Risky Move: Tampa Suns Hockey Read online

  Risky Move

  Tampa Suns Hockey

  Robyn M. Ryan

  Risky Move is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Any products named are trademarks for their respective companies and are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Except as permitted by US Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, downloaded, printed, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database, or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author. All rights reserved.

  Cover Photos: ©iStockPhoto/annebaek

  Cover design by Karla Fouts

  Editors: Cara Lockwood, Mary Callaghan

  Copyright © 2019 Robyn M. Ryan

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN-13: 978-1-7329590-3-3

  ISBN-paperback: 978-17329590-40

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Chapter 62

  Chapter 63

  Chapter 64

  Chapter 65

  Chapter 66

  Chapter 67

  Chapter 68

  Chapter 69

  Chapter 70

  Chapter 71

  Epilogue

  Also by Robyn M. Ryan

  About the Author

  Risky Move is dedicated to

  Mary, my cousin and partner

  In concocting schemes that sometimes come true.

  Thinking Beach and Side-by-Side forever!

  1

  “Mom, you know I have my passport! I’m not a child.” Cassie Johnson rolled her eyes in frustration as she pulled her suitcases from the trunk. She dropped them on a cart and walked around the car to the driver’s window. “I promise—everything’s under control.”

  “Just double checking.” Her mother, Amanda, kept her tone light. “You realize that’s my responsibility as your mom.”

  Cassie nailed her with a glare. “To treat me like a baby? I’m an adult. I’m moving to Tampa for a great job opportunity. I swear, I’ve got things covered.”

  “And Lauren’s picking you up at the airport?”

  Cassie handed her phone to Amanda. “Call her. Perhaps you’ll believe her?” She knew she sounded like a bitch, but excitement, anxiety, and the desire to flee her mother’s overprotective nest combined to bring out her worst trait—impatience. Maybe she’ll believe her sister…then again, perhaps not. She’d rather I stay a kid forever than admit I’m a capable independent adult.

  Memories of the recent family upheaval flashed through her mind. She knew she’d caused most of the stress by taking a twenty-four-hour “respite”…her location unknown to anyone. The only way to get attention. Rational discussions about the pros and cons of this “gap year” didn’t work. Dad understood, so Mom dug in her heels with a “Hell no, you won’t go.”

  Her Aunt Lauren—the only person who got Cassie—had tried to advocate on her behalf. But that turned into an epic shit storm—Amanda learned that Lauren had ignored her advice and turned down a job offer in Europe. It didn’t matter that Lauren continued as a partner in a successful public relations consultancy. Nor that she wanted to explore a relationship with a man—long-time friend Dave Martin, who played for the Tampa Suns professional hockey team. More than enough to incur the disdain and condemnation of Lauren’s older sister—Cassie’s mother.

  She shook off the inner dialog, knowing that her mother had asked another question. “I have it covered,” she snapped.

  Amanda pressed the phone back into Cassie’s hand. “I know you’ve thought of everything. It’s hard to think of you living so far away.”

  Cassie released a breath. “I know, Mom. You’ve tried to shelter me and keep life from biting me in the…eh…tush. But I’m an adult—I need to have the freedom to make my own decisions or mistakes and decide what my future holds. And you know Lauren’s right there, and you’ve spoken with Caryn. I couldn’t have wished for a more perfect job than helping her and Andrew with the twins.”

  “Yes, I know you’ll leave Mary Poppins in your shadow. Just give me a few days to adjust to my only child leaving the nest.”

  Cassie rolled her eyes. “It’s only a few hours on a plane.” She glanced behind her, noticing the line of cars waiting. “You need to go before you get a ticket, Mom.” She pecked a kiss on her mother’s cheek. “I’ll let you know I’ve arrived.”

  Amanda sighed. “Enjoy this opportunity, Cassie. Please remember to explore your plans after this gap year ends.”

  By the time Cassie found the gate, passengers were boarding. She tried to suppress a smile when the flight attendant showed her the first-class seat that Andrew and Caryn had booked. She had a little private pod and snapped a quick photo to text to her mom and dad. “On the plane.”

  Cassie organized the area—plugged her iPhone in the supplied charger, stowed her carryon in a special compartment, and nodded with a grin when offered a glass of champagne. She took a selfie holding the flute in a mock toast. She tagged the photo “#adulting” before forwarding it to Lauren.

