Page 109 of Risky Move

“I just need to book the tour,” he answered her first question. “As for the dolphins, I didn’t get a firm answer from any of the companies I contacted. Though, you could just jump in the water when you spot a pod of dolphins.”

“So awesome even thinking about that!” Cassie showed no reluctance at all. “Do you have any bucket list items while we’re here?”

“Maybe. Debating whether you’d enjoy it.”

“I’ll follow you anywhere and everywhere, you know.”

Tom bit back a smirk as he leaned his forehead against hers. “That’s a risky move, you know.”

“Why? You planning to lead me astray?”

“Not exactly ‘astray’… but I’d like to try parasailing before we leave.” He watched Cassie’s reaction and saw her momentary hesitation before her eyes flashed with excitement.

“Count me in. Can we go together?”

“That’s the plan. I’m not letting my girl sail off into the sky without me.”

* * *

Tom arranged a private dinner on the beach after sunset on the last night. Cassie commandeered the ensuite bathroom, and Tom showered and changed in the extra bath. Cassie wore the beautiful dress that Lauren gave her. She loved the feel of the silk fabric against her skin, and the vibrant colors enhanced her sun-kissed skin. She just applied eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. Cassie’s attempt to style her hair proved futile—instead of pulling it up into a way-too-messy bun, she opted to let it flow past her shoulders.Wish I had some of my highlight colors. I’d work on an actual rainbow array around my face for my guy…

Her legs felt wobbly in the espadrilles after spending the week in sandals.Hope I don’t trip or do a face plant. But these go perfectly with the dress…sandals just too casual.With a final glance in the mirror, she opened the door and walked across the suite to look for Tom.

Her breath caught in her throat when she found him on the balcony, phone pressed against his ear and gazing at the beach. The white linen shirt and khaki slacks hugged his body in all the right places. With the darkened tan and two days' scruff, Tom caused her heart to skip a beat, and Cassie sank to the side of the sofa to enjoy watching—gawking at?—him.Wish we could stay here forever. Hope it’s not his work phone and a crisis with one of his patients. That could cast a shadow over our final evening in paradise.Cassie noticed that his hair had picked up sun streaks that she liked very much. She fought the urge to interrupt the phone call and run her palm against his cheek and through the sun-lightened hair.Tomorrow I’ll have to share him with his family, friends, and work…but tonight, we can savor our alternate reality, and I can dream that nothing changes when we return to Tampa.

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Tom concluded the call with the resident, relieved that she’d just wanted to check if he agreed with the treatment plan she’d outlined for a new patient.Can’t escape reality, but we still have tonight and tomorrow morning…He opened the French doors, stopping short when he saw Cassie.

He slowly ran his eyes over her as he moved toward her. “You’re beautiful, Cassie. Exquisite.” He gently cupped her chin in his hand and kissed her softly. “You intend to cause me to skip dinner?”

He watched her eyes dance in merriment. “Now, what makes you think that?” She ran her hand lightly against his cheek. “A romantic private dinner for two? On the beach? How could wenotenjoy that?”

Tom chuckled. “We’re having dessert in our room, babe. No discussion.”

Cassie looped her arms around his neck. “Can’t wait.” She rose on tiptoes to kiss him.

Hand in hand, they followed the path toward the beach. Lanterns provided just enough light to reveal a single table beneath a cabana. A gentleman dressed in a tux awaited them. Tom offered his arm as Cassie stepped up on the platform, the delight reflected in her eyes.

He held a chair while she slid into it. Cassie’s eyes widened as she took in the elegant surroundings. “It’s magical,” she whispered when he sat across from her.

Tom accepted the drink menu from the server and looked at Cassie. “What would you like to drink, sweetheart?”

“You choose,” Cassie said, deferring. “Anything you pick will be perfect.”

“Frozen margaritas?” Tom watched the frown forming, and then Cassie laughed.

“I think not, doctor. Maybe white wine?”

Tom looked at the menu and showed his selection to the waiter.

“Excellent choice, sir.” He nodded and stepped away from the platform, loosening the tiebacks on the white curtains. Only the side facing the Gulf remained open.

“Tom, I feel like a princess.”

Tom reached across the table for her hand. “You should know by now that youaremy Princess Cassie. Thank you for sharing this week with me.”

Cassie smiled tremulously and shook her head when she tried to speak. She flicked a tear from her cheek and took a deep breath. “I’ll never...forget this week and how perfect you made it. I really, really don’t want to go back to real life.”

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