Page 54 of Risky Move

Cassie giggled. “Are you volunteering?”

He shrugged. “I know how my brother negotiates. Just run any offers by me before you sign.”

“Of course!” Cassie fought more laughter. “You guys are too much. Besides, you know I’m not leaving. You’re stuck with me until you kick me out. I love my munchkins.”

* * *

When the twins got antsy, Cassie volunteered to take them home for some playtime.

“You don’t need to do that, Cassie. This is a day off for you,” Caryn said.

“Honestly, I could use some quiet time with these two.”

“Quiet time—with my peanuts?” Andrew laughed. “I think that’s an oxymoron.”

“Never…I’ll thank the Rogers and tell Lauren I’m leaving, then come right back for my munchkins.”

She found Lauren and Dave standing in a group of players and their families. She hesitated when she realized Cam stood near Lauren but straightened her shoulders and approached her aunt.

“I’m taking the twins home,” she said.

“Oh, you need some help?” Lauren’s green eyes brightened.

“Stay and enjoy the party.” She leaned close to Lauren and whispered, “I’m all partied out.”

She watched as Lauren tugged Dave’s hand to get his attention. “I’ll be back in a few. Just going with Cassie and the twins across the street.”

Dave flashed a grin at Cassie. “Had enough socializing for the day?”

Cassie smiled and shrugged in response. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Cam watching them. “I’ve had no play time with my munchkins.”

“Another reason Caryn loves you,” Lauren said, and then rose on tiptoes to brush her lips against Dave’s.

* * *

Once back in the Chadwick’s home, Cassie consciously released the tension she’d felt all afternoon. She laughed when she stepped into the play area, and Daniel immediately reached for the toys.

“Hold on, tiger. Let’s get you safely on the floor.” Cassie laughed as she looked at Lauren. “He gets stronger every day. The way he kicks, he may have a future in soccer.”

“Not surprising.” Lauren placed Jenna beside him as Cassie lifted the basket of toys from its shelf. “Do you mind if I’m a nosey aunt for a minute?”

Cassie met her gaze. “You’re not nosey. What’s up?”

“Just something Cam said.”

Cassie sighed as she rolled her eyes. “Forget anything he says. I probably pissed him off earlier.”

“What did he do?”

“The guy just won’t or can’t believe I want nothing to do with him.”

Lauren nodded. “Saw you two having a ‘conversation’ earlier. You looked angry or frustrated. I thought about coming over, but Tom stepped in and, shall we say, defused the situation.”

“You could say that.” Cassie bounced a small ball toward Daniel, while Jenna placed all the stuffed animals into a pile. “What did Cam say?”

“He asked me how long you and Tom were ‘exclusive.’”

Cassie caught the speculative look in her aunt’s expression. “You know there’s nothing to that. Tom’s like a brother.” She tried to stifle a sigh.

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