Surprise Seduction Read Free

away.”
    “What choice do I have?” Adrienne frowned at her long-time friend.   “Drew wouldn’t let me within a hundred miles of a managerial position.   When I figure out what’s going on with Weston Pharmaceuticals, I’ll present the information to the board, along with my intent to take my father’s place.   They’ll have to take me serious.”
    Sheila’s face twisted in concern.   “I’m not sure.   From what I remember of Drew, this could be dangerous.   He isn’t going to give up control of Morrigan’s easily.”
    “No,” Adrienne conceded.   “He won’t.   I’ve thought it out and can’t think of any other way that puts me on the inside.   I don’t have time to wait.”
    “George Weston may be in cahoots with Drew.   You do realize that?”
    “I don’t think so.   Even though dad took over Weston years ago, George’s family has remained involved in operations.   Dad and George were friends from Harvard.   If anyone is in with Drew, I suspect Chase or one of the vice-presidents.”
    “I find that hard to believe.   Chase has always held everyone to such high ethical standards.   Besides, your father handpicked him to run Weston.   Why would he team up with Drew?”
    She shrugged.   Why did anyone do anything in the business world?   “Money.   Power.   Take your pick.”
    Adrienne’s comment was cut off by Sheila’s secretary interrupting via the phone’s intercom speaker.   “Mr. Aaron is here and would like to speak with you.”
    Adrienne’s gaze met Sheila’s.   If Chase found her in Sheila’s office, he’d know he’d been had.
    Sheila pressed the button.   “I’m busy at the moment.   Could Mr. Aaron come back later?”
    “No, he can’t.”   Sheila’s secretary didn’t answer, Chase did.
    Adrienne glanced around the office looking for a place to hide.   No closet.   No bathroom.   Her gaze dropped to Sheila’s desk with its solid front covering.
    Her friend nodded.   “Hurry up.   He’s liable to barge in.”
    She hurried around the desk and scrambled beneath the desktop, crouching in the opening at Sheila’s feet.
    The office door opened and Chase’s presence swept in with the force of a hurricane.
    “What the hell was this afternoon about?”
    Adrienne stared at Sheila’s feet, holding her breath, praying she didn’t sneeze or cough or something else just as stupid.   They’d never be able to explain her presence under Sheila’s desk.   The only explanation that might be halfway plausible, she wouldn’t use, not in a million years--even if she was supposed to swing the other way.
    “What are you talking about?”
    She had to give Sheila credit.   Her friend sounded clueless.
    “Blinky, Snarly, and Miss Man-hating Mouse.”
    Adrienne almost snickered.   He’d summed up the two actresses she’d hired quite accurately.   The two women had obviously played their roles well.   And, maybe she hadn’t done such a bad job herself.
    “What are you talking about?   You told me you didn’t want someone likely to hit on you.   I thought I’d done a great job of screening the applicants.”
    “You’re kidding.”
    Sheila tapped her foot and remained silent.   Seemed her long time friend had a bit of actress in her as well.
    “Aw, hell.   Those were real applicants?   You weren’t having fun at my expense?”
    Sheila’s foot tapped again, and Adrienne’s shoulders shook with silent amusement.   She could almost picture the look that would be on Chase’s face.   His gorgeous face.
    She closed her eyes.   No, she couldn’t think about him that way.   Maybe before her father’s death she could have, but her carefree days to do as she pleased were over.
    A spasm shot through her lower back.
    Darn, she couldn’t risk attempting to get more comfortable.   Chase would undoubtedly pick up on her movements.   She pushed the events of the past few months out of her mind and focused on the conversation taking place above