Page 110 of Risky Move

“Hey, we create our own reality, babe. I don’t intend to change anything just because we return to Tampa. What we have right here isourreality, and we will take it with us when we leave.”

They stopped as the waiter approached the table. Once Tom had tasted and approved the wine, he held his glass toward Cassie. “To many more weeks like this.”

Cassie touched her glass against his, her smile wistful. “To too many weeks to count.”

They sipped the wine, and Tom’s eyes stayed fused to Cassie’s. He reached across the table to take her hand. “After our week together, Cassie, I cannot imagine a future without you.”

“I feel the same way.” Her voice was just above a whisper.

Tom squeezed her hand as he continued, “So, you still want to continue our journey?”

“Very much.”

“I looked for something I could give you that would capture our week. Something to remind you how much you’re loved and that my commitment is forever with you.” He set the small box on the table in front of her. “When I saw this, I just knew it was created for you.”

He watched as Cassie opened the box, her fingers trembling as she held the ring he’d chosen. “Tom, this is so beautiful…the way it reflects different colors. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“As unique as you.” Tom took the ring from her hand and slipped it on her finger. “So, will you wear this and remember our promise of a future together every time you look at it?”

Cassie looked up, her eyes blurred with tears. “I promise, Tom. And when you think about me, know that I love you in a way I never believed possible. Each day, my love grows…I’m yours for as long as you’ll have me.”

“That would be forever, babe.” Tom stood and walked around the table, then leaned to kiss her. “Forever—never forget or doubt that.” He held her hand and touched the ring. “When the time’s right, I plan to replace this with a diamond.”

He watched Cassie’s eyes widen. “You can’t replace this ring!”

Tom shook his head, not sure how to respond.Too soon? Too much?

A teasing smile crossed her face as she wiggled her other hand toward his face. “But this finger would love a diamond ring.”

* * *

Cassie woke before dawn, and she had no desire to move. Content cuddling with Tom, Cassie hoped to postpone her return to the real world as long as possible. She loved sleeping with Tom’s arms wrapped around her, their legs intertwined, and her head pressed against his chest.If only we could awaken like this every day…Not likely to happen anytime soon in Tampa. I’ll never feel comfortable in Andrew and Caryn’s house. Would Tom feel any more comfortable at Lauren and Dave’s home where we’d have less privacy? Or will we wait for getaways like this for “time alone?”

She touched the ring he’d placed on her finger, and her heart filled with love.He said forever. I want forever…why do I feel I don’t deserve this? Why am I certain “forever” will disappear when we return to Tampa? Am I over-reacting to what Mom said yesterday?

Tom’s hand played with the thin strap of the camisole she wore. “You’re overthinking things,” he commented.

“Did I wake you up? I tried to stay still.”

“No, you didn’t wake me. But I could feel your heartbeat suddenly quickening. What gives, Johnson?”

“Just wishing that this week never ended. I could stay here indefinitely.”

“That’s a wish I share, babe.” He tightened his arms around her. “Promise, we can return; it’s not that far from Tampa—a long weekend’s always a possibility. Just need to coordinate our schedules.”

Cassie laughed quietly. “My schedule’s wide-open right now.”

“Not for long. You’ll jump head-first into whatever you decide is next for you.”

Cassie shrugged. “Maybe.”

Tom flipped her on her back, and she saw his eyes flicker in anticipation. “Move in with me.”

Cassie shook her head. “Don’t tease me, doctor.”

“Not teasing, babe. Don’t you think this week proves we’re compatible…ineveryway?”

“I can’t move in with you, Tom—even though I’d like to. I wouldn’t feel comfortable in your apartment. Not with everything that happened.”

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