Page 45 of Risky Move

Cassie’s laugh held no humor. “Yep, I was wasting away in Margaritaville before I noticed.” She pushed her hair behind her shoulders. “And I thought Amelie was the clueless one that night at the club.”

Tom slipped his arm around her shoulders and encouraged her to move closer beside him. “What happened?”

Cassie leaned into him. “Nothing, really. I lay down in the guest bedroom Amelie showed me. My head kept spinning, like the room was moving. I thought I was dreaming…about a guy making out with me. It felt magical until I opened my eyes. My dream morphed into a huge nightmare.”

She glanced at Tom, and he read embarrassment in her expression.

“Someone was with you?” His voice was soft, gentle.

“Yeah, definitely not the person from my dream…actually the last person on earth I’d want touching me.”

Tom’s heart clenched at her words, and he pushed the sudden anger aside. “Did he…?”

“No,” Cassie interrupted. “I shoved him away and accused him of taking advantage of me. Things got ugly—verbally—but he left.” Cassie’s tone mixed bitterness and sarcasm. “If I never see a strawberry margarita again…” Her voice trailed off.

Tom pulled her closer. “I’m sorry you had to experience that. Unfortunately, there are too many jerks like that guy. You said things got ugly—did he accuse you of encouraging him?”

“How’d you know?”

“We see too many women who’ve had non-consensual sex while inebriated, and then worry about STDs, sometimes pregnancy. Most won’t file a complaint because they think they somehow encouraged the guy.”

Cassie pressed her face against his chest. Tom strained to hear her speak. “Luckily, he didn’t get that far before I ‘woke’ up. Should have known that dream was too good to be true.” She pushed back. “You need to head to work. I’m okay. Just embarrassed, full of regrets, and thankful for my guardian angel.”

Tom gently wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb. “You’re gutsy, too, Cass. Stood up for yourself and made sure you regained control. I suspect you would have busted his ass if he hadn’t left.”

He smiled when he heard Cassie’s giggle. He placed his palms on her cheeks and looked directly into her clouded eyes. “Believe in yourself. You did nothing to deserve what happened. Just the thought of someone taking advantage of you…” He saw her large trusting eyes and without thinking, lowered his face toward hers and brushed his lips against hers. “You deserve so much more, Cassie.” She opened her mouth slightly, inviting his kiss, and Tom accepted that invitation…He wanted to replace the nightmare from the previous night and show her she should feel cherished…that her dreams still existed.

Time stopped, both lost in the embrace…until Tom’s phone pinged with an incoming text. They reluctantly pulled away from each other, Tom letting his palm rest against the side of her face. “I’m sorry, Cass. I’ve thought about that first kiss so often…I shouldn’t have. The last thing I want to do is take advantage of you.”

Cassie shook her head as she pressed her fingers against his lips. “No, you didn’t…that’s what I’d call a dream.” She paused, then continued in a subdued tone. “I know we can’t do this, Tom. Working for Caryn and Andrew…”

“And you’re Lauren’s niece,” Tom added. “I know all the reasons I shouldn’t kiss you…and then I look at those eyes, and those intentions cease to exist.” He hugged her and pressed his lips against her forehead. “I’ll walk you in, then head out.”

“Thanks for listening. I really needed that.”

“Anytime, hon.” He took her hand and guided her toward the door. “So, you going to tell me who starred in your dream before it turned into a nightmare?”

Cassie laughed, and he saw her blush. “Nope, that stays my secret, doctor.”

25

Several days passed before Tom’s shift—shifts—ended. The flu had hit staff and as the ER found itself under-staffed, Tom stayed until there was adequate coverage. He paused when he entered the house and saw Cassie seated at a table on the pool deck, papers spread across the surface. He hadn’t seen her since they’d shared their second “forbidden kiss” that stuck on replay in his brain.

He barely remembered his last free evening—the catch-up dinner with Katie. He’d returned home early, only to find Cassie had taken the evening off to go to that party over at Camden’s.

He suspected Cam had purposely given Cassie stronger drinks than he’d promised. She didn’t need to tell him. He also “knew” Cam was the man who’d tried to take advantage of Cassie. He experienced the same burst of anger he’d felt when she’d confided in him.Luckily for both of us, he’s out of town for a while.

He pushed through the door to the pool, returning Cassie’s bright smile when she saw him.

“Hey, stranger,” she greeted. “Where have you been hiding?”

“Long nights at the hospital. I signed on to back up the residents this week, plus staff shortage. Thankfully, that ended today.” He nodded toward a chair at the table. “Can I join you?”

“You have to ask?”

“Where are your hair colors?”

Cassie shrugged. “Too time-consuming. I need to concentrate on plans after this gap year.”

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