“Stop. Everyone is watching, even the reporters.” Naomi stepped away from him. “I think they want to talk to you.”
Zack didn’t appear interested in being cornered by any reporter. The photographers, on the other hand, didn’t seem concerned with getting an interview. Instead, they photographed every angle as they crossed the entrance to the event.
Inside, the noisy din from outside was replaced with the music of an orchestra and several people already on the dance floor.
“Let’s mingle a bit, and then I’m going to whip you around the dance floor.”
“Whoa. I can do a lot of things. Dancing isn’t one of them.”
“That’s because you haven’t had a partner like me.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
“No argument there.”
Zack lived up to his promise, introducing her to businesspeople. All the names ran together. She knew her presence drew curious glances and pointed questions, but she stuck close to Zack to avoid any mini interviews. Her plan didn’t stop the cameras from snapping in her face. She was afraid to eat anything in case there was a candid shot of her stuffing a meaty appetizer in her mouth.
“Zack, good to see you here.”
“Jamison.” Zack nodded.
“And who is this beauty?”
Naomi felt Zack’s arm tense under the jacket. Despite the pleasantries, she could practically feel Zack’s strong dislike for the man grinning in front them.
“Naomi, meet my business associate, Tom Jamison.”
“More like partner, my dear.”
Now that wasn’t what she’d expected to hear. How did Zack wind up with a partner who caused such a reaction? “Hello.”
“All my pleasure.” He kissed her hand, which she promptly slid out of his warm grasp.
Jamison turned to Zack. “We have to talk. I’ve scheduled a meeting with a few of the council members. They’re really interested in our plans. If we talk to them, they’ll be our biggest supporters.”
“But I’m not in agreement with the plans. I said it once and I’ll say it again. Might not be a good idea to have us talk to the council members.”
“Do you know how much I’ve put on the table to make this meeting happen?”
“That could have been avoided if you’d stuck to the original plan. Instead you bring your friend into the mix without consulting me.” Zack seethed. He turned his attention to Naomi. “Naomi, could you excuse me? Why don’t you go chat with my mom over there.”
Zack waited until Naomi hesitatingly left his side before he returned his attention and fury to Jamison. “Do you really want to have this discussion here?”
“Yes. We can take it outside to get away from this noise parading as music. Zack, there are millions of dollars at stake. I wondered why I haven’t been able to reach you. Now I see what has held your undivided attention, but business still has to be conducted. We’re running out of time.” Jamison flashed his hands as if he were a conductor. Rings and a gaudy watch decorated his fingers and wrist. The ensemble went with the odd blue suit that made him look like an aggressive timeshare seller.
Zack headed for the door with Jamison in tow. He chose the far side of the property where only a few people were out smoking. Plus, he didn’t want any nosy reporters or colleagues picking up the scent of a conflict.
Jamison lit a cigarette and inhaled until it was burned halfway down. “Okay, this doesn’t have to turn into World War III. I want Lassiter on board. If he’s in place, we can go after the permit for the complex.”
“But that’s riskier. More money has to be tied up, and we have other projects. Plus, I don’t think the city needs another mega-mart complex. Look around you, there are tons of empty strip malls.”
“So now you’re into city planning?” Jamison stepped in closer, his eyebrows meshed into one. The frown firmly in place highlighted the cold seriousness in his eyes. “Yes or no?”
“No.” Zack stared back. He didn’t expect any of his projects to go smoothly. The last thing he wanted was a rift, but he wasn’t about to sell his soul for success.
“Then we need to discuss our next steps.”
“I suggest we take the weekend to sleep on things and meet in the office on Monday.”
Jamison gave a curt nod and spun on his heels. Zack watched his retreat with his posture rigid. But he wasn’t the only one who was upset. He didn’t know what this meant for his future business.
He headed back into the building. With an effort he shook off the residual anger. He scanned the room looking for Naomi. An apology was certainly needed, since he’d so abruptly parted with her company. His parents were on the dance floor, while Naomi was seated at a table watching them.
