Page 23 of Risky Move

“Actually, it’s not too far. We can pick it up, then grab some dinner if Caryn doesn’t need you.”

* * *

Cassie sat in the driveway, inspecting every feature of her new car.Everything I could want—or need.She loved the sunroof that allowed the sunshine to roll across her. The GPS, once she figured it out, would take her wherever she wanted—like visit Amelie or drive out to the beach. The safety features freaked her out—she nearly slammed on the brakes when the lane departure warning caused the steering wheel to vibrate. The automatic braking system made some sense, but that orange “BRAKE” warning light flashing on the control panel caused her to slow down.But it’s all mine, and I love this car. Dad knew I’d choose this bright red color—though Lauren says it’s a radar magnet. Probably the reason Dad chose it.

She leaned back against the headrest and inhaled the new car scent. She knew how lucky she was to have her father support her.Mom’s pissed that Dad bought me the car, though she can’t say much. Just stay out of trouble and don’t make the same mistakes Lauren did. Will she ever let that go? Lauren and Dave are perfect together. Mom needs to accept that not all marriages end like hers.A light rapping on the window startled her. A smile crossed her face when she saw Tom, and she quickly opened the door to greet him.

“Nice wheels, Cassie.”

“I still can’t believe it’s mine. If you hadn’t knocked on the window, I probably would have fallen asleep out here.”

“Just pick it up?”

“About an hour ago. Lauren took me, then I followed her here. Even with this GPS that I don’t know how to set up.” Cassie shook her head. “Then I drove around the neighborhood to get used to all the safety cameras, brake warning, lane departure warnings…you know, this can make a driver nervous!”

“Good thing you practiced. Tampa traffic can be rough…brutal. Avoid the busy times, and you’ll do fine,” Tom said. He leaned to glance at the interior of the car. “Leather seats—nice. Heated?”

“Think so.”

“Let’s hope you don’t need it while you’re in Tampa.”

Cassie dug the key out of her pocket and offered it to him. “Want to drive it?”

“Maybe we can go for a ride later—after the munchkins go to bed. See if we can figure out your GPS.”

“Sounds like fun.” Cassie closed the car door before she walked away. She smiled when the beep sounded, automatically locking the doors.

“Fancy,” Tom teased as he headed toward his private entrance. “See you later.”

Cassie allowed her eyes to trail after him as she walked to the front door. Every time he smiled, her heart did a tiny somersault. If his hand brushed hers, her body felt an electrical surge.Forbidden territory. Silly to hope he might think of me as someone other than his brother’s nanny. Not anyone he’d take out on a date. Keep dreaming, Johnson. Besides, there’s his relationship with Katie. When does he have time to see her outside the hospital? He hasn’t brought her to the house. At least not when I’m there. Maybe he goes to her place?

* * *

Amelie squealed in delight when Cassie told her about the car. “We can go to the beach now! And check out anything that’s not within walking distance of this condo.”

“I haven’t even seen what’s around you. We’ll have plenty to do on my days off.”

“Like tomorrow?”

“Free. I want to see your neighborhood and the beach. If you send me your address, I should find you okay. Then we can figure out how to get to the Gulf.” Cassie put her bikini and a towel on the dresser and then added a T-shirt cover-up.

“We could check out this area, go to the beach, then have a late lunch when we get back. Would that work for you, Cassie?”

“Just tell me the time. I’m a very early riser…more than ever since I’ve helped with the twins.”

“So am I. Shops open at nine o’clock. Call or text when you leave—I’ll stand by the entrance gate, so you don’t miss it.”

Cassie organized her all-purpose tote with everything she thought she might need.Sunscreen. Glad Caryn has almost a case of different types. She said the sun’s much stronger than in Canada. Amelie’s hoping to meet some guys tomorrow…well, maybe me too. Just a fun, stress-free day with a girlfriend. And possibly some flirting with a few beach guys…surfers? Are there even waves in the Gulf? Guess I’ll see.

She heard Tom’s voice, and like a moth attracted to light, she followed the sound.

“You’re just in time for some pizza,” he said as he greeted her. “My dinner contribution for today.”

Cassie took a moment to appreciate the way the blue polo shirt stretched across his broad chest and noted the casual shorts he wore.Tom does casual, very well.She reached for the plates Caryn had just pulled from the cabinets.

“I invited Lauren to join us,” Caryn said. “Terri and Kelly are still shopping.”

“They won’t miss the game?” Cassie asked.

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