn't look at him directly and her head was tilted down after she'd said it. She'd been too fast to change the subject. She'd lied. She knew he was in love her. She'd heard him.

They were walking to the crime scene when she grabbed her side in pain. He asked her what was wrong and she said the stitches pull sometimes. That's when he asked her if she still didn't remember anything from when she was shot. He wasn't even sure how he got the nerve to ask her again. Those three little words still lingered in mid air... This whole time, he'd tried not to push her. He'd tried to be patient.

Looking back, it was so clear to him now that she'd always remembered everything. She had from the day he visited her in the hospital after her surgery. He asked himself how he could have missed it all this time. He determined he hadn't been paying close enough attention and decided that was going to change.

She'd hidden from him for three, long months before finally showing up at his book signing. One month for each little word of his confession. Was he shocked she needed time - of course not. She wouldn't be Kate if she didn't premeditate everything, but his wounded pride simply hated the idea that she would lie to him.

A different man might take this revelation as a negative but he's a glass half full kind of guy. Now that he knew she knew how he felt, combined with the fact that she hadn't already kicked his sorry ass to the curb or given him the let's just be friends speech, it was full speed ahead. She was usually an expert at hiding her feelings. Yet, he caught her today in her lie. The impenetrable walls she had built were starting to crumble. There were cracks where there once were none. He could be a patient man but he was tired of waiting for what he wanted. Things were suddenly looking up.

Kate's POV, One week later:

It was Saturday afternoon and Kate had the weekend off. After a very long, grueling week at work she was hanging around her apartment, sitting on the couch, trying to read.

She couldn't focus on the book in her hand. She was supposed to be using this down time to decompress but her traitorous mind had other ideas. It insisted on playing back, over and over again, the past week's events, especially her conversations with Castle. Something was off lately and she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was. Maybe she was just tired. Maybe everything was exactly the same as it had always been and she was over-thinking it.

She knew herself well enough to admit she wouldn't be able to move on to anything else until she got to the bottom of what was bothering her so she closed the book, resigning herself to think the situation through to its logical conclusion. She decided to get herself some ice cream. She did her best problem solving when she was eating ice cream. She sat back down on the couch with her treat, curled up and pulled the throw blanket on. As the clock ticked away she thought back over the week…

Work had been seemingly typical, what with the usual murders and mayhem they'd come to expect. Nothing out of the ordinary happened came to mind. Work-wise it had been a pretty standard week.

Gates was her usual cheerful and charming self. Not. The boys weren't acting any different – well, Esposito was a little. She was sure that had to do with his and Lanie's break-up. She'd hoped they would have worked things out by now since they made a really great couple. She decided to call Lanie later to see how she was holding up. Maybe they both needed a girls' night out.

What she was sure of, was that Castle had been acting strangely. Well, stranger than normal anyhow.

He'd been invading her space more, infringing on her safety circle if you will. He'd been getting a little too close and personal for it to be considered completely innocent. He'd been touching her more. Seemingly little things like handing her something or showing her something. He'd been lingering more than normal. When he smiled at her there was even more twinkle in his eyes. More than a few innuendos had been dropped. He looked as though he had something he wanted to confess but couldn't himself to do it. She knew it wasn't her imagination. Something was up.

Her eyes fluttered shut as she remembered a particular moment this week. It was late. She was tired. Her guard was down. It was just the two of them still left at the precinct, getting ready to wrap things up for the night. The boys had gone home already.

She was in the break room getting one last shot of espresso before she called it a night. He snuck up behind her and whispered something into her ear about how too much coffee at night was bad for her and how she needed to take better care of her body. Honestly, only Castle could make something so mundane, sound so dirty. It was the way he said it.

The feel of his breath first on her ear, and then down alongside her neck gave her goose bumps. She could feel his smirk, although she didn't actually witness it. His hands never even touched her, but you would think they did from her body's reaction. Then he disappeared into the other room and played like it had all been perfectly innocent. She shook her head as if to clear the memory. As if that were possible.

Innocent her ass! She'd been thisclose to pushing him up against the break-room wall and kissing the stuffing out of him but he'd already walked out of the room, grabbed his jacket, saying he was taking off for the night, see you tomorrow. What a tease.

