Page 7 of Nolan
When he hugs me, I give him a few pats on his back before pulling away. “Somebody’s got to help make your wife world famous.”
“Hey, I’ve done my part,” Apollo protests. “I’ve already got every guy at the station shopping here. Even our android is outfitted here.”
“Wow, really?” Before I was fired, I must’ve asked Apollo a hundred questions about his android coworker. Belmont made history by being the first fire department in the nation to employ a BioNex android.
Of course, with the state of the economy and Humanity First, it caused a lot of controversy. But Apollo reassured me that humans are in no danger of being replaced entirely by androids anytime soon. I prefer never over not yet, but we’ll take what we can get. And I’m not against it. Honestly, it’s reassuring to know someone so powerful has my brother’s back if there’s any danger.
But now after everything that’s happened, I’m wondering if it’s only a matter of time before his job is in jeopardy too. I’d hate for him to be displaced the way I was, especially when he’s got mouths to feed. Now one more, including me. Just because we aren’t best friends doesn’t mean I want to see him fall on his face.
“Yeah,” Apollo says, and he leans back, maybe sensing how taut I am. “So, uh, how you holding up?”
“I’ve been better,” I admit. “I’m sure I’ll be okay, in time, but . . . yeah, this doesn’t feel good.”
His gaze deepens with empathy. “I’m sorry, Mia. You didn’t deserve that.”
I do appreciate hearing that from him. “Thanks. And . . . thanks, for letting me crash here with you guys while I figure stuff out. I know it’s not ideal and you’re short on space, but?—”
“You kidding?” Apollo scoffs. “Five bedrooms, and one of them has your name on it. Even got some of your old knick-knacks and keepsakes from Mom and Dad to make you feel right at home.”
I don’t know what to say at first. He really is being sweet. Which is weird. When we fall into an awkward silence, unsure of what to say to each other, I clear my throat. “So, do you and your android work together a lot?”
“Yeah,” Apollo says, jumping at the opportunity to talk about something else. “Nolan should be coming in a moment, by the way. We’re working the night shift this weekend.” The door behind him opens. “Oh, never mind. Here he is.”
My eyes are instantly locked on the man who walks through the door. He’s got to be well over six feet, if not taller. He’s buff but not ridiculously shredded, like he’s been souped up with steroids. Warm brown skin, powerful arms. The way his work shirt snugly fits his chest has my heart threatening to skip like a schoolgirl.
Even though I’m considered tall for a woman, he practically towers over me. I swallow.
Then he smiles at me with bright pearly whites to match his stark white irises, and my breath catches.
This man is an android. Who the hell decided a robot could be made this hot? I don’t remember the androids back in LA looking half as amazing as he does.
“Hey,” he says. “I’m Nolan.”
I try to pull my jaw up from the floor and clumsily offer my hand. “Mia. I’m Apollo’s sister.”
He takes my hand and gives it a firm, yet gentle shake. “I know. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Apollo gets distracted by some new jackets on a nearby rack. I hardly notice my brother’s departure. I’m too focused on the man in front of me. While I saw plenty of them back in California, I’ve never touched an android before, so I expected the chill of metal, or some kind of hint that he’s got a mainframe made of steel. Instead, his hand is warm, and his grasp is soft, lingering. When I touch him, it’s hard to tell he’s artificial. He feels so real. “All good things, I hope.”
Nolan chuckles. “Apollo’s never one to talk shit, especially about you. Everyone feels like they already know you at the station.”
That surprises me. I’ve never really known my brother to be the proud sibling type, but it’s a little embarrassing if he’s gone overboard. “Really?”
“Yep. Many already call you ‘baby sister,’” Nolan replies.
I’m not sure I like that. I quirk a brow. “And you?”
He flashes a playful, lopsided grin. “You’re not my sister.”
His words cause a prickle to climb up my spine and settle at the base of my neck. I’m not sure I can feel my legs. Do I have legs? With a faint smile, he steps away from me. “Nice meeting you, Mia.”
“Uh, yeah. You too.” All I want to do is watch him walk away. I have to stop myself from checking out his ass. From the brief glimpse I allow myself before heading back to the counter, I can tell his back is built like a Greek statue just as much as the front of him is.
Nowadays, I really don’t think twice about androids. The novelty of their appearance has worn off. But there’s a big difference from a simple bionic assistant and the one standing here in front of me. Nolan is a firefighter, like my brother. I can’t even begin to imagine how much it takes to build an android like him. That’s like building your own superhero. Technology is amazing.
Nolan is amazing.
It’s a good thing I live with my family. If I were on my own, I’d be experimenting very dangerously with candles if it meant Nolan would show up and rescue me.
