Taking Chances

by Melange Books, LLC

  “Sure, it’s a nice night.”

  They walked side by side, stopping to stare in the windows of the stores at the large outdoor shopping plaza. Then walked into the well-groomed gardens in the park area and sat on a bench by a large stone water fountain.

  Kal turned toward Shana and picked up her hands in his. He gently ran his thumb over the top of her hand. “Shana, I want to date you. I want to spend time with you, get to know you. I’m attracted to you immensely, nonetheless I want to take it slow and see if we have any chance at a future together.”

  Shana looked at his handsome, sun-bronzed face. He was so attractive and she felt mesmerized by his eyes and the sincerity in them. She wanted to do exactly what he’d just proposed yet she was scared to death. He obviously wanted her. He wanted this now but what about later when he found out what she’d done. His hand gently cupped her chin. His lips touched hers and then his tongue slid inside her mouth. He pulled her up close to his body. She was lost. Her arms went around his neck and she kissed him back passionately. A kiss filled with all the love and emotions bottled up inside her for over two years.

  Kal pulled back a little to whisper in her ear, “Is that a yes?”

  “Yes,” Shana managed to get out and then his mouth was on hers again. His finger traced the strap of her dress along her shoulder. She pulled away a little. “You did say we’d go slowly, and I’m holding you to that.” She gazed up at him.

  “Yes, you’re right.” Kal stood and pulled her up. They walked back to the Ocean Club holding hands.

  After the valet pulled the car up, Shana and Kal got in. They laughed and talked about movies they’d seen and ones they wanted to see on the drive back to Shana’s apartment. Kal parked and walked Shana to her door. He held her hand as they walked up the steps.

  “I’d like to take you to a movie tomorrow night.”

  “I’d like that,” Shana said.

  Now at her door, he turned her into his arms and kissed her with a breathtaking, intense kiss. He pressed her body against his, slid his hand down her back to her waist to the curve of her sweet little ass. His body was on fire. He wanted to pick her up in his arms, carry her to her bed, and make passionate love to her all night long. Instead, he broke the embrace and took a deep breath of fresh air.

  “Okay, I promised slow, so I’ll pick you up at five tomorrow and we’ll grab a burger somewhere, then a movie,” Kal said with glazed eyes still roaming over her body, even though his hands weren’t.

  “Sounds good,” Shana said trying to regain her composure. It was a good thing he hadn’t asked to come in because there was no way she could’ve said no.

  Kal backed away towards the stairs, never taking his eyes off her. “You are so beautiful, and you have no idea how hard it is to walk away from you right now.” With that, he turned and walked down the stairs. At the bottom, he paused, looked up at her and said, “Tomorrow at five.”

  Shana nodded, opened her door and went inside. As soon as she closed the door, she heard his car drive away.

  “What a night!” Shana said out loud as a grin spread across her face and she collapsed on the couch full of hope and anticipation.

  * * * *

  Shana woke to bright sunshine. She loved this state with all its sun! She thought about Kal’s kisses last night, and a huge smile spread across her face. She hadn’t felt this happy in a long time. Lying in bed with her sexy teddy on, she thought about how good it would feel to have Kal’s hands roaming her bare skin. It would feel good. Damn, but it would feel great! They had to go slow. She wanted a relationship, not just hot sex. Relationships took time. They had to get to know each other. Find out if they had any common interests. So far, they seemed to get along fine. So far, so good. The sexual attraction between them was intense, though. It made waiting hard. So just how long did they need to wait? Six weeks? Six dates? Six weeks seemed like a long time. More like forever when her body was on fire for him now. Six dates sounded better. More doable. They could still kiss and do some touching, of course. Six dates it was, she decided. If they still liked each other after six dates and still felt the attraction was there, she would allow Kal to make love to her. Again.

  So was this date two or three they were going on tonight? Did the first dinner count? Sure, why not? They’d spent time together getting to know each other. So this was date three, and it was going to be fun. More talking. More getting to know each other. More kissing. More touching. She could hardly wait.