She'd chalked it up to "Castle being Castle". He was always a big flirt. Not exactly shocking, but something was different this time.

That same scenario, the whispering thing, in her ear – he'd done something similar at least three times this week alone. Sure he'd done it in the past, but those times were few and far between. He'd become pretty bold with his flirting.

Even more worrisome was that all the attention was causing her to act a little strangely in return. He was distracting her and she was having trouble concentrating when he was around. She'd been feeling uneasy, a little nervous and flustered, which wasn't like her. And really... did he have to smell so damn good? Some might say almost edible. Yum. Not her, of course, but she's sure other women might find that sort of thing appealing.

She and Castle were just friends - very good friends. That's how it had to be, at least for now. Until her mother's case was fully resolved she was determined to stay clear of any romantic entanglements. She needed to focus on finding whoever was responsible for her mom's murder. It was her journey and she couldn't ask anyone to take it with her. It wouldn't be fair. A romantic relationship with Castle right now would be wrong.

When they were on the swings they managed to have a serious conversation and she thought he'd understood. She needed to wait until she was ready before starting a relationship with someone - that someone, without being said, of course, being him. She admits to building a few walls around her heart for safety purposes. He seemed willing to wait, although he wasn't well known for his patience. In her heart she knew he wouldn't wait forever.

He still didn't know she remembered his "I love you". He'd asked her about it again the other day but she lied. She preferred not to think of it as a lie really. It was more of a denial. Denial - it kept everything status quo. If they're meant to be, they will be, but for right now – they're just friends. If only someone would tell that to her raging hormones.

Truth be told, she'd been having some very vivid dreams about the two of them in some pretty compromising positions. She assured herself she was only human. It was no big deal. After all, they were two, single, not- unattractive, adults who worked closely together for long periods of time. If she didn't notice he was a smart, funny, virile, fine specimen of a man, well, now that would be weird.

That being said, they'd been exceptionally good dreams… the kind where it was hard to look him in the eyes the next day without turning twelve shades of red. It hadn't always been like that. What the hell happened? Whatever the problem was, she needed to fix it.

She laughed to herself. Three long years working together and it was finally happening. It was just a matter of time. He'd finally driven her crazy. The whole time she'd known him he'd been driving her slowly, maddeningly insane - and he was to blame.

She was so confused. Was she doing the right thing by making them wait? Life was so short….

Unless of course, all her worry stemmed from an overly suspicious nature and Castle wasn't doing anything different then he'd always done. Maybe she was just lonely or it could be post traumatic stress syndrome. Maybe it was because he was irresistible and she wasn't allowed to be with him right now. Or maybe it was all part of Castle's diabolical plan to break her resolve.

Please hold for a moment of silence… and two and three…

She briefly thought about killing him but that would be too kind. Why had she believed for a minute he would be patient? That manipulative jackass….

What the hell had she been thinking? She thought again about killing him but decided it was too messy. She came up with a better idea instead…

Man of Action's POV, Present time:

It's Monday, late afternoon and they're at the precinct. He's bored and sitting in his chair beside her desk trying not to appear as though he's watching her. The truth is he could look at her all day. He missed her this past weekend.

What is it about this woman in particular that makes him feel like he's eighteen again? He's completely under her spell. He wants to stop everything and write her love sonnets. He panics, realizing that's pretty sappy, even for him, checks his man card, fidgets in his chair and looks around inconspicuously to ensure Esposito and Ryan aren't watching him, watch her. He gives himself the all clear and since she's still fully distracted with her paperwork he returns to studying her.

She's beautiful…inside and out. And he's a love sick, impatient man.

He's not without his own attributes. Beautiful women hit on him all the time. He turns them down. Why? Because they just can't hold a candle to Kate Beckett. She's gone and ruined him for all other women. He's amazed that fact doesn't even scare him. He doesn't want anyone else. He just wants her. And patience isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

He's grateful he was able to channel his inner superhero before he lost his mind.

