Open Case File [COMPLETED]

A Challenge

"Seems so. Though you did great tonight. Everyone took it in stride I was using you to show off to get close to others."

"You are easy to work with," Carter said. "If you ever need me to revive the role, let me know."

"I'll keep that in mind."

They smiled easily at each other and Carter was struck again with the reality of what a good agent he was. He'd won her trust within twenty-four hours. Though it came from his respect and professionalism more than anything else. In that time she'd come to understand what it was about him that made him stand out. He was fully himself without any ego involved. He was a rarity.

As they got closer to the FBI, Carter looked at Bryce.

"There is one thing I'd like to ask," she said.

Bryce motioned for her to go ahead.

"You're secretly married, aren't you?" she said.

At that, Bryce froze, so Carter went on.

"You have this reputation as a womanizer but nothing in your manner aligned with that. You're not cocky like someone with that reputation would be. Your looks are a fact to you, not a weapon to be used against women. You sincerely were concerned for me but didn't make any sign of using the situation to your advantage. I can imagine someone as good-looking as you could be given a reputation without having deserved it. Maybe a few females you turned down or something. Also, there's the fact that I noticed underneath your shirt you wear a ring on a chain."

"You're going to do well in the Bureau, Owens."

"Thank you."

"I would ask you not to tell but that's not something you would do."

"No. It's not my life to share."

Bryce held out his hand and Carter shook it.

"It's been a pleasure."

"Likewise."

At the office, they split ways to write up their reports. Carter finished before Bryce and waved goodnight to him. After a brief stop at wardrobe to return her dress and change back into her clothes, Carter headed home.

When she stepped into her apartment and turned on the lights, she left the door wide open. She dropped her bag on her table and moved to her small kitchen. She searched for something to eat when she heard footsteps in the hallway beyond.

"You left your door open," Donovan said.

"That's because I saw you waiting at the Starbucks at the corner and knew you'd be coming over. You want something to eat, I'm thinking cereal. It's all I have."

Without waiting for his answer, Carter took two bowls down and pulled out the box of cereal. She poured herself some and settled down at her small round table, tucking her legs under her. Donovan watched her and she merely looked back at him.

"I want to apologize for acting irrationally and unprofessionally."

Carter kicked out the chair next to her and Donovan sat.

"You're forgiven," she said.

"You're not mad at me?"

"I was but I realized something." Carter set her bowl down and leaned close to Donovan. "You are an idiot."

At this, Donovan laughed. "Yeah, the last two days have proved that."

Carter cupped his cheek. "But I'm okay with you being an idiot from time to time. It makes you human."

"And you don't want a perfect man?"

Carter pulled him close and kissed him.

"No," she said. "I only ever want you."

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Snickerdoodle!

(That's my biggest fear that one day I'll wake up as a doughnut.
And you'll eat yourself?
Without hesitation.)

Anyways! Tell me what you thought of de chapter! 🗯💭💬

Two facts.

1. This chapter came about because I thought of how Donovan would answer the age old question of: does this make me look fat? And went from there.

2. I started this chapter and then it took me a month to finish. I feel like that shows but hopefully it was still mildly enjoyable.

Now I MET ONE OF MY READERS!!

*plops down and motions you to join*
Story time!

My sister teaches piano out of our house and one day one of her students noticed my book A Royal's Tale on the stairs. (My sister was returning it to me)

The student read the back and asked her mom if she could get the book from the library. My sister explained that it wasn't available and it was actually just my own physical copy. I was happy to led her the whole Loria series and the girl read them in four days.

The next week when they came for lessons my sister asked if I could stop by and say hi to her student. I said yes.

Not going to lie, I don't know who was more shy, the girl or me. Because for me, she knew me only as the author of the books she liked, not as the wacky author in my author's notes.

I feel like it would be such a difference experience if I met one of you, since this my office self is the person you know.

Anyways, it was a cool experience and I sent her home with my hardback copy of A Secret Service which she read in a day. Then I sent her a link to this book.

So Isa is you see this at some point know it was a pleasure meeting you!

End of story time!

Before you leave for greener pastures or other books vote, comment, follow!