Page 78 of Risky Move

He recognized Dave’s car in the driveway, so he entered the house through the front door. Cassie greeted him with a sweet kiss and an offer of food.

“Pizza sounds great,” he agreed as he walked toward Lauren and Dave. “Thanks for hanging out here.”

“So, what’s the news?” Dave asked. “Minor concussion, like you thought?”

“I’d say, ‘yes,’ but he’s so angry over having to stay overnight, I might upgrade that to a mild concussion. I told him I’d see him when Dan releases him. He may settle down with just Caryn there.”

“He’s not blaming you?” Cassie asked when she set a warmed pizza on the counter, along with the salad she’d added to the order.

“No, he’s just frustrated. Convenient and safe target.” Tom laughed softly. “Better me than Caryn. I told her not to take any crap from him.”

“Should I go over there?” Dave asked.

“Nah, Peterson’s there with Kelly—back up just in case. Guarantee he’ll be embarrassed about his reaction once he’s feeling normal.”

He perched on a chair by the counter. “My niece and nephew sleeping like angels?”

“Of course,” Cassie said. “What can I get you to drink?”

“No need to serve me. I’ll grab something in a while.” He glanced at Lauren and Dave. “Did you guys eat?”

“Yes, doctor,” Lauren teased. “If you don’t think you will go back to the hospital, we’ll head home.”

“Nope, I’m here and not on call. Dan told me to not set foot in the hospital until Andrew’s released.” He looked at Cassie. “So, you’re stuck with me. Our first overnight assignment with the twins.”

“Under control,” Dave commented as he hugged Cassie and clapped a hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Holler if you need anything.”

“Keep us posted,” Lauren whispered as she kissed Cassie’s cheek. “Call if you need us to take a shift.”

* * *

Cassie stepped behind Tom and felt the tight muscles in his shoulders. She squeezed them softly. “How about a massage?”

He looked at her over his shoulder. “You offering?” She loved the little smirk that crossed his face.

“That’s the idea, doctor.” She lifted on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Put on something comfortable, and I’ll meet you at the pool. I’ll check on the love bugs while you change.”

“Underwater massage?”

“Hadn’t thought of that. We’ll have to see.” Cassie ran her hands over his back. “See you in a few, hockey doc.”

Cassie pulled the light blankets over Jenna and Daniel, smiling at the way Jenna clutched her teddy bear and Daniel slept with his little fist pressed against his mouth. She stopped in her room and grabbed her bottle of lavender oil plus a jar of lotion.A few drops should relax my guy. Never heard Andrew and Tom exchange a harsh word. If Andrew went off on Tom…it must bother him. Can’t imagine Lauren doing that to me, but I’d definitely feel hurt, betrayed…Can Tom step back and see it as a medical thing? Maybe?

She picked up two bottles of water before walking to the pool deck. Tom sat on a chaise lounge and stared at the pool. She couldn’t read his mood, so she opted for a teasing tone.

“You do realize you need to lose that shirt, Tommy?”

“Bossy, much?”

“I can’t use my magic lotion on you.” She perched beside him on the lounge. “You know I love to…explore…your muscles.”

Tom pulled the shirt over his head and faced her with a challenging smile. “Now what, masseuse? You taking your shirt off, too?”

“When you givemea massage. On your stomach now.”

Tom chuckled as he complied. Cassie scooped skin cream into her palm and added a drop of lavender oil. She heard his contented sigh as she smoothed the cream over his shoulders before climbing to straddle his lower back. Now she could lean into her hands as she kneaded his shoulders, alternating firm pressure and feathered brushes.

Neither spoke as Cassie worked the tightness out of Tom’s shoulders. The lavender had a relaxing effect on her as well. She loved the ripple of his muscles beneath her hands and found her thoughts drifting to the little electrical sparks traveling to her core. She shifted slightly, and Tom groaned.

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