Page 20 of No Fear

“So, did Donnie still look hot?” Maddie grinned.

Charlie rolled her eyes, reluctantly admitting, “Ridiculously hot.”

“Oh, man. I think I might have to go and take a look for myself.”

“Maddie! You’re a married woman!” she teased.

“Yep. But looking doesn’t hurt anyone.”

Chapter Five

Donnie didn’t sleep well. Memories of Nate, high school, and Charlie kept his mind on overdrive. He couldn’t go back in time and change what happened, but he needed to make things right with Charlie. She was getting married, and he would be going back to Coronado. Their lives were not going to be entwined, but his dad was right. They had both loved Nate.

His phone buzzed and he picked it up off the bedside table, seeing a message from Steve.

Steve: Yankees got lucky last night. Don’t get used to it. How’s home treating you?

Donnie: Not lucky, Yankees are just more skilled! Made my mom’s day. It’s been good to catch up. Why you up so early, it’s 0400 there?

Steve: Skilled my ass! Diane wanted a tea. Caught up with any high school sweethearts?

Donnie shook his head. If only Steve knew.

Donnie: It’s been a long time since high school. Everyone has moved on. Is Diane OK?

Steve: She’s great. Baby is kicking, keeping her awake. We’ve been working on the nursery.

Donnie: Awesome. Can’t wait to see it. Boys all good?

Steve: Yeah. Dex mentioned somethings brewing. Might be traveling next week. Be prepared.

Donnie: Good to know. Thx. I’ll see you when I get back.

Steve: You bet.

Donnie looked around his bedroom. He’d been gone a decade, but it still looked the same. Football posters on the wall. His awards and trophies displayed on the dresser. A snapshot of his youth. Each time he visited, he offered to pack up his things, but his mom refused to let him. She said his room would always be there for him, and she liked seeing his things in there. He felt like he was in someone else's room. He wasn’t that carefree high school football player anymore.

It was just after seven. Normally he would have been up two hours by now and in the middle of PT. He might be on downtime, but the routine was imprinted on his brain. He could use a run. Climbing out of bed, he grabbed a pair of shorts and a tank from his duffel and slipped them on. Picking up his runners, he quietly walked to the kitchen and wrote a quick note.

He stretched on the front drive and then started off in a jog. It had been a long time since he’d run around this neighborhood. As if on autopilot, he ran toward the high school. He stopped and stared at the familiar building. Not much had changed. There were a few portables now. Not surprising since more and more houses were being built. He jogged down the side to the football field. The team were having an early morning practice.

He watched them, seeing himself and Nate on the field. Nate laughing and busting Donnie’s balls when he missed a play. Shaking the memory away, he set off again, picking up the pace. Before he knew it, he reached Nate’s street. He slowed to a walk as he approached the house. He stared at the red brick two-story, recalling all the times he’d been inside. Sleepovers. Barbecues in the back yard. Birthday parties. That night with Charlie.

He considered knocking on the door, but it was before eight. Better to come by later, showered and dressed properly.

Jogging down the street, he spotted a woman on the opposite side. Was that Charlie? He slowed his pace. Fuck, it was her. She wore a pair of sweats with a hoodie, had on shades, and carried a small backpack. He crossed the road and stopped a few feet away.

“Charlie?” She looked up. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. Excuse me. I need to get home.”

Her brow was furrowed, and her skin looked a little pale.

“Few drinks last night?” He asked with a hint of amusement, trying not to let his eyes stray to her chest, where the hoodie was snug over her magnificent breasts that he remembered so well. As if reading his mind, she folded her arms.

“So what if I did? It’s none of your business.”

“No. But I don’t like to see any woman walking alone when they’re unsteady on their feet,” he said honestly.