Page 49 of Rebellious

Bennett tries pushing past his father, but Cade stops him with a muscled arm to the island, serving as a barrier. “She’s fine. Have some breakfast.”

Bennett’s mouth falls open in protest when Cade arches a single brow. It’s his scary look that no one dares argue with.

Except for Bennett, because he’s apparently lost his mind. “Aspen,” he says over his father’s shoulder, “are you hurt?” His jaw ticks and his voice has an edge to it.

It’s no match for Cade’s though. “Bennett, we’re leaving for the carnival in ten minutes. I suggest you eat.” His voice lowers. “Now.”

Bennett stands there, tension coiling through his body as he faces the older version of himself.

“Are we going to have a problem, son?”

I can hear his teeth clench. “No, sir.”

“Good,” claims Cade. “Pass me those strawberries please, Aspen.”

Quickly, I hand over the bowl. Bennett still hasn’t moved.

It’s not until Dad stands and breaks the tension that anyone breathes. “Come sit at the bad kids’ table with Fenn, Bennett. You two can sulk together until we leave.”

My mom smacks him on the shoulder, but it doesn’t stop him from getting up and making his way to the island. “Asp,” he scolds. “I know you didn’t sneak around and play with my toy again.” He’s referring to Cade, not the batting cage.

Everyone in the kitchen bursts out laughing. Well, everyone but Bennett and Fenn.

“Come on, princess,” my dad says, pulling me down from the island. He grabs the bowl of strawberries from Cade. “You’re riding with me so I can correct all the crazy ramblings Jameson put into your head.”

No kissing—even for charity

Bennett

“Anniston, do you want me to go to jail? Is that what this is about?” Aspen’s father glares at his wife. “If you need a weekend alone, just tell me. Don’t make me kill the young.”

Anniston flashes my mom, Breck, a conniving smile.

“Hell no. Both of you need to stop,” Theo adds. “This is not a joke. You’re endangering lives.”

He looks at me for help. I tip my chin. “Uncle Theo is right. You can’t expect men to behave around Aspen.”

Especially when she’s talked to my father about something.

“Oh no,” Anniston disagrees. “Fenn will be with her. He’ll make sure everyone stays a gentleman today.” She looks at Fenn, who is engrossed with something on his phone.

“Yeah. I see that going well.” I mumble.

“Anniston,” Theo barks. “Fenn isn’t even listening!” He snatches the phone from Fenn’s hands.

Looking around like he just realized people surround him, Fenn asks, “What am I supposed to do again?”

Theo grabs his shirt and hauls him closer. “You’re watching out for your sister while she participates—” he flashes Anniston a glare, “—in the kissing booth.”

Fenn’s face scrunches up. “And what? You think she’ll actually have a line of pervs waiting to cop a feel?”

Theo shoves him away, his anger finally emerging. “Fuck no. I’m putting my foot down. Aspen isn’t doing this.”

Anniston grins, but it’s Aspen who speaks up. “Excuse me. I’m twenty-three, not thirteen.” Theo curses under his breath. “The kissing booth has been the highest-grossing revenue stream in the carnival’s history,” she says. “I’ve already agreed to help.” Aspen looks at my mom. “Right, Aunt B?”

This time, it’s me who grumbles. “Dad,” I plead. “Can you please talk some sense into them?”

“Yeah, Jameson,” Theo adds. “Think of all the bodies you’ll be stuck burying tonight if this goes down.”

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