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

he replied inside a chuckle.
    A few minutes later, we arrived at the marina. The faint smell of fish and motor oil clung to the humid afternoon air. Water spouted in small bursts between the joints of the pier, spraying the toes of my new patent leather shoes. At the end of the wharf, a massive white yacht, aptly named HER MAJESTY, bobbed in the water .
    Definitely not a canoe.
    Jesse took my hand and led me up the boarding ramp. Once aboard, I followed him down the gangway, gliding my fingers over the smooth fiberglass sides of the ship. He climbed a gleaming chrome spiral staircase to another deck. I twisted back and forth below, not knowing what to do—run, scream, or jump overboard. Given how unlucky the day had proven so far, I'd probably miss the water and hit the cement pier.
    Jesse leaned over the railing from above. "You coming? We'll only be gone a couple hours, tops, and I swear I won't dump your bony ass overboard."
    I chomped the corner of my lip, debating. What harm can come from a boat ride? I climbed the stairs, standing toe-to-toe with him.
    "Two hours. And my ass isn't bony."

    The cruiser slipped silently through the marina, sending ripples outward that gently rocked the vessels moored to the docks. Jesse caught my puzzled look when he slid a bright green flag into the post beside a glass panel.
    "This saves us from having to stop for the border patrols."
    "How do they know you're not stealing the yacht?"
    "Because this ship requires special clearance before it can leave the marina."
    "So you already assumed I'd come?"
    "Let's say I hoped and wanted to be prepared."
    After we cleared the border sentries, Jesse veered the yacht into open waters. He lifted a small radio from the control panel.
    "Mike? Jess. Thanks for the clearance, but I need one more favor. Call Dr. Richard Davis in Maple Heights, Ohio, and inform him his daughter's flight is delayed. Tell him we'll arrange her transportation home to make up for the inconvenience."
    "Jess, if I'd known—don’t. Turn around," squawked a demand. "It's not worth the risk."
    Jesse's gaze raked over me before he countered. "I beg to differ. Better scramble the frequency on the boat, too. I don't want to be tracked."
    "You'll owe me for this one, Mason."
    "Put it on my tab. And stop worrying." He disconnected and increased speed.
    I fought to hide my sudden panic."Scramble what frequency?"
    Jesse gave my pink bracelet a spin. "You're on radar . I don't need the military out looking for you."
    A surge of fear blossomed as I watched Miami's skyline quickly disappear at the end of a long, frothy wake.
    Great, Marli. If you're murdered, no one will ever find your body.
    The spring sun overhead burned bright, and sparkling ruffles resembling fine lace edged the curls of navy blue water splashing the yacht. A brisk breeze slapped my face, holding some of spring's coolness. Jesse touched my shoulder, startling me.
    "Help me navigate." I stood between him and the helm, the warmth of his body behind me, chasing off the chill. He placed my hands on the wheel, covering them with his own.
    When he leaned over my shoulder, our cheeks brushed and my heart jumped. "See that large island in the distance?" I played along, spying several peaks rising out of the midnight blue horizon. "Beyond there is my family's private island. The water is unbelievably clear and the coral reefs beneath are awesome. That's what I want to show you."
    He banked the yacht to the left and a few minutes later, floated into a small bay. After dropping anchor, we descended the stairs to the main deck. Jesse eased a hip on a barstool in the galley.
    "Have you ever snorkeled?"
    A surprise giggle blurted from my mouth. "No, Lake Erie isn't exactly known for scuba activities."
    "It's easy. I'll teach you."
    I tugged my skirt. "I'm not exactly dressed for water sports."
    "My sister's about your size and she left several swimsuits in her cabin."
    "Sister?" Nobody said anything in my interview about other