Taking Chances

by Melange Books, LLC

  After stopping by the hospital, Shana and Meg carried the boxes out to their cars and drove to the golf course to get everything set up. Tee offs had already started at seven. Thankfully, their clubhouse contact had offered to get the early golfers started for her. Shana knew Kal had opted for a tee off at nine, so she knew she wouldn’t see him until after the first nine holes were done. Shana and Meg were so organized it didn’t take long for them to get set up. The teams would turn in their score sheets after the first nine and then break briefly for a lunch of hamburgers, brats and beer. Then head out to complete the last nine holes.

  Since Shana and Meg finished so quickly, they decided to take a break and sit on the restaurant patio and enjoy a cold glass of lemonade. The patio had an excellent view of the golf course. You could see the golf carts and golfers out on the golf course, although it was impossible to make out any faces. The greens were a lush green with scattered ponds of water and palm trees. It didn’t look like the golf courses in Minnesota, still it was a beautiful sight. There was a gentle breeze blowing on them. Shana reached up to brush the hair back from her face. It felt so relaxing to simply sit there taking in the view. Meg was talking about a past golf tournament she’d worked on, but Shana was only half listening. Her mind was on Kal, and she found herself wondering which green he was on.

  About eleven, the teams started coming in for lunch. Shana and Meg sat at the check in table located in the Clubhouse lobby, collecting the scorecards. The men were very pleasant and talkative, eager to brag about their great drives or putts. She listened politely but kept her eye on the door, so she would know when Kal was back. Eventually his tall, trim figure framed the door. Her eyes were glued on him and as her eyes moved up and focused on his face, she realized he was looking at her also. He smiled and walked towards her table.

  “Hi,” Kal said, handing her his team’s scorecard.

  “Hi.” Shana took his scorecard.

  “How’s our tournament going?”

  “Great. Everything is going as planned.”

  “It’s a beautiful day,” Kal said, staring at Shana and, since he was standing and she was sitting down, she realized he had a titillating partial view of her breasts. “And if I may say, you look beautiful, too.”

  “Thank you,” Shana managed to stammer out. He was still staring at her. “You can help yourself to the buffet lunch out on the patio.”

  “Yes, I’ll do that.” Kal walked to the patio where the rest of the guys were eating. Had he actually just said that to her? What was the matter with him? It certainly wasn’t his brain he was thinking with when he was around her, that’s for sure.

  By the time all the teams checked in, Kal was finished eating and already golfing the back nine. Thank heavens he was gone, Shana thought. He’d certainly unnerved her by what he’d said and his reaction to her. Only after he’d left did she realize he’d had a full view of her breasts from where he’d stood. How embarrassing! Meg had only laughed and said, “Way to go.” That was probably justified since she’d dressed specifically for him today. He appreciated the visual and wasn’t that what she wanted?

  After all the teams were back out golfing, Shana and Meg finished calculating where the teams ranked, and they walked out to the patio to have lunch. They took their time because it would be a couple hours before the first teams finished their last nine holes. At least it gave her time to recoup from her last conversation with Kal. Yes, recoup. She needed to be ready to talk to him again when they got back in.

  The teams started coming back in a little later. She and Meg collected the scorecards as the men retreated to the patio bar for drinks and cigars. One of Kal’s teammates brought the scorecard for his team over to Shana. She looked out to the patio and saw Kal sitting at a table with both a drink and cigar. So he must be avoiding her this time. That’s okay; she’d see him at dinner.

  After all the team scores were tallied, they listed their first, second and third place teams, along with the longest drive and putt winners. She and Meg walked to the ballroom to get situated for the dinner. They only had an hour yet almost everything was done. As soon as the bar was ready, Meg went out to the patio bar to steer the men towards the ballroom. Shana finished up details with the kitchen as the men began to file into the room. Kal came up to the microphone, welcomed all the players, and congratulated them on an excellent day of golf. Kal then took his seat at the table and right on cue, the servers began serving the meal.

