Page 114 of The System

“Yes. So are you. And careers matter – I’m a woman who’s always put hers first – but I don’t want you to have to do anything you’d be uncomfortable with.”

“Then, start by telling me how much trouble you’re really in. Stop distracting me and don’t lie. Is the DA thing even still on the table? Did I ruin this for you?”

“No, babe,” she said, slipping a hand under Kieran’s shirt. “Nothing’s ruined. I was told to work from home the rest of this week, and Jason is going to decide what to do with me after that.”

“What to do with you?” Kieran asked. “What’s that mean?”

“There might be a suspension, but I doubt it.”

“Carina! Babe!”

Carina smiled at the term of endearment; a first from Kieran.

“He won’t suspend me, okay? It’ll blow over. I just need to leave Kevin alone and not show my face for a few days. I’ll have to back off the case, too, so it does mean I won’t get any insider information for you.”

“Good. You’ve done enough,” Kieran said.

“Have I, though?” she teased and moved her hand up higher to cup Kieran’s breast over her bra.

“Are you trying to have sex right now?”

“What did you think I was trying to do? I took off my jacket and climbed on top of you. Pretty clear signal.”

“I thought you wanted to cuddle or something.”

“Cuddle? My hand is on your boob, Kieran.”

“You had a shitty day, and you want to have sex?”

“I’m feeling better about my shitty day already.” Carina leaned down. “Besides, you had good news, so we should celebrate.”

“Frank said it probably isn’t enough. She wasn’t on camera for the entire–”

“No, it’s good news. It might not be perfect, but it’s still good news, and we’re celebrating.” Carina kissed her sweetly once and pulled away. “Is that okay?”

“Yeah, it’s… It’s good, I think.”

Carina moved to straddle her and unbuttoned her shirt as Kieran watched. When she finished, she untucked it from her pants and tossed it onto the floor. Kieran didn’t move but kept watching. Her eyes fell to Carina’s chest as Carina removed her bra.

“Do you want to take this to the bedroom?” Kieran asked.

“No, I’m good here,” she replied.

Kieran smiled up at her and reached for Carina’s belt, which she undid, leaving Carina with the button and zipper. Seconds later, Carina was standing, removing the remainder of her clothing.

“Wait. Just… hold on,” Kieran said and sat up, pulling Carina against her.

She kissed her stomach and let her hands roam over Carina’s body.

“This day just keeps getting better and better.”

“Can we continue with that trend?” Kieran kissed her stomach again while she placed both hands on the inside of Carina’s thighs and gave a little push.

“I thought that was the plan, babe.”

Kieran rested her chin on Carina’s stomach, looking up into Carina’s eyes, and said, “I want to do something I haven’t done yet.”

“Yeah?”

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