by Rosalie Redd
Buzz, buzz, buzz. The persistent ring of her phone echoed off the walls. She glanced at her bedside table. Her phone lay next to her purse, the screen lighting up with each vibration. With a quick flick, she tossed the vial into her open handbag.
She grabbing her phone and peered at the screen. The number was unknown to her. Still flustered by the bottle, she answered the call before she could think better of it.
“Hello?”
“May I speak to Jennifer Cane, please.”
“This is Jennifer.”
“Hey! I’m Monty Pierce from KBNK, 98.1 on your FM dial. How are you today?”
Jennifer’s stomach fluttered. “Wh…what? Who?”
“I’m Monty Pierce from Simone and Monty in the morning. You know, the radio show!”
She licked her lips. “Umm. Why are you calling me?”
“We received an email from one of our listeners about you.”
Her heart skipped a beat then raced, sending a wave of adrenaline into her bloodstream. “You did? Who?”
“Well, that’s why I’m calling. We do a segment on our show called the ‘Second Date Update.’ It’s where someone contacts us and we reach out to people for them, find out why they aren’t returning the person’s calls or texts.”
“I’m confused. No one has tried to contact me…” A strange flicker of hope sent a chill running over her shoulders.
“Yeah, well, this one’s a little different. Do you remember a guy named Shaun? Shaun Fitzgerald?”
Her chest constricted so tight she couldn’t breathe. “Sh…Shaun? Yes, I remember him.” Wasn’t that an understatement?
“Tell me about him.” Monty’s voice was low, encouraging.
“We met over a year ago while I was at an engagement party celebrating a friend’s upcoming wedding. He was so nice, so warm, so fun. We were inseparable all night long, talking for hours.” She was rambling, but her brain was in a fog. This couldn’t be real, could it? “He contacted you about me?”
“Yes, he did. Wow! It seems like he made a good impression.”
Indeed, he had. She inhaled, stalling as clarity returned. “Yes, the connection was electric, something I’d never experienced before. I thought he felt it, too because he asked for my number, but he never called or texted. Nothing.” She paced to the open window and glanced into the street below. A squirrel ran up the old, majestic oak that graced the front of her apartment building, its tail whipping to and fro in tune to her unease.
“Sounds like you were pretty upset.”
“I was. I mean, the way we hit it off, I’ve never met anyone like him before, never felt anything so strong. I kept hoping he’d call, but he never did. After six months, I started dating again.”
“Oh, you’re seeing someone?”
“Yes, his name’s Troy. We’ve dated for three months, now.”
“How do you feel about him?”
“He’s nice.” Even as she said the words, a knot formed in her stomach.
“That’s not a resounding cheer.” He chuckled.
Ire built in her chest, and she pursed her lips. “He’s been good to me, better than I could’ve asked for.”
“Ok, my bad, but it sounds like you hit if off better with Shaun. Is that true?”
Yes. Tingles trailed down her arms at the memory of his deep brown eyes. She held her breath. “Well, we had only just met, but…”
“Hey, hey, you said you had a great connection. Right?”
“Yes, we did.”
Would you be willing to give him another try? Go out with him again?”
“Oh, I don’t know—”
Well, maybe we should let Shaun ask you. He’s on the other line listening in.”
CHAPTER 2
J ennifer sat on her bed and a soft sigh eased from the mattress. Her heart stuttered. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. “Wh…what?”
“Hi, Jen. It’s me, Shaun. Glad you remember me.” Shaun’s deep baritone resonated through the phone and into her chest, warming her on the inside.
“Shaun? I don’t understand…”
“I don’t want to interfere in your life if you’ve already moved on, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I had to know if you still remembered, if you felt the same as I did that night.”
Her fingers trembled as she placed them over her brow, rubbing at the tension building behind her eyes. “Why didn’t you contact me?”
“The night we met is burned into my mind. Our connection, it was so real. I wanted to see you again, and, selfishly, I asked for your phone number knowing I wouldn’t contact you…I couldn’t.”
