Page 60 of Risky Move

Cassie relayed Tom’s request as she followed with a small box in her arms.

Andrew nodded. “I’ll get his bag on the way out.”

“Cassie, why not go to the game?” Caryn suggested.

“I thought I’d distract my munchkins while you’re working on Christmas.”

“I think I’ll start fresh in the morning. Go ahead, call Lauren for a ride.”

“Are you sure?” Cassie hesitated.

“One hundred percent certain. I’ll probably doze during the game after Jen and Danny go to bed.” Cassie watched as Caryn looked at Andrew with a spark in her eyes. “I’ll see you score goals, Drew. I’m always alert when you have the puck.”

“I’m sure.” Andrew set the final box on the table and shook his head. “How did you accumulate so many decorations?”

“You mean ‘we’ don’t you?” Caryn countered. “I didn’t buy all of these.”

“That’s right—maybe one or two ornaments.”

“I can’t wait to see where everything will go,” Cassie said.

“Please call Lauren while I help my husband pack Tom’s bag.” Cassie watched as Andrew shook his head, and Caryn pulled him down the hallway toward Tom’s apartment.Maybe someday, I’ll find a love like theirs. Nothing like my parents. Just love…true love.

* * *

She’d never admit it, but Cassie hadn’t slept well since her date with Tom. Anxiety about the crash victims combined with worry about Tom filtered through her dreams. She refused to watch the news or read about the crash online—as did Caryn—but her imagination conjured images that led to nightmares. She considered not going to the game, but the prospect of seeing Tom trumped her anxiety and exhaustion.

She caught a ride with Lauren, happy for the chance to chat.

“Haven’t seen you since you went to dinner with Tom.” Lauren glanced at Cassie with a smile. “Enjoy? At least until he got called to the hospital.”

“Exceeded my hopes, Lauren! Still can’t believe he askedmeout.”

“Oh, I can. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”

Cassie felt her neck grow warm. “Seriously, Lauren?”

“And I’ve definitely caught you looking at him with stars in your eyes. We wondered how long it would take for Tom to ask you out!”

“We? As in…”

“Caryn and me…but also anyone who saw you two together on Thanksgiving.” Lauren couldn’t resist teasing Cassie.

“I’ll confess I’ve crushed on him since the first time I saw him—please don’t tell anyone, Lauren. But I never thought he’d be interested in me. He’s older…”

“Just a few years.” Lauren smirked. “Remember, age is a state of mind.”

“And he’s a doctor…I thought he looked at me like a kid sister. Why would he want to get involved with the twins’ nanny, your niece? If my age didn’t scare him off, the rest should have. You don’t mind?”

“Not a bit. I know you hoped to get involved with a hockey player—but guys like Cam, the younger players—tend to try to sample every willing woman who comes their way. I’m so thankful you saw through Cam. But, when I noticed the chemistry that neither you nor Tom acknowledged, just figured it was a matter of time.” Lauren looked briefly at Cassie. “Tom’s one of the good guys—like Dave and Andrew. I don’t worry about you dating him.”

“One date, Lauren. Just one wonderful evening…until that horrendous wreck.” Cassie shuddered. “He hasn’t been home since. Not sure he’s had much sleep.”

“Such a nightmare. All those innocent people…” Lauren’s voice trailed off. “Will Tom work the game tonight?”

“He said he is…I just can’t imagine how he deals with something like this.” Cassie looked at Lauren with a small smile. “I just want to see for myself he’s okay…and maybe give him a hug.”

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