You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 34

Harper

Easton thinks he owns me, that every happy expression that crosses my face is due to him.

Screw that.

But the truth is, Easton’s message is what caused me to grin. I had just flipped to Blake’s text when Easton saw me, the timing just couldn’t have been more perfect.

I’ll never tell him that though.

As far as he’s concerned, Blake makes me smile too, and it needs to stay that way.

I continue down the hallway when Sadie stops me and says, “Whoa. I just saw Easton and he looks like he’s about to murder someone. Any idea what that’s about?”

I shrug. “He read a text that Blake sent me. Maybe it has something to do with that

-I mean, hopefully it does.”

“Blake and … you?” Her eyebrows lift so high, they look like they’re about to get lost in her hairline.

“It’s not what you think. He just asked me out for dinner.”

She laughs. “Really? And you think that clarifies my questions somehow?” She adjusts her bag. “Unless he’s feeling you, he’s not going to ask you out to dinner.”

I tuck a chunk of hair behind my ear, the smell of Easton’s shampoo from this morning’s shower still so present, something I’m not even close to getting used to. “I’m not interested. He’s the biggest player at school.”

“And Easton’s not?”

“And Ryan’s not?” I argue back.

“Okay, good point, the three of them are equal in the player department. But we both know I’m going to mold Ryan into the man I want him to be and you’re going to do the same with Easton. Or is it Blake? I feel lost-again.”

I wrap my arm around hers and start walking. “It’s Easton. It’s only ever been Easton.”

But I can’t deny that having Blake’s attention is an interesting feeling. One I’ve never had before. Probably because Sadie is the only person who’s ever cared about me. And now, suddenly, there’s two new numbers in my phone and both are texting me on the same day.

My mind is blown.

reminding her of the conversation from the library. “What’s up

at her locker, filling her bag with books. “Well, like I said, we‘ve been talking more. Texting. Having convos at night before we go to bed.

treating you like shit

heading for the parking lot. “Things are good.” She looks at me, biting her lip. “And, God, you know I’m positively crazy about him.

don’t want him

is as harsh as his friends. When it comes to girls, they’re

them, they

Always.

I won’t

right here,” Blake says, approaching us as

“Why?” Sadie asks.

Sadie. “Someone wrote something on your

“Wrote something?” I inquire.

don’t like the

my heart picking up speed as Blake keeps his eyes

does it say?” I

his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows. When he finally looks up again, he says, “Why don’t you let Ryan and Sadie deal with this,

He’s protecting me.

But why?

What does it say?

cars, Blake. I’m not leaving this school until I

as he replies, “Someone wrote, your sister is a slut, on Ryan’s windshield.” His eyes shift to Sadie.

me. “Not because of my car, I don’t give a shit

you.”

no voice when I say, “Who would

hates me

He can’t be that mad about Blake’s text, not where

of the school barely knows me. I’m Ryan’s sister to them and most don’t even know

know,” Blake responds. “But, I

throat, hoping the tightness will lessen. “Will the

when they get home from work makes me want to

the washable kind that the cheerleaders use for homecoming when they

some wet napkins,” Sadie tells me. “I’ll clean the glass super quickly, and then I’ll take you