The Millionaire’s Ultimate Catch (6 page)

“Have a seat.”

“I thought you were going to feed me,” she said, tension evident in her voice.

“I do plan to feed you. You’ll help me with the process.”

“Guess we aren’t going to a restaurant.”

“No. I’ve got a different evening planned.”

“You’re reminding me of that guy we kicked out today.”

“I hope not. I’m not stalking you, nor am I doing anything against your will. You’ll let me know when you’re ready to leave.”

“Okay.”

“So tonight’s agenda will be to fix dinner, enjoy the meal, watch a movie or talk. Then I’ll go to my room and you can go to the guest room—unless you choose otherwise,” he said seductively. “I do like a surprise.”

“Are you drunk?”

He smiled. “No, not yet.”

“Your mother is expecting me back at the house. I don’t have clothes. But that’s beside the point. I’m not staying.”

“You
are
a nervous one. So the calm, kick-ass persona is just a facade? Interesting,” he said, almost as if to himself. “My mother knows you’re with me—actually, she encouraged it. She thought that I was being a good son to volunteer to take you under my wing for the weekend. As for clothes, Chantelle packed your clothes before the party. I had someone bring your suitcase. You’re all set.” He unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt. “Excuse me, but I’ve got to get comfortable. Making stir-fry could get hot.”

“Zack. Zack!” She wasn’t about to let him ignore her. She hurried after him, following close on his heels through another doorway.

He halted, causing her to bump into him. He turned and casually wrapped his arm around her, holding the small of her back. His shirt had flown open and her palms rested on his bare chest, skin to skin. The fragrance of his cologne gently teased her, echoing its sexy owner’s arrogance.

“What’s the matter? You look worried.”

“Stop playing games, Zack.” Her voice was high-pitched.

He pulled her closer. She felt the strong heart beating under her palm. Her head could tuck easily under his chin. Although she had the height, he managed to make her feel light and graceful.

“I would never play games with you. You’re too special. You’ve earned my utmost respect for what you did for Chantelle. In my line of business, I have to learn to read people. I know that you would love to drop the sense and sensibilities and enjoy life.”

“You make the most illogical stuff sound just right,” she said softly.

“I do have the ability to charm with words.” He kissed her and then pulled back to look at her. “I also have the ability to charm with some other natural talents.” He grinned.

Naomi had to laugh. Although he was pushing hard to seduce her, she wasn’t offended. A part of her wanted to match him, flirt for flirt, wit for wit, anything he thought she couldn’t handle, she welcomed the challenge.

His mouth covered hers again.

Zack pulled her up with a soft growl deep in his throat. Careful of her injuries, he gently tightened his arms around her body. He wanted to kiss her into submission, but resisted. As much as he threw out his macho declarations,
he hoped that she would stay. He could be the perfect gentleman, but he’d rather not be that.

Her lips teased him with their own response to his attention. Contact with her mouth caused his body temperature to soar. Yet when he followed the invitation of her partly opened mouth, he swept across her tongue.

Static electricity might as well have shot through his veins. The instant attraction took root from the soles of his feet up through his body to the source of his pleasure.

He brought his hands to the side of her face and cupped her ever so gently. He looked into her eyes and the swollen lips.

“Ask me to stay,” Naomi said breathlessly.

“Stay.”

Her eyebrow raised.

Understanding spread through his stubborn brain. “Please. Stay.”

She nodded. Then she slid her hand around the back of his head and guided him back to her mouth. Stunned, he had nothing to say, but words didn’t matter at a time like this. She pushed his shirt down off his shoulders. He struggled to get out of the offending garment. But the shirt wouldn’t budge over the cuff links.

She pushed him back into the room until the back of his legs pressed against the bed. Then with a heavy push of her hand, he fell back on top of his comforter. He tried to speak, but so much was happening so fast that he could only concentrate on not making himself look like a fool.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

“Looking forward to it.”

“You’ve been taunting me. Careful what you ask for.”

Here was one woman who didn’t step aside. Her strength turned him on.

She straddled him, resting lightly on his hips. A dangerous place to be, but she would relish the painful restraint it caused him. Wicked woman.

“You know you can’t be the only one on top,” he said, a touch out breath.

