Read Madness or Love (Be With Me Book 1) for Free Online

air they breathed. Although connected only through a phone line, their bond
grew stronger. She changed him a little with every conversation, and he
welcomed it. Victoria was the spark he had always needed—a memorable, determined
woman, a true fighter that was relentless at her work but could also be
wildfire, glowing with life, a volcano full of life force. There were days when
her laughter was the only remedy for his bruised soul. And even though
separated by an ocean, she was there for him, caressing him with her soft
voice, giving him a piece of her strength. The distance didn’t matter. She was
at the other end of the line to cheer him up when he couldn’t get a job, and
she celebrated when he finally made his breakthrough. He listened when she was
about to cry about the latest rejection letter from the bank and when she felt
hopeless and filled with doubt. In sorrow and laughter was their motto.
The bond of their souls became indestructible, and they silently labeled it “friendship”.
Both had no idea how wrong they were.
     
    * * *
     
    Victoria was still at work when the phone rang. Pun
intended, she had put the intro from Friends to Ian’s number, and the
words “I’ll be there for you” filled her office. She smiled and picked up.
“Hi.”
    “Hello, lovely lady! What are you doing?”
    “I’m working. You?”
    “I’m supposed to meet Jeff, my agent. He’s late, as
always.”
    “And you don’t like to wait.” She laughed.
    “Damn right, girl. Listen! You’ll be home around
seven, right?”
    “Yes. Why?”
    “How about dinner at eight?”
    “Dinner? I thought you were in the USA,” she said,
confused.
    “I am. We can have a skype date. I just met someone
who opened my eyes about online relationships, and since we have one . . .”
    “Ha, ha, funny guy!”
    “And besides, I miss your charming face.”
    “Hmm, we can have a dinner-slash-lunch skype date, I
guess, and I can wear my slippers instead of stilettos. Cool.”
    “It’s a win-win, you see?” He laughed.
    “Is there something special you want to tell me?”
    “Maybe.”
    “Oh, no, tell me now,” she insisted.
    “I won’t. Be patient! I’ll see you at eight.”
    “I hate you,” she pouted.
    “No, you don’t.” His simple words came over the line.
“Bye, lovely. Jeff is here. I’m gonna hang up now.”
    “Okay. Bye, Ian.”
    She put down the phone but didn’t stop thinking about
the dark-haired, gorgeous friend she had, and his magnetic blue eyes.
     
    * * *
     
    Later that day, Victoria stood in front of her dining
table feeling satisfied. The formal setting was perfect—white plates over
burgundy table runner and matching serviette. And to top it all off, her laptop
stood propped up on the opposite side of the table. Her outfit was simple but
elegant—a sparkling sleeveless top and a tulip skirt in olive green. She looked
down at her bare feet and smiled. The laptop sprang to life. She sat down and
pressed the green button. Ian’s slightly smeared face smiled back at her.
    “Hello, beautiful. You look amazing. I thought it was
a casual dinner-lunch.”
    “I don’t wear shoes. Is this casual enough? I bet you
have only your boxer briefs on.” She winked.
    “Or maybe I’m naked besides my shirt,” he threw back.
    “It’s my lucky day, then,” said Victoria, and they
both laughed. “Why don’t you drop this and tell me what’s going on?” she asked
with her sweetest voice.
    “Hey, I’m hungry; it’s a dinner.” He ditched her
question.
    Victoria took the serviette and casually placed it on
her lap. She reached over, took the salad, and placed it in front of her. He
watched, amused, while she calmly chewed a small cherry tomato.
    “I’m eating, you see. Your turn!”
    Ian knew he could not put the conversation off any
longer. “Okay, you remember when I told you about my second thoughts regarding
the promotional tour the studio wants me to do?”
    “Yes. What about it?” Her curiosity pricked