Taker had just spent several hours thinking about Judy and Kali. It was early afternoon when he came to a conclusion. Knowing Kali would still be at work, he called her there.
"Hello." Kali answered the phone, picking it up on there fourth ring.
"Kali, how are you?" Taker's deep, smooth voice sent shivers up her spine, and pissed her of all at the same time.
"I'm fine. You wanna make this short, I've got a client in my chair." Kali was still in a foul mood and didn't have the patience for this man or any other right at that moment.
"Well, I've been doing some thinking and I've made a decision. I'd like to come and talk to you this evening if you don't have anything else planned."
"Yes, that's fine." Kali felt happy to be seeing him, but there was no way in hell she was going to get her hopes up about this visit.
"Alright then. I'll give you a call when I get into town." Taker said just before he hung up the phone.
Shortly before eight o' clock that evening, Taker called letting Kali know that his flight had just landed and he was on his way over. Kali nervously paced the floor until she heard him knocking on the door.
"Please, come in." Kali said as she opened the door and stepped back, allowing him in. Immediately Kali sensed an uneasy tension between them.
"How ya doin', Kal?" Taker asked as he bent and kissed her cheek.
"Fine." Kali replied. Leading him into the living room, she lit a cigarette and looked up at him. "So, what's up?"
"I'm going to get right to the point because there's no sense dragging this out any longer than we have to." Taker looked back down at her, his green eyes locking with her blue ones. "Like I said earlier, I've been doing some thinking...."
"Cut the shit and get on with it, would ya! Christ!" Kali said in a rather harsh tone. She was sick of this whole mess and was quickly losing her patience with him.
Taker looked at her for a moment, surprised by her temper. Then taking a deep breath, he continued to speak. "Kali, you know I care a great deal for you, but I....I don't love you. I would like for us to remain friends, but I don't want to take it any further than that."
Kali was stunned. It was several moments before she was able to say anything and even then she could barely get the words out. "Fine. You know where the door is." Kali said, turning her back to him.
"I'm sorry, Kali. I really didn't mean to get involved with you. It just happened." Taker offered in apology.
Kali kept her back to Taker, refusing to look at, or speak to him. Finally he left.
***********
Kane and Judy had talked some, but their words were strained and nothing was really accomplished. He had been at her place for about and hour and was getting ready to leave when his cell phone rang. Kane excused himself and went into the kitchen to take the call.
"Kane...." Was all that Kali was able to say before her tears finally let go and she began to cry uncontrollably.
"Kali? What happened?" Kane was worried and when she didn't answer, it worried him even more. "I'm on my way over! I'll be right there!" Fifteen minutes later, he was knocking on her door.
"It's open!" Kali called the second time he knocked. She had gotten her emotions slightly under control, but was still visibly upset.
Kane sat down next to her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. As he wiped a tear from her cheek, he softly asked what had happened to upset her so much.
"Well, Taker was just here and he said....He said that he didn't love me and that he didn't want to be anything more than friends. He said that he didn't mean to get involved with me....that is just happened."
Kane pulled her into his arms, offering what comfort he could. He was surprised that Taker had said that to her, especially after Kane explained to him just that morning about their past.
"It's because of her. You know that, don't you? She's the one he wants." Kali sounded like she was to the point of breaking and Kane didn't like it one bit.
"You don't know that, Kali. There could be any number of reasons why he feels the way he does." Kane said quietly as he wondered exactly what Taker's motives were and why he had made such a hasty decision.
Kali lifted her head off of Kane's shoulder and looked into his eyes. Kane caught her gaze and was unable to take his eyes from hers. "My sweet Angel...." He whispered as his body became consumed with passion. Before either of them knew what was happening, their arms went around each other, and their lips met in a gentle kiss that quickly became more intense as their desire for each other heightened.
Suddenly realizing what was happening, Kali pulled away. "Kane, we can't do this. I'm not the one you want. If we allow this to go any further, it will only make things more complicated."
"I've just realized it now, Kali. You're the one....You've always been the one." Kane looked straight into her eyes as he said this.
"Do you mean that? I mean, do you really mean that? You might think you do, but I don't think so." Kali asked as she sat back and waited for his answer.
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Chapter Eleven~~~Judy
Taker's thoughts were on the two women in Reno. Which one did he want? Judy, who he had just met, and may or may not have slept with already. Taker strongly suspected they had passed out before anything could happen. He strongly suspected the intentions were there, but they had both been too drunk to act upon them.
Her reaction to him being in bed with her was not what he was accustomed to. He was use to his women being willing, not acting like a terrified kitten, all claws and spitting fury. And Judy had been just that! She had acted almost terrified to find herself in bed with him.
