Page 12 of Risky Move

“I congratulated Lauren and Dave, mingled, then decided I’d find my nephew and niece—and my favorite honorary aunt.” Tom’s brown eyes sparkled as he held the unhappy Daniel before him. “What’s the problem, little buddy? You miss your Uncle Tommy?”

Cassie enjoyed watching him interact with Daniel. Actually, she enjoyed watching Tom any chance she got. With his schedule at the hospital, she didn’t see him often, but that didn’t stop her from fantasizing about him…or “that kiss” a lot.He and Andrew look so much alike, almost like twins, except Tom’s hair is darker, and he has those golden brown—cinnamon—eyes, and Andrew’s eyes are that deep shade of blue…Did Tom play hockey before med school?…He’s just as well-built…and just as swoon-worthy as his brother. Always calm, soft-spoken, Tom must be the best doctor ever. I wouldn’t complain if he treated me in the ER.She knew he was completing his residency in neurology at the same hospital where Andrew had recovered from a traumatic brain injury over a year ago. Her stomach fluttered a little whenever Tom’s eyes met hers.

He quieted Daniel in just a few minutes.

“Do you want to take a break, Cassie? I can watch them for a while.”

She hesitated. She preferred to chat with him. “Maybe just a few minutes to freshen up and see if I can find the happy couple. I don’t think they’ll make it to this side of the room.”

“Take your time. I’m not needed anywhere.”

“Just what the doctor ordered,” Cassie said with a smile. “I won’t stay away too long.”

* * *

Tom watched as Cassie gave him a little wave before being swallowed by the crowd around Dave and Lauren. Her light brown hair today sported a hint of lavender around her face.Definitely a free spirit. The changing colors in her hair suit her.Taller than average, she stood out in the throng of people. He could see her head bob in the crowd.Like her aunt in some ways, but Cassie’s definitely her own person.When she looked at him with those hazel eyes peeking through her hair, Tom had to remind himself that she’s off-limits for too many reasons.Andrew and Caryn’s nanny, Lauren’s niece. Not to mention that we live in the same home. At least the age difference’s “acceptable,” but the risks outweigh the positives—at least for now.But the memory of their unspoken kiss called to him like a siren of the sea.Don’t go there, Chadwick. Too much of a risk to even think that way.

* * *

Cassie told Caryn and Andrew that Tom was with the twins. “Jenna’s sleeping. Uncle Tommy’s working his magic with Daniel. I just want to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Martin again.”

“Good luck.” Andrew nodded toward the center of the room. “Need an escort?”

“Nah, I’ll slip through. Do you guys know everyone?”

“Just about,” Caryn said. “A couple new teammates, some new girlfriends. I think Dave and Lauren are the only newlyweds.”

“Wish me luck—see you soon!” Cassie looked over the crowd as she moved toward the newlyweds. She tried to focus on Dave—she could spot him more easily than Lauren.

She hugged Lauren when she reached them. “Having fun?”

“The best! Never expected so many would come.”

“Everyone needs an excuse to relax a little now that training camp’s over,” Dave said. “Also, a good opportunity for the new players to meet people.” Lauren leaned back against him as she stifled a yawn.

Cassie kissed Lauren’s cheek, then hugged Dave. “Just wanted to add my congratulations…again. I’ll see you later—Caryn may want to get the twins home soon.”

“We’ll catch up soon, Cassie,” Lauren promised.

Cassie checked out the guys who played hockey as she walked back to find Caryn or relieve Tom. Not one compares to Tom and his panty-melting smile and those eyes that threaten to discover her deepest thoughts. As close to perfect a man as she could imagine.He never ignores me, he listens when I talk with him and treats me like an adult. Why waste my time looking for a hockey player? Because your doctor may already have his own soulmate?Cassie yearned to know the true relationship between Tom and Katie—the sooner, the better. She knew better than to think about anything developing with Tom. Her employer’s brother, the obvious age difference, living under the same roof, and already involved with a woman.He’s off-limits for too many reasons... Dream on, Johnson.

8

By the time Cassie found Caryn, Andrew had left. “Drew’s helping Tom get the twins ready—they’ve done well.”

“Because they’re such sweethearts. Hopefully, I’ll be that lucky someday.”

Caryn smiled. “No time soon, right?”

“I’m talking years…lots of years.” She looked over Caryn’s shoulder and saw Andrew and Tom approaching, each carrying a sleeping baby.

Andrew handed Daniel to Caryn. “I’ll get the rest of our things.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Cassie offered. “Meet you at the car?”

“We’ll pull up out front. Take your time,” Andrew said.

“Back in a few.” Cassie maneuvered through the thinning crowd to the play area. She grabbed the diaper bag and started loading the toys, blankets, pacifiers, bottles, and jars of baby food.Packed enough for a weekend. Caryn and Andrew must think I’m clueless—if they even noticed.She looked around and saw Jenna’s favorite stuffed bear peeking out of the ball pit.Nap and bedtime crisis if I missed that….She grabbed the toy and slipped it into a side pocket on the bag, and slung it over her shoulder. Heavier than expected, she stumbled a bit as she stepped out of the enclosure. A hand gripped her elbow to steady her.

---