Page 57 of Risky Move

“Yes, I love seafood and no allergies I know of. If I discover a new allergy, what better than being with my personal physician?”

“Let’s hope you don’t,” Tom said with a laugh. “No trips to the ER tonight, please.”

* * *

Cassie felt relaxed with Tom.Because we know each other so well? Friends first? And I thought I’d find a hot hockey player like Dave in Tampa…total bust. But crushing on a doctor? Never in my wildest imagination…Though I know I’d like Tom, no matter his career. No pretenses or cocky ego like some people. Just a down-to-earth, genuinely nice person…who checks every box on my “perfect guy” list.

“What are your plans for Christmas?” Cassie asked as they passed several houses already decorated for the holidays. “Going home like Andrew and Caryn?”

“Nah, I put in my request too late. It’s a busy time in the ER, and I can’t take much time off—not enough for a trip to Toronto.”

“Is it the busiest time of year for hospitals?”

“In my experience, yes. Between now and January, too much drinking, too many people driving impaired, kids not wearing a helmet when trying out new bikes…I could list dozens of bad decisions that end up in the Emergency Room.”

“So, Christmas is no holiday for doctors and nurses. New Year’s also?”

Tom smiled as he quickly took his eyes off the road to look at her. “Unfortunately, the same. But we try to work it, so everyone has at least one of those two-day holidays off.”

“And you picked which to work?”

“Christmas Eve and Christmas, usually the hardest shifts to fill. I’ll back-up the residents those two days, and another neurologist took New Year’s.” Tom glanced at the GPS. “Did you decide what you’re doing?”

“Staying here. Lauren and Dave invited my mom and grandmother to visit Tampa, but they keep going back and forth about it. I doubt they’ll come. My dad’s taking his family on a Disney cruise, so I think it’ll be just Lauren, Dave, and me. And I’ll bring you Christmas dinner while you’re working.”

Tom caught her hand and squeezed it. “I won’t discourage that.” His smile caused her heart to skip a beat, and Cassie hoped the darkened interior hid the flush she felt warming her face.Please don’t let this be a dream.

* * *

They dined at a small restaurant, Bistro by the Bay. Besides a stunning view of Tampa Bay, the intimate decor created a casual French ambiance. The cuisine featured traditional French food and American favorites. Tom recommended the Coquilles Saint-Jacques, but Cassie declined until he assured her that scallops, not oysters, were the main ingredient.

“Have you had it?” Still not convinced, Cassie looked at him with a skeptical smile.

“Yes, the house specialty. Promise, if you don’t like it, we’ll stop for pizza, okay?”

Cassie couldn’t resist the persuasive golden-brown eyes or disarming smile. “Just because you recommend it.” She set the menu aside as she beamed at him. “I trust you not to lead me astray.”

“Not knowingly.” His wink made her stomach flutter.

They chatted about everything and nothing as they took their time savoring the food. The evening was perfect, beyond Cassie’s wildest hopes. She almost confessed her crush to Tom, but then decided that discretion dictated otherwise.

The phone call came as they left the restaurant and discussed plans to drive out to the beach. Cassie saw the frown cross Tom’s expression as he fished for his work phone in his pocket. He touched her shoulder apologetically when he answered it.

Cassie watched the gamut of emotions cross Tom’s face as he listened intently and asked succinct questions. Cassie realized that an emergency required Tom’s skills at the hospital. She tamped the disappointment that tried to flood her mind.He’s a doctor and responds to emergency situations.

Tom sighed as he shoved the phone back into his pocket. Cassie immediately read the remorse in his eyes.

“You’re needed at the hospital,” she said.

He nodded, and she could see him processing thoughts. “Yeah. Massive wreck on the interstate…expecting at least two dozen casualties. They need me ASAP.”

“You need to go. I’ll call Uber.”

Tom’s arm closed around her shoulders. “I’ll call a car to meet us at the hospital. I’m not sending you home from here. You okay going to the hospital with me?”

“Whatever’s easiest for you.” She closed her eyes as he hugged her and felt his lips kiss the top of her head.

“Raincheck on the beach walk?”

---