Chapter Ten #4
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.”
“Of course. Will you text me when you get back, so I know you’re back safe?”
His heart squeezed. “Yes. I will call you as soon as I can.”
She bit her lip. “What if I don't hear. Is there someone I can call?”
“You won’t need it. I’ll be coming home safe,” he said to reassure her. Hell, he’d never had anyone worry about him leaving before. It was... nice.
“Alright. I’ll probably be back in Albany by the time you get back.”
“Probably.”
“OK. Well, I have plenty to keep me busy. Be safe and I’ll talk to you when you get back?”
“You bet. Looking forward to it already.”
She ended the call before he could say any more.
Donnie closed his eyes, fighting the urge to call her back.
He didn’t. If he pushed too hard, he might just push her away.
She did need some time to process the break-up, so he could be patient.
So long as Simon didn’t try and weasel his way back in.
The thought of leaving, knowing Charlie was Simon's ticket to the business, bothered him. He didn't trust that entitled bastard.
“Hey, man. What’s up?” Mackie answered his call.
“Do you happen to know Simon Radwell’s schedule. Is he traveling again soon?” Donnie wasted no time getting to the point.
“No. Can probably find out. I thought it was done?”
“It is, but with what you found out about it being fake, I’m worried that he might not take no for an answer.”
“So tell her.”
Yeah, that would make sure she didn’t let him weasel his way back in, but she’d had so much pain, he really didn’t want to add to it. Drop that bombshell, then leave? No, he couldn’t do it.
“Trying to avoid that pain.”
“Bro, I can try and find out tonight, but what good is that going to do? We’re spinning up in... ten hours.”
Donnie sighed. Mackie was right.
“This is really bothering you.”
“Yeah. But you’re right. I’ll deal with it when we get back. See you tomorrow.”
“Wait. Maybe there is a way.”
“Mackie, I don't want you getting in trouble, and we both need to be zeroed in on this op.” The team’s lives depended on it. As hard as it was going to be, he had to put this in a box until he got back.
“Exactly. I don't want you distracted worrying about this woman. I know someone.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
“I know a guy that can keep an eye on Simon’s whereabouts while we’re gone. Charlie, too, if that’s what you want.”
Donnie frowned. “What kind of guy? Is he going to shoot Simon if he goes near Charlie?” He might not like the bastard, but there were limits.
Mackie snorted. “He probably would if he knew what an asshole he is. But no. Surveillance from afar. Just keep an eye out for you. They’ll never know he’s watching.”
“Who is he?”
“I love you, man, but I can't tell you that. I trust him and I’m sure he would help out. He’s a sucker for a damsel in distress.”
Jeez. Was he really considering this? Having someone spy on Simon and Charlie?
Was that creepy? Overprotective? Simon had laid hands on her.
He was using. Who knew what lengths he might go to, to get Daddy’s business?
Someone had to look out for her. Make sure she stayed safe until Donnie got back and could do it himself.
“OK. If you trust him, that’s good enough for me. Do it.”