In an exaggerated, deep drawl, he asked, “May I interest you in a dance?” He eased closer to her, staying behind just enough that she couldn’t see him.
“Oh, I don’t think so. Thanks for asking. I’m waiting for the man who I came with. Sorry.”
He liked the fact that she didn’t bounce out of the chair for any guy. He cleared his throat to get her attention.
Before he had time to tease her, someone grabbed him by the elbow and spun him. Oh, no, it was one of the Patterson twins. Lavinia had to be one of the most tenacious women he’d ever met. Her over-the-top exuberance had turned him off then and it most certainly wasn’t appropriate now. His mother referred to her and her sister as the country-club twins. His exaggerated exploits with them had now gained legendary status.
“Let’s dance, Zack. Like old times.” Lavinia tiptoed to look over his shoulder. “I’ll bring him back when I’m done, sweetie. We’ve got unfinished business.”
Zack followed Lavinia to the dance floor. He knew better than to call attention to her. The woman lived to be melodramatic and the source of tawdry gossip.
To make matters worse, Lavinia, clearly under the influence, promptly glued her body against his. She ground against his hips with more sultry moves than needed for the song or for him. Zack took a step back and pulled her arms from around his neck.
“I think you need to slow down on the alcohol.”
“Why did you leave, Zack?” Lavinia blinked as if it helped clear her thoughts. “We were having fun. I would have settled down…with you.”
“Lavinia, we were not a couple. We hung out. In a group.”
“You like my sister more than me. Everyone likes her more than me.” Lavinia’s arms swung out in wide circles, causing him to duck.
“Are you here alone?” He’d had enough. He wasn’t going to be able to get through to her while she was in this state. When she was sober, for a short window of time, she’d be embarrassed over her behavior, only to repeat the cycle.
Their group had been made up of former high school friends who went to college together. Now everyone had grown up and moved on. Lavinia couldn’t quite get to that place. He’d tried to help without getting sucked into her fantasies.
“I came with someone.” Lavinia looked around the room, swaying and she reached out for his hand to steady herself. “Maybe he left,” she muttered.
“I’ll call you a cab to take you home, okay?”
She nodded. Her mood swing had now settled to a low. “Mom will be up waiting.”
Zack felt sorry for the twins’ mother, who was always there to catch her daughters and sweep up the mess. He slipped his arm around her waist and led her off the dance floor to the lounge area, which wasn’t private but had fewer onlookers. Quickly he made the necessary phone call and arrangements. He didn’t leave her side until she was in the cab.
With Lavinia taken care of, he hurried back into the reception. Naomi was still seated at the table. As he approached, he noticed her erect posture, stiff and disapproving as she looked up at him.
He leaned in for her ears only. “If you don’t mind, I think we should go.” He noted how she’d moved away from him.
She nodded but didn’t take up his attempt to assist her.
Zack remained quiet, not sure what
part of the night he needed to defend. So much had gone wrong. Yet he looked forward to getting out of the harsh lights and equally harsh company.
“I’ll meet you out front. I need to powder my nose.”
Zack nodded. The chill between him and Naomi could keep an iceberg frozen. He’d seen her keen gaze on him when Lavinia draped herself over his body. She didn’t have to worry about his intentions.
“Zack, why was that cheap floozy all over you?” His mother smacked his arm. “Do you think that was appropriate behavior? What about Naomi?”
“What about Naomi, Mom?” He was still angry over his meeting with Jamison. His mother’s scolding was like salt in a gaping wound.
“Don’t make me pop you upside your head. I thought you learned better manners than that from your father. Paul, is this what you did?”
“Zack,” Paul Keathley interrupted and led Zack away from his mother.
“Dad, don’t start,” Zack said wearily.
His father waved his hand impatiently. “Look, I’m hearing some rumblings among the council members. Frankly, it doesn’t sound good.”
