Bent caught Sarah before she fell. Flipping her up into his arms, he kicked the sliding panel shut. The bright light vanished, leaving them in near darkness. “Oh my gosh!” Sarah said, clutching Bent tightly around his neck. “You wouldn’t have liked where that led,” he said grinning. “I really had to think about it. I would have enjoyed seeing you go down that slide.”Sarah blinked at him, still trying to adjust to the darkness. “There was a slide? Where does it go?”Bent’s grin widened. “That light you saw is the outdoor patio light. And the slide I saved you from…leads directly to the pool.” Sarah gasped. “Why didn’t you tell me?”He brushed her hair away from her face, sending sweet shivers down her spine. “You were so sure you knew the way out of this tunnel. I figured a little dip in the pool might do you some good.”She dropped her head onto his chest. “I want to be mad at you. But since you saved me from the pool, I guess I should be thanking you instead.””You’re welcome,” Bent replied.Cradling her in his arms, he bent to retrieve her bags and flung them over his shoulder. He then headed back down the staircase.”You were actually pretty close to the stairs that lead to the kitchen,” he said. It sounded like he was trying to reassure her. “In fact, you were only one staircase away from the right one.” They’d reached the ground. Sarah thought he would put her back down, but he continued to carry her. “Here we go,” he said softly. He took the steps up the new staircase two at a time, still carrying her. He set her down once they’d reached the top. The panel door slid open automatically. When Sarah stepped into the kitchen, she saw the secret passageway they’d emerged from was located behind one of the four fridges. “Do you know how cool it is your house has all of these secret openings?” The question sort of slipped out of her mouth. She’d really been just thinking aloud to herself. “It’s cool,” Bent said, although he sounded like he could care less. “Hello, Sarah.” Erna appeared in front of her and bowed. “I hope you’ve enjoyed your stay with us.” Sarah felt herself blush even though Erna was only an android. “Uh, yeah. It’s been great.” Except for completely exposing myself to Bent, she thought. Behind Erna, Sarah saw Cooking Robot was working rapidly to prepare an assortment of various breakfast sandwiches. There were several pans sizzling on the stove. Some of the pans contained scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and steamed vegetables. Beside Cooking Robot were stacks of croissants that the machine was busily buttering before placing them into a gigantic brick oven. A platter on the counter contained a beautiful display of cut fruit, from kiwis, to apples, to oranges and bananas. “Wow, everything smells amazing,” Sarah said. She saw Cooking Robot’s eye twist around to see her. She assumed it would immediately retreat back inside the open island counter. Instead, the little machine spoke to her. “Good morning, Miss Sarah. Please advise if there is anything in particular you request. I can have it ready before your departure.” Sarah’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. “I’m good,” she answered. She turned to Bent. “He’s not afraid of me anymore,” she said. Bent snatched an apple slice from the platter of fruit and tossed it into his mouth. “I reprogrammed Cooking Robot this morning. Couldn’t have him distracted by you when he has work to do.” Sarah put her hands to her mouth. “Oh,” she said. A part of her wondered if there was more to it than that. Bent didn’t have to bring her into the kitchen. Her eyes fell on Jay. Unfortunately the poor android was still lying in a heap in the barstool chair. She glared at Bent, pointing to Jay. Bent made a face. “What? I didn’t have time to work on Jay AND Cooking Robot this morning. The food was the priority. Jay will have to wait.” Sarah groaned. “That’s just cruel,” she said. “Can you at least start him back up? You can’t leave him like that all weekend.””Sure I can,” Bent said. Sarah crossed her arms, glaring at him again. “FINE!” Bent snarled. “But I’m warning you. If Jay hugs me even once–“”I won’t let him,” Sarah interrupted. She couldn’t help smiling up at him now. Bent’s stern expression faltered slightly as he gazed at her smiling face. With an awkward grunt, he marched over to Jay and switched him back on. Jay’s machine eyes blinked several times. His metal body rotated out of the chair and he stood. “Greetings, Mr. Prince and the girl called Sarah.” He bowed and then reached out his arms to hug Bent.Sarah sprang forward and hugged Jay instead. “Good morning to you, too, Jay!” she said, her breathing rapid. That had been way too close for comfort!”Um, Jay,” Sarah said hurriedly. “Mr. Prince asked that you go clean the fireplace in the living room. Go now! It’s awfully dirty.” Jay’s machine eyes blinked in confusion. “The fireplace is dirty? I will go and inform Cleaning Robot this very instant.” He turned and walked away, back through the foyer. “Whew,” Sarah said, bending over. She noticed Bent was watching her silently from beside the counter. “What?” she asked.Bent shook his head, as if refocusing. “Uh, nothing. Actually, come here a minute.” He motioned to her with his hand. “This isn’t a prank or anything, right?” she asked suspiciously. “Will you please come here?” he said, his eyes twinkling again. Sarah sighed and walked over to him. “Okay, what?””Close your eyes,” he said. Sarah frowned. “No way.” “Just do it,” he said. She could hear the humor in his words. Reluctantly, she shut her eyes. He squeezed his hand around her cheeks, forcing her mouth to open. With his other hand, he sprayed something sugary into her mouth. Sarah stepped back in surprise. “Whippphhhed Creeeeam!” she said, her mouth full. Bent did his bell-like laugh. “Yummy, right?”Sarah licked the cream off of her lips. “Ha, I was not expecting that.” He stared at her, his eyes burning with tenderness. He looked like he wanted to kiss her. But he seemed to change his mind. Instead, he checked the time on his colorful, glowing watch. “We better get a move on. While I own the plane, I don’t like to be late when I told everyone else to get to the airport early.” He set the can of whipped cream back onto the counter. “Erna, please take the breakfast items to the car,” Bent instructed. “And Cooking Robot, you can go now.” The little machine made its whirring sound and dropped back down inside the counter. The marble top slid back into place.”Let’s go,” Bent said. He took her hand and led her through the foyer, and out the front doors. A different car was in the driveway. It was one of the sports cars that had a super strange name. “Bad Boy isn’t driving us?” Sarah asked. She tried not to reveal how much she enjoyed him squeezing her hand. “Nope. He, uh, he’s out of commission,” Bent said quietly. She knew he still blamed her. “So which car is this again?” she asked. Bent helped her step inside the open passenger door. “This is the Pagani Huayra. I call him Rage.” “This sports car looks like an insect,” Sarah said, giggling. Its side mirrors were shaped like antennas. Bent cleared his throat. “I wouldn’t criticize a sports car named Rage if I were you,” he said seriously.Sarah felt the sports car’s engine rumble. She got the hint. Bent waited for Erna to place the breakfast items and their bags in the trunk. As soon as she was done, he floored the gas. The sports car screamed to life, shooting forwards like lightning. Hey, everyone! Hope you all are doing well! Anyone ever been to Miami Beach, Florida? Holler if you have. It’s an amazing place. Highly recommend you visit. But be warned…IT’S HOT, HOT, HOOOOT! So pack a swimsuit and plenty of sunscreen. And if you wonder why people you see in Miami are so gorgeous, it’s simply because they’re ALWAYS swimsuit ready. xoxo ~kisses