Every Move She Makes. Jannine Gallant

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СКАЧАТЬ we didn’t meet anyone else from camp.”

      “Bob and I saw Olmstead earlier. Then, not long ago, I ran across the guy who brought the blond bombshell.”

      “Curt Dawson. The blonde is Tiffany.” Kane pulled out his water bottle.

      “Well Tiffany wasn’t with him. She doesn’t strike me as much of a hiker. Did you have a nice day?”

      Rachel nodded. “We ate lunch up at a little lake. Where’s your friend?”

      Chip shrugged. His gaze rested on her for a long moment before he glanced away. “I’m not sure. We got separated a couple of hours ago. Bob’s probably back at camp by now.”

      When they reached the cabins, Chip went into his, and she walked down to the lake beside Kane to look for her girls. Ivy and Jade were with Hillary, a petite Asian woman, building a castle out of sand and rocks. Lark sunbathed on the dock with Lauren.

      “Hi, Mom.” Ivy glanced up and smiled. “I painted the most beautiful picture. You’re going to love it.”

      “I’m sure I will. Did you have fun?”

      She nodded, her ponytail bobbing. “Hillary showed me how to paint shadows. It was so cool.”

      Rachel smiled at the young woman. “Thanks for taking Ivy with your group.”

      Hillary’s dark eyes sparkled with good humor. “We had a great time. Kane, I think Jed was looking for you earlier.”

      “I’ll go find him in a minute. How were the games, Jade?”

      “I won the running and swimming races, but this boy name Leo beat me at rowing. Of course it wasn’t exactly fair since little Rex was my partner.”

      Rachel squeezed her shoulder. “Sounds like you had a good time despite the loss.”

      “Yeah, it was pretty fun.”

      “I’m going to go talk to Lark, and then maybe we should all take showers before dinner.”

      Jade rolled her eyes and pushed Daisy away from the castle. “Geez, Mom, I was in the water half the day.”

      “Yes, but it wouldn’t kill you to use soap.”

      “I’d better go see what Jed wants. I’ll see you later.” Kane touched her cheek in a gentle stroke before hurrying up the path.

      Rachel let out a breath then walked over to the dock and sat down next to the two older girls. “How was your hike?”

      “It was really great.” Lauren flipped long hair over her shoulder. “Lark and I got tired after lunch, so Kevin brought us back to camp. Dad kept going. I think he’s still out there.”

      Lark wore a hot pink bikini with her tattoo prominently displayed. “We’ve been here for hours. You were certainly gone long enough.”

      “We hiked quite a distance before stopping to eat.”

      Her daughter’s eyes narrowed. “Your cheeks and chin are pink.”

      “I guess I should have used more sunscreen.”

      “Or Kane should have shaved closer this morning.”

      Rachel grasped the edge of the dock and counted slowly. “I’m taking your sisters up to the shower. Would you like to join us?”

      “Maybe later.”

      “That’s fine, but don’t stay out here too long. Both of you look like you’ve had enough sun for one day.”

      “We won’t.” Lauren gave her a friendly smile. As Rachel walked away, the girl spoke in a low voice. “It must be so cool having a mom who used to be an actress.”

      “She was just on a soap opera. It was no big deal.” Lark sighed. “My dad was really famous. I wish he hadn’t died.”

      Silently Rachel cursed Bryce for the millionth time, damning him for leaving his girls without a father. If he hadn’t been skiing out of bounds, the tragedy never would have happened.

      She called to Jade and Ivy then headed back toward the cabin. As they reached it, Kane approached.

      “Get your shower stuff and a change of clothes, girls. I’ll be with you in a minute.” They went inside as Rachel waited by the door.

      “What’s up?”

      “I have to go.” He swept a hand through his hair. “My dad threw his back out playing golf, and he’s confined to his bed for a few days.”

      “Is he going to be all right?”

      “I think so. It happened once before, and he recovered fairly quickly. That time my mom was still alive to take care of him. Now it’s up to me and Jed, and obviously I’m the logical choice for the job.”

      “Of course you should go. Where does your dad live?”

      “Down in Reno. I’m really sorry about this. I was hoping to spend a lot more time with you this week.” Lines radiated at the corners of his eyes as he squinted against the sun.

      “Maybe you’ll get back before we leave.”

      “Let’s hope. Damn.” He pulled her roughly into his arms and kissed her.

      She was breathless when he let go.

      Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a business card. “I wrote my cell number on the back. If I don’t see you again before you leave, I hope you’ll call me when you get home.”

      “I will.”

      “I’m sorry, Rachel.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her one last time. “I’ll see you.”

      A giggle distracted her as Kane strode away. She turned slowly. Ivy’s face was pressed against a crack in the door.

      “Kane kissed you.”

      “It was a good-bye kiss. He has to leave. Are you ready for a shower?”

      Her youngest nodded. “Is Daisy coming with us?”

      “No, you can fill her water bowl while I get my things together.”

      Rachel showered then went to dinner. She chatted with the other campers and toasted marshmallows with her girls, but her heart wasn’t in it. The spark that had made the previous evening so much fun was missing. Sternly, she told herself to get over it. They had five more days in camp, and she was determined to enjoy them. Kane was only a temporary fixture in her life. She’d do well to remember that.

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