Page 12 of No Fear

“Breathe, Charlie.” He smiled that amazing, wide smile that lit up his whole face. “I love our conversations, about real stuff. You speak your mind, you have opinions. You're interested in more than posting photos online and trying to get likes. It’s refreshing, and it makes you even more attractive to me.”

She was still finding it difficult to breathe. No one had ever complimented her like this. “I... then why is it a no?”

He brought his hand up to her face, cupping her cheek, and she almost fainted at his touch.

“Because it’s not the time. I want to get you know you better.”

She frowned. “Donnie, you’ve known me for years.”

“As Nate’s little sister. I want to get to know you as Charlie. But...” He dropped his hand, and she wanted to grab it and put it back.

“But what?”

“You’re Nate’s sister, and he’s my best friend.”

Her stomach dropped.

“So, we have to do this right,” he said, running a hand over his head. “I need to ask Nate.”

“Ask Nate what?”

“If he’s OK if I ask his sister out. That’s if, I mean, if you’d like to?”

Charlie stared at him speechless, not sure if she was more shocked he wanted to go out with her, or that he seemed nervous and unsure if she would say yes.

“Charlie? Do you want to?”

“Sorry. Yes, of course, I would.” She was rewarded with another big smile.

“Good. But Nate has to be cool with it. I won't do it behind his back. You understand that right?”

She nodded. “I can talk to him.”

“No. I will. In the meantime, no having sex with anyone, got it?” he said giving her a grin.

“I promise. No one wants to have sex with me anyway.”

He cupped her face, holding her still. “I do.”

Charlie didn’t move. She had never kissed a boy before and now the boy of her dreams was holding her face.

“Perhaps one kiss won’t hurt before I speak to Nate.”

Oh, God, he wanted to kiss her. What if she messed it up?

“Is it OK if I kiss you?” His face was inches from hers.

She bit her lip nervously, looking at him, then nodded.

“Stop thinking so hard. Relax and follow my lead. I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a while.”

Before she could respond, his lips touched hers, ever so softly. Then he did it again and again. Kissing her top lip, her bottom, the corners of her mouth. She relaxed, closed her eyes and tentatively returned the kiss. His little sounds of encouragement gave her some confidence. She opened her mouth a little and his tongue immediately slid inside. As his tongue explored, she placed her hands on his biceps, his skin warm against hers. Copying his movements, she moved her tongue, letting it entwine with his, tasting him. Oh, Lord, her panties were wet from a deep throbbing between her legs. She’d read about this in romance novels, but nothing had prepared her for the real thing.

All too soon, Donnie gentled the kiss and then pulled back, and she opened her eyes. He was still cupping her face. Then he smiled at her before kissing her forehead.

“That was beautiful.”

“Was I OK? I mean I’m not experienced—”