  That evening, she dressed in denim capris and a red tank top, Shana checked her appearance in the mirror as she put on her lipstick. Yes, she looked good. Her hair was up in a clip because it was a hot day and he would probably have the top down on the Vet. She’d spent the day cleaning up her apartment, doing laundry and managed a couple hours of reading time. She was anxious now to see Kal. It was a little before five and he should be there any minute.

  * * * *

  After dropping Kalsha back off at Sadie’s, Kal drove to Shana’s apartment. He had the top down on his Corvette and the wind was caressing his face as he drove. It had been a good day so far and the evening was going to be even better. He’d golfed early this morning with Mac. They had a standing second Saturday of the month golf tee off at eight. The afternoon was Kalsha’s time. They’d gone to the park and had a picnic lunch packed by Sadie. Sadie was the best sister anyone could ask for. She took good care of Kalsha and him. He didn’t know what he’d have done without her. Even though this afternoon she’d practically shoved him out the door after he dropped Kalsha off. She was probably more excited about him dating Shana than he was. Well, maybe equally excited. She even informed him not to pick Kalsha up until tomorrow morning. Not that he’d be spending the night however it would be late and Sadie, Mac and Kalsha would be sleeping. Back to spending the night. He’d love to, only it was too soon. He’d have to wait. He wasn’t sure how long but no matter how much he wanted to, he wouldn’t be spending the night with Shana tonight.

  * * * *

  Kal parked his car and practically bounded up the steps to Shana’s apartment. He knocked. The door opened and Shana smiled at him. Her face lit up when she smiled. It was such a beautiful smile, with beautiful full lips waiting to be kissed. And he almost did kiss them. Then she turned back into her apartment to grab a sweater and her purse. Damn, but he wanted to kiss her. He walked slowly down the steps behind her. When they reached the Vet, he opened the door for her and she got in. From this vantage point, he had a great view of her cleavage. Hell, he wanted to do more than kiss her lips. He wanted to have his hands and lips all over her breasts. Just how long did he have to wait anyway? Kal got in and turned to Shana.

  “Ready?” Kal asked.

  “Yes,” Shana said turning towards him.

  Kal couldn’t help himself as he leaned toward her, cupping her chin and helping himself to those full ripe lips—lips eagerly responding to his need. He broke the kiss and cleared his throat. “I’ve been waiting all day to do that,” he said, smiling his sexy smile.

  “Me, too,” Shana said, surprising herself and him.

  “Let’s go grab a burger,” Kal said and drove slowly out of the parking lot. He was relieved with her response, although she was quiet now. But then again it was hard to talk with all the noise and wind from having the top down. So he turned up the stereo. He had Mick Sterling, a Minneapolis Blues singer, playing. “Is this music okay?”

  “Yes. I have this CD. It’s one of my favorites.”

  “Mine, too,” Kal said smiling.

  “But you have to be from Minnesota to appreciate it, I suppose.”

  “Right. People down here don’t have a clue who Mick is,” Kal said laughing as he pulled into Mel’s Diner.

  After being seated, Kal ordered burgers, fries and Cokes for both of them.

  “I can’t believe you like Mick?” Shana said.

  “I used to listen to him play at Bunkers in downtown Minneapolis.”

  “Me, too.”


  “I think I have all his CDs, too. And they are well used.”

  “I have three of his.”

  “We’ll have to compare CDs, you may want to borrow one of mine.”

  “I wonder if they have any good local Blues bands in Phoenix?”

  “Sad to admit, but I haven’t actually checked it out since I moved here. However I’d be game to listen to some local bands and see if we can find any as good as Mick.”

  “I’d be open to that.”

  “How about next Friday night? We can pick up the latest issue of the Phoenix Night Scene weekly paper and pick a band to try.”

  “Okay,” Shana said.

  The burgers came. They were greasy on toasted buns. The only way to eat burgers! Crinkle cut fries and Coke in the old-fashioned Coke glasses. “Um! These are good!” Shana said.

