Page 83 of Risky Move

“Our first date—I hate that the accident’s part of the memory of that wonderful, romantic evening.”

Tom hugged her and kissed her temple. “That was just the first of a lot of romantic adventures—no bad memories attached to the rest, I hope?”

“Like going to Disney? I’ll never forget that surprise…or New Year’s Eve…anytime we go to the Bistro by the Bay. Yeah, you’re a romantic guy.”

Tom brushed the hair away from her face. “Just around you, babe. You have plans for dinner?”

Cassie bit her lip with a rueful smile. “Amelie’s staying here a few days. She’s lonely with Cam on the road trip. And she’s taking courses like I am, so she hopes to get ahead on the online courses.”

“Unless Caryn has something already in the works, I’ll see if she’ll lend me the kitchen…”

“Tom, you have carte blanche in the kitchen,” Caryn said with a laugh as she came around the corner. “I have plenty of options, but nothing planned yet. Be my guest—I’d love something from our Top Chef.”

“First, we need to feed the munchkins.” Cassie stepped away and rounded the counter to the kitchen. She watched as Jenna waddled toward her uncle and raised her arms.

“I think she will say ‘Tom’ before ‘mom’—she loves her Uncle Tommy,” Caryn said with an affectionate smile for her honorary brother.

“She just misses Andrew,” Tom scoffed. “I’m a look-alike substitute, right, Jenna?” As if on cue, she squirmed and demanded to get on the floor. She must have sensed her twin’s approach as she headed toward the corner before any of them heard or saw Daniel with Amelie.

Tom laughed as he watched her drop to her knees. She could crawl much more quickly than walk. Jenna called out what sounded like babble, but Daniel responded as he met her in the living area. “Makes you wonder what they’re plotting,” Tom commented.

“Mayhem,” Amelie answered. “Danny is one stubborn little man.”

“Double dose of stubbornness from Andrew and Caryn.” Tom winked when Caryn shot a look his way. “The right type of stubborn, of course. Never give up.”

“Good save,” Cassie retorted with a grin. She watched Amelie greet Tom as she set the twins’ plates on the counter.A little too happy to see him? No, don’t even go there. There’s nothing to worry about with your hockey doc. Even though Amie’s looking at him like she wants to jump him.

She flushed when Tom glanced at her as if he’d read her mind. His lips twitched with a smile and his eyes darkened when they met hers. Goosebumps danced across her skin when he continued to hold her gaze several beats longer than necessary. She flashed a smile.Message received, doctor.

* * *

During dinner, Tom questioned Caryn about her and Andrew’s plans for the bye-week. “Did you have to reschedule everything when Andrew learned he’s on the All-Star team?”

“Lucky for us, the game’s in Miami, and Drew assures me it’s a quick flight to St. John’s. So, we’ll enjoy South Florida for a few days, but still have plenty of days in the Virgin Islands.” Caryn looked at Amelie when she heard the audible sigh. “I hear it’s exquisite. Though, those beaches on the French Riviera must be spectacular.”

“Not when the entire country’s trying to claim a spot,” Amelie replied with a laugh. “It’s much more beautiful in the fall afterla rentrée, back to work and school. Fun for a few days’ break during the fall.”

“Still insisting on taking my niece and nephew with you?” Tom asked Caryn as he poured white wine into Amelie’s empty glass. “Can I convince you with more wine?”

Caryn shook her head. “Not ready to leave Jenna and Daniel yet…even though both grandmothers keep coming up with reasons why Andrew and I need to get away by ourselves. Maybe next year.” She exchanged a smile with Cassie. “So much less stress since Cassie’s coming with us. Plenty of opportunities to take time for ourselves.”

“So, you’re just going to leave me behind like stale bread.”

Cassie giggled at Tom’s botched analogy. “Maybe like yesterday’s news?”

“Whatever you say…you’re leaving with no thought to Jenna and Danny’s uncle.”

“If you can get the time off, we’d love for you to come,” Caryn said. “The house we’re renting is huge. When’s the last time you took a vacation?”

Tom shrugged but didn’t reply as Amelie looked at Cassie. “How’d you get permission to miss classes? Two of mine have no cuts.”

“I’m working ahead as much as I can, so my professors are on board with that. The online courses are not a problem. I just need to test out of the algebra class. Dave’s FaceTimed with me a couple times to help in test prep.” Cassie paused as she sipped her wine. “If I don’t, I’ll try again next semester. Not a big deal.”

“I didn’t realize you might have to drop a class," Caryn interrupted. “I don’t want to interfere with your classes.”

“I hadn’t decided to take classes when we talked about the Virgin Islands,” Cassie reminded her. “I don’t mind waiting until next semester to test out of algebra. Seriously.” She pretended to glare at Tom when she heard his quiet chuckle.

“But what you can take is limited until you complete that course or test out,” Amelie added.

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