Page 71 of Risky Move

“He cares,” Lauren added. “That’s why he’s so calm and skilled.”

“Well, I call dibs on this personal physician,” Cassie said.

“Like we didn’t know that.” Lauren’s knowing grin softened the sarcasm in her tone.

* * *

Cassie enjoyed cooking in Tom’s kitchen. Although it didn’t feature all the state-of-the-art appliances found in the house, the stainless-steel appliances were updated and sparkling like new. Cassie had asked Tom if she could spend time in the apartment while he was at the hospital.Doesn’t feel right just taking over the kitchen. Tonight’s our only chance to be alone since Andrew and Caryn return first thing tomorrow…before morning skate.

She decided on a traditional Italian feast. Eggplant parmigiana—Tom had mentioned it as one of his favorite foods. Conscious of his desire to eat clean, she purchased organic produce, pasta, and cheese. While it cooked, she set the table, using the new holiday linens she’d purchased, and placed a red and white flowered centerpiece in the center.

The salad tossed and waiting in the refrigerator, Cassie had just taken the garlic bread from the oven when Tom entered the apartment, startling her. “I didn’t even hear your car…”

His kiss swallowed her words as Tom swept her into his arms. “Merry Christmas, beautiful.”

“Mm, Merry Christmas,” Cassie murmured against his mouth. “Missed you.”

“Missed you more.” Tom’s eyes lit a tiny spark that threatened to ignite the fire smoldering deep within Cassie. “Something smells awesome. Did you cook for me?”

“Hope you like it,” Cassie said, feeling her skin flush. “It’s a new-to-me recipe, so I have something else just in case.”

“Smells Italian…I’ll love it. And I’m starving.”

Starving for you. But after the long shift, Tom might just want to crash.“I…I didn’t know if you’d had dinner, but I can put it up if you planned to take a nap…go to bed…or whatever you do after working a long shift.”

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Coming home to find my girl right here, with a home-cooked meal, goes straight to the top of my list.”

Cassie nodded to the table set for two. “Sit, and I’ll get everything on the table.”

Tom glanced at the table, then at the serving dishes covered in foil. “I should serve you.” He peeked under the foil of the largest dish. “Eggplant?” When Cassie nodded, he smiled. “You remembered.”

“I went to Whole Foods—they gave me the recipe and made sure every ingredient’s organic.” She bit her bottom lip. “If it doesn’t taste right, it’s because I can’t read recipes.”

* * *

Tom persuaded Cassie to leave the plates in the sink after they packaged the leftovers and then led her to his apartment’s living area. He pulled her with him as they collapsed on the sofa, capturing her mouth with a kiss he’d anticipated many times during the past two days. Tom felt Cassie relax against him as she ran one hand through his hair, while the other pulled him closer to her. He wrapped his arms around her and shifted until they lay face-to-face on their sides. He brushed her disheveled hair away from her face and sprinkled tiny kisses on her skin.

“Longest shift ever,” he said. “Thought about you constantly, Princess Cassie.” He kissed her forehead. “I’m happy you stayed with Lauren and Dave.”

“Me, too, but I wished you could have celebrated with us. After our adventures in Disney World, I so missed you. When I woke up Christmas Eve, I wondered if everything had been a dream.” Tom watched her cheeks flush. “When I realized I’d awakened in your bed…I knew then that wonderful daywasreal.”

“Hardest thing I ever did, leaving you Christmas Eve. But I promise that we’ll celebrate our Christmas properly tonight.” He watched her eyes perk with curiosity. He leaned his forehead against hers. “And no hints, so don’t ask.”

Cassie’s contented sigh tugged at his heart. “I love your surprises, doctor.”

Tom bit back a sudden yawn and shook his head. “I promise it’s not the company, babe.”

She caressed his cheek gently. “Exhausted? You need to sleep.”

“Not as long as you keep me entertained.”

“I’ll do the best I can,” Cassie said.

“I just need to shower first, then we can begin our Christmas.”

Cassie lightly pushed against his chest. “Go, take your shower while I finish up in the kitchen.”

“Can’t talk you into sharing the shower?”

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