Page 36 of No Fear

“Thank you, Charlie. For accepting my apology.” He took her hand in his and squeezed it gently. The jolt that went through him made him swallow hard. By the way she snatched her hand back, she felt it, too.

“You’re welcome.” She put her shades back on. “How long were you planning on being here?”

“Fly out tomorrow night. I’m due on base Monday morning.” Fuck, it was too soon. He already didn’t want to leave.

Several emotions crossed her face. She was warring with something.

“I must be crazy,” she mumbled, but he heard it.

“Charlie?”

“I was planning to do some sightseeing this weekend before I start at the embassy on Monday. Would you like to join me?” She raised her glasses onto her head and gave him the slightest smile. “Perhaps we can see if we can work this friends thing out.”

Donnie had not been expecting the invitation but didn't hesitate.

“I’d love to.”

Chapter Eight

For the next three hours, Charlie was the perfect tour guide. They visited the hockey hall of fame, strolled through little Italy and were now heading to the distillery district for lunch. He had thought things might be awkward, but Charlie clearly loved this city and was happy to show him around and tell him what she knew. He made a point of keeping the conversation light, asking appropriate questions and being interested in what she had to say. He didn't have a lot of time, and he wanted to ask her about Simon, but that wasn’t something he could just come out with. He sure as hell didn't want to ruin this truce they seemed to have.

“This is one of my favorite areas of Toronto. It was an old whiskey distillery but now it’s a super cute place to hang out.”

“Cute?” He arched an eyebrow.

She stopped and looked at him. “Yes, cute. Got a problem with that?”

Donnie held up his hands, unsure if she was joking. “Nope. I love cute things.”

“Good. Me, too.” She turned and continued walking. “It has cute galleries, cute shops, cute restaurants, and look at these cute cobblestones.” She emphasized every cute and he couldn't hold back a laugh.

“It’s all very cute.”

“See? You agree.” She grinned and he relaxed more. The ice was breaking. He wanted so badly to remove her sunglasses to see her eyes and had to stop his hands from reaching for her.

“It really is beautiful,” he said more seriously as he stared at her. A small blush appeared on her cheeks, and she quickly looked away.

“Hungry?” she asked.

“Of course, I'm hungry. You’ve had me walking for hours,” he said, teasing.

“Aren’t you Navy boys meant to be able to keep going for hours?”

Donnie swallowed at the comment, even though it had been said innocently. “Yes. But even sailors need to refuel.” Fuck, she had no idea how much she turned him on.

Engaged, dude.

Charlie led him onto a small patio, and a host showed them to a table against a low fence. Donnie held out her chair and waited for her to sit, before taking his seat opposite, back to the fence, and checked out his surroundings. It was ingrained into him. A dozen tables, most occupied with couples. The tables were wooden, and the chairs were painted in bright colors, giving it a Mexican feel. Lights were strung above, and he imagined it would be quite romantic in the evening.

A server appeared with menus and took their drink orders.

“I’ve eaten here before. It’s excellent. The fajitas are to die for,” Charlie said as she studied the menu. Donnie glanced at his quickly. He didn't really care what he ate. He was just glad to be here with this gorgeous woman.

The server returned with their drinks. “Did you decide?”

“Ladies first.”

“Umm. I think I’ll get the salad,” Charlie said, not looking particularly thrilled at the prospect. Donnie was transported back to high school. Kids taunting her because she was bigger than they were. Was it possible she still worried about that? She shouldn't. All those curves would have any red-blooded man’s heart pumping. His was.