Then there was Kali! He had known her for several years. A good third of his tattoos were her work. He appreciated her talent and valued her friendship. And there was the fact he had taken her virginity. He cared about her a great deal, but he just didn't love her the way she deserved!
Taker stopped off at a bar and grill for a beer. After his talk with Kali, he felt the need for a drink! Something stronger was more to his liking, but he'd settle for a beer.
How had things gotten so fouled up? Never in his life, had he been involved in such a fucked up mess! Kali had been one of the few women he considered a friend! Now, because they slept together, he had lost a good friend! Course he kissed her first, leading her to think what she did! That was his fault! If anybody was to blame for this mess, it was him!! Sex had made a royal mess out of this! Finishing his beer, Taker paid his tab, then left. He was going over to Judy's and have a talk with her
*************
Kane looked at Kali, realizing that he did still love her. Being with her, talking with her, all those years just rolled away. It was like they had never been apart.
"Kali! I don't understand any of this shit! I thought I had lost you! Then, you turned back up in my life! I've always loved you, and because of your feelings for Taker, I was going to step back, but I can't deny my feelings for you! Taker has a lot to answer for. And I will deal with him in my own way! All I ask is for you to give me another chance! Let me try and regain your love!" Kane's hand gently caressed her soft cheek, as he looked deeply into her wide, blue eyes.
Kali had been shocked speechless! Her surprise was obvious, by her wide eyes and slightly open mouth. Unable to resist, Kane leaned forward and once again kissed her willing lips. Try as she may, Kali was unable to resist her emotions. Regrets? You damned straight she had regrets! She regretted all those wasted years, and most of all, she regretted sleeping with Taker. Kane should have been the one to take her virginity, not Taker.
Kali gave herself up to the passion Kane aroused! She lost herself in his kisses and caress. With a moan, Kali returned them with a fervor that surprised and delighted Kane.
**************
Taker knocked on the door and waited patiently till Judy opened it.
"Come on in. Somehow I expected you!" Judy said as she turned away, allowing the big man to close the door behind him.
Taker watched as she sat back down at the table, a cup of coffee in front of her. Lifting a trembling hand, Judy pushed her long hair back from her face. Slowly, Taker joined her at the table, taking the chair beside hers.
"Would you like a cup?" She asked barely meeting his green eyes.
"Yes. Thanks!" He said, his expression unreadable. He watched as she poured the coffee and brought it back to him. As she sat back down, Judy tucked one bare foot under her.
The two people sat there, not saying anything. Tears filled her eyes, as she looked down at her mug. Dashing them away angrily, she raised defiant blue eyes to find Taker studying her curiously.
"Why did you come here tonight?" She asked softly, her hand shaking.
"I had to see you! To try and figure out what the hell I'm suppose to do with you!" His voice held the hint of a growl. His green eyes glittered as he watched her
"What to do with me? Nothing! That's what!" Her surprise surfaced as anger once again! Her eyes shot blue fire at him.
Taker merely laughed. Here was that spitting kitten again! "Well that remains to be seen!"
"I don't think so! I've caused enough trouble as it is! I'm not about to make a bad situation even worse!" She said quietly. Color stained her cheeks, as she dropped her eyes.
"This is not your fault! No more than it is Kali's or Kane's! If any one is at fault, then I'll take the blame!" Taker reached out covering her hand with his own.
Lifting her eyes to meet his, Taker read misery there. His heart went out to her, wanting to erase that look.
"Judy! I don't know what to say! This is just bad luck or bad timing! But don't blame yourself!" Getting up, Taker pulled her to her feet, then picked her up, cradling her trembling body against his rock solid one. He carried her over to the sofa, and sat down with her, holding her in his lap! She had begun to cry again. Seems like that was all she'd done tonight.
"Hush now, Babe! Dry your tears, now!" Taker crooned gently to her.
Judy turned slightly in his arms, burying her face in his massive shoulder! She cried as though her heart was breaking. Great gulping sobs wracked her body! She blamed herself for all the pain Kali suffered, for having slept with Kane, even though she hadn't known of his and Kali's past. And she cried for waking up in bed with this one. The guilt she felt was all consuming! Taker gently brushed her hair back, shushing her. Tenderly, he turned her tear-streaked face up to his and lost himself in her eyes.
As soon as their eyes met, Taker felt himself drawn to the very depths of those twin blue pools. Unable to help himself, Taker lowered his head till his lips covered hers. Gradually, Judy found herself kissing him back.
