Free The Millionaire’s Ultimate Catch by Michelle Monkou

away.
    “This guy is a piece of work,” Naomi muttered. She looked at Chantelle laughing and chatting with her odd assortment of friends. This guy clearly wasn’t a part of that, nor did he have the personality to join them. Like an animal, he stayed on the outskirts waiting for the opening when he could get Chantelle’s attention. Knowing her quirks, the young girl was likely to feel flattered and up for the challenge of conquering this new game.
    Naomi decided that would not happen, not today, not on her watch. She followed the guy and inserted herself between him and his woman or whatever she was.
    “You really want me, don’t you?” he said sarcastically.
    “Yeah, I do,” Naomi flirted. “Why don’t you come with me?”
    He followed her around to the front of the house.
    “Which one is your car?”
    “Uh-oh, a freak. You sure you can handle what I’ve got to give?” He grinned. “My car is over there.”
    The tricked-out Corvette sparkled under the sun with its fire-red paint job. The vehicle screamed babe magnet. The tires gleamed jet-black with shiny chrome wheels. Obviously the car was the guy’s true girlfriend. Pride bounced off his chest as he approached his car.
    Naomi eased her hip on the hood and propped her weight with her foot against the side of the car.
    “What the hell?”
    “Shut up. I’m only going to say this once. You aren’t staying at this party any longer. Don’t bother contacting Chantelle. If I think you are trying to go around me, I will come after you. I’ve dropped opponents bigger than you.” She pushed off from the car to close the gap between them.
    He looked up and tried to hold the stare, but took a step back. His eyes grew dark, but nothing about his face scared her. Protecting people she cared about always brought out the fierce loyalty in her. Her sorority sisters had to deal with her overprotective nature. Now Chantelle had earned her attention. She wanted any reason to clock this guy in the chin.
    “Don’t even think about it.”
    Naomi didn’t have to turn to feel Zack’s looming presence. She had the courage to go toe-to-toe with this fiend, but having Zack as reinforcement made her stand a little more erect.
    The guy wilted, much of his earlier bravado escaping from his body like a leaky valve. He didn’t waste any time hurrying around the rear of the car, looking as if he wanted to avoid contact with Zack. The roar of the engine punctuated his retreat as he reversed and headed off the property.
    Naomi grinned. “Now that was fun,” she said. Good thing Chantelle hadn’t seen her intervention. She doubted that the girl would understand that she’d done what she did for her benefit.
    “I think we make a good team,” Zack proclaimed.
    “Heck, I think we make an awesome team.” Naomismiled at Zack. After their minor tug of war, she enjoyed the thaw between them.
    “Let’s get out of here.” He clasped his hand in hers and headed to his car.
    Naomi didn’t hesitate. Chantelle would be fine. They’d taken care of the greatest threat. Now, with her adrenaline still pumping, she was game for another adventure. This time, she’d have a man who filled her mind with scandalous thoughts and fantasies.
    Sitting next to Zack in his sleek luxury sports car, Naomi relaxed and enjoyed the speedy entry into the traffic. She gazed out at the traffic and night bustle that marked the beginning of the weekend. So many of her evenings were spent in practice or playing a game. Her dating life was a spurt here and there. Many times, she ended a budding relationship because her focus couldn’t be divided or prioritized. Basketball always came at the top.
    “You’re awfully quiet.”
    “I haven’t had a chance to sit back and breathe.”
    “How’s the recovery going?”
    “It’s going. The muscles across my ribs are healing, and I’m a bit stiff.”
    “You miss the team, don’t you?”
    “Sometimes.” Even as she said the truth, the guilt for not