Page 82 of Risky Move

“Tom’s good at math, isn’t he?”

Cassie shrugged. “I assume he’s good at every subject, but I haven’t asked him about algebra. He’s so busy at the hospital, I don’t want to waste any time I can spend with him on algebra. Would you?”

Amelie quickly unpacked her suitcase while Cassie curled up on a chair near the French doors to the pool deck. “So, you and Tom— serious?”

“Well, we’re exclusive and everything.”

Amelie raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re in love?”

Cassie felt her face and neck warming. “We haven’t told anyone yet. Still feels like a dream come true. He is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“So, he’s amazing in bed?”

Cassie knew her cheeks had reddened. “I think so.”

“No details?” Amelie teased.

She shook her head with a giggle. “Amazing pretty much sums it up.” Cassie glanced at her wrist. “I need to check on the twins and see what Caryn wants to do about dinner. Make yourself at home. Let me know when you need the WIFI password.”

Amelie hugged her impulsively. “I’ve missed you and spending time with Caryn and the twins. Thanks for keeping me from feeling sorry for myself at that condo.”

44

Caryn caught Cassie’s eye while they prepared the twins’ dinner plates, then nodded toward the playroom—their former great room—where Amelie interacted with Jenna and Daniel. The twins giggled and brought their favorite toys to place in her lap.

“Attitude adjustment,” she said. “Wouldn’t believe it without seeing it.”

“I guess facing her folks about what happened in Paris affected her more than she’ll admit. She’s definitely more fun to have around. Not so hung up on herself,” Cassie whispered.

“I noticed.” Caryn winked. “How nice for you.”

Andrew’s ringtone sounded on Caryn’s phone, and Cassie excused herself and joined Amelie and the twins. Daniel concentrated on lining up blocks, while Jenna threw a nerf ball back and forth with Amelie.

“I can’t believe how much they’ve changed! When did they begin to walk?” Amelie asked.

“Christmas—perfectly timed for their grandparents to see their first steps.” Cassie handed a block to Danny, who carefully aligned it with the others.

“Do you have trouble keeping up with them now?”

“They keep us on our toes. Their mission is to open every cabinet or drawer within reach—I can’t manipulate the childproof locks, and they somehow get passed them. Now, they’ve discovered how to open doors. So, we have to triple check that the doors to the pool stay locked. I’m sure a fence surrounding the pool is coming soon. Our little shark here,” Cassie said, indicating Daniel, “would spend all day playing in the water if he could.”

“I’ll feel better when that fence gets installed. You know how I obsess over that pool.” Caryn added as she walked toward them. “Let’s get you guys cleaned up for dinner.” Jenna fussed and reached for her mom, and Amelie smiled at Caryn.

“Could I take Danny, please? You don’t mind, do you, Cassie?”

“No, I’ll put up their toys. Just be careful—Daniel likes to kick when you pick him up.”

* * *

Tom entered the front door just as Cassie stowed the last basket of toys on its shelf. “Too late for a snowball fight?”

“Sorry…but you’re just in time for Jenna and Daniel’s dinner. If they see you, they’ll insist you sit with them.” Cassie walked to him so she could greet him properly. “Did you have a quiet day?”

“Somewhat. Mostly follow-up visits with discharged patients. You know, we’re still treating some of those injured in that massive pile-up.”

Cassie shivered. “But they’re recovering, right?”

“Head injuries can take longer to heal than broken bones.”

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