Excerpt of Stark Naked by Desiree Holt

They were sprawled in the family room watching a chick flick, working on their third round of the citrusy drinks, when Reenie heard the roar of a truck engine, the squeal of brakes and the slamming of a vehicle door. She looked at Amy, raised an eyebrow.

"Probably Matt. He's not exactly a quiet driver. Although that's a little noisier than usual."

The front door opened, slammed shut, and boots clacked on the hardwood floor.

"Well, well." The low drawl sent a shiver dancing along Reenie's spine. "Amy, you didn't tell me we were having company. I'd have come home a lot sooner."

His words were slurred just the least little bit but Amy picked up on it right away. "She's my company, not yours, hot shot." She frowned. "And exactly how much have you had to drink?"

His lopsided grin made Reenie's stomach do funny flips. "Just a few shots to toast our good fortune."

"I hope the others aren't as toasted as you are. And that you got drunk after the papers were signed." He winked. "And it's really, really good, kiddo."

"I know, but holy crap, Matt. You look like the tail end of a Friday night at Charlie's Bar."

"Hey, give me a little break here." He staggered into the family room, stumbled slightly and leaned against the wall for support.

Reenie stared at the man. So this was the brother. The sight was a punch to the gut, every hormone in her body racing full tilt. A surge of lust rolled through her, making her pulse kick waaay up and an insistent throbbing pounded between her thighs. No wonder he was a player. He probably had to hand out numbers.

Even in his present state he was sex on the hoof. Tall and lean, his tanned face was framed with thick black hair that at the moment fell in disarray over his forehead. His long legs were encased in dark slacks that kissed every muscle and the plaid western–style shirt was open at the throat, sleeves rolled up, revealing dark hair curling on his chest and dusting his skin. The Stetson on his head was tilted to the side.

She could practically see the electricity crackle in the air between them. And even in his drunken state, she knew Matt Stark felt it, too. Saw it in the darkening of those almost black eyes lit by a hot spark of interest.

Holy shit!

"Matt, this is Reenie Davenport, We—"

"Roomed together in college," he finished for her, giving her a wink.

Reenie shivered. His voice was a caress, like a tongue licking at her skin.

"Yes, and we've got time for all the pleasantries in the morning." Amy's voice held an edge of annoyance. "You look like you're about to fall down and I can smell the booze from here."

"Hey." He tried for indignation but in his condition couldn't quite pull it off. "We just had a few to celebrate the deal and then...You know." He pushed off the wall, stumbled, groped for the wall again.

Reenie watched him, transfixed. She knew she should probably excuse herself and let Amy handle the problem but she couldn't tear her eyes away from the man. California had more than its share of good looking men, but pound for pound this man had more of a sexual presence than any she'd ever met. There was just something so...earthy about him.

No, no, no. Hang out a sign on him that says Trouble.

"Jesus, Matt." Amy's disgust was evident. "Come on. I'll get you to your room, and hope Reenie won't hold it against me that my brother's a drunken mess."

She set her drink aside, pushed herself out of the big leather chair and hurried to her brother's side. Dragging his arm over her shoulder she leaned into him, maneuvering him away from the wall and into a short hallway.

"Hey," he slurred, "How ‘bout having Reenie put me to bed." He turned his head. "Whaddaya say, Reenie?"

Reenie just stared., unable to tear her eyes away from him.

What the hell is wrong with me?

"Reenie says if she'd known what a bum you are she might not have come out here to visit me."

Amy had a firm grip on Matt now, dragging him down the hallway. Reenie could hear him muttering all the way to what she guessed was his bedroom. A door closed. After a long time it opened again—click, snick—then closed. Amy's heels tapped on the hardwood as she hurried back to the family room.

"I am so, so sorry," she said, reaching for her drink and downing almost half of it. "He's not usually like that. Or at least if he is I don't see it." She sighed. "I guess he's entitled to blow off some steam now and then. I'm just embarrassed you had to see it."

"Hey, no harm." Reenie smiled. "Shit happens to all of us. Remember that night our junior year when we..."

And they were off on a trip down memory lane, laughing and giggling. Suddenly Amy's eyes widened and her face turned white then red as she stared at something past Reenie's shoulder. Reenie turned to look and nearly passed out. Leaning in the entryway to the short hall was Matt Stark. And he was completely, starkly naked.