Page 39 of No Fear

She accepted it and took a bite of the long fajita, bringing an inappropriate erotic image to his mind.

Jesus. Since when does a woman eating a fajita become a turn on? Her small noise of appreciation went straight to his groin. Her hands held the tortilla as juice dripped out the bottom. Dragging his eyes away, he readjusted himself under the table, then reached for the salad, needing a distraction.

“What’s it like being a SEAL?”

He dared to look up, relieved she’d put down the fajita.

“I love it. I have the best team in the world. We’ve been together six years now, and we’re kind of a family. Brothers.”

“It must be scary sometimes, though? Dangerous?”

“It can be,” he said honestly. “But I have the very best people at my back.”

Charlie took another bite of the fajita and Donnie swallowed hard, averting his gaze while she ate.

“Do any of your team have their own families? I mean it must be tough. You travel for long periods, right?” she asked, after she’d finished her bite.

“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.”