by Robyn M Ryan
Except for the games and during emergencies, Tom’s schedule settled into a more structured format. For the first time since he’d begun medical school in Toronto, he had time for a social life. Andrew teased him about his hospital groupies, but after trying to maintain an exclusive relationship with Katie, he preferred not to get involved with anyone at the hospital. Different schedules and few opportunities to explore the mutual attraction left both unsatisfied. When Katie recently moved home to accept a job in Minnesota, they agreed to remain “friends.” Without benefits.
He didn’t plan to accept invitations to post-game celebrations—though his friends on the Suns assured him he’d be welcomed. Don’t want to cross that line between professionalism on the job by hanging out with them. The guys I’m already friends with—one thing. The new guys and the younger players could resent the intrusion into their private lives. Even Andrew understands that. Though he warned me about the puck bunnies who might trail me in the arena’s parking lot.
“You could meet your soulmate,” Andrew said with a straight face.
“Until she discovers I’m not a hockey player.”
“Doctors trump jocks every time, brother. Don’t overlook an opportunity because you think someone’s looking for an athlete.”
Tom laughed and clapped a hand on Andrew’s shoulder. “Thanks, but no. I’ve heard enough about puck bunnies to walk the other way.”
“That leaves it up to the wives. Word gets out we have a single doctor on the payroll, you’ll receive a shit ton of dinner invitations to meet sisters, friends, daughters. Just saying, Tom.”
“Well, I’m not on the Suns’ payroll, and I know you guys don’t normally share information of that sort. I’m good. If my potential soulmate’s in Tampa, our paths will cross at the right time—you know, just like you and Caryn.”
13
Several knocks on the front door finally caught Lauren’s attention as she completed a recommended appearance schedule for a new client. “Coming!” she called, even though she could guess who she’d find on the other side of the door.
As soon as she turned the lock, Cassie practically danced through the doorway. “I have the best news—just couldn’t wait to tell you!”
Lauren barely restrained her smile as her niece bounded in. “Something to drink first?” She guided Cassie toward the kitchen counter.
“Maybe in a minute.” Cassie practically bounced from excitement on the counter-height bar chair. “Guess what?”
“The twins took their first steps today?”
Cassie stopped a second, imagining that moment. “No, but that will be a huge milestone.” She drank from the water bottle Lauren placed in front of her. “You know how Caryn keeps telling me I need to get out and take some time for myself?”
“I agree.” Lauren leaned against the counter and faced her niece. “That’s got you so excited?” A teasing smile played across her face.
“No, of course not. But I appreciate it. I talked to my dad last night.”
“How are they doing?”
“Great, if you don’t count Taylor’s going through the Terrible Three’s.” Cassie laughed, then continued. “Anyway, I asked Dad if he would co-sign a car loan for me. I need to get something I can drive without worrying about denting it or parallel parking.”
“And he agreed,” Lauren prompted.
“He did some research and asked me to choose among four cars.” Cassie’s smile widened. “I picked this cute little Honda Civic because I knew I could afford the payments. He said he’d call me back today. He did and guess what? He bought the car! It’s ready for me to pick up whenever. He’s taken care of the insurance, all those complicated taxes, and he won’t let me pay him back. Said it’s a graduation present to me from his family. Can you believe that, Lauren?”
Her aunt laughed when Cassie took a breath. “You know you have your dad wrapped around your finger. Trevor doesn’t surprise me at all. Congratulations, Cass! Tell me he’s not sending you a gas card, also?”
“Gas and maintenance come from my pocket, and maybe the insurance next year. He said he wants to see where I am first. Mom was less than thrilled when I told her.” Cassie made a face. “Hopefully, I’ll make good decisions and don’t mess anything up.”
“When in doubt, ask. I know it’s hard stuck in the middle of divorced parents. Just focus on your future—they’ll be proud no matter which road you choose.” Cassie saw a speculative look cross Lauren’s face. “So…you need a ride to pick up your car? Where’s the dealership?”
