“Thanks,” Shana said blushing a little. “Why did you move to Phoenix? For year round golfing?” she asked changing the subject.
“I, like you, enjoy the sun. I love Minnesota. Don’t get me wrong, but it gets damn cold in the winter.”
“I know. Winters are tough there.”
“Don’t you have family back in Minnesota?”
“No. My parents were killed in a car accident when I was in college. My sister, Sadie lives here.”
“So that’s why you came here then?”
* * * *
“That and the sun,” Kal laughed. He felt uneasy mentioning Sadie even though that didn’t mean the subject of Kalsha would be brought up. Not yet anyway.
“It’s going to feel strange spending Thanksgiving and Christmas here without cold weather and snow.”
“It does feel different, but you get used to it.” Kal’s thoughts drifted to spending the holidays with Shana. When he thought about it, he felt excited and full of anticipation. Unfortunately, they had a huge obstacle to get over before that could ever happen. The server brought the check, Kal handed her a Visa card and she walked away. “Any plans for the rest of the day?” he said to Shana.
“Just some errands to run.”
Kal signed the credit card receipt for the server and they headed to the parking lot. He walked up beside her and gently put his arm around her waist. When they reached the Vet, he took her in his arms and kissed her.
“Very nice,” Shana whispered.
“My sentiments exactly. We should do this more often.” And he kissed her again lightly, released her slowly and opened her door. “But not in the golf club house parking lot.”
Shana giggled and got in. “You’re right.”
Kal took the long way back, cruising slowly down Scottsdale Road to Shana’s apartment. After parking, he walked her to her door. Stopping in front of the door, he took her in his arms and stared into her beautiful eyes. “I like having you in my arms. I like you.”
“I like you, too, Kal.”
“Any plans for tomorrow night?” Kal asked.
“Not yet, why do you ask?”
“It’s Monday Night Football and the Vikings are playing. There’s this great sports bar, The End Zone, over by the hospital, where I usually watch the game. Care to join me?”
“The Vikings, huh. Well, no true Minnesotan could turn that down. Whether they liked football or not.”
“Do you like football?” Kal asked a little worried she might hate football.
“Only if the Vikings are playing,” she teased.
“It’s a date then?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Great! Date five it is. Meet me in the parking lot after work tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Shana leaned up to receive his kiss.
Kal walked to the car feeling absolutely ecstatic. He felt like he was in high school experiencing his first real crush on a girl. He could tell her barriers were coming down. The crescendo of their relationship was building along with his sexual frustrations. Saturday night would be the big night, although he was looking forward to Monday night, too.
* * * *
Kal drove straight to Sadie’s to pick up Kalsha. The rest of the day was for Kalsha. Her smiling little face always lit up his days. Only now, every time he looked at Kalsha, he saw Shana’s face.
Kal pulled up in the driveway, parked, and walked in after a polite quick knock on the front door. He was anxious to see Kalsha and didn’t wait for Sadie to come to the door.
“So, how was your date?” Sadie asked, as Kal walked in.
“Dates,” Kal corrected.
“Oh. Did you ...” Sadie started to ask.
“No. We went out to a movie last night. And we played golf and had brunch today.”
“And in between that time?” Sadie prompted looking for more details.
“I went home alone.”
“Good. Wouldn’t want you two moving too fast now would we?”
“I promised slow,” Kal stated.
“And that means what? A week?”
“Yeah, about a week.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“I like her more every time I see her. So we decided on six dates before we even think about having sex.”
“Really. And what date are you on?”
“Tomorrow night will be five.”
“Moving quickly, I see. Obviously, you are in a hurry to get to number six. But a date on Monday night?” Sadie queried.
“Monday Night Football,” Kal responded matter-of-factly, as if she should have guessed that.
“The Vikings are playing, I got it.”
“So can you watch Kalsha tomorrow night?” Kal asked, smiling.
“What if we had plans?”
