04 Naked Games (16 page)
She fell a little harder for him in that moment. “Thank you,” she replied.
“You’re welcome. Now, tell me about your panties. Are you wearing any?”
“Yes,” she murmured as her breathing increased. “What are you wearing?”
“Pajama pants.”
The way he said it made her think of his gorgeous, kissable bare chest. “That’s all?”
“Yep,” he answered. “Now, what color are those panties? Describe them to me.”
Catherine hesitated. Not sure how far she wanted to go. “Is this anything like a dirty phone call?”
“No, because I don’t want you coming,” he boldly stated. “Not unless I’m there to lick you clean.”
She grinned and decided to tweak him a little. “I could just take matters into my own hands after we hang up. You’d never know.”
“But you won’t because you know it’ll be ten times better when it’s my mouth bringing you to climax.”
Oh yeah, he had her there. “I’m wearing black satin panties,” she said, describing them like he’d wanted. “They have lace trim around the top.”
“Ah, now that’s hot,” he growled. “Damn, Catherine, I want to be there so badly.”
“I wish you were,” she breathed out. “My bed feels cold without you.” She turned her face to the side and inhaled. “But I can still smell your scent on my pillow. It’s turning me on.” A fresh wave of heat swept over her as she imagined Dean striding in right at that moment. He would rip the covers off her and take her, hard and fast. Good Lord, it was going to be a long night if she kept this up.
“You’re all over my bedroom, woman,” he bit out, as if frustrated by the idea. “On my pillow and blankets both. It’s half the reason I’m in the living room. Sitting in there was making me horny as fuck.”
The image of his cock, all thick and hard, made Catherine’s mouth water. “Hmm, if I have to wait, then so do you.”
He snorted. “My hand would be a damn poor substitute anyway.”
Catherine imagined being bold enough to get in her rental and drive over to his house. She could show up in her coat and nothing else. But she wasn’t that bold, she thought miserably. Never had been. Dang it.
“You still there?”
“Sorry, yea.” She yawned as her body started to succumb to lack of sleep. “I’m getting tired though.” She smiled. “Someone kept me up last night.”
“You’d better get a good night’s sleep tonight, then, because you’ll be up tomorrow night too,” he confirmed, his voice low and filled with dark promise.
She yawned again and knew she was about done for. “I’m glad you called.”
“Me too,” he murmured. “Sleep tight, sweetheart.”
“You too, Dean.”
When they hung up, Catherine thought of what Dean had said. He had a surprise for her. She couldn’t even begin to guess what it might be, but it thrilled her that he’d thought of her. Tomorrow was Thursday, though, and she’d be going home in a few days. Home, which meant miles away from Dean. What was she going to do then?
The thought had her tossing and turning until the wee hours of the morning.
20
T
he next day, Catherine arrived at Wade and Gracie’s in time to watch Gracie pull out a large pan from the oven. “What is that?” she asked as she laid her coat over a chair. “It smells delicious.”
he next day, Catherine arrived at Wade and Gracie’s in time to watch Gracie pull out a large pan from the oven. “What is that?” she asked as she laid her coat over a chair. “It smells delicious.”
“Wade made lasagna.” She pointed to a stool by the counter. “Pull up a seat. You’re going to love this.”
Catherine’s stomach rumbled as she took the seat nearest the stove. “Mmm, I can’t wait. You snagged yourself a pretty handy guy there, you know? He cooks
and
takes down bad guys. Is there anything he can’t do?”
and
takes down bad guys. Is there anything he can’t do?”
Gracie laughed as she placed the potholders aside and picked up a large knife. “I happen to think he can do anything, but I’m somewhat biased.”
Catherine looked around. “Where is the man of the hour anyway?”
“He and Jonas are working a case. An embezzler or something.” Gracie threw her hands in the air. “I can’t keep track.”
The dangerous nature of Wade’s private investigating job prompted Catherine to ask, “Does it worry you when he’s away?”
“Definitely, but I know he takes precautions. I can’t ask for more than that.”
She admired Gracie for her strength, and for the faith she obviously had in her fiancé. “Has he ever considered a different line of work?”
Gracie started to cut the lasagna into large squares. “Nah, he loves his job. He’d be miserable doing something else.”
A knock on the door interrupted them. Catherine frowned. “Are you expecting someone?”
Gracie put the knife down and wiped her hands on a dishtowel. “I almost forgot that I asked Wade’s mom and sister to come over.” She bit her lip. “Do you mind?”
“Of course not.” Catherine laughed. “I wondered who was going to eat all that lasagna.”
Gracie headed for the door and let the two women in. “You have great timing. The lasagna just came out of the oven.”
“Oh, man, that brother of mine is an amazing cook,” Deanna said as she tossed her coat on top of Catherine’s. “I think that gene skipped me or something.”
Catherine watched as Dean’s mother took off her own coat. The older woman looked her way and smiled. “I hope you don’t mind us horning in on your visit with Gracie.”
