Queen of Hearts Read Free

younger man added, apparently feeling his way carefully, "that you could have dinner with Janna tonight, Adam. I'll be studying until after midnight in the library and she doesn't have anything to do. It would give you two a chance to know each other..."
    Janna nearly choked on a piece of lettuce. She reached quickly for her water glass just as Adam's large hand landed heavily against her back. The blow sent such a jolt through her that she upset the glass, sending water across the table.
    "Look what you made me do," she snapped, regaining her breath and trying to blot up the water with her napkin. "I was alright. There was no need to...to pound on me like that!" She sent a speaking glance toward her rescuer who merely smiled blandly in return, preferring his napkin by way of assistance.
    "You were saying, Nat?" Adam prompted, watching approvingly as Janna quickly and efficiently dealt with the mess.
    "Well, it was only a suggestion," Nat began uncertainly, glancing at Janna a little nervously.
    "I'm afraid I have a great deal to do tonight," she informed them both aloofly, tucking the soaked napkins beneath the plate. She knew very well why Nat wanted her to keep Adam occupied this evening. He and Lucy were scheduled to talk to the college chaplain who was to perform the service on Saturday. It was true, she had agreed to try and keep Adam from asking too many awkward questions during his visit, but that was before she had realized what a difficult man he would turn out to be!
    Nat was proving to be a bit annoying, too, however.
    "Now, Janna, you know I want you to get to know my brother. After all, he's the only family I've got. I hate having him come all this way and not be able to spend some time with you..."
    "It's an excellent suggestion, Nat," Adam interrupted cheerfully, taking another bite out of his sandwich. "I shall be happy to entertain Janna this evening. I'm sure you'll be able to suggest a good restaurant."
    As if encouraged by his brother's enthusiasm Nat launched into a lively account of the nightlife available in La Paloma, all the while sending little pleading messages to Janna who felt her resolve weaken. The last thing in the world she wanted to do was spend the evening with Adam Halleck but there was no denying she had promised to help Nat. Adam was only supposed to be in town a day or so and tonight would probably be the only night she would be called upon to accompany him to dinner. Lucy and Nat were good friends of hers...
    "Alright," she interrupted quietly. "I think I can put off some of my chores until tomorrow. If you really want my company for dinner tonight, Mr. Halleck, I can manage it." Janna winced inwardly at the lack of warmth in her acceptance of the invitation but she didn't, in all honesty, see how anyone could have expected more from her under the circumstances. It was painfully obvious she and Adam Halleck were bound to clash.
    "I shall look forward to the evening, Janna, but I insist you call me Adam. If you promise to call me by my first name I promise not to bring up the subject of who should support who in a marriage. Deal?" Adam grinned his lazy grin, which had the affect of making Janna more nervous than ever.
    "It's a deal, Adam," she responded formally.
    "Great!" Nat beamed happily, wolfing down the rest of his meal. "I know the two of you will have a fine time!"
    Janna merely stared at him.
    The rest of the meal was concluded in a reasonably friendly atmosphere, leaving Janna with the impression that Adam had won an important concession without even having to exert himself. There was no doubt at all in her mind that he intended to use the evening to his advantage. He would probably try to browbeat her into giving up any notion of marrying Nat. Perhaps it was a good thing Nat was keeping away from Lucy. The other girl would have been no match for a determined Adam Halleck. Janna had visions of gentle Lucy crushed and in tears and knew she had no choice but to keep her friend