“I knew your plans would be in your theater room watching the Vikings on your big screen television.”
“What can I say?” Sadie questioned.
“Yes?”
“Of course. Kalsha can watch the game with me and Mac.”
“Thanks, Sis,” Kal said hugging her. “You’re the best.”
* * * *
Shana spent the night checking out the Vikings players and the team stats. Heck, she didn’t want to be clueless about what was going on now, did she? Probably wouldn’t be a lot of Vikings fans at the bar though. She dug through her box of winter clothes and found her Vikings shirt. She’d bought one a few years ago when she’d won tickets at work to a Vikings game. That was the only time she’d ever worn it. Today she was very glad she’d kept it.
* * * *
After work, Shana changed into jeans and her Vikings shirt. She grabbed her light jacket and went to meet Kal in the parking lot. To her amazement, she spotted Kal next to his Vet and he was wearing a Vikings T-shirt also. “Well, don’t we look like a couple of Minnesotans,” she said walking up to him.
“Nice shirt,” he said realizing she must’ve brought it from Minnesota. Good. He was a big Vikings fan and he was happy to see she was also a fan.
“You, too!” Shana said.
“Hop in,” Kal said opening the door. “We’ll come back for your car after the game because parking will be tough at the bar.”
Shana couldn’t imagine why, but to her amazement when they arrived, the parking lot was almost full. She was shocked when they walked into a standing room only bar swathed in purple shirts. “I never expected to see so many Vikings fans in Phoenix!”
“Most of these fans hale from Minnesota,” Kal said.
“I guess I hadn’t thought about that,” she said scanning the room for empty seats as she followed Kal through the fans to the back of the bar where they were greeted by two other couples in purple Vikings shirts.
“This is, Shana,” Kal said to the other couples. “Shana, this is Tom and Susie and Fred and Bonnie. They’re from Minnesota and huge Vikings fans.”
“Hi, Shana,” they each said separately.
“Hi, nice to meet all of you,” Shana replied and took a seat on a stool next to Kal at the table. She watched the pre-game festivities on the large screen. A monstrous Viking ship appeared in the Metrodome and the players ran out to the field. The dome was filled to capacity with cheering fans. However, it was the familiar site of the Metrodome, and downtown Minneapolis, that evoked the memories of home. She was overwhelmed by her feelings. The sound level in the bar was high. A few minutes later, she turned back towards Kal to find him staring at her.
“Everything okay?” Kal asked with a concerned look on his face.
“Yes, just felt a little homesick seeing the Metrodome.”
“Watching the Vikings play always makes me think about Minnesota,” Kal stated.
“That makes me feel better,” Shana said, feeling reassured she wasn’t the only one.
“In fact, that’s probably why all these people are here today. They’re from Minnesota and it’s a way to still feel Minnesotan and support the home team with fellow Minnesotans.”
/> “I think I’m going to like watching the Vikings play this season,” she said thoughtfully and smiled at Kal. Then to her surprise he leaned forward, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her lips, just as the Vikings scored a touchdown.
* * * *
Kal dropped Shana off back at her car in the hospital parking lot. It was getting late and they had to work in the morning so he knew they had to get going. But he turned her in his arms for one last kiss for the evening, before he said goodbye.
“I had a very nice time. Thanks for taking me,” Shana said after the kiss ended and she looked up into his handsome tanned face.
“The pleasure was all mine,” Kal said, nibbling and kissing her neck.
“I really should get going.” He was turning her on, yet she was determined to wait.
“Shana, every time I see you, the more I like you. You are so beautiful. You’re great company and I know I could fall in love with you.” Kal pressed his lips gently on hers. He held her tightly as he felt her body sway slightly.
“Kal, I don’t know what to say. I like you. I like you a lot.”
“I’d like to take you to Lake Havasu this weekend.”
“Overnight?”
“Yes, but we won’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable with. It’ll be up to you.”
