Page 33 of No Fear

“Then stop me getting arrested and let me buy you a coffee.”

“I have plans today.” She folded her arms across her chest.

“One coffee.”

If she didn’t have coffee with him, would he really follow her around? Yeah, he probably would. This was not how she wanted to spend her day. Let him say his piece, then they could go their separate ways.

“One coffee. In the lobby downstairs.”

“Thank you.”

He stepped aside as she walked out, the door closing behind her. Not waiting, she headed straight for the elevator and pushed the button, sensing him standing close behind.

Thankfully, other people were in the elevator as they rode to the ground floor. As the doors opened, she stepped out, but Donnie waited for everyone else to exit before he joined her.

“Where would you like to sit?” he asked.

She looked around at the cozy sofas and love seats. Off to the side were two high backed chairs with a table in between. She made her way to them and sat. A staff member approached.

“Can I get you anything?” she asked with a smile.

“Charlie, what would you like?”

“Coffee with cream, please.”

“And for you, sir?”

“Black coffee, please.”

“Anything to eat?” the woman asked.

“No. We aren't staying that long,” Charlie said. This was not going to be a chummy breakfast.

The young woman nodded and left them. Taking a deep breath, Charlie turned to face him to get this over with. “So?”

Donnie leaned forward, bracing those fine, muscular arms on his thighs as he clasped his hands in front of him. Those big, strong hands that had once cupped her face.

“I could say I’m sorry a thousand times, and I know it wouldn’t be enough. It wouldn't excuse or make up for what I did. But I am sorry. I never meant to hurt you.”

Charlie bit her lip, his words doing funny things to her insides.

“You know how much I loved Nate,” he said. “He was my brother even if we weren’t related. I couldn’t stay. After what happened, I couldn’t be there anymore.”

Charlie shook her head slowly. “Do you think I wanted to be there? He was my brother, and I loved him. After that night, I thought at least I still had you.”

She paused when the server returned and put down their drinks. Charlie stirred her coffee, but didn't pick it up, not trusting her shaking hands.

“Nate dying was painful enough. Then you left. After everything that happened that night between us, you just left.” She looked at him and he held her gaze waiting for her to finish.

“Do you have any idea how much courage it took for me to ask you what I did? Did you mean any of what you said to me? Or was it all just a lie? A move you used with all the girls.” She’d wondered that so many times over the years, but the shock on his face made her stop talking.

“I meant every damn word I said to you that night.” His voice held a fierceness she hadn't expected.

“Then why did you do it? Why did you break my heart and leave when I needed you the most?” Angry tears threatened and she blinked them back, determined not to break down.

“Nate’s death. I felt... shit.” He raked a hand over his short hair and grabbed his coffee, taking a sip. Charlie waited.

“I left because it was best for everyone.”