Naked Games (Hard to Get 3)

“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.”

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.”