  The dinner was excellent. Everyone appeared to be having a nice time. It was almost time for the awards and prizes. Kal would present these and she would help. Shana looked up to see Kal approaching her table.

  “Ready?” Kal asked.

  “Yes,” Shana answered, gathering up her papers. She rose, followed Kal to the podium, and handed him a sheet of paper. “Here is the list for you to go by.”

  “Thanks,” Kal said, as his eyes lingered on her face and he smiled appreciatively. “Let’s do it,” he said.

  Shana watched his charisma work the group. He was an extremely entertaining speaker, engaging all while he spoke. On cue, she handed him the envelopes containing the prizes for the winners. After that, they were done.

  “Nice job, Shana. The golf tournament turned out great, thanks to you,” Kal said reaching to shake her hand.

  “Thanks, I think it turned out well.” Shana shook his hand, however, as soon as their hands touched, she could feel the spark ignite between them. Her gut reaction was to pull her hand back, but before she could react, one of the men called to Kal to meet them on the patio. She felt his hand reluctantly slide from hers.

  “Got to go,” Kal said and started walking towards the patio. He stopped and turned back towards Shana. “Catch you later.” He gave her a smile and then proceeded to join the other men seated on the patio with their drinks to rehash their day.

  “Well, that’s that,” Shana said watching his retreating back.

  “What did you say?” Meg asked walking up.

  “Nothing important.”

  “Right,” Meg said.

  Shana caught Meg’s ironic tone and said, “Let’s get all of our stuff together so we can get out of here.”

  They were able to make it in one trip. It was such a beautiful night, Shana didn’t really want to go home yet and, since she was looking exceptionally hot tonight, even if she did say so herself, she said, “Meg, do you know any exciting local hang-outs where we could stop and have a glass of wine?”

  “Thought you’d never ask. There’s one a few blocks from here. Very upscale with nice looking, available men.”

  “Sounds perfect. I’ll follow you.”

  They pulled up to The McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale. It was a Friday night so it was bustling with young professionals. They lucked out and grabbed a table near the bar. The bar had live bands on the weekend and a local band just started playing.

  “What do you think?” Meg asked.

  “This is great. Do you know the band?” Shana asked.

  “Yes, I’ve heard them play before. They’re good and easy to dance to.”

  The band began playing and the two women listened, talked and drank their wine. Meg knew a few people who had stopped by their table to talk briefly. The music was rock with some songs upbeat and some slow and relaxing. Meg went out to dance with a friend she knew. Shana watched the band and scanned the crowd. Then she heard his voice—Kal.

  She turned towards the entrance and saw him and a few of the other doctors walk in. She quickly turned back towards the band. Why she’d turned away, she wasn’t sure. She could still hear his voice so she knew he was close. She turned back quickly to see where he was. Sure enough, he was sitting at the bar behind her. She decided he hadn’t noticed her yet. She couldn’t wait until Meg got back.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to leave you here alone so long. I know that sucks,” Meg said returning to her seat, which was facing the bar.

  “I’m fine,” Shana said.

  “Say, isn’
t that Dr. Paxton at the bar?” Meg asked trying to focus better on the bar now that there were people standing between their table and the bar.

  “Yes,” Shana said. “Maybe we should go?”

  “Why? We were here first. It’s not like we followed him here. No, it’s more the other way around. Do you think he saw us?” Meg asked.

  “No, I don’t think he saw us.”

  “Really. Well, I think you’re wrong because he’s coming over here right now.”

  “Great,” Shana muttered. She could feel him standing behind her.

  “Hi, ladies,” Kal said. “What a coincidence we all chose the same bar.”

  “Yes, isn’t it? Meg suggested it,” Shana said.

  The other three doctors joined them at the table.

  “Mind if we sit with you two?” Kal asked, seeing the empty chairs.

  “Of course not,” Meg answered for them.

  Kal took the chair next to Shana before any of the others had a chance.

  The conversation centered on the day’s golf event. The men bragged about their games and complimented Shana and Meg on how smoothly the event went.