Cassie pulled her phone from her pocket and opened a window before handing it to Lauren. “Please tell me it’s not on the other side of Tampa.”
“Actually, it’s not too far. We can pick it up, then grab some dinner if Caryn doesn’t need you.”
Cassie sat in the driveway, inspecting every feature of her new car. Everything I could want—or need. She loved the sunroof that allowed the sunshine to roll across her. The GPS, once she figured it out, would take her wherever she wanted—like visit Amelie or drive out to the beach. The safety features freaked her out—she nearly slammed on the brakes when the lane departure warning caused the steering wheel to vibrate. The automatic braking system made some sense, but that orange “BRAKE” warning light flashing on the control panel caused her to slow down. But it’s all mine, and I love this car. Dad knew I’d choose this bright red color—though Lauren says it’s a radar magnet. Probably the reason Dad chose it.
She leaned back against the headrest and inhaled the new car scent. She knew how lucky she was to have her father support her. Mom’s pissed that Dad bought me the car, though she can’t say much. Just stay out of trouble and don’t make the same mistakes Lauren did. Will she ever let that go? Lauren and Dave are perfect together. Mom needs to accept that not all marriages end like hers. A light rapping on the window startled her. A smile crossed her face when she saw Tom, and she quickly opened the door to greet him.
“Nice wheels, Cassie.”
“I still can’t believe it’s mine. If you hadn’t knocked on the window, I probably would have fallen asleep out here.”
“Just pick it up?”
“About an hour ago. Lauren took me, then I followed her here. Even with this GPS that I don’t know how to set up.” Cassie shook her head. “Then I drove around the neighborhood to get used to all the safety cameras, brake warning, lane departure warnings…you know, this can make a driver nervous!”
“Good thing you practiced. Tampa traffic can be rough…brutal. Avoid the busy times, and you’ll do fine,” Tom said. He leaned to glance at the interior of the car. “Leather seats—nice. Heated?”
“Think so.”
“Let’s hope you don’t need it while you’re in Tampa.”
Cassie dug the key out of her pocket and offered it to him. “Want to drive it?”
“Maybe we can go for a ride later—after the munchkins go to bed. See if we can figure out your GPS.”
“Sounds like fun.” Cassie closed the car door before she walked away. She smiled when the beep sounded, automatically locking the doors.
“Fancy,” Tom teased as he headed toward his private entrance. “See you later.”
Cassie allowed her eyes to trail after him as she walked to the front door. Every time he smiled, her heart did a tiny somersault. If his hand brushed hers, her body felt an electrical surge. Forbidden territory. Silly to hope he might think of me as someone other than his brother’s nanny. Not anyone he’d take out on a date. Keep dreaming, Johnson. Besides, there’s his relationship with Katie. When does he have time to see her outside the hospital? He hasn’t brought her to the house. At least not when I’m there. Maybe he goes to her place?
Amelie squealed in delight when Cassie told her about the car. “We can go to the beach now! And check out anything that’s not within walking distance of this condo.”
“I haven’t even seen what’s around you. We’ll have plenty to do on my days off.”
“Like tomorrow?”
“Free. I want to see your neighborhood and the beach. If you send me your address, I should find you okay. Then we can figure out how to get to the Gulf.” Cassie put her bikini and a towel on the dresser and then added a T-shirt cover-up.
“We could check out this area, go to the beach, then have a late lunch when we get back. Would that work for you, Cassie?”
“Just tell me the time. I’m a very early riser…more than ever since I’ve helped with the twins.”
“So am I. Shops open at nine o’clock. Call or text when you leave—I’ll stand by the entrance gate, so you don’t miss it.”
Cassie organized her all-purpose tote with everything she thought she might need. Sunscreen. Glad Caryn has almost a case of different types. She said the sun’s much stronger than in Canada. Amelie’s hoping to meet some guys tomorrow…well, maybe me too. Just a fun, stress-free day with a girlfriend. And possibly some flirting with a few beach guys…surfers? Are there even waves in the Gulf? Guess I’ll see.
