Page 105 of Risky Move

Cassie peaked inside the bag. “Lauren, what did you do?” She pulled a soft multicolor sundress from the package. “Oh, my gosh! It’s so beautiful…and luxurious…feels like silk.”

Her aunt laughed. “It is silk. You can dress it up or down—just don’t wear it in the pool or ocean!”

Cassie threw her arms around her aunt. “Thank you. It’s the most beautiful dress ever. Don’t worry, I’ll warn Tom about not tossing me into any water.”

“We wanted to get you something special for your vacation. You deserve some spoiling.”

Cassie flicked a tear from her cheek. “I’m so lucky to have you and Dave. I can never repay you for everything you did this week.”

“That subject is taboo, as of this second. Think only about your romantic week on a beautiful beach with your ‘hot hockey doc’—did I get that right?”

“Almost. My red hot, hunky hockey doc.”

“I can hear your heart pitter-pattering as you talk about him. He’s a keeper, Cass.”

Cassie felt her cheeks grow warm. “I’mhoping…I also hope he doesn’t feel awkward about being with me because Andrew’s beyond angry. They’re so close—I don’t want to come between them.”

Lauren picked up a T-shirt and folded it before placing it in the suitcase. “Just don’t build imaginary walls like I did with Dave. Tom and Andrew will work everything out. Don’t push him away—I wasted so many years. If Tom had doubts, he wouldn’t plan a beach week with you.” She gently tapped Cassie’s forehead. “Purge any doubts and allow yourself to believe Tom’s sincere. Just follow your heart.”

57

As Tom drove down the coast with Cassie, he felt her tension ease the further they left Tampa in the rear-view mirror. The sunset and early evening sky provided a soft backdrop for the clear blue waters and white sand beaches. He heard Cassie’s sigh as she appeared to shake off the week’s trauma and embrace the beauty surrounding them.

She rested her hand on his thigh. “Tom, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything this breathtaking. Feels like we’re in another world.”

Tom covered her hand with his. “I hope you’ll continue to experience that once we arrive at our villa.”

She turned her face toward his. “If you’re in this world with me, it can only get better.”

“You can count on that, babe. Our private world.” He glanced at her eyes, reassured to see a hint of the sparkle return.Hope this week heals my girl’s spirit. Hate watching her drowning in a sea of guilt, self-doubt, remorse…Cassie hasn’t really smiled since the accident. Priority one once we’re in our villa…

“Ground control to Major Tom,” Cassie softly broke into his thoughts.

Tom laughed. “You like that song, huh?”

“Seemed like your brain was maybe in the stars.” He glanced at Cassie and saw the smile spread across her face. “Both my mom and grandmother like that song. Not sure I understand it, but yeah, it kinda gets stuck in your head.”

“Yep, now I’m guaranteed to have it singing in my head for the next day or so,” Tom said. “Did I ‘space out’ on you?”

“You looked like you were in deep thought.”

Tom lifted her hand and kissed it. “I wanted to tell you that Andrew appreciated knowing the whole story about Danny getting to the pool. He’d already told Caryn he didn’t want Amelie watching the twins…too distractible.”

“It changes nothing, though.”

“It just might,” Tom said. “Andrew’s got a lot to think about. He complimented your maturity in handling everything and not making excuses. Beyond that, he’ll need to get past this All-Star weekend to think through everything and discuss it with Caryn.” Tom gently squeezed her hand. “I hope that lightens your guilt, Cassie. And once we arrive at our villa, let’s put everything about this aside and focus on us.”

Cassie’s smile made his heart soar. “I’ll do my best to block it all from my mind. But I’ll have no trouble focusing on you.”

“Us,” Tom corrected.

“Us,” she repeated in a whisper.

* * *

Cassie awakened when Tom kissed her forehead and brushed the hair away from her face. “Hey, you,” she said with a sheepish smile. “I fell asleep?”

“That you did. I’m glad you got to rest. Ready to check out our villa?”

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