That Touch of Pink Read Online Free PDF Page A

seen so far confirmed his decision to return her money. Shaking his head, he climbed the stairs and found the attic access just as Kimmie had said. As he got closer to the ceiling opening, there was the distinct scraping sound of boxes being moved followed by a lot of grunting and panting.
    Riley poked his head through the opening and noticed the attic was crudely finished, with a wooden floor and unpainted wallboard. Obviously she used it for storage, but judging by the boxes stacked against the walls and so high over her head she couldn’t reach them, he figured she hadn’t put them there. She’d said she didn’t have a husband. But that didn’t rule out boyfriends.
    In sweatpants and a white T-shirt, a barefoot Abby stood with her back to him. Without the flowing skirt, he could see for himself that she was as curvy as he’d guessed. Before he could shut down the thought, he realized he was glad she wasn’t wearing jeans that would compress her softness into stiff denim. Quickly he clamped the lid on that image even as his palms tingled at the idea of touching her.
    She reached up for a box and maneuvered it forward, then staggered under the weight. He moved quickly to take it from her and when she saw him, she jumped back with a screech of surprise.
    She pressed her hand to her heaving chest. “What are you doing here? How did you know where I live?”
    â€œIt’s my business. I’m in security.”
    â€œFunny how that doesn’t make me feel secure.”
    Ignoring her verbal projectile, he said, “Kimmie let me in.”
    She rubbed a finger beneath her nose. “I guess I need to give her a refresher course in stranger danger.”
    â€œI’m not a danger. Besides, she asked who was at the door.”
    â€œBecause she’s not tall enough to see through the peephole.”
    â€œAre you?” He gauged her height. “Tall enough to see out of it, I mean.”
    â€œI think it was installed by the Jolly Green Giant. But that’s beside the point and doesn’t explain what you’re doing here.”
    â€œI wanted to talk to you, Ms. Walsh. To apologize for my behavior earlier.”
    â€œOh?” She fixed him with a skeptical look as she folded her arms beneath her breasts.
    Her stance did interesting things to her chest and he had to regroup to remember why he was there. Charm. Yeah. That was it. “I may have been a little abrupt—”
    â€œMay have been? Abrupt? Buster, you could give lessons.”
    â€œOkay. I deserve that. And I’m here to say I’m sorry.” He watched her face, waiting for a sign that his charm was working. A second later, her mouth softened and a small smile set off her dimples. He wondered how many men she’d brought to their knees with them.
    â€œI accept your apology, Mr. Dixon.”
    â€œRiley,” he said.
    â€œAnd I’m Abby. As opposed to Ms. Walsh.”
    â€œOkay. Look, I wanted to talk to you about the survival weekend.”
    â€œActually if you hadn’t stopped by tonight, I was going to drop in at your office tomorrow to discuss it.”
    â€œGreat minds,” he said, referring to thinking alike.
    â€œYeah.” She rested her hands on her hips. “You first. What did you want to say?”
    â€œFirst, may I say what a lovely daughter you have.”
    Her face brightened at the words. “Thank you. I think she’s pretty special.”
    â€œAnd very pretty, too. The pink satin princess thing works for her.”
    â€œYeah. She likes to take her bath early and watch television before bed. The pajamas and robe are her favorites and—”
    â€œNot warm enough for camping.”
    The expression of benevolence disappeared, replaced by skepticism. “I wouldn’t let her wear them camping.”
    â€œIt’s not just the sleepwear. Camping is an all-or-nothing sort of thing. You admitted it’s not your cup of