Taking Chances

by Melange Books, LLC

  How could he love one and not the other? He knew the answer however he didn’t want to accept the truth, which was he couldn’t. Naturally, he would love both. Damn! He had to stay away from her. Hell, she was probably mad at him for kissing her in public, anyway. Then he’d left without saying anything to her. Hopefully, she was mad as Hell and wouldn’t want anything else to do with him. Hopefully. Hell, he prayed she wouldn’t.

  Later, Kal arrived at his sister’s house and as he walked in swore, “Damn!”

  “Kal?” Sadie questioned.

  “I’ve absolutely lost my mind.”

  “Would you care to tell me what you’re going on about? And try to be a bit quieter. Kalsha is sleeping.” Sadie pointed to the bedroom where Kalsha slept peacefully.

  “I kissed her,” Kal stated point blank.

  “Who?” Sadie asked, puzzled.

  “Shana.”

  “Oh ... well that explains everything,” Sadie said.

  “Exactly.”

  “I’m assuming she didn’t force you to kiss her.”

  “No. It was my idea.”

  “Then you wanted to, right?” Sadie questioned.

  “At the moment it seemed like the thing to do,” Kal confessed.

  “So what’s the problem?” Sadie laughed, giving her baby brother the look.

  “Don’t look at me that way, Sadie. And don’t laugh, it’s not funny. This is serious.”

  “Oh, it’s serious now, huh.”

  “No, it’s not. You know what I mean. I had a momentary lapse in judgment,” Kal stated.

  “So what did Shana do?” Sadie asked.

  “Nothing.”

  “In other words she kissed you back?” Sadie prompted with a question.

  “Sort of.”

  “If she didn’t slap you, she was probably okay with it.”

  “Who knows! I’m not okay with it. That’s the problem,” Kal said in a raised voice.

  “I see.”

  “I’m the problem. I’m an idiot!”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” Sadie said, laughing again.

  “I don’t know what’s wrong with me when I’m around her.”

  “You’re obviously attracted to her.”

  “Obviously, and I don’t know why. I should hate her.”

  “Do you?”

  “I thought I did. I’m so damn attracted to her. When I’m near her, I can’t think straight.”

  “You did say she is a beautiful woman, didn’t you?”

  “Absolutely! She’s got a hot body any guy would kill to touch,” Kal stated bluntly.

  “Okay ...So then you’re normal because you want her.”

  “She has long blonde hair that frames her beautiful face and mesmerizing golden brown eyes. Just like Kalsha,” Kal confessed.

  “It’s completely normal to love the mother of your child,” Sadie stated.

  “I don’t love her and she certainly hasn’t been a mother in any way.”

  “Maybe, she needs a second chance.”

  “Maybe, I just need to stay the Hell away from her.”

  “It’s your life,” Sadie said.

  “Get Kalsha, I need to go home.”

  * * * *

  It seemed like everywhere in the hospital he went today, he saw her. Shana. He just couldn’t get away from her. Not that she’d sought him out or anything. Well, she certainly wasn’t doing a very good job, but then again she hadn’t approached him either. She’d only waved his way once and then left quickly down a different hall. He had the distinct feeling she was avoiding him. He wasn’t sure why, nonetheless it annoyed him. He actually felt somewhat insulted by her actions.

  What was wrong with him? Shouldn’t she jump at the chance to go out with a doctor who was a down to earth nice guy, too? So what was her problem?

  Shana had a lot to hide from him, like the pregnancy. She probably didn’t want to have that discussion with him. He couldn’t completely blame her. But then again he hadn’t asked her out, had he? No, he hadn’t given her the option to say yes or no. It was best not to go there anyway, so he would continue trying to avoid her.

  * * * *

  She’d almost run into him in the hall again. It was a close call. All day, Monday, she’d been trying her best to avoid Kal unfortunately it seemed everywhere she went, he was. There simply wasn’t any way they could have a future together so she needed to steer clear of him.

  It was almost time to go home and she’d managed not to run into Kal anymore. Rounding the last hallway corner leading to the parking lot, she stopped abruptly. Kal was standing at the door talking with another doctor. They both looked her way before the other doctor left through the door. Kal stared at her as if he didn’t have the faintest idea what to do or say. She kept walking towards him. What else could she do? Stop? And do what? No, she had no alternative but to keep walking and talk to him as briefly as possible.

  “Hi,” Shana said stopping at the door where Kal stood watching her walk towards him. He was only being polite, she reassured herself.

  “Shana,” Kal managed to get out.

  Shana stared at him, waiting for him to say something.

  “I think we should go out on a date,” Kal stated, giving her his conclusion.

  “A real date?” Shana questioned, not sure she heard him correctly.

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t—“

  “We have unfinished business to take care of,” Kal stated.

  “What do you mean?” Shana asked, still not sure where he was going with this.

  “We need to spend some time together and see what happens,” Kal explained.

  “Really,” Shana said as her heart stood still. Did she dare? What would one date hurt? It probably wouldn’t go any further than one date and maybe it would stop her from wondering what might’ve been.

  “Pick you up Friday at six?” Kal asked.

