That Touch of Pink Read Online Free PDF Page B

getting her last badge at the next meeting?”
    The little girl nodded. “But it’s okay. Grandma told me that disappointment is part of life. And growing up means learning to live with it.”
    â€œI let you down. Sweetie, I’m so sorry—” Abby’s voice broke.
    â€œIt’s not you, Mommy. If my daddy had come back like he promised, he’d have taken me camping. But he stayed in California. I’m six now. I’m big enough to understand.”
    â€œI wish I was,” Abby mumbled. “Why did you come up here? Did you need something?”
    â€œYou need to tuck me in. It’s time for bed.” Her voice broke on the last word and her chin started quivering just before she disappeared through the opening.
    Riley felt like pond scum. Slimier than pond scum. Both of them were close to tears. Damn it to hell. If he agreed, he would have to hang with Abby overnight. That was a bad idea, outdoors or anywhere else. And if it was just her, he could have stuck to his guns and pulled out of the op. In the Rangers, he’d worked and trained and prided himself on being the toughest of the tough. But nothing had hardened him enough to say no to a six-year-old who’d already gotten a bum deal.
    Charm was no match for a little girl’s tears.
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œWhat?” Abby turned her big brown eyes on him.
    If he hadn’t already caved, he’d be in danger now. “I’ll take you and Kimmie camping.”
    She blinked, then the corners of her mouth curved into a brilliant smile that turned her killer dimples loose on him. She threw herself against him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
    She felt way too good, soft in all the right places and he was relieved when she pulled away.
    â€œWhat do we need to bring?”
    He ran his hand through his hair. “I’ll bring the equipment. You and Kim be ready at six a.m. on Saturday morning.”
    â€œAye, aye, sir.”
    â€œThat’s Navy. Yes, sir, will suffice.”
    â€œYes, sir. Whatever you say, sir,” she said, brown eyes shining.
    That look backed him up a step. It was the same one she’d had just before throwing her arms around him. He wanted her to do it again; at the same time, he knew it was a very bad idea. Because if she ever hugged him again, he knew he’d really get into it. He’d pull her as close as he could get her and press his mouth to hers.
    Bad didn’t begin to describe this situation. He just hoped he didn’t regret this decision.
    Â 
    Abby glanced at Riley’s impassive face and wished she knew what he was thinking. Scratch that. It would probably be better if she didn’t know. She watched a sleepy Kimmie play with the soggy cocoa cereal in her bowl. They were already behind schedule because Riley had spent ten minutes disapproving of their attire. Capris were bad—legs need to be covered in heavy-duty material to prevent scratches and bug bites. They’d changed into jeans. Their shoes were an accident waiting to happen—sandals gave no support or protection. They’d changed again.
    She watched him watch Kimmie. “If I’d known there was a dress code, I would have followed it.”
    His gaze swung to hers. “Noted.”
    â€œOkay, Kim, I think you’re finished,” she said, sliding the bowl off the table and carrying it to the sink. As quickly as possible, she dumped the remaining light brown milk and cereal, ran the disposal, then put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. “We’ve already disrupted Mr. Dixon’s schedule.”
    â€œIt makes good sense to set up camp in the daylight,” he said.
    His delivery was so smooth, Abby almost missed the subtle sarcasm. “Then we’d better get a move on.”
    Kim rested her cheek in her palm. “I’m sleepy, Mommy.”
    â€œI know, sweetie. But you can sleep in Mr.