Chapter Seven
Donnie parked and was making his way up to the Royal York hotel when his phone rang. Shit. If his team leader was calling during downtime, it wasn't going to be good news.
“Hey, boss.”
“How’s the home visit going?”
“Good. What’s up?”
“We’re getting called in.”
Fuck. It happened in their work. The bad guys didn't exactly wait around for them to finish their vacation. This time, he really needed these next couple of days. Who knew when he’d get another chance to talk to Charlie.
“When?”
“Soon as possible. I know you’re in upstate New York.”
That meant he needed to head to the airport and wait on standby.
“Donnie?”
“Yeah. Got it.”
“What’s the matter? You enjoying home that much?”
Donnie sighed. “I’m not in New York. I just arrived in Toronto. Was hoping to take care of a personal matter. Just bad timing.”
“A personal matter? Is it important?”
The question took him by surprise.
“To me it is.”
Dex was silent.
“It’s fine, Dex. It’s the job. I’ll head to the airport. Be there as soon as I can.”
“If you can be available for a couple of calls, then stay and report back Monday morning as planned,” Dex suggested. “We won't be traveling for a few days. We can bring you up to speed.”
“Are you sure? I mean that would be great, but I don’t want to let the team down.”
“You’re not. If you have something personal and important to take care of, then I’d rather you sort that out than be distracted by it on an op. Especially this one.”
Damn, Steve had sensed he was off, had Dex sensed something, too?
“I appreciate this, Dex.”
“No sweat. Just be ready to roll Monday morning and keep your phone on. I’ll text you to keep you in the loop.”
“Copy that. Thanks.”
“Enjoy Toronto. It’s a great city.”
“Never been, and not sure I’ll get to see much, although I’m looking at the CN Tower right now.”
“I hear you can walk around the edge of it, hanging on a harness.”
“Sounds just like our kind of thing.”
Dex laughed before ending the call. Working for Onyx definitely had some perks. Way more relaxed than SEALs ever was. Being allowed to report back late? No chance in hell that would have ever been allowed.
He stepped into the lobby of the hotel, admiring the historic building. It was quite something. It looked like it had been recently renovated. The high wooden ceilings were impressive as hell.
Walking to reception, he quickly checked in and had his bag sent up to his room.
After his conversation with Maddie, he’d phoned the hotel direct and been lucky to get a room.
Another call to Mackie had gotten him Charlie’s room number.
His teammate could hack just about anywhere and had not even asked Donnie why.
He had her cellphone number, too, but he wasn’t planning on using it.
This conversation needed to be face to face.
It was Friday night. He had two days to make things right with Charlie. But it was late, almost midnight. Too late to do anything now. He wandered into the lobby bar and sat on a stool. A big face-clock hung on the wall above the bar. His eyes were drawn again to the magnificent ceiling.
“Hand-crafted,” the bartender said.
“Seriously? It’s awesome. Maybe I should get the guy’s number, he can come and do my place.” He grinned at the young man.
“What can I get you?”
“A beer would be great. Corona.”
The bartender uncapped the bottle and placed it in front of him.
“Thanks.”
“Here on vacation?”
Donnie took a swig. “Kind of. Quick trip catching up with a friend.”
“Nice. First time in Toronto?”
“Yup.”
“Baseball fan?”
Donnie grinned. “Yankees all the way.”
The bartender feigned horror. “Don’t say that too loud. We’re hardcore Blue Jays in this city. So, you must be catching a game while you’re here.”
“Oh, shit. Yankees are in town, aren't they?” He remembered hearing that when he and his dad watched the game.
“They sure are. It’s always a good game.”
“Yeah, it would be cool to see it.” Seeing a Yankees game against the Jays would be awesome, but that wasn’t why he was here.
The bartender turned his attention to another guest and Donnie scanned the lounge.
Only a handful of people remained. The bar closed at one, and it was fast approaching that now.
A young woman walking past him gave him the once over.
He smiled, but turned away, not wanting to engage.
He wasn't here for a hook up or a ball game. He was here for Charlie.
His phone rang. Jesus, did no one sleep?
“Hey, buddy. You do realize the time?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Am I interrupting your beauty sleep?” Steve’s drawl made him smile.
“Don’t need it. I’m beautiful enough.” He grinned as Steve chuckled at the other end.
“I hear you’re in Toronto. Just checking in, making sure everything is good. Dex mentioned you won't be at the brief tomorrow.”
