Page 65 of No Fear

“Oh. For how long?”

“I don’t know. Usually I have some idea, but this time it’s complicated. Could be days, could be weeks.”

“Oh. Can you tell me where you’re going?”

“No. I can’t. I’m sorry. This is the worst timing.”

“No. It’s your job and I understand. Plus, we need to get back to our lives now. You have yours in Coronado, and I’ll be back in Albany soon enough.” Her voice wobbled.

He should let her get back to her life. Stay friends. It would make the guilt he felt over Nate easier to deal with. But there was no fucking way he was doing that now. He wasn't sure how this was going to work out, but he wasn't prepared to let her go.

“I don't want that.”

She frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Charlie, I know you just broke off an engagement and you have a lot going on. But I don't want us to go our separate ways and just be friends. I want more.”

As she stared at him, his heart tightened. What if she didn’t feel the same?

“More what?” she whispered.

“I want you, Charlie. In my life. And not just as a friend.”

“Donnie, I... shit. I can't.”

“Can’t?” His heart sank.

“It’s too soon and we have history. You live in Coronado, I live in... well... Albany for now.”

“I’ll give you time if that’s what you need. We can take it slow.” Damn, he couldn't lose her. Not again.

“I don’t know. I mean, I like you a lot but...” She looked uncomfortable.

“Charlie? Tell me. I like you. You like me. Time, location we can work out.”

He waited. Her blue eyes and full mouth moved through so many emotions, he wished he was there. That he could hold her face.

“I can’t risk getting hurt again.” The words sliced through him.

“I swear, Charlie, I will never hurt you again.”

Her beautiful eyes filled with tears. “I never thought you would. I trusted you. But you did hurt me. I forgave you, but I haven’t forgotten. I don't know if I can ever trust you with my heart, Donnie. No matter how much I want to.”

He swallowed. Shit. Words were not going to change her mind. But he was a fighter, and he was determined. He wasn’t giving up that easily.

“I deserve that. I get that you don’t trust me. We have a connection, Charlie. One I don't want to lose again. I’m not going to pressure you, but please give me a chance. I’m going to do everything I can to rebuild that trust.”

What else could he do? He wanted Charlie in his life. In his bed. Hell, he wanted to marry her and have a family with her. She was it for him.

“I don’t want to lose you again either. We’ll always be friends.”

He had no intention of settling for that, but baby steps.

“Yes, we will.”

“Can we speak while you’re gone? I’m not sure how it all works,” she asked.

“No. I can't use my cell where we’re going, and I have to be focused.”