Page 1 of Risky Move

1

“Mom, you know I have my passport! I’m not a child.” Cassie Johnson rolled her eyes in frustration as she pulled her suitcases from the trunk. She dropped them on a cart and walked around the car to the driver’s window. “I promise—everything’s under control.”

“Just double checking.” Her mother, Amanda, kept her tone light. “You realize that’s my responsibility as your mom.”

Cassie nailed her with a glare. “To treat me like a baby? I’m an adult. I’m moving to Tampa for a great job opportunity. I swear, I’ve got things covered.”

“And Lauren’s picking you up at the airport?”

Cassie handed her phone to Amanda. “Call her. Perhaps you’ll believe her?” She knew she sounded like a bitch, but excitement, anxiety, and the desire to flee her mother’s overprotective nest combined to bring out her worst trait—impatience.Maybe she’ll believe her sister…then again, perhaps not. She’d rather I stay a kid forever than admit I’m a capable independent adult.

Memories of the recent family upheaval flashed through her mind. She knew she’d caused most of the stress by taking a twenty-four-hour “respite”…her location unknown to anyone.The only way to get attention. Rational discussions about the pros and cons of this “gap year” didn’t work. Dad understood, so Mom dug in her heels with a “Hell no, you won’t go.”

Her Aunt Lauren—the only person whogotCassie—had tried to advocate on her behalf. But that turned into an epic shit storm—Amanda learned that Lauren had ignored her advice and turned down a job offer in Europe. It didn’t matter that Lauren continued as a partner in a successful public relations consultancy. Nor that she wanted to explore a relationship with aman—long-time friend Dave Martin, who played for the Tampa Suns professional hockey team. More than enough to incur the disdain and condemnation of Lauren’s older sister—Cassie’s mother.

She shook off the inner dialog, knowing that her mother had asked another question. “I have it covered,” she snapped.

Amanda pressed the phone back into Cassie’s hand. “I know you’ve thought of everything. It’s hard to think of you living so far away.”

Cassie released a breath. “I know, Mom. You’ve tried to shelter me and keep life from biting me in the…eh…tush. But I’m an adult—I need to have the freedom to make my own decisions or mistakes and decide what my future holds. And you know Lauren’s right there, and you’ve spoken with Caryn. I couldn’t have wished for a more perfect job than helping her and Andrew with the twins.”

“Yes, I know you’ll leave Mary Poppins in your shadow. Just give me a few days to adjust to my only child leaving the nest.”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “It’s only a few hours on a plane.” She glanced behind her, noticing the line of cars waiting. “You need to go before you get a ticket, Mom.” She pecked a kiss on her mother’s cheek. “I’ll let you know I’ve arrived.”

Amanda sighed. “Enjoy this opportunity, Cassie. Please remember to explore your plans after this gap year ends.”

* * *

By the time Cassie found the gate, passengers were boarding. She tried to suppress a smile when the flight attendant showed her the first-class seat that Andrew and Caryn had booked. She had a little private pod and snapped a quick photo to text to her mom and dad. “On the plane.”

Cassie organized the area—plugged her iPhone in the supplied charger, stowed her carryon in a special compartment, and nodded with a grin when offered a glass of champagne. She took a selfie holding the flute in a mock toast. She tagged the photo “#adulting” before forwarding it to Lauren.

Cassie turned off the phone and settled into the plush leather seat. She experimented with the various positions available, looking forward to using the full-recline for the nap she needed after a sleepless night. Cassie followed the flight attendant’s instructions as the plane taxied toward the runway. She allowed a smile to play across her face as the jet lumbered down the runway, gaining speed by the second. When the wheels left the ground, Cassie gazed out the window, giving Vancouver and her childhood a brief wave goodbye.Time to explore my future.

2

After clearing customs, Cassie followed the stream of travelers that funneled toward baggage claim. Lauren said she’d meet her once she exited the restricted security zone, and Cassie scanned the crowd—make that mob. How the heck do I spot Lauren in this freaking mess? Unless Dave’s with her, I’ll never see her.Unlike her aunt, Cassie stood taller than average, so she pushed her way through the crowd, hoping Lauren would notice her.I can get my luggage and sit by the curb. Or…you could call her on her phone, Johnson…duh!

Cassie fumbled with the carry-on bag, trying to locate her phone as she continued to squeeze through the crowd. She stopped walking when she couldn’t find it.Did I leave it on the plane?Ignoring people bumping into her or muttering rude comments, she looked into the backpack, shaking it to rearrange the contents.Finally!Grabbing the phone, she slung the bag’s strap over her shoulder and began walking again, her eyes on the phone. She stumbled against more people as she tried to find Lauren’s name, murmured apologies, then bounced against what felt like a wall. She staggered backward; the phone flew from her hand, and she braced herself for a hard fall. Someone grabbed her shoulders, steadying her, and Cassie raised her face to look up…then further up.Not a wall—just a tall, muscular, and…holy cannoli…HOT man.

Dark golden-brown eyes hinted at amusement. “Cassie Johnson?”

“Who’s asking?” Cassie countered as she stooped to grab the phone and then accepted the extended hand.

“I’m a friend of Lauren’s. She and Caryn got tied up in a meeting—I volunteered to pick you up. Did you receive a text from her?”

Cassie glanced at the phone and turned the shattered screen toward him.Can today get any worse? Not even out of the airport and I need a new phone.“I didn’t turn it on after we landed.”

The handsome stranger grasped her arm and led her out of the crowded route to the baggage claim area. He pulled his phone from a pocket and swiped, then tapped the screen. He handed the phone to Cassie.

“Here’s the photo she sent me via text.”

Cassie bit her lip when she saw the picture, she sent several hours earlier. “So…you’re not a serial killer?”

“Nope. I’m Tom Chadwick.” He eyed her with a teasing smile. “Would you like to call Lauren?”

“No need, I sent that selfie from the jet. I’m Cassie Johnson.”

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