Birth of Adam (Artificial Intelligence Book 2) Read Online Free

I’ve ever met.”
    “So you could forgive him for what he did? Abandoning you to a serial killer? Destroying your program? Turning against you without giving you a chance to prove yourself?”
    “For the record, he did not abandon me. I forced him to leave. And I understood why he didn’t believe my insane explanation of how I came to write his life story. And due to that life story, I understand why he detested me enough to destroy my program and why he continues to loath me.”
    Luke breathed in and out slowly as if having a mental debate. He then locked eyes with her. “Chad stopped hating you months ago.”
    Amanda stared at Luke in shock, then turned her head as tears welled in her eyes.
    “Hey, that was supposed to be good news.”
    She nodded. “These are good tears,” she assured him, and wiped her eyes. “You have no idea how hard it is to be in love with someone who hates you.”
    Luke frowned. “I’m not saying he wants to get back with you.”
    “I never thought he would. I was probably all wrong for him anyway—certainly not his ‘type’. I’m just happy not to be hated. And unless you have to tell him, for his safety, please don’t mention my latest screw-up.”
    “Consider both of us under an oath of silence. Now tell me more about Claire’s friend.”
    Amanda told him the little she knew, and when he continued to push, she accused him of interrogating her.
    “Sorry, professional habit.”
    She laughed, then asked how things were going with Julia.
    He smiled. “We’re expecting our first child in March.”
    The news pleased Amanda. “There were two good things that came out of my New Zealand trip—my new career and you moving to the East Coast.”
    “There was more good than that, but those are two very fine outcomes. I have never been happier, and you’re becoming one hell of a singer. I’m sorry I missed your last performance.”
    “So am I. Then you could have chased away the stalker and I wouldn’t have tried to contact you by email and by doing so put Chad into danger.”
    He sighed. “You’re determined to take the blame for that, but if you knew all the facts, you would realize Chad deserves as much, if not more, of the blame.”
    She was about to argue that was impossible, but realized it could be true in one circumstance. “Is Chad my stalker?”
    “I’m not answering that. And if this discussion ever comes up between you and Chad, please remember I didn’t reveal who was stalking you. I only told you that I’ve handled the situation and it won’t happen again.”
    “Why was Chad stalking me?”
    Luke looked at his watch and declared he had to go. He wanted to leave her at the restaurant, but she cajoled a ride to the music center.
    “I’ll give you a ride only on the condition we don’t talk about Chad.”
    Once securely buckled in, she decided to test the boundaries of their agreement. “Was it a happy stalker or an angry stalker?”
    “Why did this Mark guy think you were willing to sleep with him so soon? Had you been flirting with him at the bar?”
    “I’ll answer your question if you’ll answer mine.”
    “It was neither,” he replied.
    His short answer annoyed her, so she returned the favor. “Narcissism and no.”

Chapter Four
     
    Amanda pondered over Luke’s cryptic answer as she practiced her choral piece. If Chad was neither happy nor angry, what was he? Sad, worried and remorseful all came to mind. Could he be sorry for the way things had ended? Could he possibly want her back?
    The latter thought both thrilled and frightened her. While she still loved Chad and knew she would never meet anyone else half so wonderful, the idea of getting back together with him scared the hell out of her. The speed with which he’d turned on her had proved his love wasn’t constant. Yet even if it were, the relationship would still be impossible. She needed to remain under the radar, and dating Chad would be anything but under the radar. Getting back