Open Case File [COMPLETED]

A Challenge

Because why not and who said I can't and is there anyone to stop me? NO! So ha!

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Carter stepped back from the mirror, scrutinizing herself. She scowled and cocked her head, uncertain. From beyond her closed bathroom door, she heard a quick knock on her apartment door followed by the click of the lock turning. The scowl vanished as Carter smiled softly. Even with having his own key, Donovan always knocked, letting her know he was coming in.

"Carter," Donovan called out. "Are you okay? Your message said you needed help."

"I'll be out in a second."

Carter tied up her hair and stared at her reflection for another moment. Shaking her head, she opened the door and strode into her studio apartment. Facing Donovan, she put her hands on her hips.

"Does this outfit make me look fat?" she asked.

Donovan eyed her. "Yeah, it does."

He stepped closer, inspecting her intensely. "How did you manage that?"

Carter let out a sigh of relief. "Wide-legged slacks and a shirt that's too big. With it tucked in it makes it billow at the top."

Still staring at her, Donovan poked at the puffed-out shirt and watched as it folded in on itself.

"Is there a reason you're going to such lengths to hide your size?" he asked. "If it's to be less distracting to me, that won't work."

She laughed and pushed him aside, moving to her small kitchen and pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"No, it's because Bryce Adams is looking for someone to replace the agent going undercover with him at some political event tomorrow. He's going to choose from my team and one, I don't want to go. And two, he's known as a womanizer. I figure the less attractive I look the less likely I am to be chosen."

"I think I've heard of him," Donovan said. He nodded, scanning Carter again with a more understanding and critical eye. "I think this should do the trick. Is that what you needed my help on?"

"Yes." She smiled at him. "But it also means you have the pleasure of driving me to work."

"I could always drive you to work," Donovan said.

"But your travel time would be almost an hour longer with traffic and having to cross town to get to me. Not worth it."

Donovan placed one hand on the counter beside her, staring at her intently.

"You're worth it," he said.

Carter sipped her coffee then shook her head. "No. It's not efficient. You'd end up tiring out faster and that would eventually affect our relationship."

"True. At least for today, I get to drive you."

Carter quickly finished getting ready and Donovan took her hand, leading her out of the apartment. Neither of them felt the need to fill the silence as they drove, content to keep to their own thoughts. Though as Donovan glanced at Carter for the fifth time in a matter of minutes, she realized she had to deal with his thoughts.

"You need to stop worrying," she said.

"What?"

Carter continued to peer out the window. "You're stressing about Bryce Adams and you really shouldn't be."

"I know," Donovan said. "I'm not."

"It's not good to lie to your girlfriend, she might think you don't trust her."