Page 44 of Risky Move

“The cleaning service is coming this morning. You’re not Cinderella, Cass.” He held his hand toward her, but she ignored it and pushed herself to her feet. He nodded at the garbage bags by the door. “Thank you, but unnecessary.”

“I wanted to help Amelie.” Cassie’s voice sounded cold and indifferent, even to her own ears.

“Thank you.” His grey eyes met hers. “I’m sorry about the misunderstanding last night.”

“Misunderstanding? Yeah, sure, I’ve put it out of my mind.”

“So, we’re okay?”

“Okay, as in you understand that you made a mistake? Or, okay, don’t tell my aunt what happened?” Cassie asked.

“Maybe a little of both?” Cam’s charming smile had no effect on Cassie’s mood.

“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe. I’m embarrassed I got myself in that situation by trusting you to make my drinks.” She reached for the door. “Don’t bother speaking next time our paths cross.”

Still fuming, Cassie tossed her bag into the trunk of her car.And to think I believed his nonsense! Stupid. Everyone warned me, but I didn’t listen. I can handle him…Delusional. Didn’t you learn anything from Lauren’s experiences? How could I even think he was Tom? Dreams versus ugly reality.

Swiping tears that ran down her cheeks, Cassie paused before pressing the car’s start button.Thank God, I opened my eyes. I could have added one more notch on Cam’s hockey stick. Gag.

* * *

By the time Cassie reached the Chadwick’s home, she’d shoved all thoughts about Cam, the embarrassment and regret to the back of her mind.Concentrate on the reason you’re here. To decide on your future, not find a hot hockey player or a doctor who clicks all the boxes for my perfect dream man.

She combed her fingers through her hair and then leaned against the side of her car to quell her emotions.Stupid, stupid, stupid…no wonder Mom wants to control my life. If Amelie hadn’t seen me in the hallway, I’d have gone to my car, and probably attempted to drive home. Would I have gotten behind the wheel? Even after Lauren told me to call if I needed a ride? You screwed up, Johnson. You’re not a responsible adult.

She scrubbed her face with both hands, brushing aside the tears.Get it together.

“Cassie, you okay?”

She looked up and saw Tom.Where did he come from? Can today get any worse?She shrugged as he waited for her response. “Not really.”

He held out his hand. “Let’s go inside.”

Cassie shook her head. “I don’t want Caryn…”

“No, I meant my entrance.”

Cassie walked silently beside him, her thoughts spinning out of control. So wasted you thought Cam was Tom? Idiot.

Once inside the apartment, Tom guided her to the kitchen. “Hot tea? Coffee? Soda?”

“No, thanks.” She felt her lips quiver in an attempt to smile.

“Come here.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and walked her to his living room. He didn’t speak until they sat side by side on the sofa. “Do you want to talk about it?”

* * *

Tom saw Cassie take a deep breath before looking at him. “Don’t you need to go to work?”

“I arrive long before my shift. I’m okay, time-wise.”

Cassie averted her eyes as she shook her head. “I made a stupid mistake.”

Tom immediately thought about Camden but kept that to himself. “What was the mistake?”

“Allowing someone to make drinks supposedly light on alcohol.”

“So, you didn’t realize how much you’d had to drink?”

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