Page 84 of No Fear

“No. You don’t get to do that. One day at a time. That’s all you need to work through right now. Don’t be thinking about all the ‘what ifs’ when we don’t know anything for sure.”

“Easy for you to say.” Yeah, he was being an ass, but this whole positive thinking thing was grating.

“Are you telling me that as a Navy SEAL, you spend your time worrying about the things that might happen?”

Fuck, where had that come from?

“This is different.”

“Why? Is this not a challenge you need to overcome? What is it they say about SEALs. Adapt and overcome?”

“Did you swallow the SEAL handbook or something?”

“I might have done some online research about SEALs after you told me. I was curious. And when I didn’t hear from you for so long, I was worried.”

Donnie might not be able to see her, but he could smell her delicious scent and feel her warm thigh pressed against his. It was comforting as hell. She had flown here to check on him after telling him they could only be friends. She cared. It meant a lot, and she did not deserve his moody, grumpy tone.

“I’m sorry I worried you. I’m sorry I was short on the phone. I’m sorry I snapped at you for coming here. It’s...” He stopped, feeling tears in his eyes and turned his head away. Suddenly, it was all too much. He might be a special operator, but he was also human.

Charlie’s hands cupped his face, turning it back.

“I can’t begin to understand what you’re feeling, but you don’t need to hide it from me. I blubbered over you enough times. I’m guessing you won’t cry on your teammate's shoulders, so cry on mine. I’m right here. Let it out, Donnie. Let me be here for you this time.”

Her words undid him, and the tears came again. Her arms went around him, and he pulled her closer. Burying his head in her neck, he let the tears fall that he’d been fighting.

For several minutes, Charlie said nothing, just rubbed his back as she held him. Her arms were warm, her softness soothing. She triggered every one of his other senses in the best possible way. His eyes might be broken, but his cock wasn't. Memories of her body beneath his, her soft skin, her low moans, set his heart racing. Before he embarrassed himself, he pulled away and leaned back on the sofa.

“Sorry,” he mumbled.

“Don’t you dare apologize. You might be some big, tough, Navy SEAL but you’re still allowed to be scared.”

Donnie closed his eyes. God how he wanted to see her. See that beautiful face. It would be the best medicine right now.

“What can I do?” she asked quietly.

“Nothing. I can't believe you came here. It was sweet of you, but you don’t need to stay. Mackie has got me covered.”

Charlie snorted and Donnie’s mouth quirked.

“I did not fly here for five minutes. I’m staying. At least for a few days, so get used to it.” The defiance in her voice made him smile. He hadn't done much of that lately.

“Bossy, aren't we?” He was starting to like this side of her.

“Donnie. I’m here for you. If Nate was alive, he’d be here for you, too. You are not alone in this.”

Charlie’s hand entwined with his and that small gesture spread comfort through him.

“Thank you.” It was barely more than a whisper.

“You’re welcome. Now I’m going to make a drink, if that’s OK with you. Would you like something?”

“Sure. A coffee would be great.”

She stood and moved away from him. He heard her moving about his kitchen, opening cupboard doors.

“Mugs are to the right of the stove. Pods are in the drawer below the coffee machine,” he said.

“Yep. Found them. Black, right?”