Page 90 of Ezra
For all this, she’s got a slight redness in her face, and her heart rate increases when I’m near her.
“Have I been neglecting you?” I ask.
“You haven’t,” she says quickly. There’s a brightness in her smile that’s genuine and new. “I lost track of time.”
Katrina’s more than happy to see me. I bask in that victory. “Shall I take you home?”
Hope is unmistakable in her eyes. She thanks Deion and Rashelle for having her, says goodbye to Jayne and Briyanna, and I stop briefly to speak with Deion.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I tell him softly.
Deion understands I’m not coming home tonight. He gives a soft smile and doesn’t make a big deal about it. Not in front of everyone. But by the glint in his eyes, I’m sure it’ll be a topic of discussion when I get back. He claps my shoulder. “Until tomorrow.”
We head out the door. As we cruise back to her apartment, her hand finds mine and lightly squeezes.
“I realize it’s not the ideal date,” I begin to say.
“No,” she interrupts quickly. “I really enjoyed myself. You work with a lot of fantastic people. And the kids all playing and having fun? So sweet. It all made me a bit nostalgic for simpler times.”
“You mean before androids were invented.” I smirk.
“Notwhat I meant.” She grins. “I didn’t have to worry when I was young, that’s all. I know you can’t relate, but...”
“There are child bionics. I understand innocence well enough.”
“True,” Katrina agrees. “So Rashelle told me you’ve never brought a woman over before. Is that true?”
“I never dealt with anyone I ever considered worthy of meeting my family.” I guide the car down her street.
“I’m honored,” Katrina replies. “I’m only sorry we didn’t meet sooner.”
I trace my thumb over her wrist. “Earlier might’ve been more complicated, but I don’t mind.” I offer her a faint smile.
“Neither do I. You were worth the wait.” She gazes at me. “Has anyone told you that you have a knockout smile?”
“I do?”
“Yes. Lab 317 really broke the mold with you. Literally.” Katrina blushes. “You should do it more.”
My circuits thrill at her praise, and my grin broadens. “I’ll remember that.”
Katrina rests her hand over mine. “So much has happened so quickly. If anyone would’ve told me a few months ago I’d be here, with you I’d never have believed them.”
“You’re right. From imminent danger to bionic spiders in the bathroom. It’s been a strange path, getting here.”
She laughs. “Stop.”
“You’ve survived hell twice, butspiders.” Itsk. “Spiders are too much for Katrina Carson.”
“Hey, listen,” Katrina retorts playfully. “Spiders are tiny, have way too many legs for no reason, and they can crawl all over you and bite you and—oh my god.” She looks at me, a slow grin spreading across her face. “God, I love your laugh too.”
I am chuckling. Playfully shaking my head, I shut off the amusement in an instant and go completely deadpan to tease her more. “I was laughing? Never. Not me.”
“You were!” she insists and squeezes my hand. “Don’t lie.”
“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,” I reply stoically. “It’s against my ultra-serious programming to laugh.”
Her own laughter is music to me. She sighs, rubbing beneath her eyes. “You know, I never imagined I’d wind up with a pet spider.”
