Naked by Gina Gordon Read Free Book Online Page B

heavy beat of her heart against her chest. She knocked once, but the force of her hand caused the door to push open.

    The music got louder as the door swung wide and she heard a strong female laugh. Disappointment bloomed in her stomach.
    She hadn’t spoken to him all week. Maybe he thought she wasn’t interested and invited someone else.
    “Hi there.”
    A petite blonde leaned against the doorframe that led to the front room. She wrapped the shiny strands of her hair behind her ear with two dainty fingers and rested her hip on the archway. She wore a pink sweater set and pearls around her neck. It was just like something Violet would have worn. B.S.—Before scarring.
    She smiled, a sweet little curl to her lips that immediately set Violet at ease. Damn it. She was cute. Sweet. The porcelain skin of her neck and chest were exposed. Perfect. A sight she’d never see on herself again.
    This feeling was new. This terror and inadequacy rolling over her like a tidal wave, causing her to have to remember to breathe. She was such an idiot. How could she expect a hot virtual stranger would want to ask her on a date—or for sex? Or anything. Like he was actually the type of man who’d wait around for her to decide if she wanted a kiss. This girl was probably a sure thing. Why else would she be here?
    You’re here? You want to be a sure thing.
    “You must be Violet.” How the hell did she know her name? Was he planning some kind of sex party? She wanted to experiment but orgy wasn’t on the list.
    She nodded and walked into the house. It smelled like wood and orange-scented cleaner.

    Nervousness gripped her, and if she wasn’t careful, she was going to bust the jar of olives in her hand if she squeezed it any tighter.
    “Violet!” A familiar voice boomed from over her shoulder.
    When she turned, Noah stood in the hallway, a hammer in his hand, sweat glistening on his perfect skin. He wore only a tank top and track pants that were much too low on his hips. He hadn’t shaved. Lord have mercy. He had a good four days’ worth of stubble on his face.
    There was no surprise in his voice. As if he knew she was going to show up. How could he when she’d only decided that morning?
    He grinned, so casual and easy. She’d give anything to have the sense of peace that followed him around. “You’ve met my sister, Charlotte?”
    Sister?
    Violet whipped her head around to the young girl. She still had that same sweet smile, but this time she gave a fluttery wave of her fingers in greeting.
    Sister.
    The tension that had tightened in her stomach eased. This wasn’t a sex party. He hadn’t forgotten about her. In fact, he looked positively happy to see her.
    “Violet, you all right?”
    She nodded. Swallowing hard, she finally managed to get out some words. “Yes. Hi.” Instead of extending one hand in greeting, she thrust out both hands. “I brought vodka.”
    He grinned. “More beer for me then.” He grabbed the bottles and retreated to the kitchen.

    Charlotte pushed off the doorway and cocked her head in Noah’s direction. Violet followed behind and a second wave of terror gripped her when she realized that if his sister was here, he obviously had zero interest in making this more than a neighborly visit. But he’d said he wanted to kiss her. Relationships had never been her thing, always so confusing, but she didn’t remember ever feeling like this about any boy or man over the years.
    Walking into the kitchen, she was taken aback by its appearance. It was a mess. Not just the kitchen but the whole house. Pieces of carpet were strewn across the floor. The kitchen cupboards didn’t even have doors. Dust and tools littered the floors and empty surfaces. But the kitchen counter had been cleared of all signs of renovation and, instead, held alcohol and various snack items.
    “And who is this beauty?” A well-endowed, tattooed woman extended her hand. “I’m Harper Jones.” Her hair was deep fuchsia on top, which