Thanks to Sandy for going over this. My native language ISN'T English so it was good to have someone straighten it all out. So this is my first Castle Fanfic I publish. I hope you enjoy. Oh, btw. Castle and Beckett belong to the ABC. Sadly not to me.

Another poker game at Castle's ended. At the table were Ryan, Esposito, Captain Montgomery, and Castle. And to his left of course Kate Beckett, who once more was the winner of the evening.

"Well played Detective," Castle commented. His mock-ish tone made her wonder if he once again had decided on letting her win. But then she realized she was too tired to care. The evening had gotten late, it was shortly after midnight. She stretched and moved her head from side to side, flinching because she felt a pain between her shoulders. She rubbed her neck absent-mindedly while the people around her were getting up and starting to leave.

"It's a shame, really, that the only girl around always beats us that high." Esposito claimed.

Ryan chimed in. "Yeah, I feel you man. So not cool!"

She grinned at them. "I guess I deserve it. But I'm on for a re-match anytime, in case you losers want to earn your money back".

She rose from her seat with a grin and walked off in the direction of the bathroom, massaging her stiff neck with her right hand.

When she came back into the living room she found that everybody was gone. Castle was just starting to clear the table. She went over, smiling, feeling tired but happy. The poker nights with the gang from the Precinct were a regular pastime by now, which they all enjoyed. She helped Castle put away the poker chips and cards and then carried some glasses over to the kitchen area.

She put them into the sink, then again moved her head from side to side, that pressure between her shoulders constantly nagging subconsciously.

Castle stepped behind her.

"Do you have any problems here? I've noticed you stretching and rubbing your neck all evening. C'mon, let me help you."

With that he put his hands on her shoulders and gently started rubbing them, then adding a little more pressure. Before she could even try to protest she was struck by the warm and soothing feeling that spread from her neck throughout her body. All she could do was brace her arms on the counter and let her head sink.

"You needn't do that, you know," she said half-heartedly.

"Yes I know, but maybe I like to." She could literarily hear the smile in his voice, and was somehow glad he didn't break the contact, because it really felt good what he was doing there. Even though she knew that she probably shouldn't encourage him any further in that direction…but she just couldn't help it.

He increased the pressure gradually, his thumbs working small circles on her skin, disappearing into the collar of her blouse now and then.

"This would work better if you were lying down, and without the clothing." Castle stated matter-of-factly.

That made her snap out of her trance and instantly turn around to face him. He was grinning, slightly daring her. She couldn't believe it – was he really suggesting that she lay down half-naked somewhere in front of him just like that?? She blushed slightly at the thought of it.

"Cute trick, Castle. But I think I might turn that offer down." She started to walk back to the living room when he caught her wrist. She turned around, now getting annoyed with him, only to see his face had changed to a really honest and sincere smile.

"Don't be stupid I'm not suggesting a make-out session or something like that. Not that it wouldn't be fun."

At seeing her growing annoyance he added quickly: "I'm sorry. What I wanted to say, my intentions are all noble. I happen to know some things about massage techniques, and I think I can help you – you really need to get something done, your shoulders are very tense and I can imagine how that must be bothering you. All you need to do is lie down and take off your blouse. You could even leave your bra on and I won't look while you get ready."

She cocked an eyebrow at him. Where had he learned about massage techniques? Would she even want to know?? To be truthful, the offer sounded wonderful, having had a little taste of his hands working on her shoulders it was really tempting indeed. But she wasn't sure if he was to be trusted.

"I'm not sure Castle. How do I know that you're not playing some trick on me? Besides, it's already late and I should probably get going."

He gave her his mock pouting face.

"I promise I'm not attempting anything foul here. I just want to help as a friend – besides, if you give me that half hour, you'd just sleep even better afterwards than you would without it. Promise!"

She sighed. "All right Castle. But remember. I'm going to hurt you plenty if you trick me into something."

He grinned with excitement. "Deal!"