Page 28 of Fallen

He turns, facing me completely. “Lucinda Williams. I will find you.”

……

Following in my father’s footsteps, I’ve avoided going to college and have taken the blue-collar route. Everyone knows that’s where the money is anyway. A four-year degree would cost me more than I’d make in salary for my first ten years on the job. I’m not about that life.

“Madison, are you about done in there?” my father calls from the kitchen of the house we’re working on.

“Yeah, give me a few more minutes. Just about got it rewired.”

“Good, cause my arm’s falling off holding this wire.”

I laugh. “Suck it up, old man. You always taught me that taking shortcuts ends up taking more time in the long run. I’m doing this right.”

“Good girl,” he mutters under his breath.

Hours later, we’re on our way back to the office when he receives a call from a very familiar number. “It’s your mom,” he says, picking up his phone. “Hello, my angel. What can I do for you?” The smile on his face matches his words. “Okay, we can stop. Text me exactly what to get.”

“Your mom wants us to pick up something for dinner.” He hands me his phone. “She’s sending us our orders now.”

True to his word, a text with her exact order comes across his phone. “She wants us to go to that new restaurant on Main Street.”

Ten minutes later, we’re walking into Ted’s Tacos and Pizza. “Hello?” a girl who’s not much older than me greets us. “How many?”

“Oh, no. We just need to place a to-go order.”

“Sure. Let me get a server.” She disappears into the back while Dad and I wait out front.

She returns minutes later. “He’ll be here in just a minute.”

A man steps out of the back, and I stop breathing. He’s wearing a pair of black jeans, boots, a tight white t-shirt, and a server’s apron.

Dad clears his throat, sensing my attraction to the stranger. “Hello,” he greets us. “How can I help you?”

I can’t take my eyes off the man in front of me. He’s dark, mysterious, and gorgeous. “We need to place a to-go order.” The moment I speak, he turns toward me completely, giving me his entire attention.

“Hello,” he whispers.

“Hi.” The smile that covers my face is huge. What the hell? I’ve never had a reaction to another human like this before. It’s all I can do to keep from running toward him and wrapping my arms around him.

“Zaph,” he says, holding his hand toward me.

“Madison,” I answer, shaking his hand. The moment our hands touch, electricity passes between us.

“It’s nice to meet you, Madison. I’ve found you.”