Free Stripped Down by Kelli Ireland Page B

where she might run into peers or competitors? Even—or especially—her family? “Hi. This is Dalton Chase. We’re lovers. He’s a stripper.”
    And yet, it was a valid concern. Much as she hated it, she was smart enough to realize that there were double standards in business; what would pass in a man’s social life would be humiliating in a woman’s.
    Still, her worries made her feel more like her father’s daughter than ever before—more worried about perception than anything else.
    And what about happiness? her conscience whispered. What’s that worth to you?
    That might be the biggest question of all. There were a thousand excuses she could make to bow out of this thing with Dalton, but none of them was going to absolve her from being a jerk for the sake of her business. She sank even lower in her seat.
    “Go much lower and your shoulders are going to get wedged in your ears.” When she didn’t answer, he chanced a longer glance despite traffic. “Hey. What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing.” Shoving herself out of the wallowing position, she plucked her wet sweater away from her chest and shivered. “Ready to get out of this thing.”
    “Trust me. I’m ready to help you with that.”
    If he knew what she was thinking, he wouldn’t be. He’d ditch her. She wouldn’t be able to blame anyone but herself for his exit stage left. Why did she overcomplicate things? Why couldn’t she just choose happiness? After all, they’d both agreed this was a short-term thing that didn’t require analyzing. It just was.
    He turned into the Harbormaster’s parking garage without comment.
    Her hand tightened around his as she nodded at the valet. “He’ll park the car.”
    Dalton’s fingers tapped out a rapid beat against the steering wheel as he stared out the windshield. “You know, the concierge on duty is the same one who was on last night when I came in.”
    Cass’s stomach somersaulted around her abdomen in a wild, championship-worthy routine. Burying her fist below her diaphragm, she nodded. “Yeah?”
    “Yeah. Why don’t I park the car and go in a side door so she doesn’t get nosy about me hanging around?”
    She was embarrassed to be relieved. “If you want.”
    “It would be easier for both of us.” He paused, seeming to consider his words. “The club might get a little testy about me spending the weekend with a client, and I can’t afford that.” His voice, low and fervent, held a desperation she couldn’t quite interpret.
    Closing her eyes and drawing a deep breath, she shoved her hands in her sweater pockets. “You can’t afford for this to turn into something? What does that mean?” She stole a quick glance in his direction.
    “It means I could lose my job.” Stepping out of the car, he slipped around to open her door for her. He hooked a finger under her chin and nudged it gently so she peered up into his face. “I need this job, Cass. It’s not a matter of want.”
    And that’s what she was—a matter of want. Wrapping her arms around her middle, Cass nodded. “Take the keys and head in the side door. I’ll go through the lobby.”
    “Thank you, Cass. It’s...easier for me this way.”
    She stared at him, standing gorgeous and wet under the portico. “That’s not something you often do, though, is it? Take the easy route?”
    He winced. “For what it’s worth, no, I usually end up with more on my shoulders than I can manage. Atlas, I’m not.”
    One corner of her mouth fluttered up. “See you upstairs.”
    “Don’t take too long,” he teased, leaning in to give her a short, thorough kiss.
    “No worries. I’m efficient. Stairs are right over there.” She tossed him her key ring. “You’ll need the key to get in if you beat me.”
    He laughed, turning toward the side entrance. “The cardio will be good for me.”
    “I may beat you to the top.”
    “Is that a challenge?” he asked, his face alight with amusement.
    “Consider that the gauntlet being thrown. I hereby