Meet Rick Castle – Man of Action. Being a Man of Action has its advantages. Since he's recently decided to take things into his own hands and help fate along a bit, he's happier, more focused. All that unresolved sexual tension was eating away at him and frankly, cutting into his sleep. They're not together yet, but at least now he gets to play. He needed an outlet. He had to do something to keep from combusting. All this waiting, when they're so clearly perfect for each other, was killing him. This path he's chosen simply makes more sense since he's sure they're meant to be together.

He won't stand by and watch any longer, for he is - a Man of Action. It's time to move forward. Kate's not thinking clearly yet, but he is. And she will. He's given her time, plenty of time. All he's doing now is giving her a little nudge in the right direction. Not enough not to make her run mind you. He's going for subtle.

What he really wants to do is huff and puff and blow the walls down. He wants to make her want him as much as he wants her. So he's decided to sex things up a bit, penetrate those barricades, break a few rules, and get her a little hot under the collar until she caves. Oh, don't worry. He plans to be there with open arms to catch her when she falls. Then they'll live happily ever after. Yes, he admits his plan may have a few minor flaws, but it's nothing he can't work with.

Things have been progressing beautifully. Last week was perfect…

There were numerous, seemingly innocent touches, copious amounts of attentiveness, and a complete and utter lack of regard for her personal space. He's been serving up an extra helping of …"Castleness" if you will.

They were getting in the elevator…

He made sure his hand was on her back as he guided her in through the open door of the elevator. He moved close to her so their shoulders touched even though they were the only ones riding it. He literally breathed in her shampoo, mentioned she always smells so good, and then he simply changed the subject and made small talk. She was completely flustered but didn't call him on it.

He had the song, "Love in an Elevator" stuck in his head for the rest of the afternoon. He didn't even realize he'd been humming aloud, apparently for some time, until she yelled at him to knock it off. It appeared he was distracting her from whatever important thing she was working on.

He's going to make it crystal clear - one sign from her is all it's going to take to end their waiting game from hell. She already knows he loves her, therefore, she knows he wants more than just sex from her. His motives are pure...as the driven snow. Well, sort of. Who's kidding whom?

They were having lunch. Burgers at Remys…

He reached out to wipe a spot of ketchup off her lip with his napkin. He took his time about it too. She stared at him like he was crazy, but he didn't let it faze him. He just kept up the conversation as though it was no big deal. She allowed him to get away with it but she looked very confused. She's lucky he didn't lick it off her.

He's been bringing her breakfast each day in addition to her regular morning coffee. He makes sure he buys lunch. He's been a ten on the charm scale, and he's killing her with charisma. Add that to a few extra corny jokes thrown in here and there to make her laugh, a couple of silly magic tricks and we have liftoff.

They were alone in the break room…

He complimented her on our outfit. She looked too hot not to. Before he walked out he added he always thinks she looks beautiful. He believes he left her blushing and speechless. He thinks it a shame that she's seemingly surprised by any of his comments. He can't wait till he's able to tell her how he really sees her.

He's been walking a fine line to keep from flat out wooing her.

He stepped it up a notch towards the latter end of the week. He's letting her see what she does to him. He stood a little closer, sat a little closer, got right inside her personal safety circle more than a few times. He's been more attentive to her needs. He helps her on with her coat. He's been dressing to impress.

He's imagining them in all sorts of non-innocent positions and sometimes he thinks he can feel her reading his mind. So sue him. He's a man.

She was in the break room getting more coffee….

Everyone but the two of them had gone for the night and she was refilling what was probably her tenth cappuccino for the day. He can be pretty stealthy when he wants to, so she didn't hear him come in. He snuck up behind her and murmured in her ear something about how too much coffee is bad for you and how she should take better care of that body - emphasis on "body". She may have wanted to smack him but her body had different ideas. He felt her shiver. She still hadn't turned around so with her back still to his chest, he carefully reached around her and grabbed a sugar packet he now had to pretend to need. Then he disappeared back to the main room, not giving her time to respond.

The biggest difference is he makes sure to touch her whenever he thinks he can get away with it. It doesn't matter if they're alone or not either, because he makes it all appear completely innocent. No one else is the wiser. He wouldn't want to embarrass her. He's been bold, yet cautious – dangerous, yet smooth. He plans to keep up this routine until she either yells, shoots, or jumps him.