The candor in his tone just about broke her, and tears welled in her eyes. He was probably married. Didn’t that just figure? She’d met this incredible guy, formed a bond she couldn’t forget, and he wasn’t available. Despite the lump growing in her throat, she asked the question burning inside. “Are you married?”
“Married? No, absolutely not.”
The pang in her chest eased, just a bit. “Then why?”
“Because it wouldn’t have been fair to you, Jen. The next day, I left…deployed for a year overseas…in Afghanistan. I couldn’t ask you to wait for me, not after just one night.”
Her throat constricted, locking any words deep inside.
“Are you still there?” Monty’s cheery voice broke the silence.
“Yes, I’m still here.”
“Jen, I want to see you again, but if there’s someone else…”
“I’m dating someone.” The words spilled from her mouth even as her heart screamed in protest.
“That’s why I contacted the radio station. I didn’t want to call you up out of the blue, it just didn’t seem right, but I’d love to see you.”
“I don’t know. I mean…” Her mind was a jumble of emotions—confusion, longing, fear—all competing for dominance.
Monty cleared his throat. “Seems to me if your connection was so strong, don’t you owe it to yourself to see him? Find out if you still have this wonderful link?”
Indecision tore at her, forming a lump in her stomach.
“Please, Jen. Take a chance on me.”
An image of Troy with his quiet charm and easy demeanor kindled a warm fondness inside. As her thoughts drifted to Shaun, her skin heated, and she couldn’t deny the longing in her chest. She sat up straight and glanced at the squirrel running along one of the oak’s branches. Take a chance… Shaun had echoed Aunt Judy’s words. Jennifer compressed her lips as a decision solidified inside. “All right. I’ll do it. I’ll see you.”
Shaun’s audible exhale resonated through the phone. “You won’t regret this. I promise.”
“So, Jennifer, are you going to tell the guy you’ve been dating about your upcoming date with Shaun?” Monty’s voice wavered with a hint of amusement.
“Yes. I suppose I will. It wouldn’t be right not to tell him. If Shaun and I still have that special connection, then I’ll have a tough decision to make.” A shudder of anticipation ran along her nerves.
Monty chuckled. “Well, Shaun, looks like you got your second date. By the way, as part of the show, I always offer to pay, so this one’s on me. I have to say, usually the calls end in disaster, but this turned out to be one of our more heartwarming editions. I wish you luck, my man.”
“Thanks, Monty, I appreciate the help.”
A soft click reverberated on the line.
Tingles raised the hair on Jennifer’s nape. “Shaun?”
“I’m still here. So, when can I see you?” The sensuous tone of his voice wrapped around her, cocooning her in warmth.
She peered out the window once again. Blue sky beckoned, calling to her. Portland was beautiful in the early spring, and since it was Saturday, she had the day off. There’s no time like the present.
“Do you know the coffee shop on the corner of 3rd and Columbia? I could meet you there in a couple of hours.”
“That’s perfect. I’ll see you then and thanks f
or giving me…no, giving us…another chance.”
A sense of giddiness and anticipation welled inside, and she smiled.
“Oh, and Jen, here’s my phone number.” He chuckled as he listed the numbers.
She laughed at his self-deprecating nature and added him to her contact list. “Got it. See you soon.”
The call ended, and she stared at her phone. Was this really happening? After a year, would their connection still be strong? She wanted to see him again, recreate the spark they’d both felt that night, but maybe that was just a fantasy. Although Troy had proven himself to her in the last few months, she couldn’t deny her attraction to Shaun.
The coil in her stomach tightened. Troy… She pressed her finger to his name in her contact list. The phone buzzed once, twice, three times.
“Hi, Jennifer.”
She swallowed. “Hey, Troy. Something’s happened. We need to talk.”
