Naked Games (Hard to Get 3)

Gracie looked troubled. “No, it’s not that. It’s just that Dean has made it clear how he feels about you being here. Wade is worried that he’s not thinking clearly. He doesn’t want you to get hurt in the cross fire.”

After being an only child her entire life, Catherine wasn’t terribly comfortable with having a pseudo big brother butting into her private life. “If you’re concerned that Dean is using me, don’t be.”

“No, it’s not that. Well, maybe it is.” Gracie threw up her hands. “I’m not sure. It’s just that Dean’s been acting so strangely since you arrived. And then out of the blue he acts like he can’t keep his hands off you.”

Catherine sighed. “Yeah, he’s confusing me too, but I can deal with it. Dean isn’t trying to charm me or anything. He’s been completely honest from the start.”

“But you said yourself he doesn’t trust you. Is it wise to start a relationship with him?”

Catherine didn’t even have to think about the question to know the answer. “No, it isn’t. But I’m sort of tired of being the wise one.”

Gracie crossed her arms in front of her on the table and leaned closer. “What do you mean?”

She thought about her parents’ death and dealing with all the details of their estate. “For the last two months I’ve been working my tush off to get things straightened around since my parents died. There hasn’t been a whole lot of me time. I figure I’m due.”

A waiter came over and asked if they wanted another drink. They both declined. After he moved to the next table, Gracie said, “So, this thing is merely a fling between you and Dean? There’s nothing else?”

“I don’t know.” Geez, that sounded lame. “But I’d like to find out. Do you think I’m terrible for wanting to go home with him so soon?”

Gracie reached over and took her hand in one of hers. “Of course not. I know all about attraction at first sight, believe me. But what about the trust thing? Doesn’t it bother you?”

“Heck, yeah, it does, but I’m determined to prove him wrong on that score.” Catherine squeezed her sister’s hand. “For the remainder of my visit I plan to whittle down his defenses until he cries uncle.”

Gracie laughed. “Well, my money’s definitely on you.”

Catherine was about to say something else, but Dean and Wade came back to the table, effectively ending the conversation. She looked at them. Neither man was smiling, but they weren’t sporting black eyes either. “Everything okay?”

A muscle in Dean’s jaw twitched. “Dandy.”

His attitude left Catherine more uncertain than ever. Had he changed his mind about her?

Dean reached out and took her hand in his and leaned close. “Ready to go?”

Apparently not, Catherine thought as she allowed Dean to help her off the stool. Like the perfect gentleman, he even helped her into her coat. She noticed Wade’s arm wrapped around Gracie’s shoulders, but when she looked into his eyes, eyes so like Dean’s, he was staring at her with concern. Warmth filled her. He cared about her. Like a brother might care for a sister. Catherine suddenly felt blessed to have him in her corner. She smiled in appreciation, and he gave her a wink. When Catherine saw the worry in Gracie’s expression, though, she went to her and hugged her close. “I’m going to be fine. I’ll call you in the morning, okay?”

Gracie nodded, and a small smile slipped across her face. “You and I have plans, remember?”

Catherine’s eyes lit up at the reminder. “How could I forget? I’ve been dying to see that 3-D movie since they started advertising it.”

Gracie clapped her hands in front of her. “And we’re going to Genji’s restaurant for dinner afterward. I love their yum-yum sauce. I’m buying!”

“Ha!” Catherine snorted. “We’ll see about that.”

Dean tugged on her hand, and Catherine got the hint. He was anxious to leave. Anxious to be alone with her.

Her heart sped up at the notion.

After grabbing her purse and saying their good-byes, Catherine let Dean practically drag her out of the nightclub. When they reached his red four-wheel-drive truck, he unlocked it and held the door open for her. She took a chance and looked into his eyes. The heat she witnessed turned her on like nothing else, but it also sent a bolt of fear through her.

“Here, let me help,” Dean murmured as he reached down and took hold of her waist to lift her onto the seat.

Catherine could feel the heat of his touch clear through her dress. “Thanks.”

His smile was pure sin. “Seat belt,” he gently ordered before slamming the door shut.

Once they were on their way, Catherine decided to lay it all out on the line. “I’m not sure what I’m doing here,” she admitted. “I’m not even sure why I agreed to go back to your place with you.”

He reached across the middle console and took hold of her hand. “Aren’t you?”