  Cassie turned off the phone and settled into the plush leather seat. She experimented with the various positions available, looking forward to using the full-recline for the nap she needed after a sleepless night. Cassie followed the flight attendant’s instructions as the plane taxied toward the runway. She allowed a smile to play across her face as the jet lumbered down the runway, gaining speed by the second. When the wheels left the ground, Cassie gazed out the window, giving Vancouver and her childhood a brief wave goodbye. Time to explore my future.

  2

  After clearing customs, Cassie followed the stream of travelers that funneled toward baggage claim. Lauren said she’d meet her once she exited the restricted security zone, and Cassie scanned the crowd—make that mob. How the heck do I spot Lauren in this freaking mess? Unless Dave’s with her, I’ll never see her. Unlike her aunt, Cassie stood
taller than average, so she pushed her way through the crowd, hoping Lauren would notice her. I can get my luggage and sit by the curb. Or…you could call her on her phone, Johnson…duh!

  Cassie fumbled with the carry-on bag, trying to locate her phone as she continued to squeeze through the crowd. She stopped walking when she couldn’t find it. Did I leave it on the plane? Ignoring people bumping into her or muttering rude comments, she looked into the backpack, shaking it to rearrange the contents. Finally! Grabbing the phone, she slung the bag’s strap over her shoulder and began walking again, her eyes on the phone. She stumbled against more people as she tried to find Lauren’s name, murmured apologies, then bounced against what felt like a wall. She staggered backward; the phone flew from her hand, and she braced herself for a hard fall. Someone grabbed her shoulders, steadying her, and Cassie raised her face to look up…then further up. Not a wall—just a tall, muscular, and…holy cannoli…HOT man.

  Dark golden-brown eyes hinted at amusement. “Cassie Johnson?”

  “Who’s asking?” Cassie countered as she stooped to grab the phone and then accepted the extended hand.

  “I’m a friend of Lauren’s. She and Caryn got tied up in a meeting—I volunteered to pick you up. Did you receive a text from her?”

  Cassie glanced at the phone and turned the shattered screen toward him. Can today get any worse? Not even out of the airport and I need a new phone. “I didn’t turn it on after we landed.”

  The handsome stranger grasped her arm and led her out of the crowded route to the baggage claim area. He pulled his phone from a pocket and swiped, then tapped the screen. He handed the phone to Cassie.

  “Here’s the photo she sent me via text.”

  Cassie bit her lip when she saw the picture, she sent several hours earlier. “So…you’re not a serial killer?”

  “Nope. I’m Tom Chadwick.” He eyed her with a teasing smile. “Would you like to call Lauren?”

  “No need, I sent that selfie from the jet. I’m Cassie Johnson.”

  He took the hand she offered. “Happy to meet you.”

  “Andrew’s brother?” When he nodded, she added, “I should have recognized you from Caryn’s photo. You and Andrew look alike.” Her heart skipped a beat when he smiled.

  “Shall we retrieve your luggage? Or did you travel light?” Tom gestured to her backpack.

  “I may have packed a few things. Just a ‘couple’ of suitcases.” She met the cinnamon-brown eyes, noticing the sparks of gold that outlined the pupils. “Eh…there wouldn’t be an Apple Store on the way back?”

  “You’re in luck. Yes, we’ll pass an Apple Store. Maybe they can replace your screen while we grab lunch?”

  “That sounds wonderful.” Something about this man caused Cassie to feel like the sun had just burst through the clouds after a prolonged, incessant Vancouver rain. Spending my gap year in Tampa? Possibly the best decision ever.

  Tom glanced at Cassie as she watched bag after bag emerge from the baggage carousel. Did Lauren mention her age? Know for sure she didn’t tell me her niece is drop-dead gorgeous. Or an adult. She’s not a giddy teenager. He could see a slight resemblance to Lauren, but that’s because he already knew the relationship. Instead of auburn hair like Lauren, Cassie’s light brown hair featured soft pink highlights near her face and darker rose where the thick hair fell past her shoulders. Hazel eyes hinted playfulness, and her taller-than-average athletic figure suggested an interest in a variety of sports. Runner? Tennis? Swimmer? The tight jeans and form-fitting cotton top captured not only his attention but also that of almost every man who passed.

  Tom followed when Cassie moved closer to the conveyer belt and asked which suitcase to grab. Make that suitcases. He pulled three bags from the carrousel, then glanced at her. “Any more?”

  “Nope,” Cassie laughed. “Remember, I had to pack for a year.”

  “Hope Lauren mentioned that Tampa only has two seasons…warm and hot.”

  “Oh, I hope so! I hate cold and rainy weather. Though, I may have packed a few sweaters and a jacket, just in case.”

