An Innocent in Paradise Read Free Page A

patterns and the ability to exploit the resulting haploid cells has already gained international interest. I’m positive that further study will ultimately lead to unlocking the secrets to curing some of the worst diseases known to modern man.”
    â€œOh, yeah?” He’d lost her at “meiotic patterns” but wasn’t about to mention it.
    â€œAbsolutely.” She held up her thumb and forefinger and squeezed them together. “I’m this close to finishing the preliminary studies and I’ve applied for further grant money in order to move to the next level. It’s urgent and important work. But I need fresh, large batches of spores and I need them soon.”
    â€œI see,” he said, stretching his arm out across the back of the sofa.
    Clearly frustrated by his blasé tone, she stopped herpacing and said quietly, “Look, Mr. Sutherland, I am a scientist, a very good one. And I…I need this job here in order to conduct my studies. Your resort is the main source of employment on the island.”
    â€œIt’s the only source of employment, Ms. Farrell, but let’s not nitpick.” Staring out the sliding glass doors, he carefully avoided making eye contact as he returned to his original argument. “So the reason you lied on your résumé was so that I would hire you so that you could live here at my resort for free and study our spores.”
    â€œWell, yes, and—”
    â€œAnd you thought you’d coast right into the mindless job of waitress in our cocktail bar to cover your costs.”
    â€œI suppose that’s right, but—”
    â€œAnd yet, you’ve never been a cocktail waitress.”
    â€œWell, no, but—”
    â€œWell, then.” He lifted his shoulders in a move meant to indicate only one conclusion. “At the risk of repeating myself, you’re fired.”
    â€œWait!” She rushed over and sat on the couch mere inches from him, her breasts rising and falling with her rapid, anxious breathing. Her scent, some exotic blend of spice and…was it orange blossoms?…enveloped him. Up close, he could see a pale smattering of freckles on her shoulders. He had the most bizarre urge to touch them.
    â€œHaven’t you heard a word I’ve said?” she said. “I’m not leaving.”
    â€œYou don’t have to leave,” he said genially. “Feel free to book a room at the resort and study spores as much as you want. But don’t expect me to subsidize your trip.”
    â€œBut…” A heavy frown marred the smooth surface of her forehead and her lower lip was in danger of quivering. She wasn’t going to cry, was she? If she did, Logan swore he would throw her out of here faster than she couldsay meiotic …whatever. Crying was the ultimate weapon of female manipulation. He’d learned that the hard way.
    â€œI can’t book a room here,” she confessed. “It’s too expensive. The only way I can stay is if you’ll let me work for you.”
    He raised one eyebrow. “No.”
    â€œFine,” she said defiantly, and jumped up from the couch. “I’ll sleep on the beach, but I’m not leaving.”
    â€œWait just a damn minute,” he said, standing. “Nobody sleeps on my beach.”
    She turned. “ Your beach?”
    â€œThat’s right. I own most of this island and I say who comes and goes. And I don’t want vagrants setting up camp on my beach.”
    â€œI’m not a vagrant,” she muttered as she folded her arms tightly across her chest. Her lower lip stuck out in a pout and as much as he hated the manipulation game, he had to admit he wanted to run his tongue over those pouty lips of hers. He had to give her points for that.
    She swallowed nervously and took another deep breath and it seemed to help her regain some inner resolve. Her lips tightened and she faced him head-on. “I’m not