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

me kissing your daughter, sir—I mean, Rick. "
    "What ? Marli!" Rick morphed from friendly to warden status, giving Jordan a dark glower. "You were making out with my daughter? In my kitchen?"
    "We weren't making out ," I defended. "One kiss Sam saw and then he wouldn't even let me explain. He just stormed out."
    "Do you blame him, Mars? Walking in on your girlfriend kissing someone else would push any boy over the edge."
    " Girlfriend ?" Jordan piped in, his brows pulling tight. "Sam's your boyfriend ?"
    Technically, dating outside of The Program was forbidden, even if Jesse thought differently. I checked my contract. However I hadn't officially been "activated" until I accepted the interview with Jordan. Up to this point, I considered myself a normal teenager, limiting my future to the day I currently lived and my destiny to the weekend.
    I didn't need this argument with Dad, especially in front of Jordan. "I don't have time to explain Sam to either of you. I need to get ready for school."
    "Marli?" Jordan hesitated, his accusing tone gone. "Can I wait and give you a ride?"
    "No, I can drive myself, but thanks."
    The voices in my head argued immediately. Have you lost your mind? Of course you want him to take you to school. However, if Sam saw me with Jordan again, things could worsen. I feared Jordan might already have second-guessed his decision to find me.
    Dad placed a hand on my shoulder. "Your car is still in Andy's shop, remember? But I can take you, if you want."
    I sighed partially in surrender, the other part secretly thrilled. "No, I'll let Jordan take me. I'd like one ride in his Porsche before he runs from this drama scene."

    The inside of Jordan's Porsche smelled like his cologne—spicy, with a hint of citrus. Sexy. I wished I lived hundreds of miles from the school so I could breathe the sensuous scent for hours, not minutes.
    Jordan's finger tapped my hand from the shifter knob. "Hey. Sorry I questioned your relationship with Sam. Your life before today isn't my business."
    I tangled my fingers in his, helping him shift gears. "And, now it is?"
    "Only if you say so."
    A breath stalled in my throat, a debate ensued in my brain. If I said yes, I surrendered a little bit of the control I wanted to keep. If I said no, I ran the risk of pushing Jordan away—something I did not want right now.
    "I think I say so."
    When we pulled in front of the school, Jordan's Porsche summoned an immediate gathering of wide-eyed gawkers. I slumped in the passenger seat hoping the dark tinted windows hid me from faces I recognized—ones who knew Sam.
    "Great," I scowled. "Guess I'm not slipping into school unnoticed."
    Jordan's arm dropped around my shoulders, easing me closer. "Not a chance. You'll have to get used to this, I'm afraid. 'Fast and flashy' cars. Remember? "
    I caressed the collar of his shirt, avoiding his eyes, but wondering if he could feel my pulse racing in my breath. "So you're a show-off? What are you covering for?
    "At this moment, my obsession with wanting to kiss you again."
    "I think that's an obsession I'd like to work on."
    Jordan tipped my chin up and pressed a gentle kiss to my mouth. "You better go before you're late." One last kiss ended with a promise for a ride home.

    Passing through the front entrance security barriers, I felt light as air with the taste of Jordan on my tongue. Heads whipped my direction and whispers followed me down the hall to the locker cubes where I found Sam. I recognized the faded blue jeans draped over worn sneakers, and the shiny mop of dark hair edging the open cubicle hatch. I nervously watched from behind as he angrily tossed his digital pad inside. Cautiously, I touched his arm.
    "Sam?"
    He turned, head tilted to the ceiling. His soft gray eyes were wet and my heart sank, realizing I caused his pain. He spoke so quiet only I could hear him.
    "He's the one, isn't he? The guy you're assigned to."
    "Yeah, he's Jordan Mason."
    "Damn! I knew it!"
    Sam's angry kick