Page 154 of Contentious

“Whatever,” Carson said. “Get out. All of you.”

“This is the thanks we get for worrying about you,” Jordan said.

“You’ll get over it. Back to normal around here.”

“Thanks again for not dying,” Gillian said when she leaned in to kiss Carson’s cheek.

“Anything for you, pumpkin.”

“Why is he nice to her and an asshole to the rest of us?” Ethan asked.

“Because she’s lovely, and you’re not,” Carson said. “Any other questions?”

“Yeah, he’s fine,” Jackson said. “No more faking sick to get out of work.”

“Who died and made you the boss?” Corbin asked.

“Thankfully, no one, but he’s mooching the sick leave policy.”

“I think we can give him another week to rest up and recover before we start talking about work,” Corbin said.

“What a baby,” Jackson said, rolling his eyes as he walked toward the door.

“Don’t listen to him,” Kate said. “He’s very thankful you’re safe and on the mend. We all are.”

“I know. Thank you for coming over and cooking.”

“The kitchen is all clean. Just put your plates in and start the dishwasher.”

“We will. Now, everyone go home and get some sleep.”

“We’ll check in tomorrow,” Julian said.

“I’ll grab the dinner I made you earlier and bring it over for tomorrow,” Isla said.

“I can’t wait to try your chicken parm,” Carson said. “Thanks again for coming to San Diego, you guys. Way above and beyond the call of duty.”

“Nothing you wouldn’t do for me,” Julian said as he guided Isla toward the door.

“Call me tomorrow,” Spencer said on his way out.

“I will. No spying while I have guests.”

“You ruin all my fun.”

“I mean it, Gramps. You don’t want to see something you can never unsee.”

“On that note,” Gillian said, “I’m out.”

Corbin and Spencer followed her out, and when Carson heard the door to the garage click shut behind them, he exhaled a sigh of relief. “Sorry about them.”

“I think they’re fabulous,” Cresley said. “Every one of them.”

“Ugh, they’re total pains in my ass.”

“You don’t really think that. You’re grateful they care.”

“I wish they cared a little less.”