Page 46 of Risky Move

“Well, I officially lodge a protest. It’s definitely worth the time.” He saw the sparkle in her eyes as the faint flush crept on her face. “Are these the universities you’re considering?”

“Just the one in Tampa. Lauren and I visited it a few weeks ago. Looking at their Early Childhood Education or Communications majors.”

“Both sound good. I’ve heard it’s a top school. I’m sure Caryn hopes she can keep you at least part-time.”

Cassie sighed as she leaned on her elbow. “I’d be happy continuing full-time indefinitely. Just trying to keep my mother happy.”

Tom squeezed her shoulder. “Parental pressure is tough. Just remember, it’s your life, you’re an adult, and you don’t need to conform to any arbitrary timeline. As much talent as you have, I can see you doing anything you want.”

“Thanks, Tom.” Cassie glanced away before she asked the question that had stuck in her mind over the past few days. “So, how was your reunion with Katie? I forgot to ask when I had my meltdown.”

“Not a meltdown, Cassie, just a talk between...um…friends. Anyway, It was good to catch up with Katie. She’s happy living close to home and reconnected with a former boyfriend from high school.”

“Oh…Sorry?” A slight questioning smile crossed her face.

Tom shrugged. “Why?”

Cassie averted her eyes. “Weren’t you guys in a relationship before she moved?”

“I’m not sure what to call it. Yes, we got together when our schedules allowed; I guess you’d call it exclusive. Honestly, neither of us wanted to try the long-distance thing.” He smiled when her eyes met his. “I think Caryn was more disappointed than either of us. They became close when her doctor hospitalized Caryn with bed rest.”

“Match-making?”

“Nah, we were already friends. But relationships are tough when both people work in medicine.” He leaned back in the chair and glanced at the papers strewn across the table. “Can I help you with anything? Do you have what you need to apply?”

“Don’t know. Lauren said she’d help me with the student VISA. I need to check if I have to take those SAT or ACT tests.” She made a face. “Hate thinking about it.”

“Don’t until you know for sure. Your tests from secondary school may be all that’s required.” He paused a moment. “If you need to take either of those tests, I can help you study. I had a friend in Toronto who wanted to go to Boston College. She got the study guide, and I worked through it with her.”

“Girlfriend?”

“That was a long time ago.”

“I’ll welcome help if I need test scores.” He saw her rueful smile. “Not a terrific test-taker.”

Tom watched as she gathered the papers and organized them in a folder. He pushed aside his desire to kidnap her to his apartment.Maybe it’s worth the risk? Maybe we’re missing out on something special. Or I could quickly screw up her plans, her job, and her future.He pushed back his chair to stand. “Let me know if you need my help, okay?”

He thought he caught a gleam in her wide hazel eyes.Could she read his thoughts?But Cassie merely replied, “Count on it…friend.”

Ouch…Friend-zoned…I should feel relieved, right?He swallowed the disappointment—irrational; he knew—and returned to his apartment.

* * *

Amelie persuaded her brother to leave the keys to his car with her during a long road trip and offered to help Cassie and Caryn with the twins. Cassie felt irritation that she called Caryn first instead of checking with her, but Caryn told her she could decide.

“I don’t have a problem with it, so long as you don’t feel Amelie will cause a distraction,” Caryn said.

“She might, but my focus is on the twins only.” Cassie made a face. “Though, she said yesterday that this road trip really makes her feel lonely. Guess with Cam and Chance out of town, her social life has taken a huge hit.”

“It’s up to you, Cassie. I can tell her I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Caryn said.

Cassie caught Caryn’s eyes. “I hate Amie’s home alone, and I have you, Terri, Kelly, and Lauren. Selfish of me?”

Caryn hugged her with a laugh. “Don’t guilt-trip yourself. With the guys gone, I expect we’ll see more of Lauren, Kelly, and Terri.”

“I’m okay with whatever you think’s best.”

“How about this–I’ll invite her over tomorrow. Lauren and I are slammed with work, so perhaps an extra pair of hands will come in handy. We can see just how much Amelie’s willing to help? Are you comfortable with that?”

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