She heard Tom’s voice, and like a moth attracted to light, she followed the sound.
“You’re just in time for some pizza,” he said as he greeted her. “My dinner contribution for today.”
Cassie took a moment to appreciate the way the blue polo shirt stretched across his broad chest and noted the casual shorts he wore. Tom does casual, very well. She reached for the plates Caryn had just pulled from the cabinets.
“I invited Lauren to join us,” Caryn said. “Terri and Kelly are still shopping.”
“They won’t miss the game?” Cassie asked.
“No, I seriously doubt that. Shall we eat in the sunroom?”
Cassie nodded and added silverware and napkins before moving to the sunroom. She heard the door open and Lauren’s greeting. She laughed when Tom set the pizza boxes in the middle of the table. “Outnumbered again, Dr. Tom.”
“And I should mind that?”
“Well, you have Daniel to help even the odds,” Cassie said.
“My boy, Danny. Though, you realize I’m usually outnumbered by my brother’s and his friends’ wives.”
Cassie saw the smirk hinting at his mouth.
“Well, Jenna and I aren’t married,” she added.
“Jenna, I can handle. You? Not so sure about that.”
Cassie leaned against the table, her eyes challenging him playfully. “You don’t think you can handle me?”
His response was interrupted when Caryn and Lauren brought drinks to the table. Cassie hugged her aunt, though her eyes drifted back toward Tom, silently questioning him. He merely winked in response, but that was enough to cause goosebumps to erupt all over her skin. Is he teasing me or maybe something more?
“Cass, what are you drinking?” Lauren caught her attention. “A glass of wine?”
“You don’t mind, Caryn?”
“Of course not. You’re legal age at home and if Lauren doesn’t care…”
“Not planning to take your new car for a spin?” Lauren teased her niece.
“Not if I have a drink.”
“Good answer,” Tom said as he helped her finish setting the table. Their fingers brushed against each other, and Cassie swallowed a gasp as sparks sent tingles up her arm. She glanced to see if he noticed, but Tom had already taken the napkins to set beside each plate. She felt her aunt’s eyes on her but averted her glance. The less anyone knows about my crush, the better.
14
“Hey, Cassie. Look at this.”
Cassie reluctantly flipped over and balanced on an elbow to see what Amelie wanted to show her. The sun’s warmth and the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore had lulled her into a dream-like state. She took the card Amelie held toward her and squinted at it in the bright afternoon sun.
“Why did you get a Florida driver’s license? Do you need it for work?”
“Check my age.”
Cassie did some quick calculations, then looked at Amelie. “This is a fake?”
“It’s just to get into clubs. Cliff has one, so I badgered him until he took me to get one. Don’t tell anyone.”
“Who would I tell?” Cassie laughed. She handed the ID back to Amelie and resumed her position on the beach towel.
“This beach is obviously not the place to meet guys.” Amelie moaned. “Great for parents and little kids, though.”
“Yeah, I can see Daniel and Jenna running around in the sand in a year. It’s a nice beach, anyway.”
“But absolutely no action.”
Cassie heard the hint of disappointment in Amelie’s tone. “You only wanted to come to the beach to meet guys?”
“Well…yeah.”
Cassie swallowed a giggle as she sat up. “We could drive down the coast further. Maybe Clearwater’s not the place college kids gather.”
“That’s obvious.”
Cassie watched as Amelie’s eyes swept across the beach. “Did Cam tell you where the college kids hang out?”
“Haven’t asked him. Guess I will now. This place is d-e-a-d.”
A glance at her watch confirmed they’d only been at the beach for about an hour. “Why don’t we just relax and enjoy the sun? This is my first time at a beach. The water’s so beautiful.”
“Oh, you should see the Mediterranean…unbelievably blue. Gorgeous.” Amelie lay on her stomach and pushed up on her elbows as she continued to scan the people.