CHAPTER 3
J ennifer walked down the sidewalk, her sneakers squeaking against the pavement. As she rounded the corner, the green and white letters of her destination were in stark contrast to the building’s red brick surface. A car slowed and stopped at the light. The engine’s rumble reverberated into Jennifer’s chest, playing along the nervous energy pulsing through her veins.
Troy…
She twirled the ring on her finger, and a seed of doubt sprouted in her chest. The conversation with him had been interesting. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected. Jealousy? Anger? He’d displayed neither. Instead, he’d been calm, self-assured. “Sounds like you need to figure out what you want. I don’t like this, but I won’t stop you. Just know, you mean the world to me.”
The sincerity in his voice had her questioning her motives. Troy was nice. He respected her and gave her the space she needed. How could she leave him? The doubt in her chest grew like tree roots, tightening around her heart. She pulled her purse strap tighter over her shoulder and glanced into the coffee shop.
Despite that it was Saturday and the business crowd wasn’t around, a fair number of people bustled inside the café. Steeling herself, she inhaled a large breath and pulled on the door handle. The scent of warm, rich coffee infiltrated her senses, enveloping her in its calming influence. She entered the store and glanced around the room. People sat in groups of two or three at tables and some lounged on the small sofas. Conversations filled the air, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter. The service line was several people deep.
No sign of Shaun.
Heaviness dampened her mood. Maybe he isn’t coming…
A tingle of fear and guilt wrapped around her heart. She still had time to turn around, flee this place, and stay on the safe path.
Someone gently tapped her on the shoulder.
She glanced behind her.
Shaun…
The same dark hair was cut short, and a thin scar parted one eyebrow. Deep brown eyes reminded her of soft pools of chocolate causing her to melt under his stare. He smiled, and her body responded as it had that night, warmth creeping under every pore in her skin, soaking him up as if he were her own private sun.
“Hi, Jen. It’s good to see you again.” His rich baritone voice trailed along her nerves, stroking her.
“Shaun, hi. I didn’t see you.” Her voice wavered, and she mentally kicked herself for letting her feelings show. She glanced at her feet before meeting his gaze.
The smile that curled his lip was playful, as if he could sense her nervousness. “I parked at the corner, but had to plug the meter and couldn’t quite catch up before you walked in.”
He motioned toward an elderly man with a grey fedora, the last person in the coffee line. “Shall we?”
His openness eased some of the tension in her shoulders, and she couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, of course.”
Stepping behind the older man, her insides twisted with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. She turned and faced Shaun. “What do—”
He was right there, up close and personal, and before she could stop herself, she plowed into him. Instinctively, her hands landed on his biceps.
He gripped her arms, steadying her. Even through his coat, the bulge of his firm muscles was unmistakable. A shiver of delight tingled her fingers. As she inhaled, his heady cologne mixed with the leather of his coat, teased her.
She let out a relieved breath and stepped back. “I’m sorry, I—”
Shhh… He placed his finger over her lips, silencing her.
“I’m the one who’s sorry. Thank you for giving me another chance.” He studied her with his intense gaze, and she resisted the urge to caress his scar, the one that cut through his eyebrow. Instead, she stepped away and brought her fingers to her mouth, tracing her bottom lip where the memory of his touch still lingered.
He audibly inhaled. His gaze riveted on her ring then pulled to her eyes. “Are you engaged?”
Adrenaline surged through her veins. In her haste to meet Shaun, she’d forgotten about the piece of jewelry. “No, it’s a promise ring.”
Although his shoulders visibly relaxed, his eyes burned with resolve. He winked. “Ah, yes, the competition. I plan to have that ring off your finger before the day is through. But for now…” he motioned toward the end of the line.
Her heart thudded at his words. He was determined, that was certain. She stepped forward, and he followed without hesitation.
She had so many questions, but she didn’t know where to start. “Shaun—”
“What can I get going for ’ya, young lady?”
