Destiny Calls

Before Ethan got to his feet, he leaned in closer to Dakota. “Excuse me for a few minutes,” he whispered in her ear.

The soft music playing overhead soothed Dakota. She couldn’t believe she already missed Ethan. He hadn’t been gone more than a couple of minutes. Although he hadn’t said where he was off to, she assumed his absence had been necessary.

While sipping on the white merlot, she began to feel a little self-conscious. A couple of guys a table away were giving her the once-over, making her feel slightly uncomfortable. People staring at her unnerved her. She knew it was probably silly, but that’s the way it was.

Ethan quickly reseated himself across from Dakota, giving her that megawatt smile she loved. Before she could blink her lashes again, he leaned across the table and kissed her gently on the cheek. “Did you miss me?”

“I did. Glad you’re back.” She looked over at the table with the two guys, fighting back the urge to stick her fingers in her ears and turn them back and forth. “I was a bit uncomfortable while you were gone.”

Ethan looked puzzled. “Why’s that?”

“The guys at the next table had fun staring me down. It made me nervous.”

“You’re very pretty, Dakota. Any red-blooded male would enjoy staring at you. I’d think you’d be used to it by now.”

Dakota shrugged. “I’m not. Having someone eyeballing me so intently isn’t something I’d want to get used to. I guess you think I’m silly.”

Ethan shook his head. “Not in the least. Sorry if I gave you that impression.” He briefly covered her hand with his again. “Ready to order?”

The lobster was pretty expensive but that’s what Dakota wanted. She didn’t have the money to offer to pay all or even half of it. “Is it okay if I order the lobster?” She felt classless as soon as the request was made.

If Dakota hadn’t been serious about her query, Ethan probably would’ve laughed. From the look on her face, he knew he shouldn’t make fun. “Order anything you want. I don’t go to restaurants I can’t afford.”

Eyeing Ethan with open curiosity, Dakota considered his comments. “If I ever ask a guy out to dinner, I’d like to know what I’m getting my wallet into beforehand.”

Disliking Dakota’s comments about asking out another man, Ethan frowned. “I hope I’ll be the only guy you ask out. I’d be jealous if you dated someone else.”

“What exactly are you saying, Ethan?”

“It’s simple. I don’t want you to date anyone but me. Understand?”

Nervous now, she swallowed hard. “You’ve made yourself plain enough. What about you? Dating anyone besides me?”

Watching Dakota closely, Ethan took a sip of his martini. “I haven’t asked anyone out since the first night I called you. I’m a one-woman man. I haven’t dated exclusively in a long time, but I’d like to have that with you. Is it possible?”

Dakota admittedly had some issues of trust, but she worked on that particular insecurity on a regular basis. Her heart had been broken before, a couple of times—and not just by men she’d been romantically involved with. Neither was it only men that she didn’t always trust.

Dakota was flattered by Ethan’s question. He seemed very sincere. She didn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to be happy. The last steady boyfriend she had was over six months ago. She wasn’t sure she was ready for anything exclusive, but she did love being with Ethan. If they didn’t have a chance to act on their obvious chemistry, she’d never know how far things could go.

The waiter arrived at that very moment. Feeling like she’d better take the bull by the horns, Dakota decided it was best to go ahead and answer Ethan’s question. He would only revisit the matter later. “About your question, I’d love to give us a chance to see if we can build toward exclusive. I like being with you. I feel special when we’re together.”

Ethan moved his chair closer to hers. Lifting her hand, he pressed his lips into her palm. “All we need is a chance, Dakota. I’m happy you’ve decided to give us one.” He kissed her gently on the mouth. “I won’t make you regret it.”

Dakota’s concentrated gaze connected with his. “I believe you.”

Once Dakota finished ordering the surf and turf, lobster and steak, Ethan asked for a pound and a half of Alaskan king crab. Both ordered garden salads and baked potatoes as side dishes.

“How was your day?” Ethan asked, after the waiter disappeared.

“It has been a good one. Classes were intense and I stayed busy at work, but that makes the time go by faster. The phone lines ring nonstop, but such is life at any telemarketing job.” Literally, she thought. “I have a lot of studying to do over the weekend, but I’ll manage.” Dakota was glad she didn’t have the type of job where work piled up and had to be taken home.

What would Ethan think of her job? Just imagining it caused Dakota to shudder.

“I’m always busy at my job. It’s very seldom that I don’t have a backlog of work. I always feel like I’m behind even when I’m not. I’m not complaining, though. I love what I do for a living. I was born to teach.”

Dakota wished she could at least halfway like what she did to earn a living.

The waiter returned to the table just as Ethan finished his comment. He carefully set down the meal in front of the appropriate diner, warning the patrons that the platters were hot. “Miss, would you like me to deshell the lobster?”

Dakota smiled up at him. “That’d be nice. Thank you.”

Ethan put up his hand in a halting gesture. “I can take care of it, Dakota, if you don’t mind.” He glanced apologetically at the waiter.

Dakota smiled brightly. “Please, go right ahead.” She smiled sweetly at the waiter.

The waiter smiled back at her knowingly as he walked away.

Ethan scowled slightly. “Sorry if I embarrassed you. I just think taking care of you is my responsibility.”

“I wasn’t embarrassed. And I just happen to like chivalry.”

“Good. I don’t want you thinking I’m possessive, ’cause I’m not.”

“Stop it,” she scolded gently. “Your gesture was so sweet.”

“Thanks.” He’d almost apologized again but stopped short. The last thing he wanted was overkill.

Ethan saw Dakota safely into the car before he went into the trunk to retrieve the surprise he’d purchased for her. He had to laugh at himself. He’d never felt this giddy over anyone.

Ethan slid into the driver’s seat, holding the candy apple down, with a piece of red ribbon curled around the stick, at his left side, which made it difficult to close his car door. Turning to face her, he brought the candy apple out and handed it to her. “I got this for you. I hope you enjoy it.” The smile she cast him made his insides tremble.

Leaning over the console, she kissed his cheek. “So this is why you disappeared earlier. You are too sweet. I can’t believe you remembered I told you it was a favorite.”

“Oh, I only go over in my head everything you say at least a couple dozen times a night.” He reached over and slid the back of his hand down the side of her face “Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you all that.”

She laughed. “Please keep it up. I’m enjoying the flattery. I feel like I’m in a dream world when I’m with you.”

“It’s not a dream, Dakota, but I know what you mean. It’s for real. I’ve never felt anything so real.”

Dakota went into Ethan’s arms without any prompting from him. She pulled slightly back and looked into his eyes. “It feels real to me, too. And I’m feeling you.”

Dakota hadn’t revealed to any man her deep, complex layers. Ethan just might be the one male she could open up her heart to. If he kept being so attentive to her, treating her like something fragile and beautiful, she felt like she could really let herself go with him.

Chapter 2

Dakota looked up at the dreary gray concrete complex, wishing she didn’t have to come here by herself. If her parents had survived a fatal car crash several years ago, she wouldn’t be here alone. The couple had been coming home from the theater late one evening when a semi jackknifed into their car, killing them instantly. Shortly after their deaths, her parents’ employer-paid medical coverage had been terminated.

Dakota had been left in charge of her eight-year-old sister, Danielle, who had Down syndrome, after their guardian/ grandparents had both passed away three years ago, her grandfather dying first. Everything had fallen solely on Dakota’s shoulders, just as the young woman had turned twenty-one. She was sixteen years older than Danielle.