Stripped by Lauren Dane Page B

and offer her her job back.” William chuckled. “She sure told me, though.”
    Nash laughed. “Yeah, she’s everything, William.”
    â€œWell, then, go get her back.”
    After hanging up, he picked up a book and settled in to wait.
    For want of something to do to make the wait easier, he called her cell again and was able to leave a message. At least her mailbox was empty. She’d listened to her messages. Or he hoped she had without just deleting them all.
    * * *
    After she stared at her phone for an hour, she decided to listen to her messages. The first ones were just demands that she talk to him, call him back, meet him and let him explain.
    But the last one he’d talked until he’d gotten cut off. He told her he loved her and was in the process of explaining that to his brother. He said he’d been about to interrupt William to defend her when she’d overheard.
    He loved her. Or so he said.
    Curling up on the couch, she watched reality television and fell asleep.
    * * *
    Nash hadn’t been sleeping when his phone rang. He’d been lying in her bed, breathing her in, seeing her everywhere and wanting to hold her so badly he ached.
    Surprisingly, it was Roseanne from The Dollhouse. “Yo, Emery, I hear you tossed Dahlia to the curb. You lookin’ for some action? I can help you move on really easily.”
    Indignant, Nash sat up. “Hey! I thought she was your friend. I didn’t toss Dahlia to the curb. I love her! What the hell is wrong with you?”
    Roseanne laughed. “Okay, you pass, Nash. Of course I’m Dahlia’s friend. I was testing you. She’s here in my guest room and she’s strung out and you’ve made her cry so much her face is a mess. And you know how much it takes to make a face like that look a mess? I am very displeased with you.”
    â€œThat was a test? You were yanking my chain for fun? Is she all right? Can I come and see her?”
    â€œYou had a reputation for a reason—I wanted to be sure you really loved her. She doesn’t know what to do. She loves you and she feels betrayed and humiliated. No, you can’t come over. She’d kill me if she knew I told you this much. Plus, I want her to rest. She has classes tomorrow. She’ll go home after that. If you’re lurking, don’t be stupid and park in the lot where she can see you.” With that, Roseanne hung up.

CHAPTER NINE
    D ahlia got up and out of Roseanne’s first thing the next morning. She moved through her day in a daze, not really hearing anything anyone said. Finally, at four, she drove home on autopilot, relieved and saddened that Nash’s GTO wasn’t in her lot anymore.
    Slumping up the stairs, she let herself into her apartment and tossed her bag to the side only to jump three feet in the air when Nash spoke from where he was sitting on her couch.
    â€œAre you all right?”
    He looked tired. Sad. A tiny bit lost. And, damn the man, he still looked handsome and sexy.
    â€œYour car is gone! What the hell are you doing here?” she demanded, arms crossed over her chest.
    â€œDahlia, please listen to me. I’m sorry you heard William say that. I know you must feel hurt being spoken of like you were just a cheap lay but…”
    â€œI was so stupid. I should have known better. I knew what you were and I fell for it, anyway. It’s my fault, really, for thinking that a playboy who fucked everything willing would have real feelings for me other than wanting to bang me.”
    He stopped like he’d been slapped. Storming over to her, he grabbed her up and tossed her gently on the couch. “You’re going to sit there and listen to me. Yes, you are stupid, Dahlia. You’re so fond of talking about how everyone judges you and how you’re so hurt by stereotypes, but you continue to hold on to this stereotype about me that isn’t true anymore. I have never, ever, given you any