Chapter Eight #2
“Used to be long deployments, but not so much now. And yeah, one of my teammates has a wife, child, and another on the way. Another just got engaged, and two others are in serious relationships.”
“And you?”
“What about me?”
“Any wife or girlfriend back home?”
Was this her way of finding out if he was single?
“No. Neither,” he replied.
Charlie studied him. “Why not? I mean, you are a good-looking guy. I’m sure there are plenty of women throwing themselves at you.”
“You think I’m good looking?” He arched an eyebrow.
In response, Charlie rolled her eyes. “I did ten years ago, and it’s not like you suddenly got ugly. So yeah. Why still single? Just not met the right one yet?”
Donnie took a drink before answering. “I think I did meet the right one, but I let her get away.”
***
CHARLIE HELD HIS GAZE unsure if she misunderstood what he was saying. Was he talking about her, or some other girl he’d met? Taking the final bite of her fajita, she pushed the plate away and wiped her hands or her napkin.
“Had enough?” Donnie asked.
“Yes. Thank you.” She glanced at her watch. “Shall we settle up and carry on our tour?” The conversation had turned too personal.
“Sure.”
Their server appeared to clear their plates and Donnie asked for the bill. Charlie opened her purse to pull out some cash.
“What are you doing?” Donnie asked when she placed money on the table.
“I can pay my way.”
“I’m sure you can, but not when you’re with me. Put that away.”
“Donnie, this isn’t the dark ages. You don’t have to pay for me.” She left the cash on the table.
“I know I don't have to, but I want to. Call me old-fashioned. Men should pay.”
“Perhaps on a date. But this isn’t a date,” she said, although she’d had a really good time talking to him.
Donnie had always been interested in what she had to say and today, he seemed genuinely interested in her work and what she did.
Simon never asked her anything about it anymore.
Their conversations were all about his job.
“I know it’s not a date, but I want to pay. Call it a thank you for the tour. Put your money away.”
Before she could say anything else, he signaled their server and handed him the bill and cash that appeared to include a very generous tip.
Picking up her money, she stood. “OK, then. Drinks are on me later.”
“We’ll see.” He smiled as he stood and followed her off the patio.
They wandered through the streets and stopped in a few touristy shops.
Charlie laughed when Donnie tried on a moose hat.
She snapped a picture. She had no idea why she had invited him along today, except it seemed like the right thing to do at the time.
She had missed him. She should probably still be mad at him.
Not let him off this easily, but since they were both steering clear of the subject of that night and him leaving, she had forgotten how upset and mad she had been earlier.
Plus, it was much more fun doing the tourist thing with Donnie than doing it alone.
She had to admit she was enjoying his company.
Maybe they could move past what happened and still be friends. She didn't have many.
Closer to the CN Tower, the streets got busier, filled with Blue Jays fans heading to the game.
Donnie moved to her other side, putting himself between her and the road.
She glanced over at him a few times. Jeez, the man was fit.
A SEAL. That was impressive. It was also hot as hell.
No wonder he was in such good shape. She couldn’t help but notice those biceps, and the way his body filled out his T-shirt, making it look like a second skin.
A tattoo peeked out from under his left sleeve.
She couldn't make out what it was and itched to push the sleeve up to get a better look.
Lost in thought, she almost walked straight into a garbage can.
“Whoa. You OK?” Donnie placed a hand on the small of her back and gently pulled her toward him. His touch sent a shiver down her spine.
“Yes. Sorry. Miles away.”
“Somewhere nice, I hope.” He didn’t remove his hand as they continued walking.
It was strangely intimate, even though he was just guiding her through the crowds. She should remove it and yet, she didn’t want to. It felt good.
“I guess the game is starting soon.” His voice brought her attention back.
“Yes. Three o’clock, I think. They’re playing the Yankees. Oh, my God!”
“What?” Donnie stopped, a worried look on his face.
“Yankees! We have to go the game!”
“We don’t have to—”
“We do.” She interrupted him. “You’re a fan. It’s so cool in there. You’ll love it.”
“Well, if you insist.”
The stadium was almost sold out, but they managed to get two tickets on the second level, along the third base line. Donnie insisted on paying. Again.
The game had just started when they found their seats.
“It’s great, isn’t it?” Charlie stared up. The roof of the dome was open, giving the perfect view of the CN Tower.
He had to agree it was a cool stadium. “Yeah, it is. Have you been up there?” he asked.
