Page 72 of Risky Move

Cassie’s eyes widened as her face turned scarlet. “Maybe next time?”

Tom chuckled as he pushed himself to his feet, then offered his hand. “Short shower, okay? Don’t spend much time in the kitchen.”

“Promise.”

38

When Cassie returned to the bedroom about ten minutes later, she found Tom sprawled face down across the bed. She leaned against the doorframe and appreciated the view. She fought the urge to trace the outline of his sculpted shoulders…the definition of his upper arms…run her fingers down his spine until it disappeared beneath his gym shorts.

She carefully perched on the edge of the bed.Maybe I’ll let him sleep? He’s exhausted…should I just leave? Or hang out in the living area?

She jumped and swallowed a squeal when Tom suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist. “Just going to sit there gawking?” She saw the gleam in his eyes when he pulled her against him?

“Enjoying the view.” She let her fingers roam over his shoulders and back. “Impressive.” She tried to swallow a giggle.

“Yeah?” He pushed her on her back and claimed her mouth. “You would deny me this?”

“I didn’t…want…to…wake...you.” Her words punctuated soft moans that escaped with each kiss.

“Screw sleep.” He pulled back, and his eyes searched hers. “I’ve thought about this for two days.” He lightly traced her lips. “Or we could cuddle like last time?”

Cassie offered a shy smile. “Maybe more than just cuddling?”

“Anything particular in mind?”

“Maybe swim in the pool for a while?”

Tom’s eyebrows shot up. “You want to go swimming?”

“Not exactly…I thought maybe we could check off a box on my bucket list?” She saw the question in his gaze. “I’ve never gone skinny-dipping…Maybe?” Cassie felt the flush coloring her neck and noticed his eyes suddenly shooting sparks.

“Never?”

Cassie shook her head. “Never.” She placed her hand on his bicep. “No big deal if you don’t want to…”

“Skinny-dip with you? Hell, yes!” She watched as the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. He stood and held out his hand and led her to the French doors that opened directly to the pool deck. “Sure you want this?”

When Cassie nodded, he lifted her into his arms and jumped into the deep end of the pool.

Cassie swam her way to the surface, pushing her hair away from her face, laughing so hard she couldn’t speak. She splashed water at him. “Your idea of skinny-dipping?”

“Nope, just getting into the water.” He moved beside her. “Need some assistance?”

Cassie laughed. “I’m good—you take care of yourself.” She shimmied out of her sleep shorts and tossed them on the pool deck. Her tank top quickly followed. She suppressed the urge to giggle when she caught his expression. “What’s taking you so long, doctor?”

Not waiting for his reply, Cassie ducked underwater and swam like a fish across the pool.

* * *

Tom watched as Cassie swam away, her hair streaming behind her in the water.My own irresistible mermaid. Does she have any idea what she does to me?Tom discarded his gym shorts, then quickly swam to her side. He gently grabbed her arm before she could escape. “You want to play tag?”

“Maybe shark and minnow?” Cassie lobbed back to him. “You make a fearsome shark, Doctor Tom.”

“And the rules are…?”

She pulled away from his grasp. “You’re the shark, I’m the minnow. Count to ten, then catch me if you can.” She plunged under the water, and Tom watched as she swam the length of the pool without stopping to take a breath.Eight, nine, ten. Now to capture this elusive guppy.He let himself sink to the bottom of the pool and hoped she didn’t see him swim underwater. He locked his gaze on those tempting legs, lightly moving as she tread water. Staying near the bottom, Tom rapidly closed the distance between them. He reached for her leg, but Cassie sensed his presence before he could grab her. He heard her squeal, then scurry away from him. They repeated this sequence many times until Tom caught her and pulled her against his chest.

“Finally, my little minnow.”

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