There may have been a couple of close calls on the shooting thing.

Still, his outlook remains hopeful. She may not realize it, but he believes she's been smiling at him a lot more lately. He's keeping her somewhat flustered, a little intrigued, a bit surprised, and a tad confused. There may have also been times she's appeared slightly suspicious, but it's nothing he can't handle.

They were headed to speak with a family member of the victim from their latest case….

They were outside on their way to her car. It was chilly out and he noticed her scarf hanging untied around her neck, her jacket not fully zipped up. He stopped her on the sidewalk, completed the zipping and tied the scarf for her, making sure to slide his fingers along her neck as he did it. He got right up in her space still holding on to the ends of her scarf. She didn't pull away.

He looked up to find her watching him, trying to figure out his angle…so suspicious, his Kate. He couldn't help but smile gently at her and to his surprise she smiled back. He tried to read her expression. She looked… the word "intrigued" comes to mind. Should he kiss her? Would she let him? She was almost daring him to. He certainly wanted to. They both froze and he quickly dropped the ends of her scarf, when Esposito and Ryan called out to them. Oh… so close. They quickly added space between them and tried not to look too guilty.

Come Friday night he didn't pressure her to hang out with him over the weekend and he told her he would see her Monday. He wanted to give her a chance to let it all sink in. Let her ponder, dare he say, even miss him a little. He would have loved to have spent time with her, away from work, but he couldn't rush this any more than he already had. It was too important he do this right. What was needed here was a little finesse. So he spent a nice quiet weekend at home with Alexis instead, and although his fingers were itching to call her, he held off.

All in all, looking back, it was a good week.

He gives her a week more, tops, before she finally snaps. Either she hasn't caught on fully yet, or she has, but she's on the fence about what to do with him. Either way, as previously noted, she hasn't killed him yet so he takes it as a good sign. It won't be long now before those damn walls tumble, for he is, Rick Castle – Man of Action.

Kate's voice snaps him back to reality and away from his daydreaming. He tries to pay attention, he really does. She's talking with Esposito who is now at her desk dropping off some papers. They share a few words, Esposito "Dudes?" him, asks if he's alright, then gives him the once-over, smirks, and shakes his head, before walking off to find Ryan.

He continues to nod dumbly to Esposito's retreating back, and congratulates himself for covering so smoothly. He turns to Beckett, finds her still eyeballing him, and silently asking if he's sure he's ok. He attempts to flash her a disarming smile then pretends to care about checking his phone messages. Well, so much for suave. She's suspicious, he can tell, but after a few more seconds go by, she appears satisfied he doesn't have brain damage so she resumes working again, typing away intently on her computer, basically ignoring him. He makes a big show of pretending to play on his phone but he goes back to watching her.

A heavy sigh escapes him.

This is all very frustrating. He wants to sweep her off her feet. He wants to woo her. He wants romantic dates and passionate embraces. She deserves that. They both do. Is that so wrong? He wants to be allowed to tell her how much he desires, loves, and adores her. Why do things have to be so complicated?

They were sitting next to each other, very closely, in a private office at the precinct going over financials on one of their suspects…

It was just the two of them. She had her head buried deep in a report. He stole a glance when he thought she wasn't looking. He found it fascinating that someone who looked so sophisticated one day could look so adorable the next. Before he could stop himself he had given her ponytail a gentle, little tug.

She shot to attention as though he had burned her. She asked him what the hell he did that for, to which he replied nonchalantly "because now he could say he'd officially pulled her pigtails. Plus, he'd secretly always wanted to." Then he changed the subject, ignoring the perfect "o" her mouth formed. He's catalogues this away as her surprise face. She told him to knock it off and went back to her report, but not before he caught her fighting off a grin.

It was another small victory... No shots were fired, and he could swear another brick could be heard falling in the distance.

He's in love with her. They shouldn't have to wait any more.

Her fears make no sense to him anymore. Why can't they be in a relationship while they work through her issues? Why do they have to wait? Why can't they do it together? Hasn't history already proven they're stronger as partners? Doesn't she understand he isn't going anywhere and he's in it for the long haul? Ladies and Gentlemen, the time for denial is no more.