“A man who doesn’t know how to sit back and enjoy the ride. Amazing,” she said lightly. She ran her hands up his chest up to his neck. He almost growled when her lips trailed a similar path over his rib cage, over his chest and up to his neck.

Maybe she’d see the pulse at the base of his neck, because his heartbeat sounded loud to his own ears. If he could distract his mind for a bit, his breathing could settle. But the more she planted feathery kisses along his chin to the corner of his mouth, the more he fought the urge to start hyperventilating.

His hands clamped down on her hips to keep her still. The grinding motion stirred his emotions into a rich brew of sinful ideas for this woman.

When her tongue traced the opening where his lips parted, his hands betrayed him with their possessive grab on either side of her behind. Her lean physique didn’t compromise her muscular buttocks. He pulled her toward him.

His mouth opened to her attention like a willing student. He’d like to discover what Naomi could teach him.

“I want to see you,” he said when she threw her head back for air.

“You’re not paying attention to the rules.” She reached back and cupped him.

He almost squeaked. His leg twitched.

Her hand stroked him, once.

“I’m trying to remember the rules.” He really was trying to remember what he was supposed to recall.

She moved her hand back down over his arousal and as added torture gently rubbed him in a circular motion.

His hips raised, but he saw no mercy in her face. He tried to toss her off his legs, but she managed to hang on by hooking her feet under him.

She took his hand and placed it under her shirt against her stomach. “We’ll wait until you come up with the right answer.”

He growled again. “I can’t take much more of this. You’re trying to kill me.”

“You’re a big boy—and I mean that literally.” She gazed at his body. “I don’t do well with orders.”

“Please.” He dragged the word out.

“Exactly.” She took his hand and ran it over her bra.

He touched the smooth fabric that had proved a nuisance when he was a high school senior. Through its smooth silken cover, he felt her nipple harden.

He felt her thighs tighten around him. Good. She also fought the onslaught of arousal that almost left him debilitated.

Her hand only lightly stayed on his. He slid under the stiffness below the bra cup to slip his hand over the soft mound. Touching only satisfied one sense. He wanted to see. Taste.

“Please take off your shirt.”

She nodded, then pulled off her shirt and tossed it on
the other side of the bed. He liked that she wasn’t shy about her athletic body. Her hands relaxed at her sides as she took in the array of expressions that flitted across his face.

“You’re beautiful.”

He unsnapped her bra and waited for her to remove the delicate contraption. Her breasts greeted him, nipples puckered and at attention. He pulled her to him until he could reach up for a nipple.

Nectar of the gods couldn’t have been any sweeter. His tongue twirled around the sensitive skin, lathing it with the attention that he deemed necessary.

He saved her nipple for last, only blowing on it to heighten the sensation. When he covered his mouth over the sensitive bud, the nipple tightened even more.

A small cry of pleasure escaped as Naomi threw back her head. While he played with her breast, she kneaded him to a firm arousal. He wanted her now.

“Allow me to get a condom.” He opened his night drawer and grabbed the necessary protection. He slipped it on and returned his attention.

“Don’t even think about it. You don’t get to be on top.” Naomi pushed him back on the bed before lowering herself onto him.

He stilled her motion with his fingers in a steely grasp around her hips. The warmth of her body encased his arousal in sensual capture.

Staying true to his promise, he followed her rhythm. The slow grind drew him up, and then she eased off to relax him a bit. The movement repeated with gradual intensity and slight frequency.

Too late. He couldn’t keep the grunts from emanating into the air. He needed every bit of energy as she
squeezed him with her walls, contracting and relaxing along his shaft. He gritted his teeth.

“Do it with me.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” They created a heat between them as if they had a burner under them pushing them to that boiling point. Everything within him surged forth with a speed and force that bore no retreat.

He felt her pause and her body began to quiver. Not waiting any longer, even if he’d wanted to, his release came in waves to the beat of his frantic pulse.

In response, her body answered the call like an incoming tide rolling and receding. Together they clung to each other coasting on the edges of reason while their bodies finished out the symphony that their lovemaking had started.

