by Robyn M Ryan
“Cassie?”
“Tom?” Cassie croaked as she clutched the hard body that had just smashed into hers. “I thought someone had broken in.” She caught her breath and stepped closer, and Tom’s arms closed around her.
“No burglar.” His voice carried a hint of amusement.
Cassie exhaled a sigh of relief and took a deep breath. “What are you doing here?”
“I just came home. You?”
“Trying to defeat my dear friend insomnia.” She realized her body still pressed against him. Her camisole and sleep shorts were not suitable for mixed company—Gah! If he turns the light on, he’ll see everything.
Tom tightened his arms around her. “You okay?”
“As soon as my heart stops banging against my chest.” She tried to ignore the goosebumps and hoped he didn’t notice the sparks that coursed through her wherever her body touched his.
She didn’t know how it happened and would wonder later if she had initiated contact. Suddenly his lips found hers, and she ignored the warning siren blasting her ears. His kiss was unlike any Cassie had ever received and caught in a rush of sensations, time stood still.
She moaned a protest when Tom pulled back. They spoke simultaneously.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…”
“I didn’t mean to…”
“…I’ll just go back to my room,” Cassie said.
“No, I’ll go to the apartment.”
They realized at the same instant that neither had broken contact. Cassie pulled her arms away from his solid chest and shivered when Tom dropped his hands and stepped back. Her eyes had adjusted to the dark, and she saw him gazing at her body.
“Cassie, I was out of line. Are you okay?”
Cassie self-consciously crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m fine, don’t worry about it. Sometimes things just happen.”
She caught the smile hinting at the corners of his mouth. “Yeah…that was…” He shrugged as he gently brushed his hand against her cheek. “I apologize, Cassie. That was inexcusable on so many levels.”
Cassie blurted her reply without thinking. “Do you hear me complaining?”
Tom pressed his lips against her forehead as he chuckled. “This can’t happen again.”
He turned to leave. Cassie touched her lips as memories of the kiss flooded through her. No one’s ever kissed me like that…Guess I’ve never kissed a “real” man.
She knew that nothing would ease her insomnia. Cassie turned and hurried to her room. If she couldn’t sleep, she’d just relive that kiss repeatedly.
Tom splashed cold water on his face. What were you thinking? Or not thinking? That should never have happened. It’s like she cast a spell over me, and I acted by instinct. So wrong, but holding her felt just right.
No excuse. I know better…she’s the twins’ nanny…Lauren’s niece…I can’t even think about her that way. What if Andrew or Caryn had come to the kitchen? I wasn’t aware of anything except how good she feels in my arms. Potential disaster…but that kiss? Very much worth the risk.
He headed to his bathroom, knowing he’d need a long, icy shower before he’d get any sleep.
Even though neither ever mentioned “the kiss,” its memory hung in the air between them. Cassie held no expectation that Tom would ever think about her as more than Lauren’s niece. Still, her imagination trumped reality whenever they found themselves together. In her alternate universe, Cassie and Tom crossed the line between friends and romance. Tom gets me…in the short time we’ve spent together, he understands me…doesn’t treat me like a kid. He brightens my day just by entering a room, and when he looks at me with that sexy smirk, he doesn’t even realize that my heart does this little flip. I can see why Lauren thinks of him as her big brother. I would, too, if I didn’t feel these tingly sensations whenever his hand brushes against mine or need to catch my breath every time I see him. Conveniently, his “friend” Katie didn’t exist in that universe.
5
The following weeks sped by with a frenzy of celebrations for the Suns’ Stanley Cup Championship. Cassie’s heart swelled with pride when Caryn and Andrew trusted her with the twins as they took part in the many city and state festivities. She sat in the VIP section for the massive parade in Tampa when Andrew and Caryn took the twins with them in the convertible. She didn’t know any of the other VIPs, but felt a kinship with them when she saw family and new friends pass before them.
Both Dave and Andrew gave her championship T-shirts and hats, and Cassie started her own collection of Stanley Cup pins. Dave gave her the puck from one goal he scored, and Lauren supplied the case inscribed with the date.
