Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to CSI.

----------

Chapter 3

As they ate their meal, Conrad smiled at the couple and said, "Could you excuse us both for a minute? We're going to say hello to Philip Beck and his wife."

"Of course," Gil said, and he stood up as a lady left the table.

"OK, when can we leave?" Grissom asked Catherine as he sat down.

"I think we'll be in the clear soon. Conrad's coming back. Maybe now is the perfect time to ask."

"OK, Ecklie," Grissom said as he and Catherine rose from their chairs. "I think Catherine and I will get going."

Conrad sat down at the table and motioned Catherine and Grissom to do the same. "She's not buying it."

"What do you mean?" Catherine asked.

"You guys can't leave without her convinced. She told me you two look uneasy, not like a lovestruck couple," Conrad said and looked desperate. "She already asked me if you two really were a couple, which is one step away of accusing me of lying."

"We can't help that, Ecklie," Grissom said.

"You … have … to … give … her … something," Ecklie said as he got right into the couple's faces. "Why don't you go back there by the restrooms and I'll suggest she get back there so she can run into you two…," Ecklie fiddled with his hands, "you know."

Both Catherine and Grissom gave Ecklie frustrated looks.

"Do that and then leave. And, again, I will not forget this favor," Ecklie said. "She'll be sworn to secrecy. I swear. And the way you two have acted tonight, even if she slipped, who'd believe her?"

Before Grissom could argue, Catherine took a deep breath, grabbed Grissom's hand and said, "Fine. Goodnight, Conrad."

And they stood near the restrooms.

Slaves of Ancient Rome who waited to be thrown to the lions looked less nervous.

"Gil, for Christ's sake, stop fidgeting. Your attitude is beginning to piss me off."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Grissom said sarcastically. "I'm not sure how to act for forced prostitution."

That made Catherine laugh. "You are such a fucking prude."

Catherine's mood quickly changed. "She's coming. OK. Let's go."

And they kissed. Mouths locked. Catherine peeked from one eye to see Diane look at them then enter the ladies room. Catherine pulled away from Grissom.

"Oh my God," Catherine said.

"Yeah," Grissom agreed.

"Wow."

"Yeah."

"That was the absolute worst kiss I have ever experienced," Catherine stated.

"Yeah," Grissom agreed.

"Jesus GIl, tell me you don't kiss Sara like that?"

"Catherine, that was in no way totally my fault."

"Oh please, Gil, I'm still wiping your spit off my mouth."

"Catherine, you slipped me the tongue."

"Well, what the hell did you expect? We were supposed to look like a couple."

"So you knocked your teeth against mine and then tried to floss my teeth with your tongue? I had no idea that was the drill."

"You know, Grissom, I have never, ever, had one complaint about my kissing. In fact I think I have heard the word 'breathtaking' escape my partner's lips on many an occasion."

"Yes, breathtaking. You're tongue did indeed block my air pipe. And, by the way, I've never had complaints either..."

"Oh jeez," Catherine said as she saw Diane open the restroom door to leave. She cut Grissom him off with yet another awkward kiss. Grissom broke it apart with the most fake lovestruck face he could muster.

"Just can't get enough," Grissom said, astonishing himself with his cheesiness.

Diane was again filled with glee.

"So that's why you looked so rigid," she said batting Catherine's arm with her hand. "You two just wanted some privacy."

OK, Catherine thought, first Grissom insults my kissing and now Conrad Ecklie's wife describes me as rigid. This has got to stop.

Catherine pushed herself totally upon Grissom, which made him grab her in an embrace. "Well, you know how it is Diane," Catherine said in a suggestive voice as she stroked Grissom's chest with her left hand. "Once you get started, it's hard to stop."

With that, her right hand moved from Grissom's waist to his butt, causing him to shift uncomfortably and let out a startled "umphh."

"Yes," Grissom said, his face an intense shade of vermillion. "Wouldn't want to stop."

Catherine enjoyed Grissom's discomfort and just let that right hand pinch and poke at his backside.

Diane just took the scene in like a cheap romance paperback.

"Ha ha ha. Honey," Grissom said, and he grabbed Catherine in an embrace, and tucked his head in the crook of her neck. It might have looked as if he was kissing her neck, but instead he gently whispered in Catherine's ear, "1995 Halloween party photos on the office bulletin board."

Catherine offered her own nervous "ha ha ha's," and quickly removed said hand from said butt.

