“I thought you said you were fine.”
“Now I am.”
Had an answer for everything, didn’t she?”
He leaned against the table as she opened the microwave door. “You know all this lying is going to get you is a red bottom, right?”
“Ouch!” She placed the hot dish quickly on the counter, waving her fingers in the air to cool them.
He stepped over and grabbed her hand, gently guiding her over to the sink.
“They’re fine, it was just a little hot.” She tugged at her hand. He ignored her, pulling her sore fingers under the cold water.
“They’re red and painful,” he snapped at her. “Must everything be a fight with you, Aspen?”
“Maybe I wouldn’t fight you if you asked me instead of turning everything into a command.”
“Most people just do as I tell them.”
“I’m not most people.”
“You will be.”
She just gaped up at him, her mouth open. He smiled. “Finally turned you speechless, have I? Good. Now stay there while I heat some more food up.”
He put the other container in the microwave, figuring he had at least thirty seconds before she rallied.
He grabbed some plates out of the cupboard. She turned off the tap and wiped her hands on a towel. “You have no right to come in here and throw your weight around. I don’t need any help. Especially not from you.”
He raised his eyebrows as he grabbed the towel from her to pull the hot container out. Then he plated the food. “You know that putting yourself in danger is against the rules of Haven.”
She blew out a breath. “I don’t know what fantasy you have running in your head, but the only danger I’m in is cabin fever. I don’t need any help. And what I do is none of your business.”
“I’m making it my business. I’m making you my business. You’ve been warned.”
He placed the plates on the table, along with some cutlery. Then he sat.
She blew out a breath, watching him, her hands on her hips. “Saxon—”
“No. That’s enough. I don’t want to hear any more lies. Until you start being honest with me, I’m not listening. Sit down and eat.”
“This is my house.” She smacked her hand down on the table, then looked down at her palm, as though shocked at her behavior.
“Sit. Eat. Now.” Great, he’d been reduced to one-word sentences.
As though sensing he’d reached the end of his patience, she sat. He slid a plate of food in front of her. She stared down at the mashed potatoes and meatloaf. “Is Peggy doing okay without me?”
“She’s worried about you. She was going to come visit you today and bring you some food.”
“Oh.” She looked surprised at that.
“You didn’t think anyone would be worried about you?” Where the hell had she lived before? Had no one ever concerned themselves over her care?
She ran her hand tiredly over her face. “I figured she might be getting annoyed. Might think about hiring someone else.”
“You’re a good worker. No reason why she would. Unless you don’t plan on going back.”
She just stared at him, and he could see he’d nailed the problem.