“Do you know when Dave gets his day with the Cup?” Cassie asked Lauren, referring to the tradition that allowed each member of the team to take the Cup anywhere he wished for twenty-four hours.
“Not yet. Everything’s too crazy right now with the ‘Stand Up To Bullies’ kick-off event next week. And after that, our Greek Islands cruise.” Lauren’s green eyes took on a dreamy look as she thought about the upcoming vacation with Dave.
“Color me envious,” Cassie teased. “Is there anything I can do to help you with that?” The Tampa Suns’ Cyber Bullying Awareness initiative had planned a public kick-off. Lauren agreed to address the consequences of rumors and nastiness, drawing upon her own recent experiences.
Cassie’s mind replayed the devastation Lauren experienced only a few months ago. Her aunt’s privacy and questionable decisions as a teen had become the target of a viral harassment campaign. Tears pricked Cassie’s eyes as she thought of all the hateful posts and hashtags attacking Lauren…most lies from anonymous cowards who enjoyed spreading vicious rumors just because she and Dave were a couple.
Lauren’s known him for years, but just because Dave’s a man and a pro-athlete, Mom blamed him and questioned his motives…Even when Lauren came to Vancouver to deal with the fallout from the bullying, Cassie’s mother treated Lauren like a child, not a successful twenty-something career woman. Thinking about their family dynamics threatened to produce a migraine.
“Hold my hand when I panic?” Lauren asked. “Remind me why I signed on for this? Pull my hair back when I lose whatever meal I just ate?”
Cassie hugged her aunt. “I’ll do anything for you, Lauren. I’m so proud of you for speaking up on behalf of others in similar situations. Just remind yourself how much attention you’ll direct to the problem of bullying. Perfect timing with the Suns just winning the Stanley Cup.”
“I realize that up here.” Lauren tapped her head. “The Suns’ sponsorship should guarantee the program’s success. But my heart and stomach keep forgetting that detail.”
“You told Mom and Grandmother what you’d gone through during secondary school,” Cassie reminded her. “After that, nothing should phase you.”
Lauren nodded. “True. The hardest thing I’ve ever done—and I survived. You’re right, speaking to a ballroom full of people—piece of cake.”
“You can talk to me. I promise I’ll sit in the front row, and I know Dave will stand right beside you. You’ve got this.”
Cassie scanned the crowded ballroom, hoping to get a glimpse of Lauren. She didn’t expect the large crowd. Andrew had mentioned that the entire team planned to attend, but hundreds of others had gathered. I’d freeze if I had to speak in front of this audience. Geesh, over five people make me nervous. Maybe someday I’ll have Lauren’s courage. She saw the Stanley Cup up on the stage near the podium and couldn’t estimate the number of people waiting to take selfies with it.
She looked at Caryn, who stood beside her. “Thanks for making it possible for me to come with you today.”
“You need to be here. And you know by now that Tom never turns down an opportunity to have the twins to himself.”
“True.” Wonder if the famous Katie’s helping him with the twins? “Do you mind if I see if I can grab a front-row seat? So many people are here already.”
“No, go ahea
d. I’ll wait for Drew. He may have had to park quite a distance away.”
“Save you guys seats?”
“Don’t worry about us, Cassie. We’ll find you afterward.”
Cassie gave a little wave as she wove through the crowd toward the stage. I promised Lauren I’d sit front and center. Today can’t be easy for her. Before everything blew up, I never suspected she had such a rotten childhood…same as Mom. But Lauren was just a baby when Mom moved out, so Lauren had no one who cared about her. How could anyone neglect a child? The only positive outcome? Lauren’s childhood had helped shape her aunt into a self-confident and strong woman.
She rose on her tiptoes to scan the front row. She spotted an empty seat and then hustled to claim it. “Is this seat saved?”
The woman on one side said, “Not mine.”
“It’s yours,” a male voice added. Cassie flopped onto the chair before she turned to thank both.
“Thanks so much! I wanted to sit up front. My aunt’s a speaker…I guess one of the main speakers.”
“Lauren Gentry?”