Jennifer stiffened at the moniker. She glanced at the woman behind the counter. A tall redhead, with a nose ring and black lipstick, gave her a wink. Her name tag read “Candy.”
Shaun stepped behind Jennifer, entering her personal space. When he spoke, his cool breath tickled her ear. “What’s your favorite?”
A shiver raced down her spine. If their connection was this strong already, she was in big trouble. “A tall mocha caramel latte with a hint of cinnamon would be wonderful. Thank you.”
Candy’s attention roamed from her to Shaun and back again. A knowing smile tugged at her lips. “Perfect.” She scribbled on a plastic cup and handed it to the barista then peered at Shaun. “And for you?”
His gaze rose to the menu. The lines in his forehead crinkled. “How about…an iced coffee, unsweetened, tall.”
The cashier rang up the order, and he paid. In profile, his strong, aquiline nose accentuated his high cheekbones and full lips. He was absolutely gorgeous, and memories of their time together so long ago returned full force. Being with him felt as natural as breathing air.
As they waited for their drinks, Jennifer scanned the room. Still packed with patrons, all the seats were taken. Restlessness pounded in her chest.
“Here you go, you two.” The barista placed their cups on the counter.
Shaun retrieved their drinks and handed her the mocha. With a quick glance around, a crease formed over the bridge of his nose, right between his eyes. “It’s too crowded in here. You interested in going for a walk on the waterfront?”
Perfect. “Sure, I’d love that.”
CHAPTER 4
A s Jennifer strode beside Shaun down the sidewalk, a sense of well-being lifted her spirits. His easy-going demeanor helped her relax, and they fell into a light conversation about the new action-packed movie, the best place in town for doughnuts, and the latest song from Usher. They had a lot in common and despite their age difference, she felt appreciated and respected. Finished with their drinks, they tossed the empty cups into a nearby garbage can.
Not far away, the bright green grass of early spring beckoned along the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The lovely park’s lush greenery and foliage in the midst of the city’s concrete corridor was one of her favorite places. As they approached the corner of Naito Parkway, the roar of Salmon Street Springs drowned out the passing cars. The walk signal flashed from “walk” to “don’t walk” and before she could react, Shaun gripped
her hand. The heat of his palm tingled her skin, sending a jolt of excitement along her nerves.
“Let’s go!” His brown eyes sparkled with mirth, and he tugged her forward.
They dashed across the street, and although she hadn’t noticed it before, she caught the slight limp in his gait. When they reached the edge of the springs, he released his hold and ran his hand through his hair. A short laugh bubbled from him. She tracked his focused gaze to the fountain. Water sprayed from a plume situated in the middle of several concentric rings. Chair-sized blocks spaced evenly apart circled the perimeter. In the mist, miniature rainbows cascaded a brilliant and mesmerizing array of colors.
The interactive fountain attracted a large crowd, especially during the summer months. Today, only a few people were in sight. Nearby a young woman brought a small plastic wand to her lips, and with a quick exhale, soap bubbles floated into the air. A small girl with tight pigtails chased after the bunch, her giggles cutting through the fountain’s roar.
Shaun smiled at the child’s glee and held out his hand. “Let’s get closer.”
Jennifer hesitated. The fountain was one that sprayed water from different spouts in a random sequence. “The fountain could change at any moment. We might get soaked.”
“Come on. Live on the edge.” A mischievous glint formed in his eyes. Her stomach fluttered as an internal battle waged between her need to act mature and her desire to let go. Before she could change her mind, she rested her fingers in his open palm. His hand closed over hers. A shiver of delight raced over her skin.
He drew her closer to the fountain and with each step, her pulse beat louder. When they were mere inches from the spout, Shaun extended his arm and placed his fingers in the water. A boyish grin formed on his face. “The water feels wonderful. Try it.”
She took a step closer. As her fingers connected with the jet, the cool liquid rolled over her fingertips, a few drops splashing on her cheek. The sensation tickled her sensitive skin, and a laugh burst from her lips.
