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

think it’s too early to write an article about it. People are plenty curious. I say let’s give them something to talk about.”
    Georgie took another swallow of coffee. “I’ve got the dining room and living room ready to paint, got plumbing estimates for the bathrooms.” She shook her head. “Holy cow, Jinx. You’d think I was furnishing the royal bath or something the prices they’re talking. And I need an electrician to do some basic rewiring.”
    Jinx was making notes on her phone. “I have a great plumber I’m going to put you in touch with. He won’t try to build up his entire retirement fund on this one job. Got an electrician too.”
    “I need people who can work within my budget,” she warned.
    “No problem. Now. What about the outside? Is your handyman, or whatever, taking care of that?”
    “Yes.” She nodded. “That’s under control.”
    They paused while the waitress set their plates in front of them.
    “I’m curious,” Jinx went on. “Where did you find this guy, whoever he is? I usually have a handle on whoever is looking for work around here, either through our want ads or word of mouth.”
    “I just got lucky.” Georgie picked up half of her club sandwich. “Let’s eat and then we can talk about the article.”
    “Okay. I want to come out and take some before pictures too. I don’t want to wait until you’ve got too much done.”
    “How about this? I’ll take some shots with my phone and email them to you. Will that work?”
    Jinx studied her, a curious look on her face. “Georgie, is there some reason you don’t want me to come out there? Something you don’t want me to know?”
    Georgie busied herself wiping her lips and taking another swallow of coffee, schooling her face into a bland expression. “Not at all. I just want to wait until it’s a little more, um, presentable.”
    “If you say so. Well, anyway, tell me about your vision for the place. Do you have a name yet?”
    “Still working on it. Maybe you and the others can help me.”
    Jinx took a lot of notes while they finished eating and then sat back with a smile.
    “Okay. Send me those pictures and I’ll do an article that will really pique everyone’s curiosity.”
    “I hope they don’t all decide to come driving by and snoop.” Crap. That was all she needed.
    “I’ll ask you again. Is there a reason you don’t want anyone there?”
    “Just that I want to be able to have a big reveal when I’m done.” She reached for a smile. “Maybe you can help me out there.”
    “I’ll do what I can. But, honey, in a small town in a small county, everything is everyone else’s business. Better get used to it.”
    This should prove interesting.
    “Well. I need to get home and answer some emails and things. Thanks so much for lunch.” She took her wallet out of her purse. “My treat.”
    “You can get it next time. This one’s on me. Oh—” Jinx stood up and hitched the strap of her purse over her shoulder, “—I almost forgot. The Starks and Montgomerys and a couple of other folks are coming over to my place Saturday night. Well, my folks’ place, but I’m camping there until they get back. Anyway, Dillon and I are doing a barbecue and we’d love you to come.”
    Georgie busied herself gathering her things. “That’s very nice of you, Jinx, but I’m really an outsider here.”
    “Not any more. Come on. It will be fun. And you’ll get to meet more people who can help you spread the word. I’ll text you the directions. And if your foot is worse, one of the guys will pick you up.”
    This is a big mistake , Georgie said to herself, even as she nodded her acceptance. Huge mistake.
    She twisted it around in her mind all the way home. She expected to feel uncomfortable. The odd man out, so to speak. But could she stand up to an evening of questioning without giving anything away?
    Cade was up on the extension ladder working on one side of the house when she pulled into the driveway. She took a