Designer Genes - The Boyfriend Cut Read Online Free PDF Page A

cell receptor from my purse to check messages, finding an instant readout from Sam.
    Hey babe, coming back to me? Miss you.
    I entered a quick call you later and shut my receptor off. My thoughts were a mess and I couldn't handle more guilt. Sam wasn't in The Program. We could date until my candidacy activated as long as we never crossed a certain line, physically. An entire page in my contract with The Program dictated I remained a virgin. No contaminating the gene pool. Losing my virtuous status would get me kicked out.
    It would also set me free.
    Even though it seemed almost everyone I knew outside The Program had experimented with sex by my age, I didn't feel ready. Maybe it had something to do with my parents' screwed-up relationship, or Alex always freaking out if her period didn't come on time, but I figured it had more to do with wanting to fall in love first—real love, not lust .
    I pulled out my pocket data pad with the intention of working on the assignment due Monday in my Human Relations core class, a prerequisite for candidates, centering on the psyche of relationships. Instead, I opened the file labeled "Fantasy." The digital image of Jordan Mason I'd downloaded filled the screen. I drew an imaginary line down the bridge of his nose with my finger. The small bump in the center humanized him. A simple flaw on an otherwise perfect face someone else might find unattractive, to me erased any trace of vanity.
    Does he have a sense of humor or take life seriously? A definite brainiac if he graduated early and already involved in some accelerated medical program. My finger continued along the line of his jaw. Maybe he plays a musical instrument like his brother. The piano like me? His hands looked strong. What would my hands feel like tangled in his? I touched his mouth. He had an amazing smile—the way it curved those full lips, marking the dimples on each side. I wonder if his lips are soft or firm when he kisses. Too bad I'd never find out, given how the interview ended.
    I shut the display off. At least I didn't have to worry about his first impression of me anymore. Nope, I could cross Jordan Mason off my nightly "dream team" and return back to my boring life in Ohio. Romance was overrated. At least that's what I told myself. Still, I couldn't help the emptiness I felt. Spending a lifetime getting to know Jordan Mason seemed like the ideal happily-ever-after, even if within the confines of The Program.

    The doorman hailed me when a silver Mercedes stopped at the curb. He'd barely shut my door before the car rocketed into traffic.
    "Miami International, please."
    The driver gave an affirmative nod. A few minutes later, however, the airport exit sign passed. "Excuse me, but you missed the turn off." No response. All the air inside the car seemed to disappear and my palms turned sticky. I spoke louder. "You need to turn around. I can't miss my plane." A fearful shakiness appeared on the last word.
    "Your flight is delayed, Miss Davis." The voice sounded familiar. I slid to the center of the backseat to see the driver's face in the rearview mirror. When he glanced up, I recognized the dark brown eyes and teasing smirk immediately, and the beginnings of an anxiety attack threatened.
    "Jesse? What's going on? This isn't funny. If your mother finds out we're together, she'll call the authorities."
    "By the time she figures it out, you'll be safely on your way home. Besides, we didn't have a chance to get acquainted. Nice interview by the way. I loved how you caught Mom off-guard with the 'animal' thing. Jordan will catch hell for that. She's a control freak and would detest some stranger telling her something about him she didn't know."
    "I don't think the animal issue was the deal breaker."
    "Huh? Did I miss something?"
    "Only my total flip-out for the grand finale. Jesse, please go back."
    "What happened?"
    "If you don't mind, I don't want to talk about it."
    He flashed another sexy smile. "Fine. Keep your little