  Meg and one of the other doctors went out to dance, then Kal turned to Shana. “Would you like to dance?”

  Chapter Nine

  Did she dare dance with him? Shana hesitated.

  “It’s only a dance,” Kal coaxed.

  “I know. It’s just so—Deja vu,” Shana managed to get out.

  “Sometimes you simply have to let go and live a little. Take a chance,” Kal said. He stood up and reached for her hand.

  Shana got up and walked to the dance floor with Kal. She didn’t want to create a scene by saying no, yet she wasn’t sure if by agreeing she’d unwittingly given cause for the gossip chain at the hospital to start up about them. And taking chances? Hadn’t she been there, done that?

  It was a fast dance, which would work out fine. Her body began to sway to the music. This could be fun. She would simply forget Kal was there and let her body be one with the music. She liked dancing, the way it made her feel free and one with the music. It also made her feel sexy and, to be honest, it turned her on. She lost herself to the music and words of the song and smiled at Kal. She could tell he was enjoying watching her body move. Maybe this wasn’t a wise decision after all.

  The song ended quickly and smoothly blended right into the next one—a slow song. Kal gave her a questioning look, moving closer, pulling her into his arms and pressing their bodies together. She didn’t say anything or back away, so at that point there wasn’t actually anything to do except put her arms around him and yes, touch him. Slow dancing could be extremely erotic if you were attracted to the other person. And if you had chemistry, there was no telling what could happen. They obviously had both. Her body was on fire for him. Her breasts tingled where they pressed against his firm chest.

  She’d removed her jacket shortly after sitting at the table when she and Meg arrived at the bar because she was warm. It was a good thing, because now she was hot, and in more ways than one. Her low cut tank top allowed Kal an excellent, though unintentional view of her breasts. Her breasts tingled, aching for his mouth to pleasure them by sucking each one slowly with expertise. She looked up to see his eyes fixated on her breasts. If he only knew what she was wishing he would do to them.

  She was being completely and totally reckless. Not that anything was going to happen. Not now, anyway. She felt his hand on her low back, flirting so very close to her butt, pull her ever so close to his body, teasing her with his erection—rock hard, pushing firmly against her pelvis. Thank God, they were in a public place so nothing else could happen. This time.

  Thankfully, she was on the Pill. She’d started taking it about a year ago, because she was not going to get herself pregnant unexpectedly ever again. After all, she was a warm-blooded woman who had needs. She knew it had been way too long since she’d been held in the arms of a man. She wondered if he had any idea she hadn’t been with anyone else since the last time they’d been together. He was a guy. He’d probably been with women since that night. She wanted him to make love to her again, and she wanted to be sober this time so she could completely enjoy it. All night long.

  She looked up into his face again. His eyes were dark and glazed. She wanted to touch his lips with her finger and then brush her lips gently over them, then hungrily devour his mouth with hers.

  The song ended and his mouth moved towards her. His lips gently touched hers and deepened quickly. He stopped abruptly. They were on the dance floor surrounded by people. Some of which were their coworkers. Damn!

  “I’m sorry,” Kal said. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Right ...” Shana said, pulling back to put some distance between them. She turned and walked back to the table.

  No one at the table said a word.

  “See you all at the hospital,” Kal said, walking up behind her. He gave Shana a quick nod and left.

  “I’m going to the ladies room,” Shana said to Meg.

  “Me, too,” Meg said and followed Shana. Catching up, she asked, “Everything okay?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “You and Kal acted strange when you came back.”

  “Did you see us on the dance floor?” Shana asked.

  “Dancing? Yes,” Meg answered.

  “Slow dancing?” Shana questioned.

  “Yes.”

  “I need to know if you or any of the doctors saw Kal kiss me.” Shana stared into Meg’s eyes.

  “I think I was the only one looking towards you when the song ended. Kal’s back was facing our way so I couldn’t tell what was happening. It just looked like you were talking,” Meg replied.

  “Oh—” Shana said.

