What if?

Chapter Ten

--A/N- Sorry it's been a long time since my last update. My school had finals that I had to study for and dedicate my time to that. But now finals are over so I will have more time to write. Thank you all my lovely readers!!--

Kate wavered a moment before opening the door. Rick walked in.

"Kate I- uh," He faltered when he saw Lanie.

"Don't worry. I was just leaving." Lanie grabbed her coat and walked to the door. "I'll leave this here for you for later." Lanie whispered in Kate's ear as she passed by and set down the wine.

Kate watched Lanie leave. As soon as she was gone, Kate turned on Rick. "What are you doing here, Rick?" Kate glared daggers at him.

"Can I explain myself? Kate, I'm sorry I acted like a complete ass clown at your precinct. I was a little drunk and not thinking clearly." Rick appologized.

"The hell you weren't!" Kate spat. "You came into my precinct acting like you are the king of the damn world! What even happened to you? Where did you go?"

"I, uh, met a woman. Gina. We married."

"Yeah, I know." Kate said and remembered the artical she found in tha paper once about Rick's wedding.

"We divorced."

Kate sighed. "I'm sorry."

Rick rocked back and forth on his heels and looked around Kate's small appartment. "Yeah. I came back and tried to find you. I saw you at one of my book signings. I came out at the end and looked around for you. I hoped you'd be waiting for me like you used to."

Kate looked at her feet. She had been waiting outside the book signing event. Just not for Rick.

"You and another guy were outside eating ice cream and laughing. The guy from the precinct. What was his name?"

"Javier." Kate whispered. "Rick, I think it's best you leave now."

"Kate wait-"

"Go. Please, Rick."

"Kate I- Please. You have feelings for me still. I can see that in your eyes.

Kate's sadness started to turn to anger. "You're damn right I have feelings still. Anger and resentment. How could you lead me on like that and then just leave? There were no warnings or goodbye's. Then you show up here and think that we can start where we left off? No. We can't." Kate spat at him. Shock registered in Rick's eyes. And a bit of pain.

"Oh. Goodbye, Kate." Rick turned and said dejectedly. Kate's heart ached seeing him so sad. She was about to appologize when Rick turned and pressed his lips onto Kate's. She froze and her heart started to beat estatically. Rick's lips parted from hers and Kate looked into his oceanic, deep blue eyes.

"You shouldn't have done that." Kate whispered, not trusting her voice enough to speak any louder. Rick looked at her a moment longer before turning and leaving. Kate leaned breathlessly against the door frame. Her lips tingled with an icy sensation. She was tempted to run after Rick and return the kiss but her legs wouldn't move.

Instead she called out, "Castle! Maybe we could get coffee some time and catch up? He stopped. Finally turning around, he smiled and replied.

"Yes. I would like that."