Page 186 of A Matter of Time

“Meaning you’ve been barking orders at me…is there anything else?”

His grin was lazy and sexy. “Nope.”

“Good,” I said, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

“You want pancakes?”

“No.”

“An omelet?”

“I’m really not hungry.”

He put his knee against mine under the table. “I don’t care.”

I tried to slide over, but his hand was on my thigh instantly, holding me there.

“I’m feeding you. End of story.”

“You know, Sam, this whole macho-bullshit thing you⁠—”

His phone rang.

“Wait,” he ordered, holding up his hand as he pulled his phone from the coat lying beside him in the booth. “Hello. Yeah,” he said, standing up, hovering over the table. “I—hold on.” He pressed it to his chest so whoever was on the other end wouldn’t hear him. “Just eat something.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“You’re always hungry.”

“I am not,” I snapped at him. “And that’s rude.”

“Eat,” he ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument. Except from me.

“I’m not five, Sam. If I say I’m⁠—”

“If you don’t eat, you’re gonna be sick, so have something.”

I scowled up at him.

“Don’t gimme the look, J, just fuckin’ eat.”

“Don’t swear.”

“Eat and I won’t.”

“That’s stupid,” I told him.

“Then I’m stupid. Just eat!” he barked at me.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Eat!”

“No.”