Page 107 of Risky Move

Cassie stood in the middle of the room and slowly looked around. “Do you think people live here?” Her voice reflected awe she could not contain.

“I could,” Tom said.

“Something new for my dream list…as long as you’re with me.” Cassie looped her arms around his neck. “Thank you for bringing me here.” She reached to brush her lips against his.

“No one else I’d wish to share this with, babe. Let’s check out the bathroom. You can relax in the jetted tub while I throw together something to eat…Unless you’d rather go out?”

Cassie shook her head. “I’d rather help you in the kitchen, then both of us can bliss out in the jetted tub.”

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The next few days flowed together. Each morning they walked on the beach, collecting exquisite shells and then discussing plans for the day over breakfast. Beach time included their private cabana surrounded by billowing gauze drapes with tiebacks and lunch at the poolside restaurant. Cassie loved their afternoon “naps,” which included leisurely kissing, cuddling, and sweet lovemaking. Some evenings they dined at a recommended restaurant; other nights, they cooked in the suite, turning each meal into a romantic celebration.

Cassie felt the days slipping away and wished that she could click the “pause” button. She mentioned that dream to Tom one afternoon as they relaxed in the large jetted tub.

“Yeah, a pause button would definitely come in handy,” Tom said. “Put that on your wish list—along with sunny days, turquoise water, and the most unique shells ever seen. You’ve already filled two buckets.”

“I’ll go through them and pick out our favorites before we leave. The rest I’ll return to the beach for someone else to discover.” Cassie loved sharing the jetted tub with Tom—especially when she leaned back against his chest. She turned to look at him, caressing his cheek with her palm, then urging his lips toward hers.Heaven…paradise…nirvana. Wish we could stay and not return to Tampa…real life. My feelings for Tom grow deeper every day, but I worry about him and Andrew. What if Andrew never forgives me? What’s the only choice Tom could make? Family first. Always.

* * *

While Cassie called Lauren one morning, Tom gave her a quick kiss and slipped from the villa. He wanted to find something that would remind Cassie of this week. He wandered toward a group of shops.Does she realize how much I cherish our time together? We’ve connected in a way I’ve never experienced…He wandered from shop to shop, finding so many trinkets that reminded him of Cassie. When he entered a small jewelry store, he knew he’d find the perfect gift among the selection of hand-crafted items. He examined several necklaces, rings, and bracelets. Nothing felt right…not as unique as he wished for his rainbow girl.

“I’m about to put some new pieces in the display case,” the clerk told him. “Would you like to see them?”

“Please.” Tom watched as she placed a black velvet cloth on the glass counter, then carefully added about a dozen new designs.

“These are unique. The jeweler only creates one of each item in a collection. You’d truly have an original piece of jewelry.”

“Exquisite,” Tom said as he carefully examined a necklace and bracelet. The stones reminded him of the colors of the sand and the sea.

“Then, we have a ring that matches this style.” The clerk opened a small box and placed the ring on the velvet. Tom knew as soon as he saw it, he wanted to give Cassie this sign of his commitment to her. The translucent stone reflected the colors of the rainbow and changed continuously each time he moved the ring.Perfect. As unique and beautiful as my girl.

* * *

Cassie looked at her phone and took a deep breath.Lauren said I really need to call Mom. Ignoring her puts Lauren in the middle…Lauren said I can decide if I tell her what happened…I’m not sure I want her to know…Ever. Maybe I could recap my plans to switch to full-time status next semester? Do I mention Tom?

She pulled a bottle of water from the mini-fridge and took her phone to the balcony to place the call.

“Cassie? My long-lost daughter?”

“I’m sorry, Mom. I should have called you back earlier,” Cassie began. “I’ve been preoccupied with classes. How’s everything in Vancouver?”

Cassie exhaled a soft sigh of relief that her mom seemed in a good mood. She shared her plan to transfer to full-time status as of the summer semester.

“Good decision, Cassandra. When do you have to declare a major?”

“Not until I complete the core courses, so I’ll have plenty of time to decide…still debating early childhood education or communications.” Cassie opened her water bottle and took a quick drink.Yesss! She sounds pleased about my plans. Relief that I’m going ahead with a degree? Maybe it’s a good time to tell her about Tom? Daniel’s accident?

“Mom, I have some other news.”

“More good news?”

“Some good; some not so good.”

“Why don’t you start with the ‘not so good’ news?”

Cassie stared at the ocean as she told her mother everything. It felt like a dam had burst, and words poured from her mouth. By the time Cassie assured her that Daniel had recovered with no after-effects, Cassie felt tears splashing against her cheeks.

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