Page 2 of Falling for the Recluse

Even though it is a huge deal. Massive. The biggest “deal” of my life.

My stomach clenches with nerves and a touch of fear.

“Have you had any contact with him at all?” Hank asks me.

“No, but Professor Rainer has been making all the arrangements. He assured me everything is set up, and he already sent Dr. Stark a folder with all my info.” I turn back to the computer. “I’m typing Dr. Stark an email to introduce myself. Maybe I should ask if he wants me to bring him anything from the Northern Hemisphere. Everyone likes gifts, right?”

Carol snorts again. “From the sound of it, Stark doesn’t like anything but ice.”

“Are you sure you want to spend a whole month with him?” Brenda looks concerned, as if I’m about to walk into a cave and poke a hibernating bear.

Although it kind of sounds like I am.

“This is an incredible opportunity.” I force a bright note into my voice. “I’m certainly not turning it down.”

“You shouldn’t turn it down.” Carol takes a thick book out of her backpack. “Just don’t expect Stark to welcome you with open arms.”

“He knows I’m coming, and I’m sure he’ll be accommodating.” I smile gamely, though I sound like I’m trying to convince myself as well as them. I focus on the email and try to ignore the dire warnings.

While it’s true that Dr. Stark’s hostile reputation precedes him, he’s one of the most acclaimed scientists in the world, with dozens of books, publications, and awards to his name. Now in his thirties, he started making a name for himself in college and has been at the top of his field for well over a decade. He didn’t reach those heights by being a complete jerk. Besides, thousands of scientists work in isolated areas and communicate mainly via email.

On the other hand, not many embark on solo research expeditions for months or years, especially to frozen continents. It’s a testament to Dr. Stark’s brilliance that he always has plenty of funding.

He might not collaborate much with others, but he’s never turned down a request to review students’ papers, theses, and dissertations. He reads all their work and gives his very thorough and blunt input via email—which means he supports up-and-coming scientists.

So even though I’m not a student in Dr. Stark’s discipline of glaciology, he’ll surely appreciate my efforts and ambition. He’ll technically be my boss, but since the PRG is providing my salary, I won’t have to rely on him for funding.

And this internship is the opportunity of a lifetime, one that will fulfill a dream I’ve had since I was six years old. Ever since I received the offer, excitement has been zinging through me like a pinball, filling me with colors and light.

I’ve been chosen for the position out of hundreds of other applicants. No way will I disappoint the review board, my professors, or myself by not showing up and giving it everything I have—and more.

So I’m going to ignore all this gossip about how cranky and unwelcoming Dr. Stark will be. He may be a recluse, but he’s still a human being.

I return to my email. Despite my internal pep talk, my stomach is still tense. Carol was right—no one really knows that much about “the Ice Prick.”

And I’m actually going to meet him.

No. I’m going tolivewith him.

In the most remote, isolated location on the planet.

ChapterTwo

GAVIN

Josie Bennett’semail practically vibrates with enthusiasm.

A little about me—I’m twenty years old, a junior at Stanford University, and I’ve been fascinated by penguins since I was six years old and received a stuffed penguin for Christmas. I named him Oswald.

I’m a marine biology major with a minor in ornithology, and I’m studying the relationship of penguins to the earth’s ecosystem. I want people to know how much they can teach us about everything from social interactions to climate change. I’m super excited to get to Antarctica and Needle Island!

I drag a hand down my face. What twenty-year-old girl is excited to come to Antarctica? Does she realize the internet connection out here is shitty at best? With any luck, she’ll quit and turn tail as soon as she discovers she won’t even be able to use her phone.

Judging by the rest of her message, though, I’m not sure how easy it’ll be to get rid of her.

I’ve already completed the required “extreme cold weather” training, and I’ve spent the past couple of weeks packing and repacking to make sure I have all the right clothes and belongings. Speaking of which, if there’s anything you’d like me to bring you from the warmer climates, please let me know! I would be happy to supply you with anything you want or need!

Given her perky tone, I doubt Ms. Bennett was even aware her rambling has a suggestive ring.

---