Page 62 of Risky Move

“Just tired, babe. An intense…what? Sixty hours? I don’t know anymore.”

Babe.Cassie’s heart swelled when she heard that word.Like a girlfriend “babe?” Or exhaustion speaking? Don’t read anything into it…it’s just an expression.She stepped aside and held his arm. “Lauren drove Dave’s car, so you don’t have to worry about trying to squeeze into the Mustang—or ratherLauren and mesqueezing into that back seat.” She offered a small smile.

“Good thought. My other transportation option would require an appearance at Center Ice…or Uber.”

“Your personal ride is waiting, doctor. You call, we come.”

They walked to the family room, and Lauren met them in the hallway. Cassie watched as her eyes examined Tom, then handed the car keys to her.

“Go out to the car—you look like you’ll fall asleep standing up, Tom. Dave shouldn’t take too long—he just sent me a text.”

“No argument. Thanks, Lauren.”

* * *

The fresh air revived Tom. He felt he’d fallen into a time warp where all sense of day or night vanished. He’d have to concentrate to name the date or even the day of the week. He looked at his hand locked with Cassie’s, fingers intertwined.My breath of fresh air…the one person I wanted to see when I opened the door.

Cassie beeped the SUV’s locked doors open, but he stopped her before she opened the back door.

“Let’s enjoy the cool breeze.” He leaned against the car and pulled her beside him.

“Feels wonderful after freezing my tush in the arena.” Cassie looked at him, and he read some hesitancy and concern in her expression. He brushed a stray hair away from her face.

“I could use that beach walk about now. Don’t forget, I owe you.” He saw the look of reproach that flashed across her eyes.

“That’s the last thing I’m worried about, Tom. You look super stressed and exhausted.”

“At this moment, you’re right. I just need some uninterrupted sleep.” His fingers lingered on her chin. “Not the first time, nor will it be the last. It comes with the territory.”

“I don’t know how you do it.”

“Adrenaline. When you’re constantly moving from patient to patient, you’re not aware of time...” Tom kissed her forehead. “Caffeine helps. And texts from a special girl help even more.” Tom watched Cassie’s cheeks redden. “My bridge to the outside world. Thank you for that.”

Tom watched Cassie’s eyes blink rapidly, then she cleared her throat before she spoke.

“How many people did you treat? I haven’t turned on the news or looked at anything since you and Andrew talked about the accident. Andrew said the driver of the truck may have been texting?”

“That’s what I hear. We had forty-to-fifty people come through the ER. Many children, families. Victims with severe burns were immediately routed to a different trauma center…Too busy to even process everything. Or think beyond a patient’s current status…Later, I’ll go on a tirade about distracted driving…So many children involved.”

Cassie turned toward him and held him as she leaned her head against his shoulder. “Not the time to think about that, Doctor Tom. Just the ones you helped.”

* * *

After only one date and the tragic days that followed, Cassie felt a definite shift in her relationship with Tom. Neither spoke directly about the change, yet Tom and Cassie had become much more than friends, more than two people testing the waters between them. She felt a deep connection to him, and she knew he sensed it as well.Just like we jumped off a cliff and swam to shore together. Does that mean we’re soulmates? Too much emotion packed into that evening and the days that followed? Don’t read too much into it—what we feel now may fade as quickly as it wrapped around us.

Tom said nothing—he didn’t need to. His eyes, affectionate gestures, and time spent with her spoke volumes—and no one else seemed surprised. Had they recognized the emotional pull between them before even she and Tom realized it? Though, she could wake up one day and find that their bubble had evaporated. Despite her fear that everything was an illusion, Cassie embraced the possibilities and shoved aside any hesitation. At that moment, she could not imagine a future without her doctor.

33

“Yes, I’ve explored all options for next year, Mom.” Cassie tried to keep the exasperation from seeping into her tone as she talked with her mother. She didn’t want to think about school. Not while her thoughts centered on her growing relationship with Tom.She released a sigh and continued, “I’ll study either communications or early childhood education in Tampa and continue working for Caryn and Andrew.”

“Cassie.” Her mother’s tone conveyed her disapproval. “That’s not our agreement. One year to determine what you want to study. Not one year plus part-time student while you continue to enjoy the perks of a gap year.”

She took a deep breath and concentrated on keeping her voice steady. “I plan to take a full schedule of classes. Caryn said they’ll work around my class schedule. If I can get the classes I need on Tuesdays and Thursdays, those will be my days off. If not, I’ll take early morning or evening classes. Lots of options.”

“Have you spoken to your father about this? Just because he bought that car, don’t assume he’ll pay the costs of studying in the states.”

“I’m not assuming anything. I’m saving money, a lot of money. Enough for at least two semesters right now. I’ll pay my own expenses.” Cassie glanced out the window, the blue sky above the pool beckoning her.

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