“Okay,” she said without any hesitation.
“Saturday morning then. I’ll pick you up at eight.” Kal released her to open her car door, so she could get in. Shana got in and closed the door. She started the engine and put the driver’s window down. Kal leaned down and reached in to tip her chin up for one last kiss. “Till Saturday,” he said, stood up, turned and walked back to his car.
Shana forced herself to breathe. Her heart was pounding in her chest, even though she smiled as she watched him walk away. Breathe, she thought, just breathe. She was giddy, so giddy she had to pinch her arm. Yes, she was awake and no, this wasn’t a dream. This was real.
* * * *
Shana could hardly believe it was Friday already. The week had sped by so quickly. She’d only talked briefly with Kal in the halls of the hospital when passing. Today, she received an email from Kal saying he was out golfing and wouldn’t be in this afternoon, however would be at her house bright and early at eight on Saturday morning.
She needed to pack a bag for the weekend. It had been a long time since she’d spent the night with a man. And what a coincidence the last time she had was with Kal over two years ago. She felt a small stab of guilt about it. Although she was a grown woman and it was her choice to make. Would her mother approve? Probably not, but then she would never know. This time she was on the pill so there would be no accidents. She wanted to lie naked next to Kal in bed and be able to let her hands freely roam over his body. And she longed to feel his strong hands roam gently over her body. In fact, that part excited her the most. Not that the actual sexual intercourse wouldn’t be fantastic. Oh heck, she wanted it all, and she wouldn’t have long to wait. Only hours now.
Shana hit the alarm’s off button at six thirty. Once she finally got her mind to stop racing, she’d slept hard. Standing in the shower, the hot water rolling over her body, the radio playing Slow Hand by the Pointer Sisters, Shana couldn’t help but sing along. She was happy. Finally. It had been too long. Way too long. And this could end up being the best time of her life.
* * * *
“Bye, Baby. Love you,” Kal said hugging and kissing Kalsha. “Daddy will be back to pick you up tomorrow night.” Kalsha was hugging his neck fiercely and kissing his cheek.
“Love Daddy,” Kalsha said.
Kal set her down and walked to the door to leave. “I really appreciate this, Sadie.”
“I consider it an investment in the future,” Sadie said smiling at Kal.
“Investment in what?” Kal asked not following her train of thought.
“A mother for Kalsha,” Sadie answered.
“And you thought I was moving fast?” Kal questioned.
“I’m not trying to rush you. Take your time and see what happens.”
“I will. I like her. It all depends if we can both get past what happened before.”
“Forgiveness is a huge step, and it can give peace to everyone involved,” Sadie said, her eyes full of hope. “That’s enough of my lecturing, get out of here and have a great weekend!”
“I’m going,” Kal said as Sadie shooed him out the door.
* * * *
His expectations were high for their weekend together. He reserved a room at the London Bridge Resort on Lake Havasu with a view of the lake. His sleep the night before had been filled with dreams of making love to Shana. He still remembered her sexy body. Tan and trim lying beneath him. Her blond hair fanned out on the pillow. Her eyes glazed with passion as her body arched to meet his. Damn! He had to stop thinking about it. He’d woke with a hard on, and now he was hard again. Better change his train of thought so he could get out of the car without embarrassing himself.
The top was down on the Vet and the wind blew wildly around his face. The sun was just rising behind the Superstition Mountains. He pulled into her parking lot and eagerly got out of the Vet. He couldn’t wait to see Shana.
* * * *
Shana watched the Vet pull into the parking lot. He looked so good. So handsome. Tonight could not get here soon enough. She wanted to kiss him and not stop anytime soon. One last quick look in the mirror and she walked to the door as he knocked. She opened the door. “Hi,” she said smiling brightly up at Kal.
“Hi,” Kal said huskily as he pulled her into his arms. “I’ve been waiting all night to do this.” He eagerly joined their lips with a kiss that promised the passion to come. Then he released her, searching her eyes for signs of her reaction and thoughts.
