Page 52 of No Fear

Charlie had met him in the hotel lobby that morning looking tired, eyes red. He doubted she’d gotten much sleep. Yesterday, she’d been set to get married in a few weeks, her life mapped out. Now, she was single with no idea what came next.

Conversation at breakfast had been strained. Donnie kept the conversation going as best he could, chatting about what they’d done so far in Toronto until gradually Charlie started to relax. The thought of leaving her here alone filled him with dread. But he couldn’t change that. His job meant he had to go when called. He was lucky to have these extra two days. He would make sure Charlie smiled today and had some fun before he said goodbye.

“Come on. Take my hand. You’re totally safe. I wouldn't let you step on it if I thought there was any risk.”

Charlie didn’t move. “I’m good right here.”

Two little kids came running past them onto the glass, laying down, waving their arms and legs making angels. Charlie looked at them in amazement.

“See. Nothing to fear.” He again held out his hand. Tentatively, she took it. Heat sizzled through his arm at the touch. Squeezing her hand gently, he said, “One step onto the edge, and see how you feel.”

She raised her head and met his eyes and then held out her other hand. He took it, his gaze never leaving hers as she placed her right foot on the glass. She stopped and bit her lip. The small action sent his blood soaring.

“See? You can do it. I got you,” he encouraged.

She moved her left foot, then stopped rigid in front of him, gripping his hands tightly.

“Can you look down?” he asked. Slowly, she lowered her head looking toward the streets some eleven hundred feet below.

“Oh, my God. This is so weird. It looks like toy town down there.” She looked back up at him with a small smile and he wanted to cheer.

“You OK?”

She nodded. “Yes. I am. Let’s do this. I want to walk across to the other side. But don’t let go.”

“I won’t.” He was more than happy to hold her hands for as long as she wanted. He moved carefully, walking backwards, mindful of other people on the glass. Halfway, he stopped.

“Can you crouch down?”

When she nodded, together they lowered themselves onto the glass. Letting go of one of her hands, Donnie reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. With his long arm, he held it out to get them both, and the glass floor in the picture.

“Come in a bit closer.” He tugged gently on her hand, and she leaned in, their heads almost touching. The smell of her shampoo filled his nostrils. Some kind of flowery scent. Beautiful. He took the photo, then turned his head. Mouths inches apart, neither moved, gazes locked. Damn, he wanted to kiss her. Feel those soft lips on his again. Her gaze never left his. Her lips parted slightly, cheeks adorably pink. She was single now.

Dude. Stop thinking like that. She just ended her engagement.

He stood, breaking the moment.

“Ready to get off here?” He smiled.

“Yes. And I want to go to the next level, onto the viewing platform.”

Keeping hold of her hand, he guided her off the glass and then reluctantly let go.

“Let me get this straight. You didn't want to stand on the glass floor, but you want to

go to the highest point to look down?” he asked amused.

“Yes. It’s not the height. It’s the glass floor. Glass breaks.”

Donnie chuckled. “OK, then. Let’s go.” They made their way up to the skypod, another three hundred-plus feet higher. They wandered around, admiring the panoramic view of the city through the floor to ceiling windows. Donnie had to admit it was breathtaking. Charlie stopped walking when they reached the side that looked out over Lake Ontario.

“It’s so beautiful. There’s something about the water that draws me. Do you like the water?” Her gaze remained on the view.

“In my job, I kind of have to.”

She glanced at him and let out a small laugh. “I guess you do. Do you live close to the ocean?”

“I do. Coronado has beautiful beaches. Have you ever been there?”