Designer Genes - The Boyfriend Cut by Harley Brooks Read Free Book Online Page A

daughter, but messing with the government? You better watch your step." When I didn't reply, he released another loud sigh. "So, how was snorkeling?"
    I gave a recap of my adventure, sticking to marine life, not Jesse, although my expression must have given something away. Rick relaxed into the rocker, a wide grin stretching across his face.
    "What?"
    "You tell me, Mars. Maybe you should switch brothers. You seem rather impressed with this Jesse fellow. Falling in love the old-fashioned way beats this arranged relationship crap any day."
    Telling Dad why Jesse could never be an option didn't seem the best idea. I moved from the swing to the porch steps, the cold concrete matching my sudden somber mood.
    "You only get hurt when you let emotions rule your choices."
    "Lately, Pumpkin, your impulsive choices have been completely based on emotion."
    "Maybe, but it still doesn't mean I'm not afraid of a committed relationship. There's no guarantee of a happily-ever-after with any guy whether I pick him or he's chosen for me."
    "That's a rather cynical view. True, there are no assurances, but if you're referring to your mom and me, don't let what happened to us decide your actions. Once-upon-a-time I loved your mother very much."
    Mom's leaving hurt Dad more than he let on and whenever we came close to discussing those feelings, he changed the subject.
    "Speaking of 'lost loves,' Sam's called at least a dozen times. The kid is so damn annoying. Please call him before I lose my last thread of patience. "
    I brushed loose pebbles off the back of my skirt. "Dad? What should I do about Sam? I don't want to hurt him."
    His rocker creaked when he rose. "Sorry, but nobody gets through life without being hurt some way. Sam will recover. It's you I worry about."

    A hot shower and comfy clothes did nothing to settle the restlessness ticking through my body. I nestled into the window seat with my digital pad to work on homework, but Dad's comments about letting your heart decide your fate kept interrupting my concentration. Before today, I toyed with thoughts of dropping out of The Program, but my candidacy secured my family's future. Twisted blessings—even for my future children.
    Children? Mrs. Mason's declaration flashed in my thoughts like a warning beacon. "…you could be become pregnant right away, which would also serve the greater purpose…" Whose "greater purpose?" Hers? Jordan's? Not mine.
    The cell receptor buzzed against my hip—Jesse! I shut off the video feed before answering. Rick's Ohio State T-shirt and sweatpants didn't exactly scream "sexy," but then again, why did I care? Because I did—I was seventeen. Didn't all seventeen-year-olds obsess about their looks, or just the ones who sucked the lips off their assigned mate's brother?
    "Jesse?"
    "Good, you're still awake."
    "How did you get my personal number?"
    "I have my ways. I wanted to know you arrived home safely. My co-pilot is taking a break so I figured I'd call. Technically, I'm not supposed to talk to you. It's against the rules. "
    "Like you care," I teased, feeling brave with him thousands of miles away.
    "Still holding a grudge, I see."
    "Most hostages do."
    "Brutal. If I'd formally asked you to spend the afternoon with me, would you have said yes?"
    I paused a beat. "Probably not."
    "Precisely my point. You would have missed out on a great learning experience, so technically, you should thank me."
    "For kidnapping me?"
    "Among other things."
    "Jesse, don't go there, please," I warned, mostly because I'd been trying to avoid thinking about our kiss all night.
    "I meant snorkeling."
    My face flushed hot and I was glad the video was off. "Sorry. Guess I'm still worried."
    "What if I told you didn't need to be? Got some info to share. Apparently, Mom hated the second candidate she interviewed. She told Jordan you made a much better impression."
    "That's a shocker. The other candidate must have been a total loser."
    Jesse laughed. "I was also right about the