Page 29 of No Fear

Maddie: No. But we did talk. You should speak to him.

Charlie: Why? What’s the point?

Maddie: What happened was a long time ago. You both loved Nate.

Charlie: Time doesn’t excuse what he did.

Maddie. I’m not saying it does. But I think maybe there’s more to it and I think Nate would want you to hear him out.

Charlie: Really? I think Nate would have kicked his ass for leaving like he did.

Maddie: OK. You’re right. He would. But I also think he would have calmed down and given him a chance to explain. Nate loved you both.

Charlie eyes filled. Talking about Nate was never easy. Her phone rang.

“I’m sorry if I upset you,” Maddie said.

“Can you see through the phone or something?”

“You’re my best friend. I just know.”

“Was he really upset?” She sniffed, grabbing a tissue.

“Yes. I was mad at him, but you know what? He took it. Didn't try and make excuses. He knows he did you wrong. I think he’s genuinely sorry and just wanted a chance to really tell you that.”

“I’m not sure I can.”

“You don't have to talk to him, but maybe it would be good to put the past to rest properly. Even before that night, you guys were close. The three of you were. You forgave him a long time ago. Perhaps the two of you seeing each other was meant to be. Clean slate.”

“I’ll think about it. It was a shock seeing him. I might have forgiven him, but it still hurts.”

“I know. I also know you’ve missed him. Despite what happened.”

She had missed him. He had been a big part of her life growing up. Charlie heard crying in the background.

“Shit. Rosys awake. I’ve got to go.”

“Of course. Go.”

“I love you, Charlie. Promise me you’ll relax and enjoy this weekend. You deserve it.”

“I will. I love you, too.”

Charlie lay her head back on the pillow, closing her eyes. An image appeared of Donnie, bare chested and mowing the lawn. Damn, the man was beautiful. He’d been hot in high school, but ten years had given him a look of maturity and confidence that made him even more attractive. The slight beard gave him a ruggedness that was incredibly sexy. She could still feel his lips on hers, his tongue, his hands on her face, her breast. Realizing she was getting hot thinking about him, she opened her eyes and picked up her book. She was marrying Simon and not meant to be thinking about anyone else. The problem was Simon had never made her feel that way.

Chapter Seven

Donnie parked and was making his way up to the Royal York hotel when his phone rang. Shit. If his team leader was calling during downtime, it wasn't going to be good news.

“Hey, boss.”

“How’s the home visit going?”

“Good. What’s up?”

“We’re getting called in.”

Fuck. It happened in their work. The bad guys didn't exactly wait around for them to finish their vacation. This time, he really needed these next couple of days. Who knew when he’d get another chance to talk to Charlie.