Page 58 of Risky Move

“Any time.” Cassie pulled back and flashed a bright smile. She took his arm. “Let’s get you where you’re needed, doctor.”

After Tom helped her into the car, she saw him on the phone as he walked in front of the vehicle to the driver’s side.Wish he wouldn’t go to all that trouble. If not Uber, I could call a cab.His eyes reflected disappointment when he slid into his seat.

“I’m sorry—this doesn’t happen often, but it’s always a risk.”

Cassie smiled. “And you control what happens on the interstate?”

“I wish.” He brushed the hair away from her face, then gently cupped her chin in his hand. Cassie held her breath as he leaned toward her. “Just in case it’s too crazy at the hospital.”

She met him halfway and closed her eyes. Although gentle, the kiss held so much promise. She parted her lips and turned herself over to his kiss. Better than she’d remembered. Cassie leaned into Tom, as electric pulses shot sparks throughout her body. She tried to contain a sigh of disappointment when he pulled away.

“You don’t know how much I’ve wanted to kiss you again,” he said as his fingers traced her lips.

“Raincheck?” Cassie ventured in a tiny voice.

He nodded as he kissed her forehead before securing his seatbelt. “Absolutely.” As soon as they were on the highway, he reached for her hand. “One of the ‘perks’ that comes with a physician.”

“I understand. That’s why you’re a doctor—when there’s a need, you respond. I’d want someone like you in the ER if I was involved in an emergency.” She squeezed his hand. “Not someone who complains as they drag their…behinds…to report to work.”

She heard Tom’s soft chuckle. “Unfortunately, there are some who don’t have that sense of urgency—or ignore the call. Though once they understand the situation, most do a one-eighty. Few need a kick in the ‘behind,’ as you so delicately put it.”

Cassie bit back a giggle. “I’ve had to consciously work on my vocabulary around the twins…I don’t want the first word that comes out of their mouths, something I didn’t censor!”

“Agree. We’ve all had to clean our mouths. Euphemisms work just fine, and the crazier the better.”

“Like ‘what the puck?’”

“Maybe too close for comfort.”

“How about ‘fudge?’” Cassie suggested. “Fudgethat.”

“Good one.”

“You know, once I went to a Vancouver game with a bunch of friends…I got frustrated that the defense couldn’t clear the zone and yelled, ‘Get the puck out of there.’ The lady in front of me turned around and told me to watch my mouth.” Cassie giggled in memory. “My friends thought that was hilarious.”

“In that case, you really meant ‘puck’—correct?”

“Back then, I would have used the other word if I meant it.”

Too soon for Cassie, but not quickly enough for Tom, he pulled into the staff parking lot next to the ER. She spotted Andrew standing by his car.

“You didn’t need to call Andrew,” she said as he held his hand out to her.

“I didn’t want you to wait for a cab. My comfort zone, okay?” He grasped her hand as they walked toward the SUV.

Andrew spoke softly. “Looks like a war zone with all the ambulances arriving. It’s all over the news—massive pile-up, including a tanker that jack-knifed.”

Cassie saw Tom take a deep breath and close his eyes for a moment. “Thanks for meeting us, Andrew.”

“No problem. Good luck in there.”

Tom stopped Cassie when she moved toward the passenger door. “See you whenever…” His hug was brief, but Cassie reveled in the embrace that brought her against his chest. He brushed his lips against hers, then opened the door for her.

“Go,” Cassie said, trying to keep her voice steady. “Take care of yourself.”

31

Cassie watched as Tom quickly entered the emergency room, then turned to Andrew. “Thank you for coming all this way. I planned to take a cab.”

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