Chance Encounters

He laughed at her cheekiness and mimicked her response before asking. “So why were you in New York?”

“I had to go to a funeral.”

“I’m sorry. How did you know someone from New York if you’re from California?”

She smiled at his handsome face and stunning blue eyes. “I went to college there. I just moved back to California a few months ago, after graduation.”

“Oh. So whose funeral was it?”

“His name was Johnny. He was one of my closest friends. A really good guy…you would have loved him.”

“I bet I would have.”

Caroline knew he didn’t try to be charming, but every word this gorgeous farm boy spoke was nothing but.

“More importantly,” she smiled, “he would have approved of you.”

He leaned toward her and kissed the top of her head again and the attraction pulsed throughout her veins. She had to fight off the impulse to tilt her head up and allow him to kiss her lips.

Caroline reminded herself constantly that it was wrong. Even though every fiber of her being screamed out for him, she allowed her conscience to win the battle.

“So why are you flying to California?” she wondered out loud.

“I have some meetings for farm stuff, and my buddy is getting married.”

“Seriously? So how do you have a friend in California, if you’re from New York?” she asked him mockingly.

“He moved out there for work. He loves it. I think he’s crazy.” He shrugged and smiled.

She laughed out loud. “Have you ever been or is this your first trip?”

“First trip.”

“I think you might surprise yourself,” she said and winked at him.

“What do you mean?” He leaned toward her, his eyes looking her up and down.

“I’m just saying, you never know. You might love it there.”

“Do you?” he fired back in response.

She laughed and told him, “Not at all. But don’t get me wrong. I’m from Southern California and Northern is just so different. The weather will be the death of me, I’m sure of it.”

“How did you ever survive in New York?” he teased.

“That was different. I tolerated the weather for the atmosphere and the energy. I love it there so much!”

The teenager tried to interrupt their conversation, but Caroline quickly cut him off. “Not now, boy, you’re on a time-out.”

“For what?” the boy pouted.

“For talking. Quiet time.”

Caroline and her stranger laughed as the teenaged boy slumped into his seat and folded his arms with a grunt. Then her stranger leaned in close and whispered, “I wish I could bring you to the wedding.”

Having his lips breathe words into her ear sent chills racing all the way down to her toes. She could barely handle it as her heart raced and her breath felt sporadic. “I bet we’d have the best tim

e. Do you dance?”