  “Okay,” Shana replied. It was only one date. She could do this. He was intelligent and handsome. It would be fun. It just wasn’t going anywhere after that.

  “Email me your address and I’ll see you then,” Kal said. Other nurses and doctors were coming down the hall so they both left and walked alone to their cars.

  Shana grinned as she walked to her car. She was going on a date with Kal. Who would’ve thought that would ever happen? Certainly not her. Who knew if they had anything in common or even if they would get along in a real relationship? She certainly didn’t. They obviously were attracted to one another. That would not be a problem. However, the issue of her past pregnancy would. At least she thought it would be. There was no point in bringing it up if they weren’t going to have a serious relationship.

  She would have to send Tara an email to let her know what had happened today. Tara was truly the only one she could talk to about this. Tara usually didn’t check her emails at night though, so she most likely wouldn’t hear back until tomorrow.

  * * * *

  Kal felt almost giddy as he drove to Sadie’s to pick up Kalsha. Sadie and he had always been close and could tell each other anything. Sadie had not been able to have children so far, although she was still trying. Sadie and her husband, Mac, were now trying in vitro fertilization. Because Sadie had no children of her own, she loved taking care of Kalsha. Of course, Sadie would love any child of Kal’s as if it were her own. What was not to love about Kalsha? She was a happy beautiful child. Who happened to look exactly like her mother.

  “Now I really did it,” Kal said as he walked in. He could hear Kalsha playing in the living room.

  “Did what?” Sadie asked, walking into the foyer to meet him.

  “I tried not talking to her, which I almost managed do. I mean I did everything I could to avoid her all day and almost succeeded.”

  “Okay, now I am totally confused. Get to the point. What did you do? Kiss her again?” Sadie asked, fully lost as to what he was trying to say.

  “No. Worse. Not only did I talk to her, I asked her out on a dat
e,” Kal admitted.

  “Way to go, Dr. Stud,” Sadie said, laughing.

  “Don’t call me that, Sis. You know I hate it.”

  “Well, so much for staying as far away from her as possible.”

  “I tried. Really, I did.”

  “So what happened?”

  “I ran into her when I was leaving the hospital. When I looked at her, all I wanted to do was kiss her again,” Kal said honestly.

  “So you did the next best thing and asked her out,” Sadie concluded.

  “I guess you might say that.”

  “Good.”

  “Good? Are you crazy? I should never have done it.”

  “Oh, well, it’s over and done with now. So go with the flow as they say and plan a date she’ll never forget.”

  “You think so? You think I should even go on the date? I could cancel at the last minute,” Kal said as he paced the floor and ran his fingers through his hair.

  “Oh, you’re going all right. So start thinking about where you’re taking her,” Sadie ordered.

  “I don’t have any idea where to take her? I haven’t been on a date for so long.”

  “I know. But you’ll think of something.” Sadie kissed her brother on the cheek. “I have confidence in you.” She smiled and went to get Kalsha

  Chapter Ten

  The morning dragged as Shana checked her email again. Finally, there was one from Tara. She was eager to hear what Tara thought about her upcoming Friday night date with Kal.

  The email read:

  Shana,

  In meetings all day, so this will be short. I think it’s great! You should go. You two have unfinished business. Don’t bring anything up about it yet. Just get to know each other and see if a relationship develops. The pregnancy is a topic for a much later conversation. So go and enjoy yourself!

  Talk to you later, got to run. Let me know how it goes.

  Tara

  Shana sat back in her chair and released a deep sigh. Good. Tara thinks it’s okay. Simply knowing that made her feel so much better. Tara was right; the pregnancy was for a later conversation.

  She looked up as her computer dinged, signaling there was a new email. It was from Kal requesting her address and cell number in case he got lost on his way to her house. Giving him her address and cell number was a big step. She wasn’t worried he would stalk her or anything. It’s just those two things were very personal. She almost felt like they were actually going to be dating. Shana typed a reply and gave Kal her address and cell number. She clicked the send button.

  A few minutes later, Kal replied. He thanked her and reconfirmed the day and time. He also said to wear something dressy because they would be going to dinner at the Ocean Club restaurant in Scottsdale.

  So he wasn’t going to spare expense, he was going for high test. That was nice as long as he didn’t expect sex in return. She wasn’t ready yet. She was getting close though. She would need a strappy little black dress to wear. There really hadn’t been any need to have one in her wardrobe the past couple of years so she would be going shopping after work. Hopefully, she could find one on a clearance rack at the mall.

  Shana got up from her desk at five; she couldn’t help the huge smile spreading across her face. It felt good to be going on a date. It had been way too long. Hell, she deserved some fun.

  * * * *

  Shana stared at the clearance rack full of dresses at Macys, a couple of hours later. Boy, had she lucked out! The rack was full of newly marked down dresses. After settling on ten dresses, she headed to the fitting room to try them on.

  She walked out with an absolutely sexy strappy little black dress. It fit perfectly, hugging every inch of her body and framing her breasts with little black straps. The price was unbelievable—marked down 80%—and something she could never afford at regular price on her tight budget!

