The Millionaire’s Ultimate Catch Read Free Page B

regular self.”
    Zack agreed. He didn’t need a medical degree to assess Naomi’s condition. Bones may need to mend. Muscles needed to be repaired. There had to be some emotional stress from the brutal assault.
    “How can I repay her?” Her dark eyes were all he noticed. They didn’t slide away from his face but stared back with an intensity that mirrored the woman’s will. She intrigued him, stirring a part of him that had so long lain dormant.
    “Hello?”
    Zack and Chantelle turned toward the doorway. A woman stood there, looking curiously at them. Her brows drew down and suspicion clearly marked her features as she sized them up.
    “I’m Zack Keathley and this is my sister, Chantelle.” Zack opted to make the first friendly step. “Miss Venable apparently saved my sister.”
    “Ah.” The woman offered her hand. “I’m Wendy Brewster, Naomi’s coach. I came to see if she wasawake. I wanted to let her know that her grandmother wouldn’t be able to get a flight out until tomorrow.”
    “She’s opened her eyes a couple times, but I’m not sure if she’s completely aware,” Zack offered.
    “Her voice hasn’t come back yet,” Chantelle added.
    They stepped back for the coach to enter and approach the bed. Although this was someone Naomi knew, he still didn’t want to leave her alone.
    “What will happen? I mean, like, will the team have to leave her?” Chantelle asked.
    The coach looked up at them; she held back tears with a tight grimace.
    Zack tapped Chantelle’s shoulder, warning her to drop the matter. The coach would have to think about the team and her obligations. He understood having to make decisions outside of personal preferences.
    “Don’t worry about me.”
    Zack was surprised that Naomi spoke, although her voice sounded scratchy and weak. Her face tightened under the strain of talking.
    “Always thinking of the other person.” Her coach shook her head. “I should be telling you not to worry. Your grandmother is trying to get a flight.”
    Naomi shook her head, which earned a weak groan.
    “What’s the matter? Should I call the doctor?” Zack asked, concern in his voice.
    “Too old…to fly,” Naomi’s voice croaked.
    “Who?” He looked up at the coach for an explanation.
    “Your grandparents?” she answered. “I tried to talk them out of it. But you know your grandmother is stubborn.”
    “Let me take care of getting your grandparents here,”Zack volunteered. “They can stay with my family.” He glanced at Chantelle.
    “Oh, Zack, that would be great.” Chantelle hugged her brother.
    “And when Naomi is discharged, I would love to extend the invitation to her. It’s the least we can do for her bravery.” Zack wanted to thank this woman, and by offering her his family’s home, he hoped to make her understand how much he appreciated what she’d done.
    Naomi shook her head. “Home. I’ll go home.”
    “You will, dear, when the time is right.” Her coach finally had to dab at her eyes.
    A nurse bustled into the room. “Okay, I have to check Miss Venable’s vitals. I’ll need you all to leave. You can come back in a few minutes.”
    They left the room and headed down the hall to the waiting area. Zack pulled up short, surprised to see a room filled with very tall women. Obviously, they were Naomi’s teammates.
    The coach introduced him and Chantelle, which developed into lots of questions about the incident. Chantelle answered as best she could. He learned that the team had to leave shortly to stay on schedule. The decision split the team into two camps, one wanting to stay with Naomi and the other saying that Naomi would want them to continue.
    “I know you don’t know us, but I promise that we will take care of Naomi and her grandparents for as long as they need us,” Chantelle offered. “I’m so grateful to her.”
    The coach quieted her players. “My assistant will stay here until Naomi is released. If Naomi decides to stay with you, then my