  “He kissed you? I could tell he likes you.”

  “Great. Just what I need.”

  “You don’t like him?”

  “I didn’t say that,” Shana answered quickly.

  “But you let him kiss you?” Meg wondered.

  “It just happened.”

  “Okay, my lips are sealed,” Meg, stated.

  “Promise?” Shana asked, with pleading in her voice.

  “I promise.”

  “I’m going home.” Shana left the ladies room, headed straight out the entrance door to the parking lot and her car.

  What the Hell was she thinking to let that happen? Let him kiss her? On a dance floor in front of co-workers? She was embarrassed. She was trying so hard to start her life over and make a good impression. Now what had she done? Meg didn’t think anyone saw it. So maybe it was fine. Meg knew now only because she’d told her. What a fool! She should’ve kept her mouth shut, but she needed to know. Could she trust Meg? She hoped so, however she didn’t know because she hadn’t known Meg for very long. Enough. There wasn’t anything she could do about it now, anyway. It had happened. Kal had initiated it; so it was his fault not hers. Oh, who cared whose fault it was anyways? No one.

  What she needed to focus on was what happened between the two of them. Was he attracted to her still? It certainly appeared he was. His body had reacted to hers as much as hers had to his. Damn! She’d wanted to feel his naked body against her naked body. The sexual feelings she had for him were so strong. She so did not want to have another one-night stand though. She wanted to have a loving relationship, one that would last. He was not the one for that. They had bad history. A one-night stand that started out on a night just like tonight. Not that the night back then was so bad. Hell, neither was tonight. It’s just the first one ended with dire circumstances later down the line.

  Tonight had taken her to a place she didn’t want to go again. And if they proceeded with trying to have a relationship, she would have to tell him and she just couldn’t. If she ever told him the consequences of their one night together, he would no longer want anything to do with her, so it was best not to start anything. She simply had to figure out how to extinguish the fire burning within her body for him. Kal. She nee
ded to talk to him about it. He hadn’t given her a chance tonight. Come to think of it, why had he left so quickly?

  * * * *

  Kal got to his car and took deep breaths to calm down before he exploded. Damn! What had he just done? His fist slammed down on the dash of his car. His body was primed; he was rock hard and wanted her. He was going utterly insane. That was the only possible conclusion.

  As soon as he’d watched her sexy, trim body move to the rhythm of the music and gazed down at those firm tan breasts swaying before his eyes, he was on fire. He had an instant hard on. When his body touched hers, pressed against her, he was a goner. He’d put his hand as far down her back as he dared. A few inches more and he would’ve reached her sweet, perfect butt. While they danced, he could see the passion in her eyes when she looked up at him. The dance was going to end soon at that point and he hadn’t wanted to let her go.

  Hell, what he wanted was to take her home with him and make love to her luscious, sexy body. Her breasts spilled slightly over her low tank top and he wanted to look at her nipples taut and ripe, waiting to be suckled. By him. He wanted to move down her flat stomach to her belly button and continue moving down to the heat of her body. And then those full, inviting lips were there for the taking. He couldn’t help himself, he had to kiss them. So he did.

  It was everything he remembered it would be. Shana hadn’t resisted either. Hell, he knew her body wanted his, too. He could feel the need in her. She was his for the taking. If he wanted her. That was the real question. Did he want another one-night stand? He knew he wanted more than that. He wanted to have a real relationship. One including love, sex and companionship. He wanted a mother for his child. Could he possibly have that with Shana, the mother of his child? No, that was the problem. He could probably have it all with Shana, but yet he couldn’t. He just couldn’t. Not with her. Not after what she’d done. She hadn’t said anything about it to him the other night either.

  How did one broach a topic no one wanted to talk about? Hell, he didn’t know. Could they even possibly talk about what happened? There was so much at stake. He thought he could never have feelings for her, although after tonight, he was well aware of the fact that he did indeed have sexual feelings for her. He saw Kalsha every time he looked at Shana. The resemblance was uncanny.