Free Stripped by Lauren Dane Page B

want to leave Dahlia for that long, and I don’t think she could handle my mother for a week. God knows I barely can.”
    â€œShe’ll never be ready for Leticia. Who would be? But you’re wise to hold off until next Christmas. Let the girl get to know you better. Build a track record with her first so you have ammunition with your mother. Because she won’t be pleased you’re with a woman with no pedigree.”
    When the valet called to say Dahlia was on her way up, Nash met her at the elevators.
    Stepping into the foyer she stopped and gaped. “Holy shit, Nash. This is a palace. My place must seem like a dark little closet by comparison.”
    Kissing her quickly, he took her bag and then her hand. “Don’t be stupid. I love your apartment. It’s vivid and colorful, just like you. Now come on in and meet Amy.”
    A look of panic flashed across Dahlia’s face and he caressed her cheek. “She’s a very nice person and so are you.” He tugged her into the living room where Amy was straightening up.
    * * *
    Dahlia’s mind couldn’t quite let go of the fact that Nash lived in what had to be the most luxurious place she’d ever seen in person. And then he sprung the personal assistant on her.
    She knew Amy was important to Nash. He spoke of her with great affection and respect, and hers was one of the few rings Nash always answered on his cell phone. If Amy didn’t like her it might well be the kiss of death in her relationship with Nash.
    A tiny woman with silver hair pulled up into a ponytail grinned at Dahlia as she came toward her. “Finally! I’ve been nagging Nash for weeks to introduce us. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s nice to meet you at last. I’m Amy Freeman.”
    Dahlia smiled, responding to the other woman’s warmth. Dahlia took her hand but Amy tiptoed up and kissed her cheek instead.
    â€œIt’s nice to meet you, too. Nash speaks of you often. I’m glad to know he’s got someone to keep him in line when he’s out and about.”
    â€œOh, I just remind him where to be and mail things for him. It’s not that hard. Nash is a pussycat.” Amy put her bag on her shoulder. “I’m off. My husband is taking me to dinner. You two have a nice evening and I’ll see you again soon, Dahlia.”
    Nash excused himself to walk her to the door. Dahlia moved to the windows, amazed at the view. The mountains stood in the distance, but most of the Strip lay below and to the east.
    She felt him approach and leaned into his body when he wrapped his arms around her, melting at his touch. “Dinner will arrive in a few minutes. Is Indian all right?”
    â€œYes, wonderful. This is some view.”
    â€œIt is, isn’t it? Wait until it’s fully dark. The lights are so beautiful.” His hands slid up under the hem of her shirt, palms smoothing over her bare skin. “You’re so warm.”
    â€œMmm.”
    â€œSweatshirt off. Hands on the window. Spread your feet.”
    Her eyes slid closed for a moment as she obeyed, the glass cool against her palms.
    One-handed, he peeled the cups of her bra back, baring her breasts to his touch, rolling and tugging her nipples. Dahlia opened her eyes to catch the mirrored view in the window of his hand moving down her stomach and beneath the waistband of her yoga pants. She’d considered changing into something fancier, but she was glad she hadn’t as clever fingers burrowed into her panties and delved into her pussy.
    â€œYou’re so beautiful reflected there, Dahlia.”
    Her eyes flicked up, catching his gaze in the window.
    What a picture she made! Leaned back into him, one of his hands doing naughty things to her nipple, the other in her pants. No one had ever made her look or feel the way he did. She wasn’t afraid of her sexuality with him. He made her love that side of herself.
    â€œI’m going to