You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Easton I

t's finally the last period of the day—a day that hasn't wanted to fucking end—and the teacher is writing on the board, giving me a chance to slip out my phone and shoot off some texts.

For hours I've been thinking about how I should talk to the guys about this, how I should bring us all together, and only one way makes sense.

To be straight up with them.

I check to make sure the coast is still clear, the teacher rattling off about some shit, and I start typing.

Me: Come to my house after school.

Blake: Should I bring my boxing gloves? Me: Unless you plan on mouthing off and not listening to a goddamn thing I have to say.

Blake: What do you have to say? I already know how much of an asshole you are.

Me: Just be there, dickhead.

I open the last text Ryan sent me and I type out a message to him.

Me: After school, my house.

Be there.

Ryan: I should knock your ass out for that stunt you pulled in the hallway.

That conversation we were having is far from over.

Me: It'll continue after school.

Ryan: I know.

I put my phone away and try to focus on the teacher, but I don't hear a word she's saying.

That's how the whole day has gone—waiting to get called into the office, zoning out as I think of my talk with Harper, relieved as hell that I didn't lose her, ignoring every motherfucker in the hallway who has a smart remark about my situation with Leigh.

None of the Mrs.

Scott pettiness the students are barking at me really bothers me.

They can say whatever they want, I slept with a married woman who's more than twenty years older than me, and I would have slept with her again if she hadn't cut things off.

It's definitely not the worst thing I've done.

I just don't like that the students assume I fucked her while I've been with Harper.

Out of all this, that’s the only thing that eats at me and the reason it hurts is because I know how much it kills Harper.

It makes her feel betrayed and that's the last thing I want.

the bell pulls me out of my thoughts, and I rush up from

are two situations I need to focus on, and both happen to be parked in

“Surprised you invited him,"

nodding toward

an entirely different reason—a

between them, glancing

us

door open and

follow behind and stop

"Beer?"

catches the

I'm going to

hand him a bottle that we'll

didn't

the second we're all sitting on

I shake my head.

I swear

Harper

haven't fucked her

do that to

I wouldn't do

"Mrs.

lot of shit on all

nods at me,

My connection to Leigh has benefited the guys the same

tip

know,”

one has reached out to me yet, I have

very soon.”

Blake says.

whips in his

a sip and hands me the bottle, chugging a few gulps before I say, "We've been

want this

Today.

every time I lay eyes

into the couch and crosses

her every time I turn my back, trying to be her fucking knight in shining armor—I want it

Blake replies.

My fingers clench.

"Stop with the lies.

want her, I know you're fucking crazy about

fight you anymore, but you have to promise me you're going to lay off.” "It sounds like

able to admit the truth when it's staring him