“I’m ready,” Shana said. She reached for her bag, which Kal promptly took from her hand.
“I’ll carry that,” he said smiling.
Shana put her hair up in a clip and they took off for their weekend adventure. Soon they were on the freeway heading north to Lake Havasu with the stereo blasting out Mick’s raspy voice. A couple of hours later they arrived in Lake Havasu. She’d googled Lake Havasu on the internet so she would know what to expect. It was a small town on the lake in northern Arizona, probably much like the small lake towns in northern Minnesota. Probably full of Minnesota snowbirds. She figured she would like it and as soon as they arrived at the lake, she knew she liked it. Most likely because it reminded her of northern Minnesota. It felt like home. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed home until now.
“I think I’m going to like this town,” she said eyeing the lake, as he pulled into the parking lot of a hotel right on the lake.
“I thought you would. Always reminds me of Minnesota.”
“Where are we staying?” Shana asked hoping it was this hotel.
“Here at the London Bridge Resort. We should have a view of the lake,” Kal said.
“Very nice,” Shana said, looking at the beautiful lake front resort.
“Let’s check in and then we can take a walk and check out the area,” Kal said turning the car off and getting out.
The room was fabulous, decorated in English floral patterns, English provincial furniture, and a patio facing the lake. One bed. One king size bed. She eyed the bed thoughtfully. She could see herself and Kal on the bed making love. Love? Had she just thought that? Probably not love, yet, though she was getting there quickly.
“Do you like it?” Kal asked.
“I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
“Are you okay with the one bed?” Kal asked, suddenly concerned by the look on her face.
“Yes.”
“Great!” Kal walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. He gently kissed her lips. Short and sweet, nothing more. He needed to go slow tonight so as not to scare her. He gently took her hand and they left the room to go exploring. They walked outside to the sidewalk pathway alongside the lake.
“Th
is is the London Bridge,” Kal said looking up at the bridge spanning Lake Havasu.
“As in the song ‘London Bridge is Falling Down’?” Shana asked scanning the bridge with her eyes.
“Not sure about that, but possibly.”
“Is it actually from London?”
“Yes, it is the original London Bridge. It was dismantled piece by piece. Every piece was numbered so they could put it back together exactly right,” Kal explained.
“Oh,” Shana said staring intently at the bridge. “It’s a very visually appealing bridge, but I thought the London Bridge was much bigger and ornate.”
“Very good,” Kal teased. “Actually, the one you are probably thinking about is the Tower Bridge which everyone thinks mistakenly is the London Bridge.”
“Yes, I remember towers. So this is a different bridge then.”
“Right. The story goes that the people, who sold the town of Lake Havasu the bridge, didn’t explain that to the town at the time of the sale. And the town of Lake Havasu thought they were getting the other bridge,” Kal explained.
“That doesn’t make any sense. Didn’t they see a picture of it or go over and look at it before buying it?” Shana asked out of frustration for the town.
“Not sure, but like I said it is hearsay, and I think the town of Lake Havasu is happy to have it now. It’s an excellent tourist attraction for them and draws thousands of visitors to the area each year,” Kal said as they continued walking along the shore.
“Want to grab some lunch?” Kal asked.
“Yes, I’m starving,” she replied and laughed.
“Have you ever been to In N Out Burger?”
“No. Are they good?”
“Everything they have is fresh-the burgers, fries and malts made the old fashioned way.”
“Let’s go! I’m starving and you’re making me hungrier talking about it.” She grabbed his hand. “Lead on.”
They walked up the hill toward the main street to the In N Out Burger and ordered.
“This is good. Really good,” Shana said, enjoying every bite.
“So you like it, huh?”
“Wasn’t sure if it would be good. Seeing it is a fast food chain. But it is,” Shana said, finishing her burger, fries and Coke.
Taking Chances Page 12