Page 133 of Risky Move

Cassie saw him give Lauren a “Give me a break” look and giggled. “Just a few minutes,” she said. “I need to find my balance with these shoes on.”

“You look beautiful, Cass. Absolutely breathtaking.”

“Thanks, Dave. Please tell Tom I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

Cassie walked back and forth across the room until she felt steady on her feet. “The downside to wearing flip-flops, sandals, and sneakers every day.”

“Just like a runway model,” Lauren said. “Ready to make your debut?” When Cassie nodded, Lauren kissed her cheek. “Enjoy, birthday girl.”

* * *

Tom might have ended up on his rear if he weren’t seated at the counter. Cassie caught the periphery of his vision before she completely turned the corner. She always stirred his heart with her beauty, but at that moment, she morphed into an angel, a true princess. He allowed his eyes to rove up and down as she walked toward him. Cassie’s eyes glistened, and she clutched the tiny white purse.

He met her halfway. “Happy birthday, Princess. You won’t break if I hug you?”

Cassie shook her head. “Please…I need a hug.”

Tom quickly complied, kissing her temple as her fresh citrus scent intoxicated him. “You’re stunning, babe,” he spoke softly into her ear. “I’ll enjoy undressing you later.” She pressed against him with a soft sigh, cut short by Tom’s sweet birthday kiss. “Ready?”

Cassie stepped back and took her time admiring her doctor in a perfectly tailored suit. “You clean up very nicely. My handsome prince.”

“At your command, milady. Ready for a twenty-first birthday celebration?”

* * *

Tom drove half-way downtown before he suddenly felt the pocket inside his coat. “Damn it.”

Cassie watched as he began to check his other pockets. “You’re looking for…”

“Wallet.”

Cassie heard the aggravation in his voice. “You keep your hand on the wheel, sir. I’ll check.” She flashed a smile as she patted the other pockets on the jacket, then unsnapped her seatbelt so she could reach both of the pants’ pockets.

Tom gently guided her back to her seat. “Buckle up. Don’t look out your window. The guy in the car beside us enjoyed your…eh…display a bit too much.”

Cassie felt her cheeks flaming. “I forgot about my dress. Did I really give a show?”

Tom maneuvered into a left turn lane, then stopped at a red light. “No comment.”

Cassie saw the smirk on his face as he glanced beyond her. “Just keep looking at me, babe.”

Cassie patted his arm. “I’m calling bullshit.”

“For what?”

“You’d let some random guy look at me and do nothing?”

“I did push you back into your seat. You want me to go road rage on the guy?” Tom struggled to keep a straight face.

“Well…you could have at least flipped him off.”

“Honey, I guarantee he thought this woman with a gorgeous ass in the air was doing more than checking my pockets.”

Cassie covered her face, the mortification suddenly a million times worse. “Just tell me when that car is gone.”

Tom did a U-turn with the left turn signal and headed back home. “And now you’re in the clear.”

Cassie peeked at him through her fingers. “Please say you were teasing me.”

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