Page 69 of Risky Move

Cassie watched the grin spread slowly across his face. “I might not want to either, but not today, not here. Not before we talk about what’s happening between us.”

Cassie nearly blurted her feelings for him but bit her lip and nodded instead.

“You understand what I’m saying?” His eyes searched hers, looking for understanding.

“I get it, Tom. Today’s a magical dream. But here is…reality, not Fantasyland.”

Tom brushed his hand across her hair. “I spend a lot of time in Fantasyland where you’re concerned.”

Cassie giggled and placed her hand atop his. “But Tomorrowland always dims those fantasies.”

“Not necessarily. Fantasies can lead to reality when both in the same…galaxy?”

“Good analogy.” Cassie swatted at his chest as she pushed away and reached for her shirt. She glanced at him as she slipped it over her head. “Word of warning. If you come walking in all sexy-like with your wet hair and half-naked body, I can’t promise I’ll ignore Fantasyland.”

“Duly noted.”

Cassie walked to the bedroom and came back with a shirt she tossed to him. “No more temptation, please.”

36

Returning to a quiet, empty house produced an eerie feeling for Cassie. No sign of her munchkins, no toys spread across the floor, no warm greetings from Caryn and Andrew. Only the beautifully lit Christmas tree and decorations in the sunroom lightened the gloomy atmosphere.

“Thank heavens for the timer on the lights.” She hugged Tom’s arm as she dropped her bag on the counter. “Very strange to come home to such silence. Spooky—except for the sunroom.”

“Agree, babe. I miss the sound of the twins babbling.” Tom rested his hand on her shoulder and nodded toward the sunroom. “Let’s sit in there for a while. Soak up some Christmas cheer.”

“Do you want anything to drink? OJ, water, Coke…?”

“I’m good. Can I get you something? A glass of wine?”

Cassie laughed. “I’ll probably have nightmares tonight about falling elevators or spaceships colliding. I better not get my imagination any more active.”

Tom slipped his arm around her waist as they walked into the sunroom. “You okay with staying alone, Christmas Eve and Christmas?”

“Lauren and Dave invited me to stay with them. I’m not sure I’d get any sleep otherwise. I know the neighborhood’s super safe with the gate access and patrols…and then the security system at this house. But I’d likely think every bump in the night’s a stormtrooper breaking in or Darth Vader.” Cassie giggled at the mental image.

Tom pulled her against his side as they sat on the wicker sofa. “Glad you’re staying with Lauren and Dave. Christmas Eve and Christmas—best spent with families.”

She leaned her head against his shoulder. “What about you? Do you wish you were in Toronto?”

“Yeah…but I have my hospital ‘family.’ Barring a catastrophe, we’ll incorporate some holiday cheer. Lots of good food and treats.” Tom kissed the top of her head. “I really enjoyed today, Cassie.”

“I loved every minute of our adventure.” She pulled away so she could see his face. “Thank you for today. These memories will always make me smile.” She narrowed her eyes as she bit back a smile. “Especially our little ‘interlude’ at your friend’s condo.” She fanned her face with her hand. “You coming out there so sexy after your shower…what were you thinking, doctor?”

Tom laughed. “Had no idea I’d have that effect on you.”

Cassie batted his chest. “Holy rigatoni, you didn’t notice me self-combust?”

“My view was, shall we say, equally enticing—especially when you lost that top.” He brushed his fingers through her hair, and Cassie saw his expression grow serious. “We leaped from friendship right into much more—like jumping into the deep end of the pool. If I’m honest, I’ve wanted to explore the possibilities for months.”

“Surely you knew I wanted that, too? I thought you were off-limits—Andrew’s brother, Lauren’s friend, the twins’ nanny…not to mention the age difference.” Cassie saw the flicker of understanding in his eyes.

“I didn’t want to jeopardize your job or get ‘The Talk’ from Lauren, Andrew, and Dave. Too much at risk.”

“What changed your mind?”

“Spending time with you, getting to know you as a person, not the twins’ nanny. The more time we spent together, the more certain I knew I wanted much, much more than friendship.” He smiled wryly. “Took the chance and no one’s looked at us sideways.”

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