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Chapter 1
Maddie
I know it’s weird, but I've never really felt like I fit into my own life. Like something went wrong in the planning a life part of my creation and I'm here by some kind of freak cosmic accident, when I was in fact meant to have an entirely different life.
Although I’ve got no clue what that other life might be, what I do know is being a sales assistant for a glazing company in an industrial area of Houston, Texas, doesn't feel like the life I was meant to have.
Told you it was weird.
I search the database, blinking at the screen with its serial numbers and product descriptions until I land on that line item I'm searching for. “We do have that item in stock, sir,” I say into my headset. “How many were you looking for?”
I feel an elbow hit my ribs in rapid succession and look up from my spreadsheet at my best friend, Chloe. Her brown eyes are wide, her not so naturally pink hair pulled into a top knot, as she gestures in the least subtle way I think I've ever seen as someone breezes past my desk.
I open my mouth to say “What?” but if I'm honest, I already know what. Or rather who.
Eric Camden.
Office flirt, contender for most handsome salesman in the whole state of Texas, and my crush for one year, three months, and about four and a half days, aka the day Eric started working here.
He’s tall and broad, with dark blond hair and dreamy blue eyes. He told us he’s descended from Vikings, and I’ll admit, sometimes I lie in bed at night and imagine him dressed as a Viking, all manly and strong.
But let’s not go there.
At the sight of him, my heart rate picks up and I swallow, my throat suddenly dry.
His eyes flash to mine as he saunters past with his long-legged stride, and I can only imagine the way his firm muscles must ripple with each and every step.
“Like a gazelle,” I murmur to myself.
“Good morning, Maddie. You're looking particularly fine in your—” his eyes sweep over me and every part of me tingles, “—cardigan.” A smirk teases the edges of his mouth, and even though I know he's toying with me, I do not care.
When it comes to Eric Camden, I’ll take anything he wants to throw my way.
“Thanks,” I mumble, enough heat to scramble eggs blooming in my cheeks. “You look good in your…everything.”
Good grief.
“My everything?” he questions. “Thanks.” His eyes shift to Chloe, but all he does is throw her a scowl before he pushes through the door.
As it swings closed behind him, I let out a sigh.
Eric Camden, my favorite Viking.
“Hello? Are you still there?” the voice on the end of the telephone asks.
The customer. Right.
I clear my throat. “Oh, sorry. Yes. Still here, sir. I think this is a bad line or something? Anyway, what was it that you wanted again?”
He has a distinct tone as he tells me what he wants and I promise to place the order for him before I hang up.
“Girl, you need to either make a move on that guy or move on,” Chloe tells me. “And you know which one I would recommend.” She makes a neck slitting movement with her thumb.
“I’m not moving on, but the idea of making a move?” I let out a laugh, the very idea making my belly tie up in a tight knot even a fisherman would be proud of. “There is no way I'm ever doing that.”
“Why not? That's better than sitting here all day dreaming of becoming Mrs. Madeline Camden when you haven't even kissed the guy.”
Kissing Eric Camden.
