Page 6 of Pawsitive Data

Emma’s inner scientist noted several things in that moment: One – Lucas Spectre’s canines were definitely longer than human standard. Two – his eyes had shifted to pure gold. Three – the air around him seemed to ripple with a different energy signature. Four – she was absolutely, irrevocably fascinated.

“Noelle, Dr. Greene will be joining us as head of genetic research. Please have HR prepare the necessary paperwork.”

The woman nodded efficiently and disappeared, leaving Emma blinking in surprise. “Head of... but I thought this was for a research position?”

“I don’t believe in wasting exceptional talent in entry-level positions.” Lucas moved back slightly, but the air between them remained charged. “Unless you have objections?”

“No! I mean, no objections. Though technically this interview lasted approximately twelve minutes and contained several moments of questionable professionalism on my part.”

His smile should come with a fire extinguisher. “I find I rather enjoy your version of professionalism.”

Emma stood, gathering her papers and willing her legs to work properly. “Even the part where I practically accused you of having scientifically impossible genetics?”

“Especially that part.” He stepped closer again, helping her collect a stray paper. Their fingers brushed, and Emma swore she felt actual sparks. “I look forward to discussing more... hypothetical situations with you.”

“Right. Hypothetical. Like how your reflexes defy normal human capabilities and your eyes still keep changing color—” The words tumbled out before her brain’s filter could catch them.

Instead of being offended, Lucas looked delighted. “Careful, Dr. Greene. Your powers of observation might get you into interesting situations.”

“More interesting than almost setting my lab on fire at three AM and then babbling about genetic stability to the unfairly attractive CEO of a major biotech company?”

Oh god. She’d said that out loud.

Lucas’s laugh was rich and warm. “Much more interesting.” He stepped back, but his eyes promised things that made herpulse race. “Noelle will show you to HR and give you a tour of the research floors. Unless...” He paused, that devastating smile playing on his lips. “Unless you’d like to continue our discussion about genetic anomalies over dinner?”

Emma’s mind spun. Was he asking her out? Already? Was that ethical? Professional? Did she care?

“I...” She took a breath, summoning her courage. “I would like to collect more data about these genetic anomalies. Preferably over dinner. For science.”

“For science,” he agreed, his eyes practically glowing now. “Tonight?”

Emma nodded, not trusting her voice.

“This way, Dr. Green,” Noelle said. On shaky legs, she followed Noelle out the door.

FOUR

Emma’s head spun with what had transpired in the past 4.5 minutes: She secured a dream job working with a dream boat and she identified him as an alien. How was she still an employee?

As Emma and Noelle headed toward the elevators, Emma pulled out her phone:

Emma texted to Janie:Got the job.

Janie:Did you dazzle him with your sexy science brain???

Emma: Also maybe a date? For science???

Her phone exploded with exclamation points and emoji just as another message came through – this one from her mother:Darling! Just heard from a colleague that you’re joining Spectre Industries! Did you notice Lucas has excellent bone structure? Perfect for passing down genetic traits...

Emma groaned, but couldn’t stop smiling. She had a breakthrough in genetic stability, a dream job, and a dinner date with a man who was definitely not entirely human and found her science babbling charming.

“Hypothesis,” she muttered to herself as she followed Noelle to HR. “I’m either having the best day of my life or I’m still asleep at my desk having caffeine-induced hallucinations.”

By the timeEmma finished with HR, her brain was fried with more than just employment paperwork. Her phone had exploded with messages:

Janie: DINNER DATE??? With CEO Hotness??? I’m coming over to dress you. No arguments. No science puns. No lab coat.

Mom: Just sent you an article about genetic compatibility in successful marriages...

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