Page 52 of Risky Move

“Misunderstanding? Is that what you call it? You tried to take advantage of me, Cam…I told you not to talk to me. I have no reason to feel embarrassed.”

“How about we start fresh? We both had a bit too much to drink. I know I made some stupid decisions.”

“Don’t give it another thought. I haven’t.”

She saw the spark in his eyes. “You’ll give us a chance for a fresh start?”

“Eh…no.”

“You can’t deny you’re attracted to me? I thought we connected.” Cam’s eyes darkened.

“You’re delusional.” Cassie’s tone was flippant. “If I ever feltanyattraction for you, it disappeared after you served me supposedly light margaritas. Don’t waste either of our time. You have plenty of other girls waiting to go out with you.” She turned to leave and took a step toward the house. The hand on her shoulder stopped her abruptly, and her drink splashed against her shirt. She whirled around, confronting him angrily. “I said, ‘not interested,’ Cam.” She jerked away when he grasped her arm.

“Just talk to me, Cassie. I really want to make things right with you. Give us a chance to see if anything develops.” Cassie stifled a laugh at the sincere expression Cam projected.How stupid does he think I am?She glared as his hand brushed against her cheek and quickly stepped back.

“Don’t touch me, Cam.”

“I’m just trying to…”

Cassie shook her head, “Don’t bother.”

She felt a hand press against her lower back and glanced to see who had stepped beside her.Tom.She saw his brown eyes flash and heard the harsh tone. “I believe she said, ‘No.’”

Cam looked at Cassie, then Tom. “You could have just told me you’re in a relationship. I wouldn’t have wasted my time.”

Cassie knew her face and neck had erupted in red splotches. She poured the rest of her mimosa onto the grass, not looking at Tom.

“You okay?” he asked quietly.

She nodded. “Fine. Thanks for the backup.”

Tom hooked a finger under her chin and coaxed her eyes to look at him. “Can I get you another drink? What did you have?”

Very much aware of the heat generated by his hand pressed against her lower back, Cassie took a deep breath. She pointed at her soaked shirt. “Thanks, but I already look like I’ve had more than enough to drink.” She attempted a small laugh.

“Why not grab a fresh shirt at home? Then you can enjoy your…”

“Mimosa,” Cassie supplied. “It’s okay. I’m just listening for my munchkins to wake up—they’ve had a long nap.”

Tom held his hand out for the monitor. “Show me where they’re sleeping, and I’ll cover for you.”

“You need to enjoy some of this feast,” Cassie protested.

She saw the hint of a smirk on his face. “Not as much as you need to change.” He dropped his hand from her back but leaned to press his lips against the top of her head. “Besides, I can manage both. Just don’t take too long.” His smile prompted her heart to skip a beat. “I’ll watch for you.”

28

Cassie reminded herself not to read anything into Tom’s actions.He’s just looking out for me.She smiled at the memory of his hand pressed against her back, and the no-nonsense tone he directed at Cam.He’d do that for anyone. Like Lauren says, Tom’s one of the good guys. Not a big deal…but he made me feel so secure…so safe…and he didn’t seem to worry about anyone watching us.

Hope this doesn’t cause any problems for Tom with the Suns. Cam could be a jerk about it…but I doubt he’d want to explain himself to Dave or Andrew. Wish he’d just stay out of my way—or I may smack that smirk off his face.

Cassie silently cursed Cam as she changed clothes, noticing that her shorts also received a good dousing of orange juice. She took a minute to freshen up and brush her hair, wondering if Tom had noticed the fall colors she’d chosen for highlights. A swipe of lip gloss and Cassie was ready to go. She shoved her clothes into the washer and started the small load, hoping that orange juice with champagne didn’t leave stains.

* * *

Tom sat with his brother and Caryn after he’d filled his plate with the mouth-watering feast. Caryn noticed the monitor he set on the table.

“Did Cassie leave?”

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