Page 9 of Rebellious

I roll my eyes. “Yes, sir.”

Paul brings a harness to Bennett and helps him put it on.

“Bennett,” I call, reaching into my back pocket and pulling out a piece of gum, “Don’t throw up on me, ‘kay?”

Did I mention Bennett is scared of heights?

It’s cute, right? Someone so large and scary fears something as simple as height.

He doesn’t answer me. Instead, he focuses on Paul’s instructions. I pocket the gum, chewing a fresh piece while I wait. Unfortunately for Bennett, Paul’s instructions don’t take long, and in a matter of minutes, he’s back, standing in front of me, a fine sheen of sweat dotting his forehead.

“Hi.” I grin.

He shakes his head.

“Want me to distract you?” I offer when Paul kneels and straps our ankles together.

He swallows. “You’re always distracting.”

For someone who was adamantly against this deal last night, he’s handling things pretty well. “True, but I mean, I couldreallydistract you.” I waggle my brows.

“No more exceptions today.”

If he didn’t sound disappointed, I might have felt a pang of hurt.

“Got it,” I say instead. “Want some gum?”

I’m talking fast and hitting him with all the hard questions. He may not want a distraction, but I’m providing one.

“No.” He sighs. “And spit out your gum. Why did you get another piece?”

I half shrug. “I got bored waiting.”

“For the five minutes it took to get me strapped in?”

Was it really five minutes? I think not. More like ten.

He holds out his hand. “Spit it out.”

I raise my brows. Bennett’s follow, mimicking mine.

This man has been a pain in my ass all day. No way is he telling me what to do again.

I chuckle, giving him a little kiss-my-ass smirk, and swallow the gum.

He sighs, and the corner of his mouth tips up into an almost smile.

“Alright, Aspen,” Paul says. “I need you to put your arms around Bennett with your head tucked between his neck and shoulder.”

Paul, you sweet, sweet man, you’ve made my freaking day.

I look at Bennett, forcing a severe expression. “Remember, all this is your fault. You could have let me hit that pavement alone while you stayed safe and untouched—ow!” I flinch and glance down at his hand on my hip. “I can’t believe you pinched me.”

He pulls me closer and shoves my head into his shoulder. It’s nice and firm and smells like after-bar Bennett. “I should have shoved you,” he says finally.

I grin. “You really should have.”

A tiny chuckle rumbles against me, and I realize this might be the best idea I’ve ever had.

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