Page 127 of Rebellious

Diesel: I’m sorry.

Rebel: Me, too.

Diesel: That doesn’t mean you have to give Kaia another chance.

Rebel: I care about him. He made a mistake and he knows it. I was happy with him before the volleyball game. He was a good boyfriend.

Boyfriend. Diesel glared at the words that jumped out at him, taunting him with the knowledge of what it could never mean for him and Rebel.

Rebel: Do I have any more questions left?

She didn’t, but he wanted to know her thoughts.

Diesel: What?

Rebel: Does sex smell gross?

Diesel: Sex is a sensory experience. You should enjoy everything about it. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Can we get back to the game or are you tired?

Rebel: I have a better idea. We can text each other links to some of our favorite songs, then give a thumbs up or a thumbs down and explain why we feel that way.

It sounded like a lot of work, but if it made her happy, he’d do it. Besides, texting had never been so simple and unencumbered with a hidden agenda. He smiled at the screen, his heart pounding in his chest as frantically as if he was a fifteen-year-old talking to a girl for the first time.

Diesel: Sure, sweetheart.

Rebel: Are u awake yet, Dee?

Compared to some of their other texts, that one was tame, but she’d never in her life forget spending the night texting Diesel. She’d gotten little sleep. The more they texted, the wider awake she became.

When Momma returned without warning to check on Rebel, she had just enough time to shove her phone under her pillow and plop her head down. She stayed with Rebel for a half an hour until Rebel promised she was okay and sent her away. She was scared Diesel had fallen asleep, but if he had, he gave no indication and picked up where they left off. Until two hours ago, when he stopped responding.

Now, Rebel glanced at the clock. Close to six, a school day, so breakfast would be served shortly. Whenever he was home, Diesel joined them. His work days started early. Intending to knock on his door on her way down, she grabbed her robe just as her phone dinged.

Diesel: on my way down now

Grinning, Rebel hurriedly shrugged into her robe and rushed out of her room, excitement coursing through her as she raced to the breakfast room. Seeing the pile of presents surrounding Diesel’s chair made her squeal.

“Reb, what are you doing downstairs?” Momma paused long enough to ask that before continuing to the sideboard and setting a platter of sausages down.

Her distraction allowed Rebel to bite her lip and lower her lashes, so she wouldn’t stare at Diesel or her presents.

“Morning, Reb,” Aunt Bunny greeted, stopping to kiss her cheek before following Momma and adding a plate of biscuits next to the sausages.

“G’morning, everyone.” Doing her best not to grab her presents and start opening them, Rebel slid into her seat. “I was hungry, so I thought I’d come down and eat. Save you the trouble of bringing food to me, Momma.”

She squinted and glanced between Diesel and Rebel. “Umkay,” she said, that one word calling Rebel a liar. “Now tell me the truth.” She pointed at Diesel. “What did this idiot say to get you down here so early?”

Busted. Even when she went to school, she was always last to arrive at the table.

Rebel glanced at Diesel, but he showed no reaction to being labeled an idiot. She didn’t want to get him into trouble, especially since she’d suggested he give the presents to her at breakfast.

“I have get-well gifts for her, Aunt Meggie,” Diesel said calmly.

Momma bent over to better see around Diesel’s chair and her eyes widened. “All that?”

He nodded. “Just a few things to cheer her up.”

“Fine.” Momma sighed and turned to Aunt Bunny. “CJ will pick up food on his way to school. He’s going to see if Harley wants to ride with him.”