Page 9 of Hidden By the Gargoyle

Dax looked up when I paused by the bar. “Done unpacking?” he asked.

I nodded. “Can I help do anything?”

He shook his head. “Everything’s ready. Have a seat.”

I didn’t argue, just parked my butt on one of the stools. Dax brought the plates over before he went to the fridge to grab two cans of soda.

“Lunch looks good,” I said when he sat down next to me. “Thanks for making it.”

“No problem.”

He didn’t say anything else, just started eating. Since I was used to his taciturn demeanor, I did the same.

When we were done, I carried my dishes to the sink and started washing up.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Washing the dishes,” I said.

“You don’t have to do that.”

I glanced over my shoulder at him. “And you didn’t have to make me lunch. The least I can do is clean up after.”

“Ally—”

I lifted a hand toward him, interrupting him. “Dax, I already feel like I’m imposing and inconveniencing you. Let me help out.”

“You’re not imposing on me. Or inconveniencing me,” he replied, looking offended.

“So, you needed a roommate?” I asked, going back to washing the plates and bowls.

Dax remained silent and watched as I grabbed the pan from the stove and started scrubbing it, too.

“Let’s make a deal,” I said, unable to stand his silence. “If you cook, I’ll wash the dishes. If I cook, you’ll do the same. Does that sound fair?”

There was another beat of silence before he finally said, “Fine.”

I finished rinsing the pan, set it in the drainboard, and turned to face him. “What’s next today?” I asked.

“I need to go to my office. Poppy is coming by tomorrow. She’ll be taking over the running of the resort until your situation is resolved and I need to walk her through what she’ll have to do.”

I thought of the bookkeeping tasks I needed to do for Minerva and Marjorie. “Okay. I have some work to do, too. I can stay here and finish it up today and tomorrow while you handle that.”

Dax shook his head. “You’re sticking with me until you’re safe.”

“I have work to do, Dax,” I said.

“Then, bring your laptop and work in my office.”

His face and tone said I had no choice in the matter.

“Okay.”

This was going to be a long day.

On the upside, being annoyed with Dax distracted me from my internal freakout about tonight’s sleeping arrangements.

ChapterThree

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