Page 131 of Risky Move

“It’s finished. I hope you like the flooring—we can test our pool if you have time,” Cassie offered.

“What time does the contractor close shop for the day?”

Cassie couldn’t resist Tom’s tone and wink. She glanced at her watch. “About thirty minutes ago. Shall we check it out?”

“Grab your bikini of the day and a towel,” He paused for a moment. “Damn, I forgot about the privacy fence. I’ll have it installed next week. PG-only swimming until then.”

* * *

Caryn proposed that she and Andrew host the birthday celebration along with Lauren and Dave. Tom gratefully accepted the offer.

“Only if you hire an event coordinator and caterer. I want you both to enjoy the party, not worry about anything.” Tom looked at each of them until they nodded. “And use the debit card I gave you, Caryn.”

“You still want Jenna and Daniel there? We can manipulate their naps, so they crash early,” Caryn said.

“Cassie would insist they join us if she knew. Don’t disappoint my girl.” His smile softened the warning. “Speaking of disappointment, I haven’t spoken with Cassie’s mother. I don’t know what else I can say to get a call back.”

“I’ll call her,” Lauren said. “If she knows Trevor’s committed to coming, she may do a one-eighty. One will stay with Kelly, the other with Terri.” She rolled her eyes. “Whoever gets stuck with Amanda and Allyssa gets a case of wine.” She squeezed Tom’s arm. “Don’t worry about her—she’s disappointed Cassie so many times that it won’t faze her if only Trevor attends.”

* * *

Lauren offered her wardrobe to Cassie. “No need to buy a dress. Some of these should actually live inyourcloset. Pick some and try them on—there’s a turquoise sequin sheath that suits your personality more than mine. Only worn once.”

Lauren pulled the dress from the garment bag and handed it to Cassie.

“How could you only wear this once? It’s beautiful!” Cassie held the dress in front of her and looked in the full-length mirror.

“Really not my style—but you, my dear, could definitely pull off this look. I have a pair of Jimmy Choo’s I bought for this dress—also only worn once.”

Cassie shook her head. “This dress is beautiful—elegant, but fun.”

“And it will showcase those long legs. Très chic—and sexy,”

Lauren offered several other dresses, but Cassie tried on the first and waved off the others. “I love this, Lauren.”

“Let’s see the shoes,” Lauren said.

Cassie slipped on the four-inch stilettos and tried to walk without wobbling. “How do you stay upright?”

“Look at the mirror. There’s your incentive. Keep them on and practice—be careful not to get a blister.”

Cassie hugged Lauren. “You’re the best. If I get wobbly, I’ll just walk very, very close to Tom.”

70

Lauren rapped on the bedroom door and pushed it open. “Rise and shine, birthday girl!”

Cassie shook her head as she sat up and brushed the hair away from her face. She smiled when she noticed the bed tray Lauren held. “What did you do? I forgot it’s my birthday.”

“Your twenty-first birthday, Cassie! Today, you do nothing but relax. Everything can wait for another day…except your dinner date with my favorite doctor tonight.” She set the tray on the bedside table. “Blueberry pancakes, chocolate chip muffins, a mimosa.”

“Yum, my stomach’s rumbling.” Cassie pushed the covers back and got to her feet. She hugged Lauren before going into the bathroom. “Thank you, Lauren, all my favorites.”

“Don’t take too long—those chocolate chip muffins are calling my name.”

Cassie returned, refreshed by splashing cold water on her face, brushing her teeth, and running a brush through her hair.

“Yay, I’m twenty-one,” she laughed as she passed a chocolate chip muffin to Lauren. She set the tray on the bed and indicated for Lauren to sit opposite her. Cassie plucked a fresh blueberry from the top of her pancakes and popped it into her mouth. “You’re the best, Lauren.” She sipped the mimosa and offered it to her aunt. “I thought I’d feel different today—like a ‘grown-up.’ I can legally order a drink in Tampa, and I think renting a car’s possible.”

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