The kiss deepened as their passion grew. Judy was lost! So was Taker! What ever he came here tonight to find out, he now had the answer to! Growling deep within his chest, Taker left the couch with Judy still in his arms, carrying her the short distance to her bedroom. Laying her down on the bed, Taker removed his shirt, loosened and kicked off his shoes, then joined her there on the bed. Taker began his assault on her senses.
**************
Judy awoke early, unable to believe the night just passed! Never had she known such passion, such desire, such lust! Easing out of bed so as not to disturb the sleeping giant, she quickly dressed, then left a note for Taker. She had made up her mind about what to do about this mess! She was going to quit and go back home. She had saved some money,and maybe it would be enough to open her own shop.
Judy knew that Kali normally arrived at the shop around 8:00a.m. Thiswould be the perfect time to talk to her.
Kali was surprised that Judy was already there. What was even moresurprising, was that Judy was packing up her stuff. Judy looked up asKali entered the shop.
"Kali! Good morning! I'm glad you're here! I think it best if I quit!"Judy said to her friend and boss.
"Well, I must say this surprises me! If that's what you want to do then I suppose I have no choice but to accept your decision!" Going into the back room that served as her office, she made out Judy's last paycheck
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Chapter Twelve~~~Kaliegh
"Judy, I know I've been a real bitch lately, but I want you to know that I'm sorry. I had no right to act that way towards you." Kali said as she handed Judy her check. She was sad that Judy was leaving, but maybe right now that was the best for all of them.
"Well, that's alright. I know the last few days have been rough on everyone." Judy was surprised by Kali's apology. She had thought that Kali would hate her forever because of all this.
"If you ever need anything, or just need to talk, please don't hesitate to call." Kali quickly said good bye and wished Judy luck and then hurried into her office to answer the phone, which had started ringing.. When she came back out into the front, Judy was gone.
"Oh, it's you!" Kali fairly spat the words as her eyes narrowed in anger at the man standing before her. "What the hell do you want now?"
Taker stared at her for several moments trying to decide if he should stay and try to talk to her, of if he should just leave. Finally he said, "Judy's gone."
"Yes, I know that." Kali replied, her voice was ice cold towards the man she had once loved. "You wanna get to the point? I have a lot of things to get done before my next appointment gets here."
"Well, I was wondering if she might have mentioned to you where she was going." Taker hated to ask Kali about Judy, but felt he had to all the same.
"No, Judy didn't tell me where she was going. She just said she was going home…where ever that is." Kali said, her eyes and voice held no emotion. "Now if you don't mind, I've got things to do." Kali hoped he would take the hint and leave.
Taker continued to look at her. Kali's change in attitude the last day or two was unsettling for him. It saddened him to think that he was partly responsible for the hurt that she was feeling right now. "Kali, I know you don't believe me, but I really am sorry for anything I did that may have caused you pain. Trust me when I say that I didn't intend for any of this to happen." Taker said sincerely, his eyes meeting hers.
Kali sighed knowing it would be useless to stay mad at him forever. She really didn't have the slightest clue why she was so pissed at him anyway. She guessed that maybe it was a good bit of jealousy that had made her so angry. "Alright, you're forgiven." Kali said somewhat reluctantly, but felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders once the words were out.
"I'm glad you are able to forgive me. You are one of the few people that I consider a friend and the thought of losing that friendship is devastating. Not only that, but you are one hell of a tattoo artist and I can't think of anyone who I'd rather do my ink." Taker said as he got ready to leave the shop.
"Oh, by the way, Taker." Kali said, just as he was on his way out the door. "I think it would be in your best interest to avoid Kane until I get a chance to tell him that we've gotten this settled. He is mad as hell at you." Kali had barely gotten the words out when Kane walked through the door.
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Chapter Thirteen~~~Judy
Judy had returned home to Tennessee. All she wanted to do was put the whole disgusting mess behind her. All she wanted was to get on with her life and try to forget ever having lived in Reno.
Picking up her mug, Judy slid open the glass doors and walked out on the deck. Leaning across the railing, she gazed off into the distance, watching a herd of deer approach her pond to drink. She loved it here. These mountains gave her strength. They gave her peace! Sighing deeply, she finished her coffee, then went back inside to get dressed.
The cabin had been hers for about three years. She had come into an inheritance and decided to buy this little bit of heaven! No one knew for sure where exactly she lived. No one out in Reno, at any rate! She had bought the cabin only a few months before going out there! She had gone there on vacation and decided to stay. She had paid the taxes, utilities, insurance and what ever else needed paying, by bank draft. Judy still had enough to live on if she NEVER did go back to work, but she enjoyed working!