“Yes, she’s my aunt…” Cassie’s voice faded as she came face-to-face with a golden Greek god. OMG! He’s so hot, my face is burning! Messy blond hair, steel-grey eyes…She swallowed before she continued. “How do you know Lauren?”
“We’re friends. We met last summer before training camp, and now she handles my social media. She’s trying to tone down my indiscretions.” He flashed a smile, causing Cassie to giggle.
“Shall I ask the type of indiscretions?”
“Ah…no. I’m Cliff Camden. Just about everyone calls me Cam.”
“Cassie Johnson, from Vancouver.” She saw him checking her out and ran her hands across her hair. Another hockey hunk? He’s spectacular…Hope he can’t hear my heart thumping.
“Here for vacation?”
She couldn’t hold his gaze. “I’m helping Caryn Chadwick with…”
“…the twins,” he finished for her. “I bet they’re a handful. Do you live in their home?”
“Yes.” Why am I tongue-tied?
He nodded with a megawatt smile. “Been there several times. A real hardship having to live in that house.”
“Do you live in the same neighborhood?”
His rueful smile didn’t hide the teasing spark in his silver eyes. “I wish. Entry-level contracts don’t make a down payment on a condo in that neighborhood.” He leaned against her shoulder to speak in a soft voice. “I stayed with John and Kelly Peterson for the second half of this season.”
“But not any longer?”
“Got my own place. I found something near the Bay. I’m ready to have some privacy…you understand?”
Cassie’s stomach did a little somersault when he winked. She replied as the curtain opened. “Perhaps we can chat later?”
Cassie let her mind wander while her aunt spoke about her experiences with cyber bullying. She knew what Lauren had faced, and it was too painful to hear the story again. Luckily, she has Dave standing beside her…everything a girl could want in a guy…yet; it took them four years to admit their feelings for each other. At least Lauren. I’d have snatched him as fast as I could. Like I’d have a chance—I’m still a kid in his eyes…Lauren’s “little sister.” The small age difference between them caused Lauren to treat her more like a younger sister. Growing up in the same home had forged a strong bond between them that went far beyond the typical aunt-niece relationship. Lauren’s my best friend.
She snuck a glance at the guy beside her, as Cam listened to everything Lauren and Dave said. Bet he has women chasing after him.
As if feeling her eyes on him, Cam glanced her way and flashed a smile. He raised an eyebrow, and Cassie dropped her eyes, feeling her cheeks grow warm. She focused on the stage, realizing that Lauren and Dave wrapped up their talk. She jumped to her feet as the crowd rose and applauded them, then watched in stunned silence as Dave surprised Lauren by dropping to one knee to propose. Say yes, Lauren. Don’t keep him hanging! She saw Lauren struggle to speak, then just nod furiously as she pulled him to his feet.
“So romantic.” Cassie’s vision blurred from tears of joy.
“Did you know?” Cam Camden’s voice pulled her eyes away from the stage.
“About the proposal? Not a word. I don’t think Lauren expected it either. I’m so excited for them!” Maybe she’ll ask me to be a bridesmaid? Cassie dismissed the thought and looked at the man beside her. “You’re not surprised?”
“Figured it was a matter of time. I got the message, and Mr. Martin realized we’re only friends.”
A giggle escaped her mouth. “What, did he tell you to back off?”
“One way to put it.” Camden shook his head. “Took him a while to accept our friendship.” He nodded toward the area in front of the stage where friends had gathered. “I’m heading over there. I can get you through the crowd.”
“Thanks, I’ll wait here for Caryn and Andrew.”
“You want to get something to eat later?” His grey eyes captured hers.
Cassie hesitated. She hoped to visit with her favorite doctor or perhaps meet the famed Katie. “I’m not sure about tonight…Long day for everyone…” With a wink, Cam handed his phone to her.
“Maybe before I head home for the summer, then. Call yourself; I’ll have your number—and you won’t block me as an unknown caller.”
“I’ll think about it.” She noticed that his eyes darkened at her teasing comment. “When do you leave for…?”
“Québéc, in a couple days. I’ll call you. Do I need Lauren’s blessing to ask you out?” His cocky grin caused Cassie to laugh.
