Page 53 of No Fear

“No.” The way she said it made him look at her. Her smile had faded. “I think I’ve seen more of the rest of the world than I have America.”

“You’re welcome to come visit anytime. Happy to return the favor and be your tour guide,” he said softly. He’d love nothing more than to show her around.

“Maybe I will one day.” Her tone was almost wistful.

“Charlie?”

She looked at him. Those gorgeous blue eyes glistened with unshed tears. He guided her to a corner closer to the windows away from other people.

“Talk to me. Please.”

She shook her head and the tears spilled over.

“I’m so sorry you're hurting again.” He placed an arm around her shoulders and was surprised when she buried her head against his chest. Pulling her against him, he stroked her back. His big frame shielded her from the people around them. He imagined this was how she had been after Nate died and he left. Guilt spread through him and he had to swallow down his own emotions. This beautiful woman didn’t deserve this much anguish in her life.

They stood that way for several minutes. He felt her shift, laying her cheek on his chest to look out the window. He kissed the top of her head.

“Do you want to go?”

“In a minute,” she whispered. He kept his arm around her, loving the feel of her against him. The top of her head barely came to his collarbone in her flat shoes. He breathed in her smell and waited. Finally, she stepped back, wiping her face.

“Sorry.” Her sad gaze met his.

“What for?”

“I don't mean to keep blubbering all over you.”

“You can blubber over me anytime. That’s what friends are for.”

“Can we go back to the hotel?”

“Of course.” Forgetting about boundaries, he took her hand and led the way.

Back at the hotel, they headed straight for the elevators. Donnie hit the button for the twentieth floor and the doors closed on the two of them. Charlie was texting on her phone, so Donnie stayed quiet. She looked up, a small frown on her face.

“Everything alright?” he asked.

“Yes. I guess Maddie is sick. Dave said she’s still in bed.”

Which meant Charlie was going to have to wait longer to talk to her best friend.

“Then I’m glad she’s resting.”

“Yes. Of course. I just...” She trailed off as the doors opened on her floor. They stepped out.

“I meant what I said. You can talk to me,” he offered again.

They reached her room and she stopped, keycard poised in her hand.

“I just need some time. I’m tired. What time do you have to leave?”

Donnie glanced at his watch. “I got a few hours yet.” The thought of leaving her like this was tearing him up. But he couldn’t stay.

She nodded. “I’ll text you in a bit and see you before you go?”

“OK.” It wasn’t OK. He wanted to stay with her. Hold her. Comfort her. Instead, he watched her step inside and close the door.

Donnie just got back to his room when his phone rang.