Page 37 of Risky Move

Lauren laughed as Dave took the seat beside her. “You’renota tag-along, Cass. We should have done this sooner.”

“Sure, with all your free time. This is a treat.” Cassie felt a hand touch her shoulder and turned to find Cam Camden pulling back the chair beside her.

“Mind if I join you?” He flashed that high wattage smile that no doubt melted many girls’ hearts.

She shrugged nonchalantly. “Help yourself.”

He leaned across her to speak to Dave. “Good game, man. Feels great back in first place.”

Cassie noticed that he held a bottle of beer. He caught her glance and shrugged, keeping the drink below the edge of the table. He winked as if they shared a secret, and Cassie politely returned the smile he directed at her.

“Haven’t seen you around. Have you gone to any games?”

“A few. The twins keep me busy, and I’m looking at options for next year.”

“Yeah? Amelia trying to talk you into moving to Paris?” Cam tried again with what she thought of as his heart-flipping smile.For me? Nothing flips, tingles, or makes me feel special…he uses that smile on every girl.

Instead of answering the question, Cassie asked, “She decide when she’s returning?”

“Hoping she’d mentioned something to you.” His grey eyes met hers expectantly.

“Sorry, not a word. Why, are you two not speaking?” She felt Lauren shift beside her and knew she was suppressing laughter.

“Not about school. Amelia said not to ‘pressure’ her.” He used air quotes to highlight the word.

“Cassie can relate to that,” Lauren spoke up, turning toward them. “The bigger the decision, the less pressure tolerated. I know that from personal experience. Amelie’s young—plenty of time to decide about her future.”

Cam smirked. “Especially when you have no financial obligations.” He glanced across the room, his eyes tracking his sister’s animated conversation with Gagné. Cassie saw his jaw clench slightly before he looked away, slowly shaking his head. He returned his attention to Cassie.

“Can we get together and catch up? Maybe over dinner?”

She hesitated for a long moment. “I need to check my schedule. Call me.”

He nodded before he pushed back his chair and touched her shoulder lightly. “I’ll look forward to that. I’ve planned to call you for weeks.”

“Life gets busy. Totally understand.”

“Call you soon.”

“Whenever you have time.” Cassie hoped her smile reached her eyes. “Good seeing you again.”

As Cam moved across the room, Lauren nudged Cassie. “Well played.”

“Honestly? I don’t care if he calls or not. His ego can’t handle rejection.”

Dave caught her eyes. “Do I need to have a chat with him?”

Cassie laughed. “Don’t bother, Dave. I haven’t encouraged him.”

Lauren slipped her arm around her shoulders for a hug. “You deserve better.”

Cassie smiled, wondering again if Lauren suspected she was crushing on the doctor living under the same roof.

21

Andrew persuaded Tom to stop by Center Ice before heading home. “You know Caryn, Kelly, and Terri host that meeting for the spring Monte Carlo Gala. You get back too early, and they’ll decide you need to take part in the ‘Date with a Suns Bachelor’ live auction.”

“Right.” Tom didn’t hide the sarcasm. “First, I’m not a Suns ‘bachelor,’ and second, I’ll probably work that evening.”

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