Submitting to the Shadow (Kindred Tales #27) - Evangeline Anderson Page 0,2
strange circumstances.
Still, beggars couldn’t be choosers and Sammi didn’t want to go back to Earth right now.
So I guess I’m taking this job, she thought, staring at those strange, pale eyes. But I’m going to do the best I can to take it under my own terms.
“All right,” she said, nodding at Roark, who had been waiting with more-than-human patience while she thought about his offer. “I’ll accept your offer and I’ll even sign a contract stating that I won’t start dating anyone or get pregnant…but for one year only.” She held up one finger to illustrate her point. “After that, I’m free to resume my social life. And let me warn you, Commander Roark—I come from a big Irish Catholic family on my mother’s side, which means I’m going to want to get married and have a lot of kids. I’ve always wanted that and since I’m thirty-eight this year, time is running out for me to have them.”
“That’s your business,” Commander Roark said shortly. “I only need your commitment to exclusivity for a single solar year. By that time my prototype should be ready to mass produce and distribute to females who wish to be impregnated with Kindred fetuses.”
“I’d like to ask ‘what prototype,’ but I’m sensing you won’t be willing to talk about your work until I sign the contract,” Sammi said dryly.
“You’re correct about that. And, Ms. Grey—it’s going to be our work.” He gave her that intense look again—the one that made her stomach feel fluttery, though she tried to ignore it—and stood to offer his hand.
Sammi stood as well and held out her own hand. Normally she would have said something along the lines of how she couldn’t wait to start working for him or how she was sure they were going to get along great, but she wasn’t sure of either of those things. So she simply said,
“Thank you, Commander Roark. I, uh, I’m sure we’ll have an excellent working relationship.”
“As long as you live up to your end of the contract, we certainly will,” he said gravely. “And I think we should dispense with formalities, as we’re going to be working so closely together. You may call me simply, Roark. May I call you Samantha?” he asked as he clasped her hand in his much larger one.
“I…uh…” Suddenly all Sammi’s poise left her. The reason for that was the strange feeling that came over her the moment he touched her.
A wave of tingling warmth swept up her arm and then covered her whole body. She felt for a moment as though she’d been standing on the beach and a huge, warm wave had drenched her.
“I…I…that will be fine,” she managed at last, trying to regain her composure.
“Very good.” He released her hand. “I’ll have the contracts drawn up and you can sign them tomorrow before we begin work.”
“Oh, will…I mean, you want me to start tomorrow?” Sammi stammered. She wanted to ask Roark if he’d felt the same strange sensation when they had touched, but it was clear from his composure that he hadn’t.
The strange warmth had faded from most of her body when he let her hand go, but it remained as an uncomfortable hot tingling sensation in her breasts and between her thighs. What in the world was going on—had she imagined it?
Roark raised an eyebrow at her.
“Do you have other plans?”
“No, no!” Sammi assured him quickly. “I was just…surprised, that’s all. The hiring process tends to take a bit longer down on Earth.”
“Well, you’re not on Earth now, Samantha,” he said firmly. “And we need to get to work immediately—we have a lot to get done if we’re going to be finished in a year, so you can immediately begin procreating.”
“Immediately begin—oh.” Sammi understood that he was referring to her remark that she wanted a big family. “Of course.” She nodded. “I’m sure we can manage.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” Roark was already turning back to his desktop monitor, clearly absorbed in his research. “Seven sharp. Don’t be late.”
“No, I…I won’t be.” Sammi still felt rattled by the strange feelings that lingered after their handshake. “Goodbye…Roark,” she said, feeling odd about calling her new boss by his name with no titles in front of it.
“Goodbye.” He wasn’t even looking at her anymore—his eyes were focused on the monitor in front of him. “You can show yourself out.”
“Okay—thank you.” Sammi nodded and left his office, still feeling rather dazed. It was undoubtedly the strangest interview she’d ever had.