“No. Not yet.” She turned to face him. “Maybe we can do it tomorrow before you leave? I mean... if you want to. You might have had enough of me after today.”
“Not a chance. I’m grateful to be spending this time with you. For you letting me be here.” He smiled and her stomach did a little somersault as their gazes locked. The Blue Jays scored, and the stadium got on its feet, cheering.
Forgetting herself, she jumped up and joined in.
“You’re supporting the Jays now?” Donnie said in mock horror.
She didn’t really care who scored. Since she was from New York, she really should support the Yankees, but she had fallen a little bit in love with Toronto.
She shrugged. “I’m showing support for both. Come on, on your feet.”
“Nope. Can’t do it. Can't cheer for the other team.” He shook his head.
“You’re a Yankees fan?” a man to his left said.
“Yep, ’fraid so.”
The man laughed. “Your team’s going down today, Yankee boy. Glad to see your girlfriend cheers for the right team.”
Charlie looked at Donnie, expecting him to correct the fan, but he didn’t. The man had already turned his attention back to the game when she sat back down and stared at the field. Nate should be here. With them.
Damn, it still caught her off guard. Ten years, though sometimes it felt like ten hours. She glanced at Donnie. It felt right they were talking again. She could almost sense Nate’s approval.
“What are you thinking about?” Donnie's voice was soft.
“I was just thinking how much Nate would have loved this,” she said quietly. Her lip trembled and she fought to not let the sadness overtake her. “He was such a huge Yankees fan.”
“We planned to go to Yankee stadium to see a game together that summer,” Donnie said quietly.
“You did?” She turned to face him. Donnie shifted in his chair. He was a big guy, and the seats were small. She was acutely aware of his thigh pressed up against hers. He raised an arm, placing it along the back of her seat, not touching her.
“Yeah. I still haven't made it there yet. Gone to other stadiums. Most of my team are Padre fans, except Steve, who is Red Sox. I’ve not been to Yankee Stadium. Not without Nate.”
The way he said it made her heart squeeze.
“I miss him so much.” Tears filled her eyes as she looked at him, both now oblivious to the game.
“I miss him, too.” he whispered as his arm cradled her shoulders. She leaned into him, taking deep breaths against his chest composing herself. He kissed the top of her head.
“It’s OK, Charlie, no one is taking any notice. They're too busy watching how good the Yankees are playing.”
He was trying to make her feel better and she smiled against his chest, enjoying the comfort. When the Jays scored again and the stadium roared, Charlie quickly sat up and wiped her face trying to forget about the feel of Donnie’s arm around her and his solid chest against her cheek.
***
DONNIE LOVED A GOOD baseball game, but right now he barely noticed it.
Damn, she was gorgeous. He couldn't take his eyes off her, however inappropriate that might be. If she were single, he’d be asking her out.
And not for some one-night stand either.
Yes, she was sexy as hell, and he wanted to explore every one of her curves.
She was also interesting, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to.
He wanted to know everything about the last ten years of her life.
His phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his pocket. Dex.
Dex: Call me when you’re free. No rush. I’ll bring you up to speed.
The game was in the top of the seventh inning, so easily another hour here. He glanced at his watch, then typed.
Donnie: Does 1830 work? I’m not alone right now.
Dex: You bet. Talk to you then.
“Everything OK?” Charlie asked.
He pocketed his phone and smiled. “Yes. Work. Sorry.”
“Do you have to go?” Was that disappointment in her voice?
“No. I need to be on a call a little later. We’re all good.”
A groan went up in the crowd as the Yankees finally scored. Donnie stood, cheering.
“Stop it!” She tugged at his T-shirt. “You can't cheer for the Yankees here.”
“Oh yes, I can. In case you haven't noticed I’m not the only Yankee fan here. And might I remind you; you were born in New York State?” He kept his tone teasing.
“Let him have his moment. My boys are still winning,” the Jays fan to his left said, lightheartedly. Charlie laughed and Donnie forgot about the Yankees as he watched her whole face light up. Oh, if she was his, he would make her laugh like that every day.
He sat and put his arm along the back of her chair, careful not to touch her shoulder again. Nope. She’s engaged. Off limits. Maybe it was time to talk about that.
“So, Simon Radwell is the lucky man, huh?”
“Yes.”
She didn't look at him. Didn’t even smile.
“I remember Simon. Family is in real estate.”
She nodded, still staring at the game, even though they were changing pitchers, so nothing was happening.
“Yes. Simon is set to take over the business when his father retires.”