Just a Kiss

Chapter 2: The Next Day

Apartment of

Detective Amanda Rollins

355 West 117th Street

New York, NY

January 4, 2020

3:00 AM

A sleeping Amanda stirs in her own bed in New York City, continuing to enjoy her lovely dream about none other than Dominick Carisi Jr., her partner in crime and best friend. She'd been dreaming about him a lot lately, but this time she finally got to kiss him!

Dream Continued:

Amanda's Motel Room

Maysville, WV

November 22, 2017

The next morning, Amanda awakens with a smile, satisfied with her decision to let Dominick know of her interest, but not risk spoiling the good thing they already have going. Besides, a part of her kind of wanted to leave him wanting more.

Considering the motel was a dump, Amanda actually slept pretty well. Once packed and dressed, she puts on a touch of makeup and makes sure her hair is just right. Just as she's checking herself in the mirror one final time, there's a knock at the door. He's here! Amanda opens the door to see Dominick with a shy smile and a tray with coffee and pastries.

"Hey Rollins."

"Hey."

"Light and sweet," Dominick says as he hands her a cup of coffee, just the way she likes it.

"Thanks," Amanda says with a smile.

"You got everything?"

"Yep. Just my purse and overnight bag."

Picking up Heather Parcell was much easier than they expected since she had always wanted to see New York City. On the ride home, Amanda and Dominick are mostly quiet, mainly because they don't want to talk about their good time last night in the presence of a stranger, let alone a suspect. So, they just talk about everyday things, but do steal a glance or two here and there.

"So Carisi, are your parents hosting Thanksgiving?"

"Actually, we'll all be up in the mountains upstate this year."

"Oh, that'll be nice."

"Yeah. Gina's bringin' her new boyfriend who she SWEARS is "the one" this time, but I guess we'll see how that goes." Amanda chuckles. "How about you, Rollins?"

"Sounds like fun. Friendsgiving's a popular thing these days."

"Yeah, especially when one's family is so messed up. Like mine."

"Hey, family is what ya make it. Whoever loves and accepts you, right?"

"Right."

Amanda would have loved to have spent Thanksgiving with his family, but she figured it would be too big a leap just one day after their first kiss.

After arriving back at the 1-6, Amanda and Dominick become so busy with the case that they don't get a chance to talk again before he has to head upstate. He calls her from his truck around 4 pm. She was just finishing up the last of the DD5s before going home early for the holiday when her phone rang. Her heart fluttered when she saw the name Carisi on it.

-Hey!

-Hey Rollins! Look ah, about that kiss. I hope I didn't overstep or anythin'. Cus if I did, I...

-No, not at all. We both went for it, Carisi. It felt...really good, actually.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-Honestly, I liked it too, but I don't wanna risk compromisin' us as friends and partners ya know?

-No of course not. I wouldn't want that either. I also don't want anyone to find out about last night.

-Rollins, what happened last night is no one's business but ours.

-Ok good. This is all just so new for me, and I don't know what to do with it.

-How about if we just take things one day at a time and...and see what happens? We don't have to say anything to anyone yet. No promises, no commitments, no strings attached.

-Sounds good to me.

-Have a great Thanksgiving, Rollins.

-You too, Carisi. Drive safe and text me when you get there.

-I will.

Dominick texts her around 7 pm that night.

D: Made it!

A: Thanks for letting me know.

D: What are u up to tonight?

A: Avoiding holiday traffic like the plague while eating frozen pizza and watching "Frozen" the movie with Jesse.

D: Haha, good idea. Jesse still up?

A: She's getting tired, I'm about to put her to bed. Movie's almost over. How about you? Any big family traditions on Thanksgiving Eve?

D: Not really. Tonight will be pretty laid back, just all of us doin' our own thing. Ma's doing some last-minute baking for tomorrow.

A: Sounds nice.

D: Well, I should get going. Just wanted u to know I arrived safely and to check in with my Rollins girls (in the privacy of my own bedroom of course) before my sisters come looking for me and demand to know who I'm secretly texting.

A: Haha, ok. Have a good night, Dominick. 😊

D: Sweet dreams, Amanda. 😊

With that, Amanda blew a kiss to her phone and smiled.