You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 45

Harper

My brother is a complete idiot.

Our parents gave us the biggest speech ever about not having people over when they’re out of town and how our friends broke stuff and raided their liquor cabinet. Ryan put on his best innocent front, telling them he had no control over their actions and he didn’t think the party would get so out of hand.

He took the brunt of the blame because it was more his party than mine, and our parents knew it. I invited Sadie over. That’s it. While Ryan invited the entire school.

Anyway.

He’s got a group of guys out in the backyard sitting by the pool, the tiki torches lit and music playing while they all pass around a blunt. One of those guys just happens to be Easton.

An aggravated sigh leaves me and I refocus on my laptop and the English essay | need to write that’s only halfway finished. I tap at the keys for a little bit before ! pause, my mind drawing a blank.

I can’t concentrate.

It’s so hard, knowing Easton is here. In my backyard. I should be mad at him. I slapped his stupid face for saying such a shitty thing to me. Run a train ..

I kind of knew what he meant, but not really. The moment I slipped into my desk at class I pulled out my phone and Googled it, even more furious when I read the definition.

He wanted to uh…take turns with me with his friends? Gross.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized he was absolutely full of shit. He doesn’t want to share me with his friends.

He wants to keep me all to himself.

Doesn’t matter though. I’m still mad at him. And I swear, he makes me so mad that | also become aroused. Which is just weird and freaks me out a little. Like, what the hell is wrong with me?

Lots of things. Plenty of things. And all of them have to do with Easton.

Sighing, I give up trying to work on the essay and go to my window, pulling the curtain back so I can watch the boys sitting at the outdoor table, their long bodies slouched forward, legs spread and heads leaning back against the cushioned seats of our outdoor chairs. My gaze zeros in on Easton, noting his black hoodie and pants. How he looks ready to commit armed robbery, which is kind of hot.

See? I have issues.

I run

Easton: I see you.

window, wondering if I

me

start flying. The arrogant

Me: You wish.

Why aren’t you down

texting me? I SLAPPED

stay mad at

Me: I should

Let me

Should I? That’s risky.

down my spine at all the possibilities

Me: No way.

Come on. Just

Me: Why?

to talk

Fine. But hurry. And don’t

Easton: Like I would.

to work. Gather up all the papers and crap on my desk and shove them in my backpack. Slam my laptop shut. Kick my dirty clothes into the closet and shut the door. I straighten my bed as best can, eventually

He’s still not here.

to the window and peek

not down

a devilish smile on his face as

Yet I do.

“Nice digs.”

eyes. “What do you

when you say my name?” He raises

currently wearing, I cross

me.” His gaze rakes over me, lingering on my legs, which are exposed by the cotton night shorts I like

the unspoken demand in his voice that does it for me. Like I can’t stop myself, I approach him, a gasp escaping me when he snatches me by the waist and pulls me into him. Our torsos are flush, my thin shorts no barrier