She sipped her wine. A heady cabernet sauvignon. Her favorite, of course. She sighed, and leaned back, closing her eyes. This was really happening, whether she was ready or not.
An amazing smell rose up before her, and she opened her eyes. Rack of lamb delicately placed on a bed of baby greens sat on a pristine white plate. It had been years since she’d had it. Her eyes met David’s across the table, and she smiled. He smiled back, winking at her.
“It’s perfect.”
“Anything for you,” he said. His gaze didn’t waver as he took a sip of wine. Looking into those eyes, she could almost believe him.
***
Dinner was over, the plates cleared away, and Alex was a little tipsy. She was laughing at a story David was telling about an encounter in the mess hall. Apparently, the android had learned the hard way not to critique cook Delray’s menu, at least not in front of the burly old man.
“’If I ever see your metal butt in here again, I’ll fry your circuits!’ he yelled at me. Spit was actually flying out of his mouth, he was so furious. When he picked up the frying pan, I just got the hell out of there.” He laughed: a deep, rich sound Alex found she quite enjoyed. “Of course, my butt isn’t metal, but there you have it.”
They were on David’s couch, finishing the bottle of wine, and Alex felt warm and comfortable. She rested her elbow on the cushion and stared at him.
“What?” He grinned. “Do I have something on my face?”
She giggled and shook her head. “You know, I think this is the best date I’ve ever been on.”
“Good.” David stood up. “It’s about to get better.” He reached down and pulled her to her feet, leading her to the middle of the living space. “Computer, personal file. Night with Alex. Track 3.” She cocked an eyebrow at him as a slow, sultry blues number started playing. “Dance with me.”
It wasn’t a request. He pulled her close to him, firmly placing his hand on the bare skin of her lower back and capturing her hand in his own. She gripped his shoulder and looked deep into those mesmerizing eyes. They began to sway together, and she couldn’t help but revel in how good it felt to be in his arms, pressed against his hard chest, inhaling his masculine smell: a whiff of cologne and then the smell of him, musky and completely delicious.
She put her head on his shoulder and moved with him. “You’re just doing this because you have to.” She didn’t realize she’d spoken her aloud until he answered her.
“I’m not. But, I worry that you are.”
She pulled back and stared at him.
“I told you I’ve wanted you, Alex, and I meant it. You make me feel things that I’ve never felt before. Not even in those other memories… those other lives.” He ran a palm down the side of her face and cupped her chin. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t want to.”
She sighed and leaned into his touch. “I have to admit, I want you, too.” There. I said it. I want a machine. “It feels wrong, and I-“
“There’s nothing to feel wrong about.” Before she could protest, he pulled her into a kiss. It was excruciatingly soft, and all thoughts of arguing fell aside. Her mouth opened, and she felt his tongue slide tenderly across her lips, then delve in; tasting her, teasing her. Then it was her pushing closer, wrapping her arms around him, urging him to deepen the kiss. He took her mouth hungrily. His hands were moving, caressing the bare skin of her back, running over her neck, her arms, leaving trails of fire wherever they touched.
Alex couldn’t take it anymore. She whimpered and found her hands already working the buttons of his shirt. His eyes widened in surprise, then darkened with their own intense need. He shrugged out of his shirt, then held her at arm’s length.
“Do you want this?” He was breathing heavily, staring at her like a predator trying not to spring on its prey. “Are you sure, Alex?”
She was breathing heavily, too, her mouth still bruised from his kisses. “Yes.”
That was all it took.
His lips were on her neck, licking, sucking, and she was leaning into him as his hands roamed freely over her body. He cupped her ass and squeezed, then moved up under the flimsy material of her skirt to caress the outside of her thighs. Her hands were on him, running over the hard planes of his stomach, exalting in the feel of his strong pecs and shoulders. They moved lower to graze the bulge in his slacks.
A growl escaped his lips and he reflexively thrust into her hand. His hands moved to her shoulders, and he carefully undid the tie of her halter, sliding the fabric down until her breasts were bared before him. He stepped back and feasted his eyes upon her, and to her surprise, she stood boldly, letting him look his fill.