Page 132 of Risky Move

Lauren chuckled as Cassie enthusiastically tackled her pancakes. “I have more if you’re still hungry.”

“We’ll see after I lick the syrup off this plate. I’ll save the muffin for later so I can appreciate it properly. This was a great surprise!”

“I wanted to be the first to welcome you to official adulthood.” Lauren passed a card to Cassie. “Just a little celebratory cash from Dave and me.”

Cassie first read the card and the comments written by each. “You guys always give me leaky eyes.” When she looked at the check, Cassie started to shake her head. “It’s too much.”

“No, you deserve every penny. Buy something extravagant, pay for books and tuition, pick out something special for your new home. Guilt-free money, Cass. Just spend it on something that makes you happy.”

Cassie reached for her aunt and enveloped her in a hug. “I love you, Lauren. You’re my aunt, my sister, and on occasion, my mother. You helped me shed that protective bubble where Mom tried to stash me.”

“You know, she loves you very much and did everything she could to ensure you stayed innocent and safe. But you grew up and became your own person. You’ve matured so much since you moved to Tampa.” Lauren chuckled as Cassie’s phone rang. “You can let Tom think he wished you a happy birthday first.”

Cassie scrunched her nose at Lauren as she reached for the phone. “Is this my favorite physician?”

“Hope so. Happy birthday, Princess Cassie. I’d have preferred to awaken you with a kiss. Owe you one later.”

“Just one?” Cassie couldn’t contain her giggle. “Maybe one for each birthday I’ve had?”

“And then one to grow on, I suppose.”

“Complaining?”

“Not a bit.”

Tom’s voice sounded so seductive that Cassie wished she could drive to the hospital to collect a few of his kisses. “Do you think you’ll get to leave at four this afternoon?”

“I have back-ups for the back-ups. We’ll have our special dinner.”

“No hint where we’re going?”

“Nope, a surprise for my rainbow girl.”

* * *

Lauren had booked a spa day for both, complete with mani-pedi, facial, massage, hair styling, and make-up.

“I’ve never felt so pampered,” Cassie said.

“Once a month, Cassie. It always lifts my spirits, and I get that guilty pleasure when Dave realizes where I’ve been. Lights his fire every time.”

“Uh-oh, poor Tom!” Cassie closed her eyes, enjoying the foot massage. “Have you brought Dave for a couple’s massage?”

“Oh, Cassie, we had one in our suite on the cruise. Absolutely incredible. We didn’t leave the room for the rest of the day.”

“I do like the sound of that.”

* * *

Cassie laughed nervously as Lauren helped her dress. “I feel like an imposter. The makeup, the hair, this dress—I can’t believe it’s me.”

“A beautiful ‘imposter,’ then. Adding the turquoise highlights was brilliant. It’s like your hair reflects your dress.”

When the doorbell rang, Cassie steadied herself with the headboard to slip into the stilettos. “Say a prayer I don’t face-plant.”

“You won’t.” Lauren handed her the small white beaded bag. “Enjoy tonight.”

Dave knocked on the bedroom door, and Lauren quickly opened it. “Almost ready. Did you offer Tom something to drink?”

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