Page 58 of No Fear

Charlie. I had an amazing time with you. You are perfect. If I didn’t have to leave, I wouldn’t. I will call you as soon as I can. Donnie xx

Now he was second guessing his decision. Perhaps he should have woken her. Talked to her. Made sure she was OK. When he hadn't heard from her before he’d boarded his plane, he presumed she was probably still sleeping. From the airport, he’d gone home to get a couple hours sleep himself, but he’d sent a quick text, so she would wake up to it. But he’d heard nothing and now he was getting worried she was regretting what they’d done. Not that they had full on sex. He had wanted to. His dick had complained all the way home. But no way in hell was he taking advantage of her. She might have sounded confident and determined, but her whole future had just been upended. Who knew what she would be thinking this morning when reality set in. That worried him.

“Good to have you back, Donnie.” Dex slapped him on the back as the team got settled around Bertha, their affectionately named table that was also a state-of-the-art computer.

“What time did you get in?”

“Early hours. So where are we at?” Donnie silenced his phone and put it in his pocket. It was time to focus.

“We’ve drilled down Plan A and B, but we still need some more contingencies. Let me grab a coffee and we’ll bring you up to speed.”

The next two hours flew by while the teams went over the plans they had put together. Donnie gave his thoughts, and they made a few adjustments.

“Alright, let’s take a break. Back here in twenty,” Sam said. Donnie immediately took out his phone, smiling when he saw Charlie’s text.

Charlie: Good morning. Sorry, was running late after waking up in a strange bed with a phone that had no battery.

Grinning, he texted back, happy she was still talking to him.

Donnie: Just wanted to wish you luck on your first day.

Charlie: Thank you but no luck needed. Not my first rodeo!

Donnie: Lol. Fair enough. Did you get my note?

Charlie: I did, thank you. You should have woken me.

Donnie: You looked so relaxed and peaceful. I didn’t want to.

Charlie: I slept right through till morning. I’m surprised housekeeping didn’t kick me out when you checked out.

Donnie: I paid for the extra night.

Charlie: You did? That’s crazy. I could have gone back to my room.

Donnie: Like I said, you looked so peaceful.

Charlie: You’re nuts. Thank you. For everything.

Donnie: My pleasure. Can I call you later, when I’m done here?

Charlie: You don't have to.

Donnie frowned. Did she think he was just going to go back to his life and never talk to her again?

Donnie: I want to.

The three little dots appeared, then disappeared. He was about to text when they finally reappeared again.

Charlie: OK. Yes. I’d like that. I gotta go, I have a meeting.

Donnie: Have a great day, babe.

Charlie: You too.

Donnie was still smiling when he put away his phone. Relief flowed through him. He hadn't completely screwed things up. Charlie had been even better than his fantasies, of which he’d had plenty. Seeing her body come alive under his touch had been so fucking erotic. Just thinking about it set his heart racing. He could only imagine what it would feel like to be buried inside her. Charlie might have been looking for a quick lay to make herself feel better, but he wanted more. Much more.

“What’s got you so happy? Or should I say who?” Steve sat beside him.