“Like what?” Zack’s stomach clenched.
“The plan is to audit your proposal and determine whether you can come through on the project. Something I need to know?”
“No. I can handle this.” Zack raised his hands to reinstate the boundaries. “Tell Mom I’m taking Naomi home.”
“Let’s talk tomorrow.”
“Sure,” Zack tossed out over his shoulder.
Naomi tapped her foot. She’d already examined her nails, looked in her pocketbook for a nonexistent thing and resisted the urge to run out of the building to catch a cab. The evening had started off on such a bright note but spiraled into something out of control. Mainly, Zack had pushed her out of his life when it proved inconvenient. She’d listened to Chantelle’s stories about her brother’s outrageous love life. He was like the bad boy of the Northwest region. Apparently, some women came back for more.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. My father wanted to talk to me.”
“I’m ready.” She walked beside Zack waiting for their car to be brought to them.
“Are you feeling cold?”
Naomi stopped rubbing her arms. She shook her head.
As soon as the car pulled up, she jumped into the passenger seat before he could help. Remembering his complaint about clingy women, she was darn sure not going to present herself like that to him.
After all, they’d had a great time, but no discussion about what was to come next. As soon as she left Seattle to return home, she’d be spending hours in the gym and with her trainer. Her body had taken a beating, but that couldn’t stop her. She had to be in tip-top shape before the next season. In between the hectic schedule, where could she insert her personal life? Always looking at the practical side of things, she had to face the fact that she’d be returning to her life. The life of a professional athlete wasn’t friendly toward settling down and having a family, especially when the distance between the couple was the biggest obstacle.
“We’re here.” Zack looked over at her.
“Thank you for the evening.” She did like being in his company, even though she was unceremoniously pushed aside.
He leaned over and kissed her roughly.
She puckered for his mouth. The touch of his lips was like quenching a thirst. Though she relished his mouth covering hers, she pushed him back when his desire grew.
Naomi undid the seat belt and opened the door. “There are so many questions to ask. I have tons of thoughts rolling through. The situation doesn’t get better since our emotions are running pretty high.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re angry. You’re kissing me with all of that emotion. I don’t like being used.”
Zack banged his hand against the steering wheel. “My apologies.”
“What has made you so upset this evening? Your mood turned south after you introduced me to that guy Jamison.”
“That’s just business.”
Naomi waited for a better explanation. She took in all the signs of him withdrawing—again. “Maybe it would help to talk about it.”
“No. I’m fine.”
Naomi pulled back. Her temper spiked. “I am good for more than one thing,” she said with as much emphasis as possible.
“And I said that I was fine. Nothing to discuss or share.” He stared straight ahead.
Naomi looked down at her dress. She’d wanted Zack to be impressed. Their recent past colored her thoughts about where they could go. But the cold anger that emanated from Zack evaporated such thoughts only to be replaced with doubts. She opened the car door and then twisted her body to get out before she looked over her shoulder. “All these people are around you, yet you act like you’re the only one in the game. Maybe I should have gotten the rules earlier.”
“Naomi—”
“Don’t bother to say anything. Good night.” Naomi didn’t want to hear any apologies, nor did she want to hear him talk around the issue. Besides, she wasn’t here to change anyone.
Chapter Eight
“How are you doing?” Reba took a seat in a nearby chair while Naomi remained perched on the steps of the deck. “You look like you’re pondering the world’s problems.”
Naomi looked down at her feet where the newspaper had fallen.
“I see you read the headlines. I don’t know why Mrs. Keathley buys that local newspaper. It’s no better than a gossip magazine.”
The front page of the magazine was in color. The oversize title shouted out the sordid message: The Bachelor of the Year Has His Pick. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the clear photo of Zack was underscored with two photos. One photo showed Zack in a tight embrace with the drunken woman at the event, while the second showed Naomi smiling at whatever he said.
