Read 02 Buck Naked for Free Online

warming drawer, wincing when her hand hit the edge of the metal. “Ouch.”
    “Careful.” Reenie’s voice held an edge of humor. “You get too close to heat you can get burned.”
    “See?” Amy whirled around. “That’s what I mean. I’ve been burned so many times my scars have scars. And Buck Montgomery is no different than any of the other jerks that have passed through my life. Worse maybe, because he keeps sending out mixed signals.”
    Reenie took the potatoes from her and set them on the counter. “Stop,” she said. “Just stop and take a breath.”
    Amy sucked the burned spot on her hand and stared at her sister-in-law.
    “How long have we known each other?” Reenie asked. “A long time, right?” She grinned. “Didn’t I help you drag your brother’s naked body to bed the first time we got together after years?”
    Amy had to laugh. She still had flashbacks to that really weird night. “But you two ended up together.”
    “That’s what I mean. Despite the fact he was the biggest, baddest player in the area. If you had asked me then if I’d consider even going out with such a jerk, I’d have said you were crazy. But look at us now.” The look on her face softened. “Maybe there’s something there for you and Buck, maybe not. But don’t write it off so quickly because of the past. Yours or his.”
    Amy shrugged. “I’ll give it some thought. Now can we finish bringing the food out?”
    Reenie laughed. “Let’s do it.”
    The evening seemed to go more smoothly after that, probably because she’d forced herself to relax and just be part of the conversation. But she was still acutely aware of Buck’s nearness. Of his masculine scent. Of the invisible attraction simmering between them. And the conflicted feelings he projected. She wished to hell she knew what that was all about.
    They sat for so long over dessert that it was full dark when Buck rose from his chair.
    “This has been great, and I really appreciate it, but I think I’d better get going. Tomorrow may be Sunday, but I’ve got a hellacious amount of work to do.” He reached out a hand to Matt, who shook it. “Thanks for the hospitality and the great food. As soon as I get set up at the ranch—hopefully in this century—I’d like to reciprocate.”
    “Just say you’ll go to the Cattleman’s Ball with us and we’ll call it square.”
    Buck paused, then nodded. “Only if you let me pay for the tickets.” He held up a hand as Matt started to object. “Take it or leave it. It’s the least I can do after this and all the help you’ve given me. And offered.”
    “That’s very nice of you,” Reenie said. “We accept, and I’m glad we’ll all be going together.”
    “Me too,” Matt echoed. “Amy, why don’t you walk Buck to his truck? I’ll help Reenie carry this stuff into the house.”
    Amy’s stomach did a funny little flip. Walk him to his truck? In the dark?
    “I think I can find my way,” Buck said.
    “Forget it. It’s just good manners.” Matt looked at her. “Amy?”
    She pasted on a smile, trying not to think about the sudden rush of heat. “Of course. Come on, Buck. Besides, this way I get out of kitchen duty.”
    They walked in silence to the far side of the house where the parking area was. The night was so still she could hear the sounds of her own breathing. Finally, they reached his big, shiny, black truck—she always thought of them as an extension of men’s penises—and stood there while he fished his keys from his pocket.
    “Well,” she said, not knowing what else to say.
    He turned and was so close she was sure only a piece of paper could slide between them.
    “Well, indeed.”
    Her heart was thumping so loudly she wondered if he could hear it.
    Run. Run as fast as you can.
    Then his hands were on her shoulders and his mouth took hers in a bruising kiss she felt all the way to the soles of her feet. Her body went liquid, her mouth opening for him as if it was the most natural