Page 31 of Risky Move

“No, my new friend said it made me look…I don’t know…juvenile. Translated—not classy.” She met his eyes with a mischievous grin. “Maybe if I’d used three different colors, I’d have passed the sophistication test.”

“Those colors are cute and…sexy.”

Cassie rested her chin on her hand. “Are you color blind or something?”

Tom drank some water to keep from laughing. “Nope, I look forward to seeing what colors you choose each day. Suits your personality—and the highlights enhance your…” He paused, searching for the word he wanted. “Let’s just say, you’re gorgeous but edgy.” He watched pink splotches forming on her neck and face. “I think your ‘friend’ doesn’t want you to outshine her.”

“Thank you, doctor, but don’t worry about Amelie hurting my feelings. I just planned to have a fun evening with a new friend.” She shrugged. “No big deal.”

“Don’t change for anyone, Cassie. No one who cares for you wants that.” Tom watched her hazel eyes sparkle as she ate the last tiny bite of her omelet.

She slid off the stool and carried the dishes to the sink. “Bet you have a great bedside manner. You know just the right thing to say.” She rinsed the plates and slipped them into the dishwasher. She took the silverware from him. “Tomorrow, I’ll pick a color especially for you.” She unsuccessfully contained the giggle that followed and turned her attention to the sink.

They heard a soft squawk on the baby monitor. Cassie quickly dried her hands. “I hope I can soothe them, so they don’t wake Caryn.” Tom followed as she quietly sprinted to the nursery. Once both had fresh diapers, Cassie caught Tom’s eye and gestured toward the kitchen. “If they take a bottle now, maybe they’ll sleep through the night,” she whispered.

17

Cassie didn’t hear from Amelie over the next few days—not that it bothered her…much. In her free time, she touched base with some friends from home. Most had scattered across Canada and some to the US, and she enjoyed chatting with them about campus experiences.Parties, games, guys, fraternities, more parties, and oh yeah, studying, too.Her inner voice questioned her decision to take a gap year…maybe I should have gone to school in Toronto like Lauren? Perhaps I’d have more than one new friend. Or even a guy…Tom flashed through her mind. She knew she had it bad for the doctor but didn’t know how to interpret his playful teasing or flirtatious winks.Interested in me?But she knew he was off-limits for too many reasons.She had no one to confide in about her secret crush.Definitely not Lauren. Last thing I need is for Tom to find out and avoid me.

She gritted her teeth in frustration as she carefully applied a hint of rose gold to her hair. Using a slim brush, she added just enough to highlight her face. Then, because sunny days always lifted her spirits, she dipped the ends of her hair into a brighter rose hue.

Caryn had surprised her earlier in the day when she suggested Cassie attend the Suns game that night.

“Don’t you want to go?”

Caryn shrugged. “More tired than usual. I’ll enjoy a quiet evening with Jenna and Daniel, and no one will know if I fall asleep before the third period.”

“If I help you, you could fall asleep before the game begins.”

“Cassie, you’re the most giving person I know. Enjoy an evening out. You can ride in with the girls. Go to Center Ice after the game and have fun! You know, I was about your age when I met Andrew.” Caryn smiled mysteriously. “Who knows? You could meet your special guy.”

Cassie felt her cheeks burning. “Unlikely, but I’d love to go to the game. As long as you really don’t need me? I’ll happily play with my cuddle bugs.”

“Not tonight. You have fun—I insist.”

* * *

Lauren had game credentials for Cassie, and she slipped the lanyard over her head. “Thanks, Lauren. Did Dave get these?”

“Picked them up at morning skate. Dave said to tell you he doesn’t want to see you wearing another player’s number.”

“Like that will happen. If I get a jersey, I’ll choose his. Family first, you know.”

Terri looked over her shoulder from the front seat. “Don’t count on that if you meet one of the cute young guys on the roster.”

“Like that will happen.” Cassie snorted.

“Maybe after the game, we can go to Center Ice—you can decide for yourself.” Kelly showed her parking pass to the attendant and parked near the entry door reserved for players, family, and VIPs.

Cassie’s eyes widened when she saw the suite reserved for family and friends. “You have this every game?” She asked Lauren, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Different menus, but yes, all you could ever want to eat or drink.” Lauren took Cassie’s arm. “I’ll give you the tour. We’ll get something to eat and drink before we go to our seats.”

While waiting for her turn at the buffet, Cassie glimpsed Amelie across the room.Will she acknowledge me? Or should I approach her?She filled her plate with small samples of many foods and then followed Lauren down the stairs to the suite’s front-row. She placed her drink in a cupholder, set her plate on the ledge, and took a few minutes to watch the team warm-up.

“I can recognize the guys I know without the helmets. I love Steve’s hair, Terri. Just kinda flows with him. You know how…um…sexy he looks right now?”

“Definitely on my radar,” Terri laughed. “I’ll point out the available guys for you.”

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