Page 20 of Risky Move

“Maybe time for a life outside the hospital. Stop by later—I’ll buy you a beer to celebrate.” John slapped Tom’s shoulder before heading to his car. “Thanks for what you’ve taken on, Chadwick.”

Later, stepping out on the pool deck to swim laps, Cassie caught Tom’s attention. He stopped a minute when his gaze fell on her bikini-clad body. Her body curved in just the right places, her legs stretched for miles, and Tom suddenly realized he was not looking at her like Jenna and Daniel’s nanny. Cassie stirred something unexpected inside him—even before “the kiss”—definitely not an older brother instinct.

Tom forced his mind elsewhere as he walked over to the other side of the pool and dropped his towel on a chair. He slipped into the pool and hoped that swimming laps would draw his attention to a more appropriate subject than his friend’s niece and brother’s nanny.

* * *

Cassie opened her eyes, realizing she’d drifted off to sleep in the sun's warmth despite the music pounding in her ears. She stopped the playlist and glanced at her watch, relieved that she hadn’t slept the afternoon away. Jenna and Daniel should still be napping. She sat up, reached for her water, and for the first time, realized she had company. It took her a minute to decide that Tom, not Andrew, was swimming laps, and a playful smile spread across her face as Cassie walked to the side of the pool. She waited until he was in range, and using both hands heaved a wave of water toward him, striking Tom in the face as he turned his head for a breath.Shit, I didn’t mean to do that.Cassie slipped into the water, an apology on her lips as Tom stood and coughed until he caught his breath.

His brown eyes met Cassie’s, and before she could apologize, he pounced, pushing her under the water. Cassie tried to retaliate by knocking him over, but she might as well have been trying to move a concrete wall. She pushed away and broke the surface, taking a quick breath before Tom dunked her again. This time, she swam away from him and cautiously emerged on the other side of the pool.

“I didn’t mean to splash water on your face!”

His brown eyes narrowed but held a playful gleam. “Just where did you intend to hit me?”

“Um, maybe the other side of your head. Bad timing. I’m sorry. What are you doing here, anyway?”

“Day off, but don’t change the subject. A couple of dunks aren’t enough.” He started toward her, but Cassie took off, swimming diagonally to the far corner of the pool. She hoped he wouldn’t realize her direction, but she had only swum a few yards before Tom grabbed her leg and pulled her underwater. This time, when she squealed, she received a mouth full of water and quickly pushed to the surface, coughing and trying to catch her breath.

“Trying…to…drown…me?” She got one word in between each cough.

He was beside her in a moment, his arm wrapped around her waist until she caught her breath. “You all right now?”

Her hazel eyes looked at him warily. “Are we even?”

Tom laughed and fought the urge to hug her. Instead, he withdrew his arm from her waist. “More than even. I wasn’t trying to drown you.”

“That would make a great headline, wouldn’t it, doctor?” Cassie moved to the edge of the pool and rested against it. She laughed, but it triggered more coughing.

“Hey, did you swallow water?”

She shook her head. “If I did, it was because I was laughing. I’m fine.” She ducked underwater to smooth her hair away from her face. When she emerged, she teased him. “So, there is a fun side to our good doctor.” She looked toward the house and saw Caryn en route to the nursery. “I’d better get inside to help Caryn. I think nap time just ended.”

Tom pushed himself onto the side of the pool and offered a hand to help Cassie. She grasped his hand with a smile but didn’t speak until she stood beside him on the tile. “You don’t know how tempting it is to pull you in.”

“Yeah, I thought about that. Truce?”

“Sure…until next time.”

* * *

Cassie quickly entered the nursery, a coverup thrown over her swimsuit and her hair still soaked.

“I’m sorry, Caryn. I lost track of time. Do you want me to take Daniel?”

“You deserved the break. Go ahead, shower, and change. You’ll get chilled with Drew’s preferred setting on the AC. They can play for a while before dinner.”

“Thanks, I won’t be long.”

“Take your time.”

Cassie couldn’t contain a smile when she thought about playing water tag with Tom.Really haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. How could I have dozed off and not heard him get into the pool? Glad I didn’t sleep through his work out.

She loved the impromptu battle in the pool. She hadn’t had that much fun in…forever?Never with a guy who made my heart skip a beat just by looking at me. I hope he doesn’t think of me as some pesky little sister…no, surely not after “the kiss.” But he’s the forbidden one…the gorgeous doc who’s off-limits for too many reasons—topping that list—his girlfriend, Katie.

Revived by the warm shower, Cassie threw on some cut-offs and a T-shirt and ran a comb through her hair. She brushed it behind her ears and frowned when she saw all traces of her “accent color” washed away.Not worth it if I’ll swim. Though I didn’t plan to get in the water. But sooo glad I did.She tingled just thinking about Tom putting his arm around her waist.Maybe I should have just continued to cough…

When she returned to the family room, both Andrew and Tom were keeping the twins busy bouncing balls back and forth.

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