Page 3 of Risky Move

“We can investigate options in the Gulf. I’d enjoy an up close and personal encounter with dolphins.” Tom’s smile caused Cassie’s heart to flip. She felt her face growing warm and picked up the menu again, hoping to screen her face.

3

Tom opened the front door for Cassie, and they followed the sound of fussy babies to an enormous open room. Picture windows overlooked a landscaped pool and deck, covered on all sides by what Lauren called a lanai. She recognized it from photos that Lauren shared from Dave’s nearby house.

Cassie’s face reflected her delight when she saw the twins—Daniel and Jenna—nestled in her aunt’s and Caryn’s arms.

“Welcome to Tampa,” Caryn greeted her.

“So happy you’re here, Cassie,” Lauren said as she hugged her with her free arm. “I don’t think I need to introduce you to Caryn.”

“I feel like I know you,” Cassie said. “Thank you for trusting me to help with your sweet babies…and for the airline seats. I felt so pampered.”

“Good.” Caryn’s smile was warm. “Please try to remember that when one of these angels spits up on you, or when they won’t stop crying no matter what you do.” She looked down at Daniel, who was now sleeping in her arms. “Would you like to help me put these darlings down for their nap?”

Cassie’s grin spread across her face. “Please, I’d love to!”

Lauren placed Jenna in Cassie’s arms. “You have her?”

Cassie nodded, gathering the baby against her chest. “You’re just beautiful, you know that, Miss Jenna?” She followed Caryn to the nursery.

“Which bedroom, Car?” Tom asked. “I’ll fetch Cassie’s luggage.”

* * *

“Thank you for meeting her at the airport, Tom,” Lauren said as she walked beside him to retrieve Cassie’s bags.

“No problem. At least after I convinced her I wasn’t a serial killer.” Tom watched as Lauren stopped and stared at him.

“What? Didn’t she read…”

“Her cell phone screen broke before she received your message. Once I showed her the photo you sent me, she took the risk.” His lips hinted at a smile.

Lauren laughed. “I guess I’m glad she didn’t just say, ‘okay,’ and leave with a stranger.”

“A healthy dose of skepticism never hurts.” Tom beeped the trunk open and removed the bags. “Though, I expected someone much younger.”

Lauren tried to hide a smirk. “Define ‘much younger,’ Tom.”

“Seventeen, eighteen?”

“Try twenty. Worried about robbing the cradle?”

Tom shrugged. “Just curious…So, have the guys gone on to the arena?” He changed the subject.

“Thank God, yes! Dave’s so tense, I told him to go early and skate it off.”

“Big game tonight. The entire city’s holding its breath.”

“I hope the Suns just grab this win so we can get on with the Conference Final.” Lauren took the handle of the roller bag and followed Tom to the bedroom Caryn mentioned.

“Caryn thinking about going to the game tonight?”

Lauren shook her head. “Not on Cassie’s first day. Maybe during the Final.”

“If I didn’t need to work, I’d volunteer to stay here.” Tom glanced at his watch. “Speaking of, I need to head out. Please tell Caryn and Cassie I’ll catch up with them later.”

* * *

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