Page 99 of Risky Move

“I’m not judging his actions. But I know him—and at some point, hewillrealize that the most important takeaway is Danny’s health. He knows it was an accident—it may take a while for him to acknowledge that.” He brushed the hair away from her face. “I think Caryn will reach out to you. I don’t know when or how long it will take, but Andrew will forgive you. He’ll realize he’s thankful that you handled everything calmly and professionally.”

“What do I do until then?”

“Just take each day, sweetheart. There’s no reason to hide, go somewhere, or move away. I promise you that.” He lifted her chin and kissed her tenderly. “Please don’t make any decisions right away. Especially if you’re thinking about leaving Tampa.”

Cassie smiled slightly. “Have you been reading my mind? I’m not sure where I would go…or live.”

“I hope Tampa’s still on the list.”

“Until I sort things out. I can’t impose on Lauren and Dave indefinitely.”

“Did they hint you’ll be in the way?”

“No, but…”

“Like my mom always says, ‘Don’t buy trouble.’ Please stop assuming things, babe. Let each day unroll and see what happens.” She saw the hint of a smile at the sides of his mouth. “Why don’twego somewhere for the week?”

“Eh…your job?”

Tom stopped to pick up a perfect shell and handed it to her. “I wanted to surprise you. I swapped days and called in a few favors. So, I’m off beginning when my shift ends on Friday.”

Cassie pretended to examine the shell, a beautiful shade of pink.Tom planned to surprise me…by going to the Virgin Islands? And the All-Star Game?

“What about the All-Star Game? Please don’t cancel that because of me.”

“You’re the only one who knows I have time off. No one’s expecting me in Miami. Caryn most likely has a back-up plan for the twins. If she doesn’t, I’ll go, and then we can head to Ft. Myers for the week.” He pointed to the shell in her hand. “You won’t believe the shells you’ll find on Sanibel and Captiva Islands—enough beautiful and unbroken shells to fill a bucket.”

“You’ve been there?”

“No, but someone at work came back raving about it…suggested a couple of places to stay.” Tom flashed the smile Cassie had a hard time resisting. “Say you’ll come with me on my vacation.”

Cassie surprised herself by laughing quietly. “When did you plan this?”

“Uh…just now?” He grinned.

Cassie batted at his chest. “You don’t need to do this, Tom. Go to the Virgin Islands like you planned.”

“The only reason I planned to go was to get some—shall we sayquality time?—with you. Come with me for the week. I can promise you days and nights of quality time you’ll never forget.”

Cassie leaned her face against his chest. “Caryn and Andrew may need you in the Virgin Islands.”

“They don’t know I got the time off. They’ll manage without me.” He flashed his most persuasive smile. “Quality time for us, Cassie. Please don’t make me beg.”

“No need to beg. You know I’ll go anywhere with you.”

He cupped her chin in his hands and met her lips in a soft, exploring kiss. Cassie parted her lips slightly to accept the kiss, slipping her arms around his chest and leaning against him when her legs felt like rubber. “Is this a sample of quality time, doctor?”

* * *

“Come home with me tonight?” Tom asked when they returned to the neighborhood.

“Eh, not such a good idea, doc. Andrew and Caryn could bring Danny home anytime.” Cassie pulled back to look at him. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable, even though your apartment is separate. If I heard the munchkins, I don’t know how I’ll react. Cry, probably.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “It’s okay, Tom. I can dream about our ‘quality time’ in Sanibel.”

54

When he returned home from work the following afternoon, Tom walked through the front door rather than his private entry. He heard both twins babbling happily, and he followed the sound to an unused bedroom close to the master suite and the great room. The room resembled Toyland. He paused a moment in the doorway, observing Daniel, looking for any sign of the near-drowning.

The toddler’s bright eyes focused on what looked like a new toy. He turned it around in all directions until he’d seen every side. He looked up, saw Tom, and tossed the plastic truck to him.

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