Consummation

It was wrong; they both knew this. Not their feelings for each other, which both had hidden for so long until a single shared glance undid them. It was simply circumstances. There was too much that separated them; he had too many complications in his life to give her the attention she deserve. Besides, she was only supposed to be around him for work.

Still, they came together. Hands caressed, lips whispered and kissed, and all was forgotten but each other.

He whispered to her as she drifted off. "Good night, Karen. I love you."

She smiled. "Same here, Chief."