Page 32 of No Fear

“Oh, shit. Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. It was a long time ago. I lost touch with his sister, and I feel bad. I heard she was here, so as I said, I’m just checking in. It’s long overdue.” He loved Steve and his team, but they didn’t need to know all the details.

“Alright, brother. I’ll let you go get that beauty sleep then. You know where to find me if you need anything.”

“Appreciated. I’ll see you Monday.”

“Copy that.”

Donnie slipped his phone into his pocket. There was just one other couple left in the lounge now. The bartender was tidying up to close down.

“You working tomorrow?” Donnie asked.

“Yes. Same shift. Five till close.”

Donnie downed the rest of his beer then held out his hand. “I’m Donnie. Thanks for your hospitality. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow.”

“Daniel.” He shook his hand. “Have a good time catching up with your friend.”

Donnie made his way to the elevator. His room was on the fifteenth floor. Charlie’s was on the twentieth. He stepped into his room, clearing it quickly. Habit. He was drawn to the window. The view was quite something. The CN Tower shone blue. He wondered if Charlie had the same view. She was a few floors above him, probably sleeping. Or was she? Maybe she was out on the town? No. That wasn’t Charlie. Or was it? Fuck. Who knew what she did these days? Ten years was a long time. Too long.

He lay down on the bed, hands behind his head. She’d looked even more beautiful than he remembered. He’d always loved her curves. It had pissed him off how much she was bullied in school. She used to wear baggy T-shirts with tights or jeans to hide her figure which he didn't understand. There was nothing wrong with that sexy body.

That one night, that kiss, her body in that dress. Her lips so soft, her tongue hesitant. But she’d relaxed and when she kissed him back it had rocked his world. His dick twitched in his jeans even now. Yeah, buddy, I know. He got up, stripped, and stepped into the shower to cool down. It didn’t work.

Closing his eyes, he grabbed his cock, remembering her flushed cheeks, the way she’d moaned into his mouth when he massaged her tit. Goddamn, he had big hands, and it had filled it perfectly. Like they were made for him. He stroked his cock now, not even trying to distract himself. The warm water flowed over his body as he relived every touch, every kiss, every moan she’d made. Moving his hand faster, his muscles tensed, and he braced against the tile. Her in that blue sundress checking him out on his folk’s front lawn. Yeah, he’d seen her eyes rove over his body. He hadn’t said anything because he’d been doing the same to her. Those fucking curves. Those full, pink lips. Even pissed at him, she was goddamn sexy. He jacked harder, imagining those lips around his cock. Fucking hell! He exploded, his breath coming hard and fast.

Jesus Christ. If only Charlie knew how much he still wanted her. Ten years. He’d thought he had it under control, but one look at her and bam! He was a horny fucking teenager again. But she was engaged. Off limits.

He grabbed the soap, washing himself down. He was supposed to be here to apologize and, in a big brother capacity, make sure Simon was treating her right. How the fuck was he supposed to do that when his thoughts of her were anything other than brotherly?

Cursing, he switched off the shower. You’re doing this for Nate. Looking out for his sister was the least he could do considering if he had not canceled their plans that night to make out with Charlie, Nate would still be alive.

***

CHARLIE CHECKED HER cross-body purse, making sure she had her money, credit card, phone and lip gloss. It was almost eight and she was ready to enjoy the city. The sun was shining on this late summer day. She’d chosen a pair of white capris, with an off the shoulder loose pink top that ended at her hips. Her hair was loose, but she grabbed a scrunchie and put it on her wrist, for when she got hot and wanted to put her hair up later. Seated on the chair and putting on her flat sandals, a knock came at the door. Assuming it was housekeeping, she called out.

“Just a minute.”

She slung her purse over her body, grabbed sunglasses, then without bothering to check the peep hole, opened the door and shrieked in surprise.

“Hi, Charlie.”

“I... what are you doing here?” She stared at Donnie standing calmly, smiling at her.

“You missed our talk date, so I came to you,” he said quietly.

He was dressed in navy cargo shorts and a gray polo shirt and looked...delicious. Her heart threatened to beat out of her chest and butterflies danced low in her stomach. God dammit, why did her body have this reaction to him after everything he’d done?

“How did you know where to find me?” As she said it, she knew how. “Maddie. I’m going to kill her.”

“Charlie, please. Have that coffee with me. Hear me out. If you want me to leave after, I will.” His voice was soft and held a hint of pleading.

Charlie sighed. “And if I say no?”

“Then I guess I’ll just follow you around until you change your mind.” His smile was tentative, and her eyes dropped to his lips for a second.

“That’s called stalking. It’s a crime you know.” She raised her eyes back to his.