Her head rested against his chin. The citrus scent from her hair soothed him. She stayed in his arm molded against his frame. Their worlds had come together in set of circumstances that could only have been destiny. After their many conversations, he’d learned that they had more in common than he’d thought. Zack wanted her almost like a soul mate. He hoped that she didn’t regret any minute of this. Frankly, he wanted seconds.

N
aomi cleaned up and repaired her hairdo before emerging. She didn’t want to think about her bold actions with Zack. The memories were too new and stark now that reality kicked into her consciousness. Worse yet, she didn’t regret one moment.

But what did this mean now? She still had to leave his family’s home and go back to her world, her career. There couldn’t be anything to come of this. Once Zack understood there was no future together, then she’d feel better.

As she dressed, she could hear the pots and pans being used in the kitchen. Now she had to walk out and join him for dinner. What to say? She controlled her panic and went to the kitchen.

“Ready for your cooking lesson?” Zack asked her while chopping onions.

“What’s for dinner?”

“I switched from stir-fry to spaghetti.”

“Ummm…I’m a little starved.”

“Trust me. It’ll be fun and then you’ll get to enjoy your efforts.”

She didn’t want to talk about trust, even if it was only about food. Having something to take the attention off an uncomfortable situation was ideal. She could bury her head in the spaghetti sauce for the next hour.

“If you’d like a glass of white wine, check the refrigerator.”

“Sounds good.” The wine would help calm her nerves.

“Well, how about pouring a glass for me? Glasses are over there.” He motioned toward the cupboard.

She poured the wine for them and watched him take a long sip. Why on earth was he acting like nothing unusual had just happened? Her desires had taken control over common sense. This required a major discussion. She couldn’t let it happen again. He couldn’t think that she lived the stereotypical life of a professional athlete, sleeping with anyone at each destination point.

“Earth to Naomi. I need the eggs, olive oil and another garlic clove.”

Naomi snapped back to the present and followed Zack’s instructions. She lined up all the items next to the other ingredients. Any time his hand came close to hers, she pulled back. Right now her senses were supersensitive. She didn’t need him touching her. She didn’t trust herself to be strong and withstand his sexy charm.

“I won’t bite.”

“I think I’d beg to differ.” She’d had to check her neck to make sure there was no hickey on her neck as if she was a high school girl. Everywhere his mouth
had touched her felt as if it had been the recipient of an erotic exploration.

“You look embarrassed. Don’t be.”

Naomi didn’t answer. She’d let the blush that heated her face speak for itself.

“We enjoyed each other like adults…”

“Let’s not talk about it,” Naomi interrupted.

“Okay.” He touched her hand. “But I want you to know that I have no regrets.”

“Despite my tendencies on the wild side, a one-night stand was never on the list.” Naomi planted her hands on the counter.

“That’s good. I didn’t figure us to be a one-night stand. Now stop distracting me. We need to get all this into the pot.”

Naomi followed Zack’s lead in cutting onions, garlic and mushrooms. Before long the savory odor of rich tomato sauce enhanced with oregano, basil and fresh parsley scented the air. Hunger pangs sounded as the bubbling sauce simmered under low flame.

“Next is the pasta.”

“Not my forte. I always manage to undercook or overcook.”

“You’re refreshingly honest.” Zack suddenly leaned forward and kissed her squarely on the lips.

She continually had to struggle to maintain control. “How’s the pasta coming?”

“Just a few more minutes and it’s all done.” Zack’s pride in his pasta-cooking skills radiated as a wide smile on his face.

“I’ll get the table ready.” Naomi set out the plates and the cutlery.

“Here are matches.” Zack tossed a book to her.

Naomi noticed the brand-new candles in the silver
plated sconces. She’d also ignored them. Dinner with candles added a romantic touch that she wasn’t sure she wanted to encourage.

She watched Zack approach the table with a large dish of pasta with the bright red spaghetti meat sauce liberally covering the top. He set it down between the plates, then waited for her to sit.

“Let’s dig in,” Zack prompted.

“I’ll say Grace.”

“Of course.” Zack lowered his chin to his chest.

Naomi reached across the table for Zack’s hand. She said the childhood prayer that her grandmother had taught her. When she raised her head afterward, she was pleased to see that Zack seemed to be adding his silent prayer, too.

