Page 70 of Risky Move

“Lauren told me she and Caryn wondered if we’d realize our mutual…interest?…in each other.” She turned to kiss him lightly.

Tom grasped her hand and kissed her palm. “This afternoon…You’re such a temptress, Princess Cassie.” He winked, and Cassie felt her cheeks flush. “But we need to be on the same page…I don’t do casual sex, and I don’t think you’re into it either?”

“Correct. One hundred percent no casual sexand ideally in a committed relationship.” Her words sounded off, and she tried to explain. “I don’t mean committed in a ‘forever’ kind of way…just an understanding…”

“That it’s an exclusive relationship while exploring where the journey takes us.” He kissed her forehead. “I’d very much like to see how…this…” Tom waved his hand between them. “…develops. We passed the ‘Let’s get to know each other’ stage long ago. Shall we see where the path leads from here?”

Cassie cocked her head as she looked at him. “You really need to ask, doctor?”

“Not about to assume anything, babe. You could kick me to the curb.”

“Highly unlikely.” She wrapped her arms around his chest. “I’d very much enjoy joining you on this journey.” She didn’t speak for a moment, content to allow the happiness to swell inside her heart.Don’t make too much out of it, Johnson. He said to explore the possibilities, not commit to each other. Slow down—don’t get ahead of yourself.

She glanced at her watch, surprised that midnight had passed. “What time do you need to report for your shifts?”

“I’ll leave by six, so I can check on my patients and get the status of new admissions, ER cases, etc., before shift change.”

“I need to stop distracting you then. You need some sleep. Merry Christmas Eve.”

Tom chuckled as he drew Cassie into his arms when he stood. “You okay with staying in the house alone?”

She shrugged. “I’m sure I can scream loud enough to wake the neighbors. Your apartment’s not super sound-proofed?”

“No more than the rest of this house. You know, you’re welcome to stay with me.” Cassie saw the slight quirk of his mouth. “And I’m suggesting sleep, nothing more.”

Cassie didn’t respond as she rose on her toes to kiss his cheek.

“I’ll lock up the house and set the alarm. You change into something more comfortable. Satisfactory for you, Princess Cassie?”

Cassie couldn’t suppress her grin as she walked backward from the sunroom. “Beyond expectations.”

* * *

Tom awakened before his alarm sounded. He reached to cancel it, then gently moved away from Cassie, hoping not to wake her. Even though Cassie had confessed it was her first “sleepover” with a man, she’d nestled comfortably beside him. She laid her head on his chest, and promptly fell asleep. Tom? Not so quickly. With Cassie’s body pressed against his, he questioned the wisdom of his invitation. He tried to detach his mind from the sensations that pulsed through him, forcing his mind to think about anything besides the soft curves molded against his body. He finally fell asleep while mentally reviewing the status of every patient he followed in neurology.

Cassie murmured a protest when he left her side but fell back asleep when he kissed her temple. He showered and dressed, trying not to disturb her. His shower was cooler than usual to chase away the sleep—and the image of the irresistible sprite who defined cuddling in a whole new way. He turned the water to ice cold and counted to thirty before leaving the shower. Even the air-conditioned house felt warm as he dressed.

He quietly returned to the bedroom and gazed at Cassie. Her hair hid her face, and she now clutched a pillow against her chest. Tom resisted the urge to kiss the shoulder covered only with the thin strap of her camisole and opted to leave a note where she’d see it.Hate not spending Christmas with Cassie. Not the first time a holiday’s taken me from family and friends, but something’s different this time—pretty sure it’s my rainbow girl.I know where I’d like to take this relationship. Hope she’s on the same page.

37

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day passed at warp speed. Cassie enjoyed celebrating with Lauren and Dave, and she couldn’t remember the last time she felt no stress during the holidays.No splitting time between my parents, no complaints that Dad spoils me, no emotional tug-of-war.She attended Midnight Mass with Lauren and Dave—her first—and experienced a sense of awe she couldn’t explain. Even the obligatory calls to her parents didn’t dim Cassie’s Christmas spirit. She took Lauren’s advice and ignored her mother’s attempts to make her feel guilty because she’d stayed in Tampa. Her father was boarding the cruise ship, so the one call Cassie didn’t dread ended much too quickly.

She and Lauren laughed their way through dinner preparations, then watched football with Dave while the meal cooked. She curled up on one of the plush leather chairs where she could watch the game and enjoy one of her favorite pastimes—watching Dave and Lauren interact.WillI find that kind of love? Not the gooey newlywed love, but the playful bantering, the good-spirited teasing, and the many ways they find to make physical contact throughout the day. Lost count of the times Dave wandered into the kitchen to offer his help, then after receiving Lauren’s “No, thank you,” stole a kiss, exchanged a hug, or just touched hands. They’re so cute and happy together—please, God, let Tom and me experience this.

Still walking on clouds after Tom’s surprise adventure and sleep-over, Cassie kept the note he’d written in her pocket. She tried to recapture the feeling of contentment found in his arms.Respected, cherished, protected, peaceful.She laughed to herself whenever she thought of his note — “No more sleep-overs…I don’t have enough self-control to resist you.”Then, next time we’ll do more than cuddle, doctor.

They exchanged texts whenever Tom had a break. Dave teased her each time her phone pinged, alerting an arriving message. “Slow day at the hospital?” he asked.

“Unfortunately, no. Tom said they’re seeing a lot of bike, scooter, and skateboard injuries. Most aren’t wearing protective gear. Many children…”

“What parent allows their child to ride a bike or whatever without a helmet?” Lauren said.

“Probably the same type who chooses not to wear motorcycle helmets.” Dave shook his head. “Hopefully, none have serious injuries.”

“The only thing he said is that the hospital is providing bike helmets for the kids who come in—and anyone else who requests one.” Cassie shrugged. “He said they’re expecting the food poisoning and alcohol-related incidents later this evening.”

“Don’t know how he does it,” Dave said.

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