That Touch of Pink Read Online Free PDF

tea,” he pointed out, recalling her remark about pools and sissy drinks.
    The sweats were good, but he’d give a lot to see her in a bikini by that pool, and maybe wet… Damn, he was going to have to get his thoughts under control or he was dead in the water. Nora was right. There was a striking physical resemblance between Abby and his ex-wife. But, now that the shock had worn off, he could see the differences. Abby’s eyes were brown, a warm rich shade of cocoa, and there was a sweetness about her Barb had never possessed. But there were similarities, too, like they both needed him. Different reasons, but Abby still wanted something from him. He needed to get out of this ASAP.
    â€œThe outdoors isn’t my cup of tea,” she confirmed. “But Kimmie wants her hiking and camping badges. I figured a survival weekend would kill two birds with one stone—maximize my auction purchase. It’s only one night. I can suck it up.”
    â€œYou think so? Without hot showers, or cold, for that matter, since there won’t be running water. Dirt is a major component. The ground is hard and damn cold.TV is out of the question. No electricity,” he explained. “It’s dark and Mother Nature didn’t think to install street lights. Not a whole lot to do but sit around and watch the leaves fall. No froufrou food or microwaves.”
    â€œBecause there’s no electricity?” she asked sweetly, too sweetly.
    â€œEven if there was, a microwave would be too bulky and heavy to backpack in. Only necessities get lugged over rugged terrain.” He planted his feet wide apart and rested his hands on his hips as he stared down at her. “It’s primitive and uncomfortable. So you see—”
    â€œNo.” She started to walk by him.
    He stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Wait a minute. What does that mean?”
    â€œYou should know. It’s what you told me a little while ago. What part of ‘no’ don’t you understand?”
    â€œI know what it means. Are you saying you got the message that camping isn’t for you and you’ll let me reimburse you—with interest—for what you paid at the auction?”
    â€œAnd let you off the hook?”
    â€œA man can hope.”
    â€œNot a chance.” She took a step toward him, close enough that their bodies were nearly touching and the subtle, sexy fragrance of her perfume filled his head and fogged his brain. “I understand that you weren’t expecting Kimmie and I when you donated the weekend campout. But we’re what you got. And now you’re stuck with us. If you’re going to fulfill your obligation to the foundation, you need to suck it up and get over whatever prejudice you’ve got against—”
    â€œIt’s okay, Mommy.”
    Abby whirled away from him at the sound of her daughter’s voice. The little girl was sitting cross-legged, with her feminine little robe tucked around her, just inside the attic opening. Riley didn’t have a clue how long she’d been there. Not good for a man who’d at one time prided himself on being able to hear a leaf drop when his life depended on it. And for reasons he didn’t want to think about, he was feeling as if his life depended on making this stubborn woman understand why he couldn’t do what he’d promised.
    Abby went to her child and squatted next to her. “What’s okay, sweetie?”
    â€œIf he doesn’t want to take us on the campout, it’s all right.”
    â€œI know how much you want your survival badges, Kimmie.”
    â€œI did, but—” The little girl shrugged.
    â€œYou know if you don’t get both of these badges in the next six weeks, you can’t go on to the next level in The Bluebonnets.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œAnd Caitlyn will be going on ahead of you into a more advanced group with a different leader. Remember she’s