Inside sources claimed that the other woman wanted to heal their past wounds and begged for another chance. Naomi didn’t necessarily believe any of the tabloid, except that she hated being portrayed as a party girl looking to have a good time. The photo of her was when they’d first arrived, full of smiles and relaxed with each other.
“Zack isn’t the guy they are trying to portray.”
Naomi shrugged.
“That boy is like my son. Don’t you dare think that he’s playing you.”
“What do you want me to say, Reba?”
“That you’re not letting this nonsense destroy what you have.”
“Now that’s the problem. Everyone thinks we have something between us. I’ll be leaving here shortly. There is nothing happening between us.” She said the last sentence with more emphasis. All night she’d lain awake thinking over everything Zack had told her. Maybe he didn’t want this to blow up in his face. Maybe she wasn’t supposed to care. She gritted her teeth against the overwhelming emotion.
Falling in love hurt like hell. Oh, man. Not cool at all.
“Your mouth is saying one thing, but I’m hearing differently. I’m a woman who’s outlived two husbands and closed the chapter on one.”
“That’s not exactly making me feel better.” Naomi had to laugh at Reba’s matter-of-fact confession.
“All I’m saying is, don’t jump to conclusions. If you were really interested in leaving, you’d have been gone when your grandmother left. These people are good people. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
“I’m usually the one who doles out advice to my sorority sisters. I push them to fulfill their dreams or even to get their guy. I can see the problems barreling toward them at high speed. So I run interference and minimize damage. Kind of how I went headlong into the war zone with Chantelle. Why can’t I do the same for myself?”
“You’re looking for something that isn’t there.”
The chair squeaked, causing Naomi to look up. Reba came and stood near her and stroked her hair.
Her cell phone rang, interrupting any further counseling from Reba. She looked at the highlighted number. Her coach
was calling. With everything that was going on, all the choices that she needed to consider, having a conversation with her coach had the potential to force a decision.
“I’ll leave you alone. I’m making a big pot of chicken noodle soup.” Reba stepped back into the house while she answered.
“Thanks, Reba.” Naomi pressed the button to talk to her coach. “Hi, Coach Brewster.”
“Naomi! My gosh, I’ve been worried about you.”
“Sorry, Coach. I meant to call you after my doctor’s visit yesterday. I’m healing well.”
“I know. I got a full report. All good news. Couldn’t be more pleased.” Her coach paused, her silence full of expectancy. “I know you are offline for a while. Didn’t expect you still to be in Washington.”
“Me either. I decided to make it a vacation.”
“Smart move. Everything else fine?”
Naomi closed her eyes. She cleared her throat and pasted a bright smile on her face. “Everything is fantastic. Just laying low, you know what I mean.”
“Right. Right. Well, I got a strange call from a photographer.”
“I don’t understand.”
“A photographer from Washington wants to speak to you. Don’t really know why they came to me. You’re right there, aren’t you? Or did you leave and not tell me?”
“I just said that I went to the doctor. Did the photographer say who they worked for?” Naomi glanced down at the newspaper and flipped it over. She’d rather look at the local supermarket specials for the week than at Zack and that other woman glued to each other.
“Mentioned a modeling agency. I barely understood him. The guy had a strong European accent. Do you want me to send him to your agent?”
“Um…no, I’ll take the information.” Naomi wasn’t fooled by the modeling ruse. This had to be a nosy reporter pushing into her life to get more information. She grabbed the newspaper and crushed it in her grasp. Well, she was ready for this worm.
“Okay. Here’s the number.” Her coach read off the number and other identifying information. “Keep in touch.”
Naomi hung up and then stared at the number. She would call the number but would wait. She wasn’t in the frame of mind to have a civil conversation. Plus, there really wasn’t any reason to give her side of anything. Modeling, indeed; she was a tomboy who could occasionally get dressed up. The reporter needed to come up with something a little more original.
The Millionaire’s Ultimate Catch Page 9