She screams as she topples backwards but I’m right there to catch her in my arms. She lands with an oomph and suddenly her face changes from fear to outrage.
“Put me down, you big grumpy ox.” She shoves at my chest as I put her on her feet and take a step back.
“I didn’t exactly come in here to save you,” I snap back at her and she pokes my chest.
“The only reason you ever come here is to scowl at me like I’m stealing gauze.”
“You might be!” I shout and I know it’s ridiculous, but I can’t take it back.
“Do you have any idea how much your brother is paying me to stay here? Why the hell would I steal medical supplies?”
“I don’t trust you,” I say, leaning in closer. The scent of lemons and fruit invades my senses and I hate how much the familiar smell drives me crazy.
“The feeling is mutual.” Her voice is so cold she might as well have slapped me. Why do I care so much about what she thinks of me?
I open my mouth to tell her she’s not welcome, but the sound of her stomach growling interrupts me. She slides her hand over her waist, and as our eyes meet I see there’s a glint of humor in them at me hearing the noise too.
“I guess time got away from me and I forgot to eat.”
“You’re supposed to eat.” It’s the only thing I can manage to say, even though I want to tell her to get off this island and never come back. I want to tell her about how much I hate what she does to me, but instead my mouth has other ideas. “Come with me to the kitchen.”
“I can find my own way there.” She crosses her arms over her chest and it’s a protective stance.
“I’m on the way there, and I want to keep an eye on you.” I use the lie to cover for wanting to see what she likes to eat.
“Fine.” She rolls her eyes as she pushes past me, and I hate the way my body warms at her slightest touch. “There’s no use in arguing with you, it’s a waste of time.”
“Glad you see things my way.”
* * *