Evolved(8)

“Shaun, we need to talk.” It didn’t feel right standing in my bedroom having this conversation. “Let’s go to the living room.”

I led the way and he followed. He really did move very lifelike. It was so remarkable, and I knew some people were freaked out by just how real the new Class-A androids were, but not me. I loved it.

I pulled a chair out at the dining table. “Please, take a seat.”

He sat, and it was only then that his android form was obvious. He sat too straight to be human. He was completely posture perfect; feet together, hands resting on his knees, back straight.

I sat in the chair next to him but turned toward him, our knees almost touching. I had one hand on the table, one on my thigh. This was my space, and I was comfortable here. He was my android, so not only was I his custodian, I was also responsible for his learning and adaptation into my world. This wasn’t going to be an easy conversation for me, but it was one we needed to have.

“You didn’t misread anything,” I said as calmly as I could, ignoring how my heart was trying to claw its way out my throat. “I am physically attracted to you.”

That was true, I couldn’t deny it. Being technosexual wasn’t something I’d ever considered until my last argument with Ian when he’d told me if I wanted someone who was silent and tidy, so utterly perfect, I should date a robot. Two years on, and there was more truth to his words than I’d realised. It wasn’t perfection I was attracted to, it was structure and order. It was everything being in perfect order that I needed, an attribute of my OCD that Ian couldn’t live up to.

That no human could live up to.

But an android could.

“You were designed to be a complete fit to my life. Physically, you’re very…” I let out an unsteady breath and heat spread across my cheeks. “You’re very handsome.”

Shaun tilted his head and slowly lifted his hand to lightly touch my face. “Your capillaries have expanded to allow increased blood flow, causing a rush of colour to temporarily stain your cheeks.”

I chuckled. “Yes.”

“I like it.”

Just as well because I blushed even harder.

He did that head-tilt thing that I found utterly adorable. “May I ask you questions?”

“Yes, of course. You can ask me anything.”

“If I am physically appealing to you, why do you not wish to enjoy sexual intercourse with me?”

Oh boy. “You’re very forthright,” I allowed, giving myself some time to answer.

“Is that wrong?”

“No. Not at all. In fact, I prefer it over dishonesty, and I don’t want you to censor yourself.” I studied him for a second, his inquisitive eyes, his perfect nose, his kissable lips… “And while I would like to eventually enjoy being physical with you, I think we should date first.”

“Date,” he repeated. “A social or romantic appointment or engagement.”

“Yes.” His dictionary definition was accurate. “So we can get to know each other first. If I met a man, a human man, and was attracted to him, I would want to know him better before I went to bed with him. I don’t think you should be any different.”

He blinked like it was a foreign concept. I guessed as a personal companion, sex was assumed. No doubt Myles and the delivery guy assumed I’d already be balls deep inside him before they reached the elevator, but that’s not who I was.

“If we’re dating, we would do things like hold hands and get to know one another.”

Shaun smiled. “Would you like to hold my hand?”

I swallowed hard and smiled back at him. “Yes, I would.”

He held out his hand between us, palm up. I slowly moved my hand to his and let my fingertips trace over his palm.

He felt so real.

Warm, textured, perfect.

His smile widened and his gaze shot from his hand to my eyes. “That feels nice.”

I almost laughed. “It does.” Then I ghosted my palm across his, letting him enjoy the new sensations. “This is all new to you,” I said. It wasn’t a question.

He nodded, still marvelling over our hands. And that was the reason right there that I wanted to take my time with him. I would never take a human virgin and simply bend him over my bed and bury myself in him without regard for his well-being. Why would I do that with Shaun?

Regardless of the fact he wasn’t human, he was still seeing the world for the first time, and I wanted him to learn the beauty of the small things.

I threaded our fingers and he grinned. “You like that?” I asked.

His answer was serene. “Yes.”

“I’m certain we will evolve to a more physical relationship,” I explained. “But the anticipation is just as enjoyable.”

“Anticipation,” he said, his eyes intensifying. “A feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen in the near future.”

I nodded. “Yes.” And if he kept looking at me like that, it would be the very near future.

I needed a distraction, and my stomach reminded me right then that I’d forgone breakfast in my nervousness about Shaun’s arrival. “I’m going to get myself some lunch. Would you like to join me in the kitchen?”

He nodded once. “I would like that very much.”