Done internally stamping his feet, he resolves to continue chipping away at The Great Wall of Beckett, one day at a time or one brick at a time – same difference. Of course, he toys with the fact that a rocket launcher blowing the crap out of said wall would be far more effective. Plus, cool munitions aside, even with all his contacts, he doesn't know anyone that actually has a rocket launcher.

It isn't easy but he's glad he chose to pursue her. She's worth it, although, first he had to come to terms with the fact that she did indeed lie to him. She'd heard him declare his undying love, yet she pretended not to remember. I mean really, what the hell? He had some wounds to lick over that. He tried to put himself in her shoes. He understood all she'd been through, but he couldn't deny it didn't hurt like hell that she felt she'd had to lie to him.

His pride may have been wounded but still, he loves her, and that isn't going to change. He's made up his mind that someday he's going to convince her to marry him. They say the third time's a charm. She's the mother of his future children, so how can he not forgive her? Once the dust settles they're going to have a long talk about full disclosure. She needs to know he won't be lied to and she needs to believe she can trust him with anything. Even if it might be something he doesn't want to hear. Kate, Kate, Kate, he thinks, shaking his head. What am I going to do with you?

What he'd really love to do is drag her to relationship counseling. Can you do that with someone you're not actually in a relationship with yet? Yeah, she'd go in kicking and screaming but at least she'd have to talk about it. For a man who is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it, this whole waiting thing can really suck.

He thinks their whole relationship would be much easier if Kate would just let him make all the decisions. Of course, he whisks that thought safely away to the compartment within his brain marked, "Things You Never Say to a Woman".

He needs to get her alone, where no one can interrupt them. No bodies dropping, no General Gates, no distractions. Somewhere she can't hide from him, where she'll have no choice but to listen to reason, to see the logic of their being together – now. He wants to help her, not stand by and watch her, deal with her inner turmoil. They should work through it together.

He almost lost her. He doesn't want to waste another minute.

They were conducting an interview at the precinct…

Their suspect was a knock-out. There was no denying it. Every male head - and some of the women's - turned as she walked by. She was pretty, well-endowed, and carried herself with an air of self-confidence. Back in the day, she would have been exactly what he was looking for - back in the day.

She didn't even break a sweat at all the questions Beckett was throwing at her and the interview was going nowhere, fast. The woman was definitely hiding something, but he wasn't convinced she was the killer. He could see Beckett becoming more and more frustrated.

All her frustration may have had something to do, at least in part, with the fact that the woman was blatantly hitting on him. He'd like to point out, that this was, in no way, his fault! He did nothing to encourage her! The woman was a man-eater. And, Kate can deny it all she wants, but she was positively, oozing jealousy.

Yet, all he could think about was how hot, jealous Beckett looked in full interrogation mode. No contest... Beckett wins, hands down - every time. He's so whipped.

She looks up at him and smiles, interrupting his reverie. He smiles back brightly expecting he probably looks a little dorky but he can't help himself. She tilts her head slightly as if to ask why he's still staring and smiling at her like a love sick teen. She's wondering what he's up to.

Instead of telling her he wants to lick her neck, he maintains eye contact and suavely asks if she wants to grab a bite to eat with him later, he's starving. He pretends he just thought of it, but in fact, he was planning on asking her from the get go this morning. Wining and dining – all part of the plan... He's hungry all right but not for food and she's on this evening's menu.

He tells her it's his job to ensure she eats properly. A quiet little dinner for two at the Old Haunt after they wrap things up at the precinct, he says enticingly. Sounds innocent enough… but will she bite? He can only hope.

Two raised eyebrows and a head tilt later, she smiles, thanks him for the offer, but tells him she's already made plans for a girls' night out tonight with Lanie so she'll have to take a rain check. This news is a bit of a let-down and he attempts, poorly, not to mope.

She rises from her seat and grabs her coffee cup to get a refill, then grabs his. Um, coffee cup, that is. Then with a strangely, predatory look about her, asks him if he wants more. Her eyes are locked on his and something about the way she says it makes him swallow hard. Well, he thinks…if that isn't the understatement of the year, he doesn't know what is. He realizes she's waiting for an answer.