After getting dressed, Judy drove into town, parking in front of a small real estate office. Going inside, she waited to talk to the woman that sold her the cabin.
"How are you doing today?" The woman smiled in greeting, recognizing the younger woman! "What can I help you with today!"
"I'm looking for a small shop where I can open a tattoo parlor. My shop will be very exclusive, very tasteful. I don't do tacky! What I want is maybe two or three rooms, something out of the way." She said.
"Ok! This is what I have right now!" The older woman said, leading Judy over to her desk, so she could look at pictures of available property.
**************
"Just what the Hell do you think you're doing here?" Kane was positively livid with rage. His huge hands were balled tightly into fists, as he stepped toward Taker. His intentions were quite clear. He meant to beat the man to a pulp.
"Now Kane! We have buried the hatchet, so to speak! I've forgiven him. He came here looking for Judy! She's gone back to where ever she calls home! Now please! Let this go!" Kali had a hold of the big man and would not be put aside. She saw murder in his eyes, and if she didn't get him to see reason, then some one would be hurt!
"Kane I'm deeply sorry for all the grief I've caused. I never meant to hurt any body! I swear it! I asked Kali's forgiveness, and now I ask yours!" Taker said humbly. He watched as Kane's fists slowly opened, and as he turned to look at Kali.
Kali nodded her head, smiling happily up at her beloved giant. "It's true, Kane. And I forgave him! Taker came by here hoping to find Judy. She quit! And apparently left a note for Taker!"
Turning to meet the eyes of the other man, Kane asked "And you have no idea where she went?"
"Not a clue! I was hoping Kali might be able to tell me!" Taker looked to Kali once again.
"Sorry! The only thing I know about her, is that she's from the south,...Tennessee I think!" Kali said as she glanced up at Taker while still holding on to Kane's arm.
"Thanks! Oh, and a Kane! I don't blame you! I'd be pissed, too!" Taker grinned at the surprised look on the other man's face, as he left the shop.
Taker got in the rental car and headed for the airport. Punching in some numbers on his cell phone, Taker soon had a P.I. looking for Judy. He expected to know something in a few days.
*****************
Judy hadn't found anything that suited her needs. Maybe in a few weeks! She had given her number to the agent, so if something became available, then the woman would call her. She had looked at property till she couldn't bare to look at any more!
Judy had been home for nearly two weeks now! She missed Kali and thought about calling her. Where would be the harm in that? But as she started dialing the number, Judy lost her nerve! She poured herself a glass of iced tea, instead, and went out on the deck. Sighing, she sat down in one of the chairs and thought about the past few months!
It had been her pleasure to meet two of her favorite wrestlers! She had been a fan for years! Kane and Taker were her favorites. But what had the outcome of that meeting been? Disaster!!!!! Well... no use dwelling on the past and what might of come of it. Yet, she couldn't get her last night in Reno out of her mind, try as she may! Never had she experienced sex as thoroughly as she had that night with Taker! The things they did together made her blush and get all hot just remembering them! Not even to herself, would she admit that maybe she might love him, or at the very least, be in lust! Sighing again, she thought about what might have developed if things had been different!
The day Judy left Reno, she went back to her apartment after her talk with Kali, only to find Taker had left. It took all of two hours to pack her meager belongings. All but the t.v. fit in her car, but that had been no great loss since the set didn't work half the time anyway! It didn't take long till she was on I-40 headed east!
Judy enjoyed the sunsets best! No where else in the world, were sunsets this beautiful! As the sun slowly sank behind the mountains, the shadows slowly spread across the countryside, wit the mist soon following Judy was struck anew at the sheer beauty and majesty of the Smokies! The blue haze drifting down over the pond was breathtaking and a little spooky! Especially when the moon was full, like it was tonight! Laughing to herself at the fanciful notions THAT brought to mind, Judy got up and went back inside, locking up for the night!
Going into the bathroom, she turned on the hot water, adjusting it to a more comfortable temperature, then added her favorite bath crystals. Going into her bedroom, she removed her clothes, putting them in a hamper, then took her terrycloth robe from the hook on the back of the closet door, and returned to the bathroom. Turning off the water, she stepped over into the tub, then eased down into the steaming water. Leaning back in the huge tub, she let the water work its magic on her tense body. She stayed till the tension slowly faded away and the water had cooled. Then she got out and after drying herself, put on the old robe.
Going into the kitchen, she made herself a cup of hot chocolate, and was just sitting down in her favorite chair, when there came a knock at the door
Kaliegh McLoed and Judy Smith
***This story cannot be used in any way without permission