“Nope. Only one permission slip required—my own.”
“Look forward to it.” A quick hug, along with another devilish grin, caused Cassie’s legs to wobble like Jell-O. She sat down and watched him strut toward the crowd.
Have dinner with him…a date? Her eyes lingered on his broad shoulders before appreciating the way his tailored jeans hugged his lower body. He slid through the crowd, and Cassie sighed as he disappeared. That’s one smoking hot guy…who knows it.
She heard Caryn and Andrew talking and stood to greet them. “Did you have any idea?”
“That’s what I wanted to ask you!” Caryn said. “From her reaction, Lauren didn’t expect it at all.” She glanced at Andrew.
“Don’t look at me. Not something guys discuss.” Andrew’s smirk reminded Cassie of Tom. Maybe I can tell him the happy news…
“Looks like Kelly and Terri plan to kidnap Lauren from that crowd.” Caryn pulled her phone from her purse and tapped a text.
Andrew leaned to kiss Caryn’s cheek. “I’ll give Dave my congratulations. Just tell me when you’re ready to leave.”
“I’m checking in with Tom. We won’t monopolize Lauren too long, will we, Cassie?”
“As if we could.”
6
Cassie bit back a smile as she watched Caryn and Andrew transition to parent-mode the instant they entered the house. Both Jenna and Daniel’s faces transformed from eyes at half-mast to excited delight when they spied their mom and dad.
Caryn plucked Daniel from Tom’s arms, and Andrew unfastened Jenna from her bouncy seat. “You see where I rate on the twins’ affection scale,” Tom said to Cassie.
“You’re definitely one up on me.” Cassie brushed the hair away from her eyes as the sexy doctor-turned-babysitter stopped by her side. “I wish you could have seen the presentation today—Lauren and Dave made a huge impact on the audience.”
“I caught a few minutes of the stream from the Suns’ website…until my nephew and niece demanded more attention.” He glanced over at them with a smile, then turned his grin toward Cassie. “Surprised by Dave’s proposal?”
“You saw that?”
“Couldn’t hear a thing with these chatter bugs, but easy to guess.”
Cassie grabbed his arm without a thought. “I had no idea, but I’m not surprised Dave proposed. But in front of all
those people? Lauren looked shell-shocked.”
“Good thing she said yes, then.” His cinnamon eyes sparked little electric bursts throughout Cassie’s body.
She chuckled. “She told me no wedding planning until after their Greek Islands cruise. Darn it! I can’t wait to help with that.”
“In the meantime, how about helping me with dinner? It’s my day to cook when I’m not working.”
Those eyes! As if she’d resist his invitation. “What’s on the menu, doctor?”
“Fresh vegetables. We have a community garden at the hospital. I’ve got squash, green beans, tomatoes, romaine, corn on the cob…I was thinking maybe some grilled chicken, corn, and a huge salad.”
“Yum…put me to work.”
When Caryn and Andrew took the twins to their room for a nap, Tom connected his phone to a Bluetooth speaker and handed it to her. “Pick some music, Cassie.” She looked at him after she scrolled through some playlists.
“How about your Extra Golden Oldies?”
“That’s a great list. Songs we listened to growing up—our mother’s favorites. Brings back some great memories.”
Cassie pressed “Play” and set the phone on the counter. “My mom has a playlist like that—my grandmother’s favorites…from the sixties. No surprise, I prefer the oldies.”
His smile threatened to melt her into a puddle. After a beat, Tom nodded toward the basket of fresh vegetables. “You want to figure out what to do with that while I finish marinating the chicken?”
“Got it.”
Cassie chanced a glance at Tom as he flipped the chicken and brushed marinade over it. Physician, son, brother, uncle, friend, chef…Even though he has a girlfriend, he must have women beating down the door? Maybe he does—at the hospital? I’d grab a number to stand in that line. Green scrubs or blue? Doesn’t matter—with those looks, that smile, not to mention his smoking body, he’d look good in a burlap sack. Her body still tingled when she allowed herself to think about “the kiss,” and wished every day that Tom didn’t top her “Forbidden/Do Not Touch” list.