  “I’ve checked out numerous places and Mel’s is the best burger place I’ve found,” Kal said and had to stop himself because he’d almost said it was Kalsha’s favorite, too.

  “What movie are we going to?”

  “You said you like action and romance, so there is a new James Bond movie out, that should be both.”

  “Great! I love James Bond. Pierce Brosnan is my favorite.”

  “There is a new James Bond, you know.”

  “Yes, not sure I like that, although I’m willing to give him a shot.”

  “Okay. Bond it is,” Kal said as he took out a twenty for the check.

  * * * *

  Since there was time before the movie started, they took the slow route to the movie theater via Old Scottsdale. Kal pointed out places of interest while they both sang along to Mick cranked on the stereo. They arrived promptly at the movie theater fifteen minutes prior to the start time.

  They stood gazing at the snack menu hanging behind the concession stand, after getting their tickets.

  “Medium popcorn and two Cokes?” Kal asked Shana.

  “Yes,” she answered.

  Kal nodded and the clerk poured their Cokes and bagged their popcorn.

  As they took their seats and got comfortable for the movie, Shana tried to remember the last time she’d been to a movie theater. She couldn’t. It’d been a long time. She’d been alone a long time, and when you’re alone you don’t go to movies; you simply wait and rent the DVD. It felt good to be at an actual movie theater, with a man, on a date. She was actually enjoying herself. She smiled at Kal. He smiled back, however before she could say anything, the previews started, so she leaned back and settled into her comfy reclining chair, next to her date.

  Three hours later, they watched the credits scroll by.

  “So, what’d you think? Like the new James Bond?” Kal asked.

  “I wasn’t so sure I would, but I did!”

  “Great action scenes,” Kal said.

  “Great romance scenes!” Shana said laughing.

  “Touché!” Kal said joining her laughter as they exited the theater.

  A deep blue sky filled with sparkling stars and a lower much more comfortable temperature greeted them.

  “What a gorgeous night,” Kal said as they got in the Vet.

  “Yes. It seems Arizona has many of them.” And gorgeous men she thought. She wanted one for herself. She was beginning to think Kal would do very nicely.

  * * * *

  They talked and laughed as they drove to her apartment. Kal parked and looked into Shana’s eyes. He didn’t want to say good-bye yet although it was almost one in the morning. He wanted her too much to even think about walking her to her door. It would be dangerous. He wasn’t sure he could stop at the door. If he went in, things could get out of hand quickly and despite his prior misgivings, he liked her. He didn’t want to screw up their chance at a relationship. And a lot depended on how their dating progressed.

  Kal parked at the end of the parking lot in an end spot next to a palm tree. It was a habit of his when he drove the Vet. He didn’t want to take any chances with door dings. He got out, walked around to her door and opened it. Shana got out, he closed the door and the next minute he had her back against the car with his arms around her, kissing her. It was a hungry-devouring kiss and she was giving it back with an equal amount of hunger. Her arms wrapped around his neck. Kal swung them around so he was leaning on the car. His hands slid down to her waist and then her sweet ass. He pulled her to him pressing his groin into her, so she would know what she did to him. He kissed her neck and eased one hand up to her breast cupping it. He heard her moan.

  “Do you want to come up to my apartment?”

  “Can’t,” Kal moaned in between kisses.

  “Why?” Shana asked.

  “I promised you slow,” Kal barely got out.

  “Oh, is this slow?” Shana teased and leaning back looked into his handsome face.

  “Yes, this is slow,” Kal gritted out like he was in pain. “I’m trying to keep my promise, but woman, you turn me on!”

  “Yes. Slow,” Shana stated.

  “I want you, Shana. I want to have a relationship with you. What do you want?” Kal kissed her neck again and pressed his groin into her heat.

  “I want ... to go slow,” Shana said.

  “Do you want me?”

  Her body was on fire. Hell, yes she wanted him. She’d have to be dead to not want him. She’d been almost dead for too long. But she wasn’t now. She was alive and yes, she wanted him. “Yes,” she whispered.

  “How long do we have to wait?” He kissed her ear, then her cheek.