“Yeah. I just arrived and need to take care of something.”
“Well, that’s vague.”
Donnie, finished up his beer and put a twenty on the bar, signaling to the bartender for another.
“Stop worrying. I’m good. I’m here to see an old friend. Make sure she’s OK.”
“She? Mmmm.”
“It’s not like that. She’s engaged. If you must know, she’s the sister of my best friend in high school. I haven't seen her in ten years. I’m just checking in.”
“She in trouble?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.” He took the bottle from the bartender and handed him the twenty, waving off change.
“So you’re there with her brother?”
Donnie paused. He’d never spoken about Nate to anyone on the team, but he didn’t want to lie.
“No. He died in a car accident.”
“Oh, shit. Sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. It was a long time ago. I lost touch with his sister, and I feel bad. I heard she was here, so as I said, I’m just checking in. It’s long overdue.” He loved Steve and his team, but they didn’t need to know all the details.
“Alright, brother. I’ll let you go get that beauty sleep then. You know where to find me if you need anything.”
“Appreciated. I’ll see you Monday.”
“Copy that.”
Donnie slipped his phone into his pocket. There was just one other couple left in the lounge now. The bartender was tidying up to close down.
“You working tomorrow?” Donnie asked.
“Yes. Same shift. Five till close.”
Donnie downed the rest of his beer then held out his hand. “I’m Donnie. Thanks for your hospitality. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow.”
“Daniel.” He shook his hand. “Have a good time catching up with your friend.”
Donnie made his way to the elevator. His room was on the fifteenth floor.
Charlie’s was on the twentieth. He stepped into his room, clearing it quickly.
Habit. He was drawn to the window. The view was quite something.
The CN Tower shone blue. He wondered if Charlie had the same view.
She was a few floors above him, probably sleeping.
Or was she? Maybe she was out on the town?
No. That wasn’t Charlie. Or was it? Fuck.
Who knew what she did these days? Ten years was a long time. Too long.
He lay down on the bed, hands behind his head.
She’d looked even more beautiful than he remembered.
He’d always loved her curves. It had pissed him off how much she was bullied in school.
She used to wear baggy T-shirts with tights or jeans to hide her figure which he didn't understand.
There was nothing wrong with that sexy body.
That one night, that kiss, her body in that dress.
Her lips so soft, her tongue hesitant. But she’d relaxed and when she kissed him back it had rocked his world.
His dick twitched in his jeans even now.
Yeah, buddy, I know. He got up, stripped, and stepped into the shower to cool down. It didn’t work.
Closing his eyes, he grabbed his cock, remembering her flushed cheeks, the way she’d moaned into his mouth when he massaged her tit.
Goddamn, he had big hands, and it had filled it perfectly.
Like they were made for him. He stroked his cock now, not even trying to distract himself.
The warm water flowed over his body as he relived every touch, every kiss, every moan she’d made.
Moving his hand faster, his muscles tensed, and he braced against the tile.
Her in that blue sundress checking him out on his folk’s front lawn.
Yeah, he’d seen her eyes rove over his body.
He hadn’t said anything because he’d been doing the same to her.
Those fucking curves. Those full, pink lips.
Even pissed at him, she was goddamn sexy.
He jacked harder, imagining those lips around his cock.
Fucking hell! He exploded, his breath coming hard and fast.
Jesus Christ. If only Charlie knew how much he still wanted her. Ten years. He’d thought he had it under control, but one look at her and bam! He was a horny fucking teenager again. But she was engaged. Off limits.
He grabbed the soap, washing himself down. He was supposed to be here to apologize and, in a big brother capacity, make sure Simon was treating her right. How the fuck was he supposed to do that when his thoughts of her were anything other than brotherly?
Cursing, he switched off the shower. You’re doing this for Nate. Looking out for his sister was the least he could do considering if he had not canceled their plans that night to make out with Charlie, Nate would still be alive.
***
CHARLIE CHECKED HER cross-body purse, making sure she had her money, credit card, phone and lip gloss.
It was almost eight and she was ready to enjoy the city.
The sun was shining on this late summer day.
She’d chosen a pair of white capris, with an off the shoulder loose pink top that ended at her hips.
Her hair was loose, but she grabbed a scrunchie and put it on her wrist, for when she got hot and wanted to put her hair up later.
Seated on the chair and putting on her flat sandals, a knock came at the door.
Assuming it was housekeeping, she called out.
“Just a minute.”