You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 58

Easton

My best friend wants to murder me and stand over my bleeding corpse, smiling and kicking until I breathe my last breath.

Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually just grabs a shovel from the garage in a vain attempt to knock me out and bury me in his backyard next to the tree we carved our initials in.

Huh, how fucking poetic.

I walk behind him, angry that it’s come to this but also angry that he can’t see how much I care for Harper.

worst and has it out for Harper. The look she gave us yesterday is burned into my mind. She’s officially taken it too far.

“Grab a roller,” Ryan barks.

I grab one of the rollers.

He’s silent. He grabs two cans of white paint, a tray, and some plastic. I grab another brush and one more roller, then follow him out of the garage.

Harper is standing in front of it in tears.

“Harper.” It comes out harsher than I would have liked. “We’ll take care of it, just go inside.”

She crosses her arms over her chest like she’s embarrassed.

Does she regret last night and this morning?

Shit, we had sex at least three times, or was that four?

I was kind of rough with her the last time.

Maybe she feels like a whore now?

Clearly the words on the garage could have been written at a better time.

Shit.

I’m not used to feeling insecure. I want to go comfort her, but I figure Ryan and I need to talk before I touch her.

Ryan sets the paint down and curses. “Easton’s right, go inside, call Sadie or something, eat chocolate, do what girls do when they’re sad.”

“You should know what girls do when they’re sad.” It’s like I can’t stop myself from saying these things.

He doesn’t even look at me.

one last tear-filled look, then slowly walks toward the door. I fight like hell not to stare after the perfect ass I

can’t stop my feet as they move toward her. Harper’s right hand reaches for the front door. I spin her around-possibly my last moment on this earth since I’m touching her in front of Ryan-and pull her against my chest, thankful that both

relaxes instantly against

I hold her tight.

go

I clench her tighter, whispering in her ear. “We’ll figure it

who would

want to go back into that house and lay in bed with her. I want to hand her all

So, I gently pull away and kiss her on the forehead. “He’s right. Go call Sadie and try to relax. We‘ve

then looks over my head at Ryan. “I like him, please

“No promises,” Ryan seethes.

and goes inside. Like an idiot,

hard shove comes

nearly falling. “What the hell

“Grab

a brush. “So, we aren’t talking

cans of paint. “If I talk about it, I might

“We should.”

hands hovering over the metal lids. “Anyone but her, bro. Why did it

he looks

pouring one of the cans of paint into the tray. “You probably won’t believe me, but I

the first time, really looks at me. “How did

“I fell for a girl I was making out with in the dark, and by the time I realized it was Harper, I was already

“Holy shit, did you just go all poetic about my

agitated because he’s right. “No, I’m just saying,

dips his

tits, ass, and every other fantasy I have,

my ass, it’s us finding out

snorts. “What makes you think it wasn’t

and I took off or kissed or…” I realize the more I talk, the more Ryan looks ready

“Maybe.” Ryan is silent.

This sucks.

to lose my best

don’t want to lose

We work in silence.

some breakfast burritos, then