The House

AN: Because I keep forgetting, I do not own any rights to any of the True Blood/ SVM tv/books. Even though I believe that every person here wishes to have a certain Viking- or Civil War veteran in their closet ^.^ Thank you guys for the reviews, it really keeps me motivated! They aren't necessary, but they are welcomed. If anyone has a character that the wish to throw in, just give me a little information and maybe you'll have them in my next chapter!

Chapter Three

After a little bit of more small talk, Bill had left and Sookie and Eric had wandered over to his house to begin work. She was helping him clean up the front porch, and they talked a little bit about themselves. He learned that Sookie was struggling to make ends meet with her Gran currently in the hospital. She had missed too much time at Merlotte's so her boss had cut back on her hours- but it wasn't enough to pay the bills.

"So, where are you from Eric?" Sookie asked him as she pulled out the last weed from between the floor boards of the porch. He had smiled easily at her, his blue eyes twinkling a little bit.

"Shrevesport," He spoke softly. "I'm looking to move out from the city. I need a change of pace, and it's not that far away from my job. I can be there within a half hour if necessary." He smiled as he pulled out a wooden board that was beginning to rot, and he heard his cell phone go off. "Northman," He answered, and watched Sookie's eyes widening as she took in his last name, thinking no wonder why he didn't want anyone to know it! "Yeah I need some two by fours delivered to 225 Hummingbird Lane, and some white paint…" Eric continued to rattle off a list of equipment and supplies that he needed while Sookie zoned out,

Eric hesitated seeing Sookie's frown. "So your Bill's boss? Eric Northman, co-owner of NorthCroft?" She asked him already knowing what the answer would be.

"Yes. I hope you don't mind that I didn't tell you. It's just I want to make my own life outside of the company. I'm tired of being called cold, and ruthless. I'm just goal orientated. I knew what I had wanted with my life and I had went for it." Sookie nodded in understandment.

"I always wanted to go to school for law. But that was a school girls dream I suppose. I just wanted to get out of here. With Gran only having social security, it made ends harder to meet. My brother Jason got himself a good job on the road crew. I knew Gran wouldn't except money if I didn't stay. So I decided to stay, putting off my hopes for college."

Eric hesitated, wondering if he really wanted to use this girl now. Sure she was beautiful, but there was more to her then was visible to the eye. He shook his head. Maybe not, he thought, as he sat beside her. "Well from today alone I can see that you're a hard worker. Do you have any experience with computers and filing?" He let the question slip out.

Sookie laughed. "I do. I use to work down at the library when I was younger." She answered, and she continued to work, unsure of where this conversation was going. She glanced at the clock on his cell phone, taking in the time, wondering how she'd been working so long, and felt so comfortable in his presence.

"Well I'm looking for a new secretary to work for me. Normally I let Pamela Ravenscroft handle that side of the business, but since I need someone I can depend on, I'm sure you'd fit the job well." Eric didn't even pause as he continued. "It's a 9 to 5 job, with vacation. You work when I work- you'd have to get my coffee in the morning, and lunch in the afternoon. Keep me organized." Eric said seeing Sookie begin to consider the prospect of the job. "You'd have a dental and health care plan. And you'll make about 45 thousand a year."

Sookie laughed. "I'm already sold.. but I couldn't start until Sam pays me on Friday. I would need to get the proper clothing-" Eric waved it off with his hand.

"I'll take care of it. We'll consider it.. your pay for today for helping me. Now I'll pick up the stuff here, and you get ready to go out. We have a bit of shopping to do." Eric announced, holding out his hand to help her up. The second their skin met, they both felt a little spark that they chose to ignore, at least for now. A pickup truck pulled into his yard, loaded with everything that he'd ordered. "Just leave it there." He pointed at the corner of the porch that they hadn't gotten to yet as he began reaching for his wallet, pulling out the money he owed the man, and leaving a hefty tip for him to unload the truck for him.