02 Buck Naked Read Online Free PDF Page A

from someplace? You look real familiar.”
    Buck’s gut tightened, but he put a polite smile on his face. “Probably around town.” He held out his hand. “Buck Montgomery. I recently bought the Hayes Ranch and I’m working to get it up to speed again.”
    “Nice to meet you.” The man shook his hand. “Ted Rawlins. I have a spread about five miles from yours. Run a couple thousand head of Charolaise cattle. Stop by sometimes, if you’d like.”
    “Thanks. Nice of you to offer. Right now, though, I’m hip deep in getting my place going again.”
    “Well, maybe we’ll see each other again. The town’s not that big.” He frowned. “Sure you’ve never been here before?”
    “No. Sorry.”
    Buck shoved his hands in his pockets so the other man wouldn’t see how tightly he fisted his hands to maintain his control. Damn. Just his luck to run into this guy.
    “Yeah, maybe you’re right.” Rawlins rubbed his jaw. “But I could swear I’ve seen you someplace else.”
    Buck shrugged. “Never been around this area before. But I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.”
    The other man nodded. “No doubt. Well, nice meeting you.”
    “Same here.”
    Buck didn’t draw a full breath until he was back at his truck. Damn. He’d chosen this place because he’d never performed here before, so the chances of someone recognizing him were very slim. He hoped Ted Rawlins was the exception rather than the rule regarding the number of people who might recognize Narsimha. He’d left that person with all his problems far behind. He hoped that part of his life would soon be buried completely. Maybe then he could settle completely into his new life and indulge his overwhelming need to plunge himself into Amy Stark’s small but lush body.
    Meanwhile, he still had Saturday night dinner to get through without pissing someone off. Why the fuck did he have to have a deep desire for probably the one woman he should stay away from?

Chapter Three
    Amy changed clothes a dozen times before six o’clock rolled around Saturday night. She’d taken out the plates and silverware, made sure there was plenty of cold beer in the fridge, and left Matt marinating the steaks and heating the grill and Reenie tossing the salad. That afternoon, she’d baked and frosted her special Decadent Dose of Chocolate Cake. Now, showered, hair freshly washed, she had half her closet strewn across her bed.
    What is the matter with me? Why am I even worried about his impression of me? He’s a jerk. Keep that in mind.
    Yes, indeed. Buck Montgomery was irritating, frustrating and everything in between. She still smarted from the condescending attitude he’d carried when he stopped to help her with her truck. And what was up with him blowing hot and cold the way he had at lunch? One minute he was all friendly, and the next he made a freezer look hot. If he had personal problems, she sure didn’t want to deal with them. She was still smarting from the last disastrous breakup that had thrown her into a tailspin. That one had been so humiliating she’d made a resolution to avoid any relationships of any kind for a long time. So why couldn’t she get Buck Montgomery out of her head?
    However, despite her internal arguments and self-admonishments, she still took her time in the shower, trying to settle her mind, convince herself this was just a friendly dinner with a neighbor and that’s how she’d look at it. Matt and Reenie would be there, for God’s sake. What was the big honking deal? Even as she slathered on scented lotion and sprayed a light mist of perfume around herself, she was still cursing the part of her that was attracted to him.
    Just remember all the assholes, and add him to the list. They’re all the same.
    But, she reminded herself, hope springs eternal in the breast of foolish women. She’d just have to quench it, play hostess and move along.
    She finally decided on a pair of embroidered jeans and a peasant blouse that set off her