  “We-need-to-go-on-six-dates,” Shana got out slowly, one word at a time.

  “What number is this?” Kal asked, thinking six was a doable number. Maybe.

  “What ... Oh. Date three.” She couldn’t concentrate with his slow, sensual attack on her senses.

  “Three to go then,” Kal managed to get out. He stood up holding her in front of him. “Would you like to go golfing tomorrow morning?”

  “Sure. What time?”

  “Eight and we’ll have brunch after we’re done at the Club House restaurant.”

  “Okay,” Shana said and leaned up and kissed him. “Tomorrow.” She turned and walked across the parking lot towards her apartment, a huge smile played across her face.

  Kal leaned back against his car and watched her hips sway provocatively as she walked. Yes, tomorrow. And that would be number four. And that left only two more. He could make it until then with the help of a few cold showers.

  Chapter Eleven

  Shana lay in bed thinking about her date. About Kal. She could still feel his kisses and when she closed her eyes, she could see him smiling and pressing his body against hers. The visions in her mind of lying in bed with him were still vivid from their first meeting. Yes, she’d drunk too much that night, however she remembered every minute of their sexual encounter. After they finished, she fell asleep and was out for the night, still she remembered everything up until then. It had been damn good. Their attraction was strong then and it hadn’t dimmed at all. No, it was as strong as ever. It would be good again. She just had to forget about what happened. She hadn’t had a choice. Not really. Maybe she didn’t have to tell him. Women terminated pregnancies every day and the men never found out about it. Not unless the women actually told them. She was not going to think about it now. No, she was going to go to sleep dreaming about making mad passionate love with Kal.

  * * * *

  Bright streaks of sun shone through the cracks in the blinds on Shana’s bedroom window. She woke up with a smile on her face. She would be seeing Kal again. Lazily she turned to look at the clock and she practically jumped out of bed. She only had an hour before he arrived. The alarm must’ve gone off and she’d hit the snooze button, again. Damn!

  A short time later, Shana stood on the first tee of Scottsdale Hills golf course. There was a gentle breeze and the sun shone brightly. As usual. She was nervous; it had been quite a few years ago since she last played golf. If she could just talk herself through the first tee and manage
a decent swing, she would probably do okay. It was when she stopped to think about every minute part of her swing that she had problems. Shana stared at the flag in the hole, then the ball on the tee. She held her breath and took her swing. Her eyes followed the ball as it went up and fell midway to the hole.

  “Good shot, Shana,” Kal said.

  “Thanks.” Shana walked back to the golf cart. She stopped and turned to watch Kal’s swing. It looked good. He looked real good, too. She watched the ball land gently on the green. “Very nice,” she said to Kal as he walked back towards her. He stopped in front of her and gave her a light quick kiss on the cheek.

  The morning went quickly and before she knew it, they finished golfing nine holes and headed inside the clubhouse for brunch. They were seated outside on the patio with a gorgeous view of the lush green golf course sprinkled with cactus and palm trees.

  “Let’s get some food.” Kal got up and walked towards the buffet and Shana followed. “They have a great brunch here. You’ll have to try the caramel rolls. They bake them here so they are always fresh.”

  “I love caramel rolls, especially fresh ones!” Shana said.

  Kal kept the conversation light while they ate. They sipped mimosas slowly and watched the golfers go by in their golf carts.

  “You played a nice game of golf,” Kal said.

  “I think I got lucky today. Probably because it’s been so long since I last golfed.”

  “Maybe you’re just a good golfer,” Kal said, teasing.

  “We’ll see if my luck holds out after I golf a few more times.”

  “You could join a ladies golf league.”

  “It’d probably be better for my ego to golf with women, but then again some women are as good as the men.”

  “True. What counts is if you enjoy the day golfing, not what your score is.”

  “Either way I had a great day. I enjoyed the day and I am thrilled with my score. How about you?” Shana asked.

  “I am thoroughly enjoying my day, and my score is always good, so I can’t complain. And I have no complaints about my golf partner.”