He could be imagining things but he thinks he hears a brick drop. There's a huge lump in his throat so he nods dumbly in the affirmative, his ability to speak having apparently left the building. She walks away with a sway to her hips that should be illegal. His eyes follow her as she leaves the room. To his credit, he doesn't fall out of his chair. There's no way he imagined that…Interesting.

He prays he's reading her right, but then starts to second guess himself. What if he's not reading her right at all and he's just imaging things. What if he's thinking with little, well not so little Castle, instead of his head? He's not a hundred percent sure. One wrong move and he could blow his carefully laid plans.

She's back with their coffee and as she hands his to him, their fingers touch briefly. One touch is all it takes to re-ignite his desire. He was really trying hard to be in charge here, but she's not making it easy. Her eyes are piercing his. He covers with a joke that it's about time -her bringing him coffee for a change. She tells him not to let it be said that she doesn't give as good as she gets, then she sits down and returns to her paperwork. He wonders what the hell just happened.

About a half hour goes by when he decides a trip to the restroom is in order. When he gets back, he sits back down and starts playing with the elephants on her desk. Much as he's tried not to, he's moping again. He really wanted to spend time with her tonight.

She tells him to stop moping, Lanie just called her and something came up, so they decided to do girls night out tomorrow night instead. She tells him they can go to dinner together after all. He can't contain his happiness over this. It's written all over his face, although he expresses somewhat false concern over Lanie cancelling. She assures him it's nothing to worry about. He wasn't about to argue.

They decided to grab dinner and drinks at the Old Haunt.

They had finished dinner when a slow song came on, thanks to him telling their waitress privately to play a few. It pays to be the boss. There were a few couples already on the small dance floor when he asked her if she wanted to dance.

He was shocked when she actually said yes, but not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, he quickly grabbed her hand, pulled her up from her seat and ushered her to the dance floor before she could change her mind. He knew there was nothing like slow dancing to break down a barricade – or two. No one paid them any mind as they made their way to the dance floor.

He held her a respectable distance for about a nanosecond before he pulled her closer to him. Too close for it to be considered anywhere near innocent, this he knew, but he was feeling reckless. She does that to him. To his surprise, she didn't try to add more space between them, nor did she seem to care who was watching. And if her racing heartbeat was anything to go by, he would have to say she didn't object at all.

They fit together perfectly.

They danced for awhile and then completely unexpected, she brought her arms up around his neck, her cheek to his. The first touch, of skin to skin, was electric. His body was humming. He could smell her shampoo. She was soft and warm, and he was warmer. Unfortunately, the heat caused his dance steps to falter a bit and he heard her chuckle. She knew exactly what she was doing to him. It took all he had to remain focused.

She was intoxicating, she was driving him crazy, and he wanted her bad. Her damn cherry body wash assaulted his senses and he decided right then and there, she uses it on purpose to torture him. He was seconds away from dragging her to his office. But would she let him? Did he hear bricks falling? He listened closely for them, but the music in the bar was pretty loud. He wasn't sure…

Abruptly, the song ended, the music changed to something lively and clearly inappropriate for their current dance position. He ignored it and kept them pressed closely together on the dance floor as though the slow song was still playing. He had to see her eyes. He separated from her slightly and risked it. He forced her to look at him.

What he saw in the green eyes he loved so much was desire. She wanted him. But there was something else too. There was something else there he didn't recognize, but he couldn't put a label on it. He spoke her name but she didn't answer. And she couldn't hold his gaze. He would swear it was almost like what he saw was …like it was… mirth? And then… fear, maybe?

Before he had a chance to question her, she turned away, releasing herself from his embrace. Then she practically sprinted back to their table, grabbed her purse and headed in the direction of the ladies room.

He watched from the dance floor, immobile, and wondered what the hell had just happened?

He shakes his head and wishes he could figure her out. What he needs is a Kate Beckett reference guide to refer to. Someone should really write a book about her…

A/N: To those of you that read it the first time, I hope you found it improved. Please review if you have a minute! I would love to hear if you liked it at all.