“I think that I’m going to be quite spoiled by the time I leave. Actual home-cooked food is something I don’t have time to enjoy. This is fantastic.” She pointed with her fork at her meal, already half gone.

“Do I detect a tone of regret?”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to sound whiney.”

“You’re being hard on yourself. But I think that you probably are an expert on that.”

“I work hard for what I want, if that’s what you mean.” She leaned back and pushed her empty plate aside. The Chianti had relaxed her guard a little. “Once I’ve met a challenge, I tend to look for the next thing.”

“You’ve reached that wall in your life.”

“You can say that. Basketball is my life. My life is basketball.”

“No man in the wings waiting for you?”

Naomi shook her head. She detected the deeper curiosity behind the question. She didn’t care to be under anyone’s microscope. She’d turned the mirror on her life
once too often. Unlike her sorority sisters, she didn’t have a husband or boyfriend. She didn’t even have an occasional date. When she was playing basketball, she was practicing or working with her personal trainer. Her last boyfriend, over a year ago, had put himself in the position for her to pick between the game and him. The decision wasn’t hard.

“Well, while you’re here, I want you to enjoy the other side of life.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of doing. Enjoying a little too much.”

“Even Cinderella followed her temptation,” he said with a smile.

“There were repercussions, though.”

“And a happy ending.”

“I don’t think Seattle, Washington, will be my ending.”

“I hope to prove you wrong.” Zack winked at her.

Naomi drained her second glass of wine. This man’s flirtation with her was having an effect. Every statement made with sexy deliberation unraveled her desire to rebuild her defenses.

“Want to see the sun set?” Zack pushed back from the table and made his way behind her chair. His fingers stroked her shoulders, sending her nerves in a frenzy. “The sunset is beautiful from the balcony.”

Naomi accompanied Zack onto the roof garden. She’d noted the area when he provided a tour of his condo. Until she stood outside, well above the other buildings in the immediate area, she’d had no idea of the view.

The clear view of the Pacific Ocean shimmered with jeweled tones. The fading sun projected deep splashes of violet, amber and silver over the choppy surface. Boats
of various sizes sliced through the water heading in and out of port.

Sitting on top of the world gave Naomi a certain perspective. She felt free with the wind rustling her hair and completely relaxing her body.

“Here, I brought the remainder of the wine.” Zack handed her a fresh glass and then poured a generous amount into the wide vessel.

“Thank you.” Naomi set her glass to one side. Her head already felt loopy. Every time she looked into Zack’s eyes, she couldn’t promise not to become a blithering idiot.

Naomi turned her back on the view. Instead she stood with her back against the railing, waiting for Zack to top off his glass and join her. She loved watching him, studying the silent grace in everything he did. From the tilt of his head to the casual lift of the corner of his mouth, to the wide shoulders that always looked strong and decidedly masculine under a designer jacket, to his lean, chiseled physique, and to his long legs that propelled him forward with a power that caught anyone’s eyes.

“We’ve been talking about me for most of the night.” Naomi paused. “Who is Zack Keathley?”

“I’m a simple businessman.”

Naomi waited. There was nothing simple about Zack. Some people had charisma and that it factor that made people want to be with them. Zack had a megadose of a magical element that without much effort exuded the power to draw attention. No way that he didn’t have a slew of women ready to have their own
Survivor
game to fight for him like a piece of underpriced property.

“I’m hard at work building my business-development
company. All my energy goes there. The other part of my energy goes to Chantelle,” he joked.

“You’re part of the family’s business?”

“No, I chose to do this on my own. I want to earn my wings. I enjoy being my own boss, making my own decisions, taking the risks.”

“But it would be easier to lean on what your father has built.”

“Exactly. I don’t want to lean on anyone.” Determination underlined his words. “I’ve been enough of a burden.”

“Why so hard on yourself?” Naomi touched his cheek. The tension in his jaw worked under her hand. “I hardly think that anyone in your family sees you as a burden.”

He pulled away from her. “Didn’t mean to sound—”

“No,” she interrupted. “I’m sorry. I’m stepping into your private life.” She lowered her hand to give him back his personal space.

