Stripped Naked (Naked Cowboys) Read Online Free PDF Page A

“And you’re just in time for margaritas. Come on. I have some people for you to meet.”
    Jinx managed to walk without stumbling, all the while trying to calm her heart that unexpectedly kicked into cha-cha rhythm at the sight of Dillon Cross. Dressed in jeans and boots as he’d been the other day, he stood next to a patio table talking to Matt Stark. Without the jacket he’d been wearing she could get a better view of his body, the muscular build, the wide shoulders and lean hips. Today there was no hat to cover the sun streaks in his hair or shade that strong-jawed face.
    “Hey, all.” Amy waved a hand. “Look who’s here.”
    Conversation came to a halt and everyone turned to look at Jinx.
    “Thanks for the spotlight,” she grumbled under her breath.
    Matt grinned at her as he came forward to give her a hug. “I hear you’ve kicked New York City to the curb and come home to roost,” he teased.
    “So it seems.” She just hoped they didn’t all know the sordid details of her retreat from the East Coast. “And I brought you some extra copies of my first front-page story.”
    “And a yummy chocolate cake,” Amy added. She picked it up from the table where she’d placed it. “I’ll just take this into the kitchen and get it out of the heat.”
    She handed the newspapers to Matt who put them down on a chair. Then he reached out a hand to draw forward a very pretty blonde standing by the big patio table.
    “Jinx, this is my wife and the love of my life, Reenie.”
    “I’m really glad to meet you.” Reenie Stark gave her an impulsive hug. “Amy and Matt are very excited that you’ve come back to Rowan County. Especially since you’re taking over the newspaper from your dad.”
    “You get a big medal for getting Matt to settle down,” Jinx told her. “Amy and I weren’t sure it would ever happen.”
    “I made him work for it.” She chuckled.
    “And this is my hunk.” Amy reached out to a man whose size easily dwarfed Amy’s petite frame.
    Jinx looked at the tall dark man as he moved to stand with his arm curled protectively around his wife. Solid strength rolled from him in waves and the look of absolute love in his eyes was so intense it nearly brought her to her knees. She wondered if a man would ever look at her that way.
    “Matt suggested inviting our new sheriff tonight too,” Amy went on. She waved at Dillon, standing to the side, apart from the happy couples. “I don’t guess he’s had much time to develop a social life here.” She shifted her gaze to Jinx, mischief sparkling in her eyes. “And I hear the two of you have already met.”
    Dillon Cross looked at her, his face expressionless but his gaze sliding over her like the glide of smooth satin on her skin.
    Jinx dipped her head in acknowledgment. “We have.”
    Dillon’s mouth curved in a hint of a grin. “We met over the dead body.” He nodded at her feet. “I see you got rid of the New York shoes for some sensible boots.” A touch of humor tinged his voice.
    What was it with people here and what she put on her feet?
    “I didn’t realize my footwear would be such a topic of conversation.”
    Amy laughed. “It’s just that people around here aren’t used to seeing women tripping around in spike heels and short tight skirts. We’re a lot more casual than that.”
    “Boots and jeans are the Rowan County fashion statement,” Reenie added.
    “Okay, enough about my shoes. Or boots. Or whatever. Ooh, look.” She forced a deliberate change of subject. “Amy, I was jonesing for one of your famous kickass margaritas.” She accepted the salt-rimmed glass Amy handed her and took a grateful sip. The cool spicy liquid slid easily down her throat. “Just as good as ever,” she pronounced, licking her lips.
    “Reenie and I were getting blitzed on them the night she and Matt met,” Amy told her. “That’s quite a story.”
    “Which we don’t need to discuss in polite company,” Matt cut in. “So, Dillon. What’s