The Millionaire’s Ultimate Catch Read Online Free PDF Page A

evening.
    “Miss Venable? May I come in?”
    Naomi had a good memory for faces and voices. This voice sounded vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t place how she knew this. Her eyes barely opened, but a smile spread at the thought that his voice had the quality of a rich, sweet bourbon sauce over a warm, sinful dessert.
    “Are you okay?”
    Now she had to open her eyes, especially since the stranger touched her shoulder.
    “Are you a reporter?” She squinted up at him, fighting to stay focused. “You can remove your hand, now.”
    “Oh, sorry.” The stranger’s hand dropped to his side. He stepped back. “I’m Zack Keathley.”
    Naomi let the name register and then searched her memory. She took in the well-fitted suit, the groomed, clean face, dark eyes that sucked her in with a magnetic appeal.
    “Chantelle is my sister. She’s the girl you saved.”
    “Ah.” Thank goodness he wasn’t a reporter. She desperately wanted to get back under the covers.
    “You’re looking much better.”
    “I don’t know about that. The mirror just scaredme.” She smoothed her hair, now keenly aware that her appearance next to this sleek-outfitted man made her feel drab.
    “Glad to see you’re up and about, too.” He looked at the bed back to the chair.
    Naomi slid her bare feet under the chair. Now she obsessed about getting back under the covers. She reached for the hospital gown that was poised to slide off her shoulder. She groaned.
    “Looks like you need to get back in bed.”
    Did he have to look so delicious saying that? Not that she considered herself a flirt, but another time, another place, that would have earned him her sexy smile. Right now, she wanted to cry out from the waves of pain.
    “Here, let me help you.” He slipped his hand under her arm, careful to avoid the IV tube.
    The gown slipped and Naomi tried to wiggle it back into place before she could escalate her embarrassment with a peep show.
    “Here, allow me.”
    “I guess I need to reintroduce myself since you’re helping me remain dressed. I’m Naomi.”
    “Zack.” He smiled. “Remember?”
    Naomi didn’t mind smiling back, grateful that she had washed up. Although her face was a rainbow of colorful bruises, she’d straightened her hair and cleaned her face, and she smelled like soap.
    His hands barely brushed her neck as he tied the top. Then he moved to the middle and tied.
    “Um…” He paused. “I don’t want to go any farther.”
    “And I don’t want you to.” She lied. “Now to figure out how I’ll get from here to there with some semblance of decency.”
    He pulled the other gown from the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders. “Now you’re all set.”
    She appreciated his foresight. More comfortable, she eased to the edge of the chair and willed her legs to push her up. She needn’t have worried. Zack had his arm firmly around her upper back. They made an odd couple with the IV pole rolling along beside her as he supported her slow efforts to the bed.
    She backed her way into the bed. The instant her body touched the linens, she sagged, unable to bring her legs up.
    “I promise that I’m not trying to get fresh.” Zack lifted her legs and eased them back under the covers.
    Sweat sprinkled her brow. She couldn’t open her eyes even if she tried. Her mouth trembled. She hoped that she wouldn’t bawl, but she’d never felt so helpless.
    “Here’s some apple juice.”
    She took the cup he’d just opened and sipped. The cool, sugary beverage gave her a needed boost. She shifted until she got herself in a comfortable position.
    “I guess the favor has now been repaid.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “I helped your sister. And you’re helping me.”
    “This is nothing. My family and I are still in your debt.” He took the chair she’d just vacated. “That’s why I’m here.”
    “You’ve been here before, though. I recognized your voice.”
    “Yes. Do you have any immediate plans for when they release