Zack took a moment before he spoke again. “I’m adopted. It was never a big family secret. I was almost five years old when I came to live with my parents. My dad had many lean years when he first started to build his company. Adoptions are expensive. I went to private schools, had tutors, all the things that add up.” Zack stopped, his gaze averted. His mouth drew into a tight straight line as the memory of his painful past reflected in the squint of his gaze.

“I think it shows how much they love you. They wanted the best for you.”

“I know,” he admitted with a sigh. “But now I want to show them that I can be successful. I can support them and make them proud.”

“Okay,” Naomi said in a tone that indicated he was being ridiculous. “You’re not realizing that your parents, even Chantelle, are proud of you. When you have your own family, you’ll understand why they did what they did.”

“A family of my own?” He snorted.

“That translates to a
no,
right?”

“I don’t mind settling down,” he said looking into her eyes. “But…”

“No kids? Not that you have to have kids. But I’m surprised that you’re so adamant.”

“Do
you
want children? Did you have a priority check with a children versus basketball moment?”

Naomi shrugged. “I postponed it. I didn’t rule it out of my life”

“Right now, I’m focused on my business and finding out about my birth family.”

“Are you looking for the reason behind your adoption?”

“I hear the doubt in your tone. I’m not a foolish romantic. I do have vague memories of my mother. Maybe she wonders what happened.”

“What if you can’t find her? Or if she’s moved on?”

Zack shrugged. He pulled her into his embrace, then turned her toward the sunset. “We’re missing it.”

He was right. The sun now hovered lightly over the horizon. Long, thin clouds added horizontal lines along the orb. Temperatures dipped, especially as they stood out on the garden. Naomi nestled closer against Zack’s chest.

“We should go inside,” Zack suggested.

“It’s quite beautiful.”

“I didn’t mean to get deep and dark. You do that to me,” he said with a smile.

“I appreciate your honesty. I mean it.”

“Even if you don’t approve?”

“I try not to sit in judgment, because I may not live up to similar scrutiny.”

He raised her chin with the crook of his finger. “I seriously doubt that.” He kissed her lips with a tender touch before letting her go. “Let’s make hot chocolate and watch a movie. Then I’ll take you home.”

“Sorry, but you see, now you’re telling me what to do. So I have to say no, and do the opposite. I’m going to stay tonight. With you.” She pulled him into the room that was hers for the evening. “Let’s skip the hot chocolate.”

Naomi entered the bedroom first, scanning the contents and noting the pristine condition. Her small suitcase was placed on a luggage rack. The premeditated act gave her pause.

“I’ve never used this bedroom. Nor have I ever asked my sister to pack a suitcase on a woman’s behalf.”

“Good. I’d hate to be a foregone conclusion.” Naomi unzipped the suitcase and sifted through the contents, checking off all the necessary items to make her overnight stay comfortable.

“If you need anything, I can get it.”

“I’m fine.” She looked toward one of several doors in the room. “I’ll hop into the shower.”

“I’ll go make that hot chocolate.”

Naomi didn’t say anything. He’d done a good job predicting her needs. Maybe he’d figure out the appropriate next move. After he closed the door, she undressed and donned a thick, luxurious robe that hung in a closet. The soft material warmed her body with a
coziness that felt good. However, her body craved a hot shower.

She guessed at which door to open, picking the one closest to the wall.

“Oh, my goodness gracious!” She entered a large space that had the area to serve as another bedroom suite.

The bathroom probably rivaled a Roman bath with all the modern conveniences and then some. The honey-almond color offered a warm invitation with its copper-toned sink and oversize tub. She wished that she had time to take a soak, but she’d settled for the shower, which featured a large showerhead and four additional spouts. The thought of having the water hit her body all over enticed her. She threw aside the robe and stepped into the glass-enclosed stall before quickly turning on the water.

Water cascaded over her head, soaking her hair before bathing her entire frame. The jets of water shot out with a massaging pulse against her muscles. She closed her eyes to enjoy the watery treat.

“May I join you?”

Naomi jumped but immediately opened the shower door for Zack’s entry. Despite the fact that she was naked, she was acutely aware that he was also naked. She boldly soaked up his beautiful physique.