Her Chance Encounters Read Free Page A

a million different directions. Their lips seemed to melt together so perfectly. Even the chill in the air seemed to have faded.
    Her thoughts whirled out of control, something Adrienne was not comfortable with at all. Instead of allowing herself to relax and enjoy the moment, she attempted to deal with all the implications. If the truth be known, she wanted nothing more than to start a relationship with this handsome man. He might be a determined, stubborn man, but he was also devastatingly appealing and exciting. Yet, she was not about to let herself be used by any man, no matter what her emotions led her to dream about.
    So why was she allowing this man to kiss her? Adrienne wondered, enjoying the union of their lips a bit longer. Exhaustion, she decided. Years of working to prove herself as a successful leader in the school system had finally taken its toll. She really needed to take advantage of the coming summer break. Should she consider taking a vacation away from the area so she could de-stress?
    Without notice, cold air filled the tiny office and seemed to attack Adrienne again. Her numb mind could think of no warmer place than Chance's strong arms. Still, she forced herself to pull away, allowing the cold air to consume her completely. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Turning around, she was certain someone was spying on her. It had her feeling edgy.
    "What if I sell River Oaks to someone else?" She challenged, attempting to hide the effect his kiss had on her already rattled nerves.
    "You'll never get a better offer than I've made."
    "Money is not a deciding factor in this decision, Chance. Principals might not make as much as people who run oil companies, but we do manage to live a comfortable lifestyle."
    "Have you had any other offers for the place, Adrienne?" Chance demanded. Something in his tone warned he would not let up until he got an answer.
    "As a matter of fact, I have heard from someone else who is interested. Strange, the way you talk about River Oaks, you would think no one in her right mind would want the place."
    "Who?"
    It was useless to try to change the subject now. Adrienne told herself she should have kept the information to herself as she first thought. Chance Breaux was singled minded when it came to the topic of River Oaks. The frustrating man saw the place as his and deeply seemed to resent anything or anyone standing in his way. Adrienne just wished she wasn't the major obstacle he faced now.
    "I believe her name is Madame Lenore."
    Chance laughed, obviously relieved to discover who his competition was. "Madame Lenore? That quack?" His chuckling made her stiffen.
    ""She sounded like a very interesting woman," Adrienne defended.
    "The crazy woman claims she has visions of dead people. Don't tell me you would seriously ever really consider any offers from a quack. What's she going to pay you with? Séances?"
    Now Adrienne was compelled to wipe off the arrogant grin on his face. What a handsome face Chance Breaux had, too. His features looked to be chiseled out of granite. Even when he was smiling, he looked unyielding. "Like I said, money will not be a major deciding factor if I decide to give up my rights to the property. Explain your real reasons with wanting the place. You claim you want to begin a relationship with me, but... "
    "Get this through your hard head, woman. Our relationship is separate from River Oaks. From this point on, I'm going to be in your life for a long time to come. You better start getting used to that fact, because it will be one hell of a life if you make the mistake of selling River Oaks to anyone but me."
    Something in Adrienne snapped at his tone. No one told her what to do, especially this man. "Be careful Chance. That sounded like a threat. I don't respond well to intimidation. If you really plan on sticking around, you had better learn that about me."
    Instead of backing way, the stubborn man moved even closer. "I don't make threats, babe.