“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 silverplated 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 b
eautiful.”
“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.
“I’ll do that.” He took the small washcloth from her hands and flipped it over a towel bar. “I can do a better job with my hands.”
She nodded. His hands against her body heated up her inner vibes. Zack had a knack for making her feel sexy with a glance, a brush with his fingers, or in this case, simply standing two inches from her.
Suddenly her throat felt dry. She leaned her head back and allowed the water to trickle into her mouth. Then he kissed the side of her neck. She almost drowned, whether from the water or from her nerves awakening under the sensual waves rolling through her body.
His fingers played with her hair, sliding the strands behind her ear. He delivered another scorching kiss to her mouth. She didn’t mean to but couldn’t help digging her nails into his back. His mouth claimed hers with no hesitation. His desire spoke its own language, full of sensual hunger and passion.
She heeded his call with her own demand for his erotic touch in her most sensitive sweet spots. No words were necessary as she pressed against his muscular frame.
His tongue danced and stroked her mouth, conquering, dominating, taking possession of her willing mouth. But she wanted that seeking tongue to bathe her, play with her, stir her into a frenzy. With her back against the cool tile, she guided his face to her breasts, which perked up with anticipation.
When his mouth descended on her nipple, she swore that she momentarily zoomed into another dimension. She hooked him with a leg, pinning him to her as he continued to introduce his tongue down the length of her body.
She wanted to exclaim but couldn’t. Her mouth opened, but only to moan as he tenderly kissed around her belly button. She pinned her hands against the tiles for some type of anchor. When he gently parted her legs, she did cry out. Her inner thighs trembled as his fingers meandered toward the apex of her legs.
Then he touched her with a slight brush of his fingertips, as if introducing himself to the sensitive lips. He stroked, stirring up her response to a rapid boil. She didn’t think he could be so cruel as to play with her opening, skirting the area with a teasing touch.
Yet he upped the stakes when he accompanied his probing fingers with his tongue.
She hissed. Her mind no longer pretended to keep a coherent thought. Zack had managed to send her body into Defcon 3.
“Don’t hold back, honey.”
“I want you inside me.”
He kissed her and sucked her folds with a suction that drove her to stand on her tiptoes.
“Please,” she begged.
His fingers replaced his tongue. She knew where he was headed, his fingers slid along her walls to the destination that he probed with soft pressure.
“I can barely hold on.” The air in her lungs felt as if in short supply.
“I don’t want you to.” He flicked her clit with his tongue. “There will be time for me to pleasure you in other ways.”
Without warning, he increased the friction inside her. Her moans grew louder. Her hands grabbed his head. She wanted to cry out for him to stop but also to scream for him to continue. Her body arched, straining against the last remnants of control.
“You’re stubborn.” Zack kissed her inner thigh.
Well, that did it. Her release coerced by her complete surrender shook her body until she had to close her eyes. She had to let out the guttural scream. She had to stay on her tip-toes until the last pulsing orgasm throbbed to cessation.
As a finale, Zack kissed her gently between her legs.
Chapter Seven
“I hope you’re not going to the event like that.” Chantelle hovered in the doorway with her hand on her hip.
Naomi looked down at her dress. The long midnight-blue dress with silver edging carried a high-end designer’s name. She looked up at the younger woman. She was already nervous. Chantelle’s critique didn’t help.
“You look plain. Nice body and all, but we’ve got to brighten you up. I’ll go get my makeup.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be leaving?”
“Yeah, but you’re a fashion emergency.” Chantelle hurried down the hallway still loudly exclaiming her disgust.
Naomi spun around in front of the full-length mirror, examining each angle. Frannie had accompanied her on the shopping spree, delighted that she’d agreed to stay and attend their fundraiser. She’d only agreed to wear this dress over the pantsuit choice if Frannie allowed her to pay.
“Okay, sit down over here near the lights.” Chantelle produced an oversize compact of every color imaginable.
“I don’t want to look like a paid escort.” Naomi looked at some of the extreme shadings with distaste.
“Trust me.”
Naomi raised an eyebrow as her eyes scanned Chantelle’s face, noting the eyeliner that seemed too thick, the fake lashes that made her look in constant surprise and the glossy lips.
“Close your eyes. You don’t have much time. I heard Mom downstairs getting on Dad’s case because she’s ready to go.”
“I’m not going with them.” Naomi fought the urge to open her eyes as the eye shadow was applied with swift strokes.
“Oh. Is my dear brother coming to take you to the fundraiser?
I may have to stick around to keep an eye on both of you.”
“You’ve done enough already.” Naomi had dodged all Chantelle’s questions about her overnight stay. She knew that her blushing didn’t help.
“Naomi! Zack’s here.”
“Coming!” Naomi responded.
“Keep still for a few more minutes. I’m almost done. You need a killer lip color to add the final touch to my masterpiece.” Chantelle took a step back and handed her a mirror. “Darn it, I’m good.”
Naomi looked at her reflection and was stunned into silence. The face staring back at her bore little resemblance to her plain face with its sharp angles and prominent features.
“Knock ’em dead.” Chantelle hugged her tightly. “I’m going to miss you. I hope you keep in touch.”
“I promise. You go be a good student and don’t give those professors a hard time.”
After Chantelle left, Naomi turned to the bigger mirror and examined her appearance one last time before she headed downstairs. Now they would be going out officially as a couple. A short-term assignation that she knew would end the day she left Washington.
“You look fantastic.” Zack whistled softly. “That gown is stunning. It’s hugging you in all the right places.”
“You look like you’re going to make a meal of me.”
“That’s not quite what I’m going for.” He grinned with pure, sexy mischief.
The gala event attracted the press and the upperincome social strata. Naomi used her mental calming exercises as they pulled up in front of the entrance. She waited for Zack to open her door to make sure that she had him at her side.
She’d been afraid that she was overdressed and the makeup too dramatic. The women put those thoughts to shame. She silently thanked Chantelle for the finishing touches.
“Shall we?” Zack rested his hand on her lower back.
Naomi walked through the entrance, noting the curious glances cast her way. She was with an eligible bachelor. “I think that I may be an impediment to many women’s plans for you.”
“Too bad for them.” Zack’s hand slid purposefully along her back, settling on her hip. “Maybe I should leave no doubts.” He kissed her neck. “You smell good.”
The Millionaire’s Ultimate Catch Page 8