  * * * *

  Friday flew by at the hospital. Kal sent her a confirmation email stating he would pick her up at six. It was almost six and Shana was in her apartment just about ready. There were butterflies in her stomach. She was nervous. Would he like the dress? Would he like the way she looked in the dress? She had no idea what would happen. She would have to wait and see. Though not for long as moments later she heard a knock at the door.

  Shana sprayed perfume on quickly, and slipped into her sandals before answering the door. “Kal, please come in,” she said.

  “You look beautiful,” Kal commented, slowly taking in every delectable inch of Shana with his eyes as he stepped inside her apartment.

  “I’ll just get my purse.” Shana smiled as she turned away.

  Shana picked up her purse and locked the door on their way out. She waited while Kal opened the door to his Vet for her. Having a guy open a car door was always a pleasant surprise. Of course, it always said a lot about the guy.

  Kal pulled up to the door of the Ocean Club to have the car valet parked. The valet opened Shana’s door and helped her out of the car. She waited while Kal got out of the car and waited for the valet ticket. He walked up to her and they walked in together.

  He’d called ahead for reservations and the table was ready—a cozy table for two with a view of the neighboring park gardens. It was a nice evening and the mahogany shuttered window doors were open. Shana sat down as the host held her chair out and seated her.

  “This is lovely,” Shana said.

  “They have a reputation for having the best seafood in town,” Kal said.

  “So, I should order seafood?” Shana questioned.

  “Unless you don’t like seafood—”

  “I love seafood,” Shana said, laughing.

  “Good, so do I,” Kal said as the waiter appeared.

  “Would you like some wine?” Kal asked.

  “Yes, I’ll have a glass of White Zinfandel,” Shana said.

  “We’ll take a bottle of Beringer White Zinfandel,” Kal said to the waiter.

  Shana looked at the menu. The entrees were extremely expensive. However, Kal had chosen the restaurant so he must be able to afford it. Shana decided on a seafood trio plate featuring lobster, shrimp, and scallops. Kal ordered Halibut with an almond crust. The waiter brought the wine and breadbasket a few minutes later.

  It was silent and awkward. Shana sipped her wine and took a piece of warm bread. She didn’t say anything—it was his call. Kal sipped his wine and took a piece of bread. He was watching her.

  “So, Shana, what do you like to do in your spare time?” he asked a few minutes later.

  “I like dancing, but don’t get a chance to go very often. I was thinking about taking some Ballroom Dancing classes. It would probably be a good way to get out and meet people, too.”

  “It does seem to be quite popular these days. Especially with the television show, Dancing with the Stars.”

  “Have you ever thought about taking lessons?” Shana asked.

  “Haven’t thought about it. Although it could be fun. Especially Salsa,” Kal answered.

  “Yes, Salsa always looks like fun.”

  “We may have to check into some classes. It’s probably better to go as a couple,” Kal stated.

  “What about you, what do you like to do?” Shana asked, changing the subject, since she had no response to his statement. Was he actually suggesting they take classes together?

  “I like to golf. It gets me out and it’s great exercise, too. Do you golf?”

  “Yes, but I’m not very good.”

  “Maybe you just need some pointers. I could be of assistance in that regard,” Kal offered.

  “That would probably help me, along with more practice. I need to go more often.”

  The waiter brought their food order. Shana’s seafood meal was extraordinary. Kal’s halibut was light and flaky the way Halibut should be served. She knew because they’d tasted each other’s food like real couples did.

  “So what else do you like to do, Shana?”

  “I like to read.”

  “Wh
at do you read?” Kal asked.

  “No laughing, promise?”

  “I promise,” Kal said loving it when she smiled.

  “Romance novels.”

  “Really. I know women like them. I see nurses reading them on their breaks and I always tease them about reading sex books.”

  “Well, they have sex in them, however they are love stories with happy endings.”

  “Do you think there are happy endings in real life?”

  “I’m not sure. But I am open to the possibility. I keep hoping. That’s what keeps me going.”

  The waiter brought the dessert tray out. Shana loved desserts and they all looked scrumptious. Chocolate was her favorite so she picked the lava cake—warm chocolate cake with melted chocolate on the inside served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and then drizzled with chocolate syrup. Kal picked a piece of carrot cake—a whopping six layers with cream cheese frosting.

  “What else do you like to do?” Shana asked.

  “I like to watch movies, at the movie theater or at home on my big screen television.”

  “I like movies, too. Of course my choice would be a romantic comedy,” Shana giggled.

  “I would’ve never guessed.”

  “But I also like action movies.”

  The waiter placed the desserts on the table. Shana took a bite and felt like she was in heaven. “Oh! This chocolate is to die for! I haven’t tasted chocolate this good in years.”

  Kal took a bite of his cake. “This is one of the best carrot cakes I’ve ever tasted. Their chefs are definitely to be commended.”

  The conversation turned to the everyday routines and gossip at the hospital. Kal filled her in on who was who on each floor. While they talked, the waiter presented the check and Kal handed him his credit card after briefly checking the total on the check.

  After signing the receipt, they got up from the table and walked to the door. “Care to take a walk around the shopping plaza?” Kal asked.