Catherine waved a hand in the air. “Not at all. I was just saying that I was glad I wasn’t going to have to eat all that lasagna by myself.”
Deanna pulled out a stool and sat next to her. “No worries. Food never goes to waste when I’m around.”
Catherine laughed. “But you’re so thin. What’s your secret?”
“Her metabolism is turbocharged,” Dean’s mom answered. “It’s the only explanation.”
When Gracie took plates out of the cupboards, Catherine thought to ask, “Is there anything I can do?”
Gracie looked over her shoulder at her. “Would you mind getting out the glasses? And there’s a pitcher of iced tea in the fridge.”
“No problem.” Catherine got off her stool and moved around to the other side of the counter, then stared at the many cupboards. “Uh, which one are the glasses in?”
Gracie pointed toward the refrigerator. “The one on the left there,” she said.
“Is there anything we can do, dear?” Mrs. Harrison asked as she went to the sink and washed her hands.
“There’s a salad in the fridge. If you can get that out it’d be great.” She looked over at Deanna. “Deanna, would you mind getting out the silverware?”
“Sure thing,” she said, as she hopped off the stool and got to work.
Together they had lunch set out and were digging into the food within minutes. It was the best lasagna Catherine had ever eaten. She was amazed when Deanna went back for a second helping, considering how large the slices were. The woman really did have an amazing metabolism. She wished it’d rub off on her. As the thought entered her mind, she remembered Dean telling her he loved her curves and had to bite back a smile.
After lunch, Gracie brewed a pot of coffee and they moved into the living room. Catherine sat on the couch next to Gracie, while Deanna and her mom took the chairs opposite them.
“So,” the older woman said, “Deanna tells me that you and Dean are seeing each other.”
Catherine could feel her cheeks heating up as she thought of how Deanna had come by that particular kernel of information. “We’ve gone out a few times,” Catherine answered, keeping it vague. It was a lame reply, she knew, but she couldn’t very well tell the woman that they’d spent most of their time together in bed.
“Do you like him?” she asked, a friendly smile on her face.
“He’s a wonderful guy,” Catherine told her with total honesty. “I’ve enjoyed our dates.” Definitely the understatement of the year there. She looked over at Deanna and saw her attempting to hide a grin.
“He is a wonderful guy, but he can be stubborn and difficult.” When Catherine started to protest, Mrs. Harrison held up a hand. “No, it’s okay. He’s my son and I love him, but he’s a lot like his father, impulsive and demanding.”
Catherine sighed. “He doesn’t trust me,” she admitted. “He thinks I’m hiding something. Like I’m going to try something underhanded with Gracie.” Catherine got angry all over again as she thought about his total lack of faith in her. “I can’t figure it out.”
“Do you care about him?” Mrs. Harrison asked.
Catherine looked at the three women. All of them seemed to be holding their breath for her answer. “Yes,” she replied, her voice trembling a little. “The idea of going back to Georgia isn’t at all appealing. I’m going to miss Gracie terribly, and my relationship with Dean is so fragile.”
“You’re worried he’ll forget about you once you’re gone,” Deanna surmised.
Catherine nodded and looked down at the floor. “I get the feeling he’s holding a part of himself back and I don’t know why.” She ran a hand through her hair. “How can I fix it if he won’t open up to me?”
The room went quiet, and Catherine looked up to see Deanna and her mom exchanging a telling look. The pair clearly knew something. Deanna spoke up first. “Dean hasn’t had the best of luck in the dating arena, but I know that he cares about you.”
Afraid Deanna was only saying that to make her feel better, she asked, “How can you possibly tell?”
Gracie laughed. “Um, it’s pretty much all over his face whenever someone mentions your name or you two are in the same room together.”
“And he’s done a good job of monopolizing your time whenever you aren’t busy with Gracie. My brother doesn’t spend that much time with a woman unless he really cares about her.”
Catherine shrugged, not quite convinced. “That’s lust, which is
so
not the same thing.” She realized what she’d said and who she’d said it in front of, and promptly wanted to swallow her own tongue. “Sorry,” she mumbled, feeling like a complete idiot. “That was totally inappropriate.”
so
not the same thing.” She realized what she’d said and who she’d said it in front of, and promptly wanted to swallow her own tongue. “Sorry,” she mumbled, feeling like a complete idiot. “That was totally inappropriate.”
All three women laughed. “It’s fine, trust me,” Mrs. Harrison said. “Dean’s father had a rather healthy sex drive too.”
“Mom!” Deanna exclaimed. “Way too much information!”
Soon they were all cracking up. After they settled down and the room was silent once more, Catherine asked, “So, do you ladies have any tips for me? I’m desperate here.”
Dean’s mom leaned over and patted her on the arm. “Don’t give up on him, sweetie. He’s crazy about you, I know it. He needs a swift kick in the pants, but he’s one of the good guys, trust me.”
Deanna nodded. “Mom’s right. He’s annoying and obstinate at times, but he’s worth an extra headache or two.”