Her eyes closed, Cassie resumed her fantasizing about the sexy doctor who probably has no clue what he does to her. He can’t know that he makes my temperature rise just by entering a room? Or how much I want to touch his biceps or those abs? Geez, when he swims his laps, I can’t take my eyes off him. Wish he could treat me if I was ever in the ER. Though, my luck, I’d wind up with some older doctor who’s ready to retire. She closed her mind when her thoughts drifted to Jenna and Daniel. She’d never wish anything that could take them to the Emergency Room. Can’t believe that even flashed through my mind. No, he needs to notice me at home. Like the night we kissed, the other day in the swimming pool…maybe he can catch me skinny dipping some night? She laughed to herself. The only one who’d likely discover her was Caryn or Andrew. Total non-starter.
After an additional thirty minutes in the sun, Cassie reluctantly agreed to scout other beaches in the area to find people their age. The GPS guided them to several areas south of Tampa, but none of the beaches appealed to Amelie. Finally, Cassie suggested they just head back to Tampa.
“It’s getting toward mid-afternoon. I don’t want to get stuck in traffic.”
Amelie asked Cassie to stop at the grocery store on the way back. Conveniently, a liquor store shared space in the same strip mall. After putting her sack of groceries in the car, Amelie headed toward that store. Cassie watched for a bit, thoughts of her mother’s and grandmother’s tendency to drink excessively crowding her brain. She knew they went to AA periodically, but neither thought social drinking—a glass of wine with lunch or a martini before dinner—presented a problem. Now that Cassie lived elsewhere, she could look at the situation more objectively.
She knew Lauren had talked to Amanda and encouraged her to take AA seriously. But Lauren refused to discuss the subject with her own mother, Cassie’s grandmother. Not that Cassie blamed her. With Lauren’s nightmare childhood, I can see how hard it is for her to spend time with her mother, Allyson—which may be the reason she and Dave eloped instead of planning a big wedding.
Amelie interrupted her thoughts when she called back to her. “Are you coming?”
“I’ll wait here. I need to check in with Caryn. It’s getting late.” Sometimes the thought of falling into the same pattern as her mother and grandmother caused Cassie to detest the sight of alcohol. Things had improved, though, since moving to Tampa. She couldn’t ask for better role models than Lauren, Caryn, and their friends. Can’t imagine any of them acting irresponsibly with alcohol. But it didn’t take much to remind her of the path her mother had chosen.
Lauren a
nd Caryn sat by the pool when Cassie walked in after fighting early rush hour traffic. She asked if Caryn needed her to help with anything. “I’m sorry it’s late. I need to figure out the traffic patterns—like when rush hour begins.”
“Come, sit and relax,” Caryn invited, patting the side of the pool. “Dip your feet in the water—guaranteed antidote for crazy Tampa traffic.”
Cassie saw Lauren’s surprised expression as she lowered herself to the tile.
“I thought you drove to the beach. Was it cloudy by the Gulf?”
“Yes, we spent about an hour at the beach in Clearwater. Sunny and beautiful.”
“That’s a wonderful area,” Caryn added.
“And a great place to take the twins, maybe next summer. Downside, we were the only young people there.” She shrugged. “I didn’t care—just enjoyed soaking up the sun and listening to beach sounds. Almost fell asleep.”
“Too tame for Amelie?” Lauren guessed.
“No guys to check out or flirt with. We were only there an hour before Amelie suggested we look elsewhere for a beach with more action.” Cassie’s laugh sounded forced. “I got more sun driving with the sunroof open than sitting on a beach. Drove about thirty miles—found nothing she wanted to try.”
“I’ll go to the beach with you soon,” Lauren promised. “A crowded beach is not my idea of relaxation. We need to go to the restaurant Dave found south of here. The beach and the sunset were unlike anything I’d ever seen. Just spectacular—plus, the menu’s wonderful.”