"You know Diane, we both have to work tonight," Catherine said, her own face slightly flushed. "We should get going. And remember, mum's the word."

"Oh, of course," Diane said most pleased with the turn of events. "Our little secret. How exciting!"

And they left, swiftly.

When they reached the parking lot, Catherine grabbed Grissom's arm. "You told me you destroyed all those photos, you jackass!"

"I did," Grissom confessed his bluff. "Catherine, you gave me no other choice. I figured you were about to put your hand down my pants."

"HA!" Catherine exclaimed. "You wish!"
"Yeah, well, maybe," Grissom said, with a chuckle.

Catherine just swatted her friend. The two laughed together as Grissom opened her car door and then drove them back to the lab.

"You know," Catherine said as she sat in the passenger seat. "I don't know why you were so nervous about appearances. I'm the one who looks the worst in this relationship."

Grissom looked at her totally confused. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm the rebound girl. No matter what, the rebound girl always looks desperate."
"Catherine, there is no way anyone could ever describe you as 'desperate."
Catherine looked touched. "Gil, that is the nicest thing you've said to me tonight." She pulled down the passenger visor so she could check herself in the vanity mirror. "You know, you're lucky I have such as healthy self-esteem," Catherine teased. "You're at a dinner with me while I'm looking hot and you don't even compliment my looks, and then you insult my kissing."

Grissom smirked and chuckled. Healthy self-esteem indeed. They stopped at a light and Grissom looked at his friend. "Catherine, you look even more lovely than usual, however I guess I take that for granted because, well, I'm an engaged man."

Catherine was shocked. "Well," she stammered. "Then you're forgiven."
"Thank you," Grissom said.

"And congratulations."

"Thank you."

They were silent for a moment, but Catherine had to know. "When did that happen?"

"A few weeks before Sara left."

Catherine found her mood go from surprised to sad. "Gil, I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry?"

"Well, hon, I mean, after all you two went through and you go and get engaged. That's a big deal," Catherine said. "And then she leaves. That seems," she almost didn't want to say it, "devastating."

Grissom smiled, "Actually, our engagement is the affirmation that makes me realize she will come back to me."

Catherine looked at Grissom. He was something else. For the first time that evening, she put her hand over his as a gesture of comfort, instead of discomfort.

"I don't know how Diane will take the news of our break-up," Catherine said to lighten the mood. "Ah, who cares. I'll just say you were an asshole."

"Works for me," Grissom said.

"You know what?" Catherine said. "The next time someone plays Cupid with me, they better know what the hell they are doing."

"True," Grissom agreed as he entered the lab parking lot.

When he stopped the car, he realized that Catherine was not moving to open her door. Grissom gave her a smile, got out of the car, and went to her side to open her car door.

The date wasn't officially over until they entered the lab.

"Well, I guess this outfit will go to waste," Catherine said as she stretched her legs. "And look, two hours early for shift. Well, that's just perfect. Since you are still on the 'date clock,' take my keys and get my kit and duffel bag out of my car. I'm going to see if there anything I can steal from the break room."

She passed her keys at Grissom. "And don't drop a thing out of my makeup bag."

"Yes, dear," Grissom said.

And with that Catherine turned to leave, but couldn't resist one last swat on the ass.

Grissom smiled as he walked to Catherine's car. As he was getting the stuff out (How much makeup does one woman need? He wondered), Warrick came behind him.

"Hey boss. What's with the suit?"

"Had to attend a retirement party," Grissom said. "You're here early."

"I guess I'm kind of restless."

Grissom gave him an understanding nod. "Hey, Warrick, Catherine got here early and is cranky because she hasn't eaten. She sent me here to find some food she stashed in her bags, but I think I might have tipped over her makeup bag."

"Oh, bad form, man."

Grissom zipped up the two bags. "Could you run these bags up to her before she takes her rage out on everyone?"

"Will do. But I'm not taking the blame for the make-up."

"Blame that on me."

"OK, where is she?"
"I'm sure she's raiding the break room."

Warrick started laughing. "That sounds about right."

Warrick took long, fast strides into the lab. Grissom grabbed Catherine's kit and keys to give her later this evening.

For now, maybe that outfit would get appreciated and spark a dinner invitation before shift, he thought.

At least, he hoped so. Because Cupid's got nothing on Gil Grissom.

THE END

-------

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it.