Catherine’s hopes lifted a few notches. “I can be plenty stubborn too. Especially when I see something I want.”
Gracie laughed. “Another thing we have in common.” She stood and placed her hands on her hips. “Now, who is in the mood for chocolate cake?”
There wasn’t a single “no” among them. Catherine decided on an extra-large slice. She figured she’d need the energy for later. Lord knows, Dean was bound to keep her up until dawn. She couldn’t wait.
“So,” Gracie said a few minutes later around a mouthful of cake. “I have some news to share.”
“What?” they all said at once.
“Wade and I set a date for the wedding.”
“Finally!” Deanna said. “I wondered when you two would get around to that.”
“When is it?” Mrs. Harrison asked, her face beaming with happiness.
“We’re thinking late September,” Gracie answered. “When the weather is beginning to change and it’s cooler out. What do you think?”
Catherine imagined watching her sister walk down the aisle in a gorgeous white gown and tears sprang to her eyes. “I never thought I’d be attending my sister’s wedding,” she said in a quiet, shaky voice. “I’m so happy for you, Gracie. This is the best news in the world.”
“I agree with Catherine,” Deanna said. “This is the best news ever.”
“And, Catherine,” Gracie added as she stared at her, “I want you to be my maid of honor. Are you up for it?”
Catherine clapped her hands together. “Oh, I’d love to!”
“I think a September wedding sounds lovely, Gracie. And I’m thrilled that my son had the good sense to pick you for his wife.”
Gracie grinned. “Thank you. I feel pretty lucky to have him too.”
Mrs. Harrison tapped her chin as if in thought. “So, do you want a small affair?”
“Yes,” she replied. “Wade and I want to keep it simple, if that’s okay with you?”
She waved a hand in the air. “Of course it is, but can I ask one thing?”
“Sure,” Gracie said. “What is it?”
“May I bring a date?”
All three of them stopped and stared at Deanna’s mother. None of them seemed capable of speech. As far as Catherine knew, Deanna’s mom hadn’t dated since the death of her husband. At least that’s what Gracie had told her. Judging by Deanna’s frown she was none too pleased about the news that her mom had met someone.
“A date?” Deanna asked. “Where on earth did you meet a man?”
Her mother blushed. “He’s a counselor at the women’s shelter I work at. His name is Mac Cantrell, and he’s a really sweet man.”
“Mac,” Deanna said, as if in shock. “From the shelter.”
Mrs. Harrison rolled her eyes. “It’s not a big deal, Deanna. He’s simply a friend. We started talking one day and found out we have a lot in common. He has grown children, like me, and his wife passed away from breast cancer about three years ago.”
Deanna quirked a brow. “And you want to bring Mac to the wedding with you,” she stated as if the concept was total foreign to her.
“Yes,” her mom bit out. “Is there a problem?”
Deanna appeared to give the question some thought before saying, “I guess not. I mean, it’ll be a little weird to see you with another man, that’s all.” When Deanna looked down at the floor, Catherine felt as if she were intruding on something private.
Deanna’s mom left the chair and moved to sit next to her daughter. She wrapped an arm around her shoulders and said, “If it’s too hard for you because of your dad, I’ll understand, sweetie.”
Deanna looked at her mom and smiled. “No,” she replied in a softer voice, “you should bring Mac to the wedding. It’s been long enough, Mom. It’s time to move on.”
Mrs. Harrison shrugged. “I don’t know about moving on. To be honest, I feel a little guilty for even talking to Mac. Like I’m betraying your father.”
Deanna vehemently shook her head. “No, Mom, really. Dad would want you to be happy. He wouldn’t expect you to be alone the rest of your life.” She took her mom’s hand in hers and said, “You have my support all the way.”
“Thank you, dear, that means so much,” she said, as both women shared a tearful hug. When they pulled apart, Deanna’s mom let out a long sigh. “Now, to tell your brothers, that’s not going to be fun.”
All four of them groaned. Gracie was the first to speak. “Expect Wade to run a background check on him,” she bit out, clearly recalling the way he’d done that with Catherine. “And he’s absolutely going to want to have a heart-to-heart with Mac, too, I bet. He’s very protective that way.”
Deanna laughed. “Oh, man, I can’t wait to see their faces when you tell them, Mom.”
Catherine snorted. “You have a mischievous streak a mile wide.”
“Hey, Dean and Wade still have it coming, considering the hassle they gave Jonas and me when we started to see each other.”
That surprised her. “But you two are made for each other!”
“Yeah, but I’m the little sister, so no guy is ever quite good enough.” Deanna rolled her eyes. “Ridiculous nonsense, if you ask me.”
“They’ve accepted him now though,” Gracie said. “And speaking of Jonas, he’ll probably be an usher. Dean will be best man.” She pointed to Deanna and said, “You’ll be a bridesmaid.”
The rest of the afternoon was spent discussing wedding preparations. Catherine felt so comfortable with Gracie and Dean’s family that she forgot for a minute that she would be going home soon.
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