That Touch of Pink by Teresa Southwick Read Free Book Online Page B

told whoever it was she was going to be a little late picking up Kimmie. After flipping the cell closed, she held it out.
    â€œWhat about your car?” he asked. As he took the phone, he could almost see sparks where their fingers brushed. The way her gaze skittered away from his told him she’d felt it, too.
    â€œI’ll go to the administration office and see if anyone’s still there to help me. Doggone it, I was planning to get a new car as soon as I saved the down payment. This thing’s got to last just a little longer.”
    â€œI know a good mechanic,” he offered. “And he’s not too expensive.”
    â€œTranslation—he won’t take advantage of a woman who doesn’t speak fluent automotive.”
    â€œPretty much.” He saw her hesitate. “I could give him a call and have him swing by. If necessary, he can tow it into the shop.”
    â€œI guess I don’t have much choice. And that sounded terribly ungrateful.” She sighed. “Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”
    â€œOkay.” He flipped the phone open and checked his speed dial list until he found the number he wanted and pushed the connect button. Then he arranged to have her car looked at. “Bob will be here in about forty-five minutes to check it out. If it is the battery, he’ll pop one in for you.”
    â€œGood. Thanks.” Then she frowned. “But I can’t wait for him. I have to pick up Kimmie before six. That’s when her day care closes.”
    â€œYou don’t need to be here. He’ll check it out and give you the good, bad and ugly.”
    â€œThat only solves one of my problems. I have to get to Kimmie’s day care.”
    â€œI’ll take you.” The words rolled out of his mouth before he could stop them. But he wouldn’t have stopped them even if he could have. A guy didn’t abandon a lady in distress.
    She shook her head. “I’ve already inconvenienced you enough.”
    â€œNo inconvenience. It’s quitting time.”
    â€œThen you’re probably anxious to get home. I’ll just call a friend to get Kimmie.”
    â€œBut I’m already here. Ready, willing and able. Why drag someone else out?”
    â€œI don’t know. It’s just—”
    â€œLook, you can beat around the bush for a while if you want. I can’t stop you. But the bottom line is I don’t mind and if you say the word, we can get your daughter before she’s even aware there’s a problem.”
    This was where he was getting into dangerous territory. It wasn’t abandoning her if she had someone else to call. But he’d just made a case for her to accept his help. Above and beyond the call of duty. Damn it. Every time he did that, it bit him in the backside. And the high level of anticipation for her affirmative answer told him exactly how ready, willing and able he was. It also told him how much he needed to keep his mouth shut from now on.
    He watched expressions come and go over Abby’s face. And she had one very beautiful, very expressive face, he noted. He could see her reluctance to take anything from him, for which he couldn’t blame her. His charm, and he’d been told he did have some, had been in short supply whenever he’d been around her. He saw apprehension in her eyes and wondered what she was afraid of. Finally, he noted capitulation when she realized he was right.
    â€œIf you’re sure—” She chewed the corner of her lip as she met his gaze.
    â€œIf I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have offered. My car’s over here.”
    She followed and he opened the passenger door of his SUV. She started to step up, then hesitated. Instantly he saw her dilemma. The tight skirt, while pleasing to his eye, would make it a challenge to get into the vehicle without compromising her modesty.
    He put his hands at her waist and said, “Allow me.”
    Before she