  Tom reached for the two larger suitcases and asked Cassie if she could handle the roll-along bag.

  “I managed all three when I checked in,” Cassie said with a smile as she grabbed the handle and pulled the bag behind her.

  While Cassie completed the paperwork for her phone’s screen replacement, Tom contacted Lauren and Caryn to let them know the reason for the delay. Cassie met him at the entrance to the Apple Store.

  “They said it’ll take about an hour. Is that a problem, Tom? I can ask Lauren to bring me to pick it up later.”

  She watched Tom glance at his watch. “No trouble. Just enough time to get lunch. Both Lauren and Caryn said for you to take your time and don’t worry.” His slow smile made Cassie’s heart twitch a bit. “Ready to dine like a local?”

  “Absolutely, if you explain the local delicacies.” Tom pressed his palm against her lower back as he guided her through the busy mall.

  Could my luck get any better? Met at the airport by a gorgeous man and now getting my first taste of Florida cuisine. Sweet! Welcome to Tampa, Cassie Johnson. Hope it’s a sign of a great year to come.

  Tom took her to a charming, small restaurant that he said had a typical Florida vibe. One glance around the diner-like setup and Cassie approved of the atmosphere.

  “Counter or booth?” The hostess approached them, menus in hand.

  Cassie saw Tom look to her for an answer. “Whichever you prefer. I’m sleep-deprived and shouldn’t make important decisions.” She heard Tom’s quiet chuckle as he led her to an empty booth.

  “Then, I hope where to sit is the most important decision you need to make today, Cassie.” Tom’s eyes reflected the teasing tone.

  “Works for me.” She smothered a laugh as the hostess handed them menus and took their drink orders.

  “What do you recommend?” Cassie asked, scanning the menu. “I’ve never heard of some of these…hush puppies? Shrimp with grits? Dolphin burger? Tell me Floridians don’t eat those amazing creatures I hope to swim among one day?”

  “Definitely not,” Tom assured her with a smile. “This is the dolphin fish—sometimes called Mahi Mahi. Different species from dolphins—the mammals—you see in movies and on TV.” He met her eyes. “The fish chowder’s my favorite—you could try that with hush puppies if you’re okay with fish?”

  “I’m feeling adventurous…sounds wonderful. You going to tell me about hush puppies?”

  “That’s a great surprise. I think you’ll enjoy them with honey butter. Did you know several places offer swimming with dolphins in central Florida?”

  “I hope I can experience that while I’m here.” Cassie paused for a moment. “But not in one of those concrete pools. I can’t stand the thought of them in captivity.”

  “We can investigate options in the Gulf. I’d enjoy an up close and personal encounter with dolphins.” Tom’s smile caused Cassie’s heart to flip. She felt her face growing warm and picked up the menu again, hoping to screen her face.

  3

  Tom opened the front door for Cassie, and they followed the sound of fussy babies to an enormous open room. Picture windows overlooked a landscaped pool and deck, covered on all sides by what Lauren called a lanai. She recognized it from photos that Lauren shared from Dave’s nearby house.

  Cassie’s face reflected her delight when she saw the twins—Daniel and Jenna—nestled in her aunt’s and Caryn’s arms.

  “Welcome to Tampa,” Caryn greeted her.

  “So happy you’re here, Cassie,” Lauren said as she hugged her with her free arm. “I don’t think I need to introduce you to Caryn.”

  “I feel like I know you,” Cassie said. “Thank you for trusting me to help with your sweet babies…and for the airline seats. I felt so pampered.”

  “Good.” Caryn’s smile was warm. “Please try to remember that when one of these angels spits up on you, or when they won’t stop crying no mat
ter what you do.” She looked down at Daniel, who was now sleeping in her arms. “Would you like to help me put these darlings down for their nap?”

  Cassie’s grin spread across her face. “Please, I’d love to!”

  Lauren placed Jenna in Cassie’s arms. “You have her?”

  Cassie nodded, gathering the baby against her chest. “You’re just beautiful, you know that, Miss Jenna?” She followed Caryn to the nursery.

  “Which bedroom, Car?” Tom asked. “I’ll fetch Cassie’s luggage.”

  “Thank you for meeting her at the airport, Tom,” Lauren said as she walked beside him to retrieve Cassie’s bags.

  “No problem. At least after I convinced her I wasn’t a serial killer.” Tom watched as Lauren stopped and stared at him.

  “What? Didn’t she read…”

  “Her cell phone screen broke before she received your message. Once I showed her the photo you sent me, she took the risk.” His lips hinted at a smile.