Free 02 Buck Naked by Desiree Holt Page B

her friends. They were hitting some of the funkier bars and dropped in to the Cactus Bar in the next county. Saw Cade playing tonsil hockey with one of the waitresses.”
    “Shit.”
    “Exactly. Story goes she tossed a pitcher of beer at him, cursed him like an old-time ranch hand and walked out. Refused to see him after that or talk to him. I think she’s the first woman to ditch Cade Hannigan instead of the other way around. He’s always gotten away with whatever he does, so this was a real blow to his ego. He’s never forgiven her for that.”
    “Even though he was the one at fault?”
    Barnes shrugged. “That’s Cade for you. Nothing’s his fault. He’s got too much money and an ego bigger than Texas. And holds a grudge a long time.”
    Buck felt anger bubble up inside him. He tightened his hands around his cup. “She didn’t say anything about that when we saw him.”
    “She wouldn’t. Too bad Cade’s just the kind of spoiled brat who likes to get even. I’d watch out for him.”
    “Well, fuck.” Buck rubbed his hand over his face. “Sorry, Fred. That just slipped out.”
    “Don’t apologize. Couldn’t have said it better myself.”
    “Has he been causing her trouble?”
    “Not until now. But I promise you, seeing her with you set him off.” He sighed. “A word to the wise. I’d watch myself with that one. No telling what he might take it into his head to do.” He paused. “You know what I mean, right?”
    Buck sighed. “Yeah, I know. I guess some things you can’t ever run away from.”
    “Well, you can always use me for a personal reference. I have faith in you.”
    “I don’t know why. You hardly know me.”
    Barnes pushed his coffee cup aside. “I haven’t gotten where I am by not having good instincts about people. It’s a lot more important to me what a man is than what he was. I’d put my money on you any time.”
    “You can’t know how much I appreciate that. You’re the first person in a long time who’s said anything like that to me.” He held out his hand and Barnes shook it.
    “I wish you good luck,” the older man said. “With the ranch and with Amy.”
    “Thanks. I’ll need it.”
    He watched as Barnes walked toward the door. Despite the warning about Cade Hannigan, Buck felt good about settling here for the first time since he’d bought the ranch. Maybe he could weather whatever storm hit after all.
    But then he stepped outside and caught the scene across the street from him and curled his hands into fists.
     
    I never should have gone to the post office today.
    Amy stood on the sidewalk outside the building, cursing her decision. What she mailed wasn’t so important it couldn’t have waited until tomorrow. Or even Monday. But Matt had been in and out of the house so many times she’d asked him if he wanted to install a revolving door. She wasn’t sure which of them was angrier—Matt because she wouldn’t answer his questions or herself because she resented him poking into her business.
    What was it he’d said earlier? Oh, yeah.
    “I’m just concerned about you jumping into something without knowing exactly what that something is.”
    Like she was eighteen years old and couldn’t think for herself.
    She’d barely been able to restrain herself from punching him. Instead, she’d gathered the mail and her purse and stormed out of the house. Maybe after the post office she’d treat herself to lunch and cool off a little. She didn’t like fighting with Matt, but he was really crossing a line.
    And now here she was trapped with Cade Hannigan himself. Somehow she’d ended up with her back to the building, his arms caging her on either side. She looked anxiously around. Fred Barnes had disappeared into the parking lot behind the bank and the few people who saw them stared with curiosity.
    “Let me go, you jackass.” She looked over his shoulder at the people on the sidewalk. “Hey! Someone get this jerk away from me.”
    “Don’t tell me you’re