Caskett, K+, approx 700 words. 

For Kate Beckett, there’s a big difference between ‘single’ and ‘available’.

Unfortunately, not everyone seemed able to grasp the concept.

It had been a while since she’d had to reject a man’s advances.

Despite being single, she apparently gave off what Lanie– in her usual tasteful way– often described as a “I’m-so-taken-that-you’d-have-better-luck-with-your-own-mother” vibe; though, personally, Beckett  preferred to attribute her singleness to the fact that she simply lacked the time to pursue a proper personal life, and as such restricted any potential romantic opportunities. 

Lanie had a few words to describe that theory too.

But, either way­– ‘vibe’ or not– it was clearly and uncomfortably apparent that the handsome blonde stranger before her simply wasn’t tuning in.

As the man– Jake?  Was that his name? She hadn’t really paid attention– shifted slightly closer, complimenting her dress with what he likely thought was a charming smile, Beckett simply smiled politely back and thanked him, all the while searching for a tactful way to rid herself of the man while leaving both his pride and his– clearly inflated– ego intact. 

Silently wondering if excusing herself to use the bathroom would be a little too cliché, Beckett kept up the polite small talk, sending a surreptitious glance around the room for signs of Lanie, one of the boys, or best of all, Castle.  If Castle had been with her, this problematic situation simply wouldn’t exist; with him at her side– as he almost always was– it was rare for any other man to dare approach her, and rarer still for them to flirt as openly as blonde Jake was currently doing. 

Fixing her eyes back on her hopeful suitor, Beckett smiled, forcing herself to listen to whatever boastful story Jake was currently regaling her with.  Despite her efforts at polite attention, her thoughts soon returned to Castle, wondering where he had gone, and what he was doing right now.

Her answer came barely ten seconds later, as Castle suddenly appeared beside her, one hand resting lightly on the small of her back as he handed her a flute of champagne with the other.

Looking up at him as she took the glass, Beckett let her gratitude show in her eyes, her mouth curving slightly in silent thanks.  For a moment Castle’s eyes met hers, warm and knowing, before he turned slightly to address her companion.

“Hi, I’m Rick Castle,” he said casually, holding out a hand to Jake– the other remained steady against her lower back– and smiling in a friendly way as he added, “Kate’s partner.”

“Great to meet you, Rick,” the blonde man said politely, dutifully shaking the proffered hand.  Then, retrieving his hand from the larger man’s firm grip, he cleared his throat slightly before favouring them both with a smile.

“Well, I’d best get going, still much meeting and greeting to be done.  Have a great night, both of you.”

“You too,” they answered together, watching as Jake made his escape, moving smoothly but quickly through the crowd, putting plenty of space between them. 

Castle’s hand lingered at her back a little longer, then dropped slowly back to his side as she turned slightly to meet his eyes, one eyebrow slightly raised as she sipped at her champagne.

“What?” he asked, his mouth twitching almost imperceptibly.  “What did I say?”

Pretty much that I was yours and that you’d tear apart any man who even thought about coming near me, she thought, only not in so many words.

Smiling slightly, Beckett simply shook her head.  “Nothing.”

For a minute they simply stood together in a companionable silence, sipping their champagne as they looked out over the crowded dance floor, watching the slowly swaying couples and letting their thoughts wander.  Beckett’s thoughts were certainly wandering in a very specific direction; every now and then Castle’s elbow would brush hers, the contact sending a delicious shiver across her bare skin, and she couldn’t help but imagine his touch having the same effect in certain… other… areas of her body, proving that his hands were skilled at much more than just typing.

Suppressing another shiver, Beckett took a slow, steadying breath, putting her glass down on the table beside her.  Then, turning towards him, she laid a hand on his arm before gently taking his glass and placing it beside her own.  Meeting his questioning gaze, she simply smiled, and slipped her hand into his.

“Come on, Partner.  Dance with me.”

 ~