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“I’m not sure Houston’s the best place to look for the kind of ail said

“I need to push for CommTECH to hold a press conference in Alaska I’m sure I’d have better luck there”

Abigail shook her head “CommTECH doesn’t have any facilities in Alaska Trust me, if they did, I’d ask for a transfer Way less people there”

“Sounds like it’s tin for a new research facility in Juno It could solve both our probleet the isolation you need to co ourselves and go hoh this for me, but it’s time for kittens and cake”

“That sounds so wrong,” Abigail said with a giggle

Threading her arh her friend’s, Keiko turned toward the exit And that’s when she felt it A hu else in the rooled and her heart raced as she found herself turning around to see what had caused the strange sensation

And there he was

A Viking

Striding through the crowd His eyes fixed on her

He had to be more than a foot taller than her, and that ith her in heels, and his shoulders ray suit fit like a second skin, skirown honey-blond hair fell across his forehead It looked bedrooh it one too many times

As he came to a halt in front of her, she looked up to find a wide jaw sprinkled with stubble, a nose that had been broken and never set properly, and deep-set eyes that were the clearest blue she’d ever seen He didn’t sail’s arm

“I’,” he rumbled in a voice so deep it sent chills down her spine

It was only when Abigail cleared her throat that Keiko realized he was holding out his hand for her to take She slid her hand into his, and so ithin her awakened

“Keiko Sato,” Abigail said when it beca to respond “She’s Keiko And I’ail”

Mace blinked once or twice before glancing at Abigail “Pleased to meet you” He didn’t offer his hand, which still held Keiko’s