You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 25

Harper

I can’t stop staring at Easton’s lips. They’re complete perfection, and my skin grows warm when I remember what they feel like pressed against my own.

As if he can read my mind, he does exactly that, his mouth landing on mine before I can protest, before I can do anything but kiss him back. I grab hold of the front of his shirt, pulling him in closer versus pushing him away and he wraps his arms around me, crushing me to him as he deepens the kiss.

We‘re out in public. On campus. Anyone could see us. He’s taking a risk to his reputation, being seen kissing me.

But it doesn’t seem to matter to him. He’s too busy stroking my tongue with his. Deepening the kiss, his hand coming up to touch my face, his fingers stroking my cheek. My heart flutters at his gentle touch and I have to remind myself this means nothing. He’s just-I don’t know.

Kissing me. For no apparent reason.

“Meet me after school,” he says once we end the kiss. His forehead is pressed against mine, our harsh breaths mingling together. “We can figure out who did this to your locker.”

“Why do you want to help me?” I swallow hard when his thumb streaks across my bottom lip.

“You’re my best friend’s sister. Why wouldn’t I want to help you?” His hand drops from my face and he pulls away from me, taking a big step backwards. Like he needs the space. “I’ll drive you home.”

I shake my head. “I’m riding with Ryan, like I always do.”

“Not today. You’re riding with me.”

“How am I supposed to explain that to my brother?” Ryan is currently pissed at Easton too since I brought up his name this morning to Mr. Rose.

confidence I can’t help

gaze so I stare at

Wonderful.

Easton’s unwavering attention is something I’m not

to that

says. “But I need you to vouch for me

and I follow beside him, my heart racing, but

nervous over convincing my brother Easton is innocent. “I

both of us facing

to ask again and I don’t know

slowly shakes his head. “I didn’t do it. I don’t know who did either. Have

you,” I say, which actually makes him crack

smile I’ve

again, and as we get closer to the cafeteria, I can tell he’s scanning the clusters of people sitting outside, his

trying to figure

We’re

some people love high school-Sadie for one-but I find it the ultimate misery. I’ve never had an easy time making friends. I’m too quiet. Too into reading and homework and whatever else. I want to get good grades so I can go to

last four years. They weren’t

Until now.

it,” Easton says, and that’s all he

see my brother standing just outside the cafeteria with Sadie by his side. By the firm set of his jaw, I’d say he’s mad. When is he

to where we’re standing, going right up to Easton and shoving at his chest.