Bare Naked: Naked Cowboys, Book 4 by Desiree Holt Read Free Book Online Page A

feeding you the biggest line.”
    “You know, Georgie, when they say it takes one to know one, they’re right. I was the world’s biggest bullshitter. Believe me, I’d know if you were feeding me a line. I was the champion.”
    He took a chance and rubbed his thumb over her hand where it lay in his palm. He wondered if she was even aware of it. And if she was, did it feel as good to her as it did to him? He was dipping his toe in dangerous waters here. He couldn’t believe how badly he wanted this woman. But one wrong move and he could be out on his ass again.
    “So what happened after that?” he prodded. “I’m sure you didn’t leave just because of some snotty bitches and asswipe men.”
    “No. I guess it’s an old, old story. Everett Carlton retired and the man who moved into his spot didn’t have the same respect for me Everett did. He made it very plain I was trash as far as he was concerned. If I wanted my job, I could keep it on my back and on my knees. Take it or leave it.”
    Her words struck a painful chord with Cade. How many times had he used the same tactics on a woman who wanted to hang around rich Cade Hannigan? Seeing things through her eyes made him want to crawl into a hole and stay there.
    “Couldn’t you file a sexual harassment charge?” he asked.
    “Are you kidding? He flat out told me put out or get out. If I’d tried to file charges, he’d have made sure I never worked anywhere again. And trust me, he had that kind of power and influence.”
    Just like I used to. What a friggin’ asshole I was.
    Georgie—sweet, warm, honest Georgie—somehow made him understand that he’d been someone with no redeeming qualities. The picture of himself that blasted into his brain disgusted him.
    “So you left Dallas.”
    She nodded. “Ever since I started in the hospitality business, I’ve dreamed of owning my own B&B. I mean, that’s all it was. A dream. Where did Georgie Zielinski from the wrong side of the tracks get off thinking she could do that, right?”
    “I’m ashamed to admit that not that long ago I might have thought that. But not anymore. So go on.”
    “I had a lot of money saved. Never had much to spend it on. When I found this place on the Internet, I emptied out my bank account and my 401K, and here I am. I figured when this place was so cheap it was a sign, right?” She chuckled. “A sign that I’d lost my mind.”
    Without even thinking, he lifted her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips over her knuckles. “I can’t remember the last time I met someone with your kind of courage. You make me ashamed of myself. You’ve got guts and smarts, Georgie. You’ll make this work. And I’m going to help you.”
    She studied his face carefully, searching for something.
    “I’m probably the most gullible woman in the world, but two weeks ago, when you showed up at my door, I sensed there was someone decent hiding inside. Someone you’d kept buried for a long time. We’re like kindred souls, you know? Tossed out with no place to go but up.”
    He had to laugh. “Georgie, you’re so far above me it isn’t even funny. You had no control over what happened to you. I did and I fucked up. Badly. But I’m going to prove that your faith in me isn’t misplaced.”
    Their faces were scant inches apart now, and he knew if he didn’t kiss her pretty soon he’d explode. Yet he didn’t want to screw up the only good thing to happen to him in a long time. Maybe ever.
     
    Georgie could feel her heart beating rapidly and was sure Cade could see the thrumming of her pulse at the hollow of her throat. She had no business getting intimate with Cade Hannigan, but her body wanted him more than she wanted food.
    In for a penny, Georgie. What can you lose? He’s got no place to go, right?
    She leaned closer, conscious that his thumb was still stroking her knuckles softly.
    “How forward will you think I am if I ask you to kiss me?” she asked.
    He smiled. “I’d say, hallelujah.