Page 145 of Smart Ass

“You did scare me for a moment,” Oliver said lightly. “Just don’t ever turn off the biofeedback.”

“I won’t,” Ben promised. He couldn’t imagine it.

Oliver gave Ben one final rinse, then led him out of the shower, where another bot was waiting with a towel.

Ben stood still, soaking up the touch and affection. Moving here, with all the bots pre-programmed for things like this, was the best choice they could have made.

“Ready for bed?” Oliver asked.

“Mmmmm… Maybe another snack?”

Oliver laughed. “Burned a lot of calories, did you?”

Ben meandered toward the kitchen. He was achy in a few key places, but feeling both invigorated and cozy. Since Oliver never slept, he could keep whatever hours he wanted.

He opened the fridge and stood in the cool air, pondering. Nothing really looked good. It was all ingredients. He would have to cook it or something.

Maybe he wasn’t hungry.

No, he was still hungry. He had to find something to eat.

In the refrigerator. Like…

Oliver chuckled nearby. “It’s not food yet. Would you like a menu?”

“I can just eat peanut butter off a spoon,” Ben said defiantly. He could take care of himself.

“Or I could have the kitchen do what it’s good for. What do you want?”

“Peanut butter.” Ben grinned.

“Go sit down. I’ll make you something.”

These were some of the times that Ben loved best. He knew he was spoiled rotten, but he was becoming more certain by the day that Oliver enjoyed spoiling him.

Oliver didn’t have any interest in food preparation himself, but he’d added all the fanciest mods to the chef bots that came with the house, and enjoyed telling them what to prepare for Ben and automating the cleanup. He enjoyed hosting dinner parties even more.

Since Ben got to eat amazing food every day, he couldn’t complain.

They chatted while the air filled with delicious aromas and the sizzle of skillets, then the chef bot came out with a full plate of food.

“What’s this?” Ben asked.

“Your peanut butter. Thai peanut noodles, and summer rolls with peanut sauce.”

Ben laughed. “God, I love you.”

Then he pinched his lips shut. What the hell was wrong with him? Now he’d said it twice in one day.

“What was that?” Oliver teased. “I couldn’t hear you.”

“Nothing.” Ben put on his innocent face.

“Say it again, and I might believe you.”

Ben drew up his courage. “I, uh, do, you know. Um, that. A lot. So, uh, please don’t ever fucking leave me.”

Oliver laughed, but it was warm and gentle. “I’m not going anywhere, sweet boy. And I don’t need you to say it. You show it with your actions every day. Now, eat up while it’s still hot.”