You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 26

Harper

I can’t believe my idiot brother said that in front of Easton, or that Easton took it for that matter.

My cheeks burn with embarrassment, because he’s not wrong is he? That’s exactly Easton’s MO and yet here I stand, right next to him, suddenly accepting his help along with a ride home when anyone who knows us or knows him, would find it suspicious.

Clearly Ryan’s pissed and I know it’s because he’s being protective which just makes me even more nervous over the fact that a few minutes ago Easton had his tongue in my mouth.

And I didn’t push him away.

I pulled him closer

And accepted his help despite his asshole tendencies.

“Let’s go,” Easton gently grabs my arm and pulls me towards his car. I have no other option but to follow him especially since my punk ass brother aka my normal ride is currently trying to find a tampon since it’s clearly his time of the month.

Ugh.

Boys.

I tuck my hair behind my ears, keep my head down, and follow Easton out into the parking lot. I know people are watching us. I can feel their stares burning through my back as me and Easton for the first time, like, ever, get in his Jeep without my brother.

I’ve always loved his Jeep, I’ve had several fantasies where he stops by my house, picks me up, and asks to see me, not my brother-me. I never imagined that this would be how senior year would go, and my head is going to explode if any other surprises happen today-or if Easton attempts to kiss me again.

“Get in.” Easton opens the white door and it feels like he’s letting me into his life despite my brother being a crazy idiot.

I’m getting in

And it’s not Ryan who’s helping me but Easton.

The boy who kisses me one minute, then looks ready to trip me the next.

I gulp and crawl up into the seat, then put on my seatbelt.

It smells like coffee and spearmint gum which just reminds of the way he tastes and how much Ryan will lose his shit if he finds out.

I don’t have time to be nervous, soon enough Easton’s in the Jeep, and it’s roaring to life as he backs up out of his parking spot, wordless, jaw clenched, looking beautiful and pissed at the same

time.

as Blake watches us from

What’s he staring at?

The Jeep?

Me?

curious like everyone

crappy day. If it wasn’t Easton, who did it? Who has that much time on their hands in the first place? Embarrassment hits me fast and hard as

I still have seven months of the school year left, which means this could happen again and

once

“Huh? What?” I frown.

is more of a smirk, devastating as he bites down on the bottom of his lip

can eat right now.” I

My voice trails off.

I feel anxious.

Off balance.

it’s hard to breathe, it’s hard to even

And I shouldn’t.

kill

can’t stop

pissed him off. How could I ever think that this

my street. “What are you

“You’re shaking.”

he’s right, I had no idea. Is that why he asked if I was hungry? I’m still staring at my shaking hands and my black chipped nail polish when the

hates you?” His question catches me

than you?” I look around. We’re not at my house, we’re

We’re at his house.

In his driveway

up at the giant

he upped his meanness past what had been normal

opening his door and slamming it like his actions can’t help but show annoyance and hate despite what words are tumbling

he really not taking me

Jeep and follow him inside, rolling my eyes because he doesn’t even turn around to see if

even hesitate as I go through the front door and continue to follow

assume they rarely are from what Ryan’s said in

looks different without everyone

Emptier.