You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 133
Easton
"Hi,’ Harper says as she opens the door for me, throwing her arms around my neck.

I take a quick glance around us, making sure her parents aren't in sight.

The last thing I need is for them to oversee any kind of PDA and come running at me.

With fucking knives.

But the coast is clear, so I wrap an arm around her waist and bury my face into her neck.

"Fuck, you smell good."

"Don't get any ideas."

"I have zero ideas.

Tonight, tomorrow morning—you might as well be my sister with how far apart we're going to be."

I lean back, looking at her face.

"All right, maybe not a sister, that would make the thoughts that are in my head right now really fucking gross."

She laughs and holds out her hands.

"Is this for the fam?"

I nod as she takes the bag from my grip.

“It's wine.I told my parents I was coming over and Mom insisted.I think there's something else in there, too—some oil or vinegar, or some shit like that."

"That's so nice of them, I'm sure my parents will really appreciate the gesture."

She takes my overnight duffle from my arm and says, "Come on."I follow her, knowing within a few steps, I'm going to come face to face with my biggest fear.

Her father, my worst fucking nightmare.

And, just like I anticipated, he's there when I round the corner to the kitchen, holding a glass of wine as he leans over the island, talking to Harper's mom.

They both turn completely silent the moment I enter.

"Dad, Mom,’ Harper initiates, “Easton's here."Every moment under the fucking Christmas tree flashes through my head, followed by the look on her mom's face when she kicked my ass out.

Fuck.

“Easton, her mom says, “it's nice to see you again."

I can't tell if she really means it or it's the wine talking—the glass that's so fixed in her hand, it looks like it's glued there.

“Easton ..."

her dad says, and he steps closer, his hand going to my shoulder, which he squeezes.

Harder than I'm expecting.

for joining us."I

for having

the items

dad isn't

on me and

"So ...ahhh,"

pause, trying to think of something

“Where's Ryan and Sadie?"

kitchen,

here yet,"Harper tells me.She winces."They

still feel her

to avoid his stare with every bit

eye contact, I immediately regret

something is about

have

“Out there."

quickly glancing at Harper whose eyes are sending apologies and

than anything, I could take the glass from her mom's hand and down the red

I follow her dad outside and take a

going to beat

manly things, therefore I want

want to fucking die.I didn't prepare for this.I didn't expect to be hauled outside and have to lay my truth on the table.I just want to tell him I love his daughter and things are going

I

good intentions,

me, but I'm happy I

a great deal to

her

are sweating, my

standing in front of our whole school, naked, with my hand

is very

“Are you being careful?"

I clear my throat.

"Careful?"

years old.She's going to college next year.The last thing I need—the last thing the both

topic I didn't

that feels like a slap

I shake my head.

“No buns, sir.

Definitely no buns."

“You're sure about that?"

feel like the audience just grew to

of us—I'm going to college too, my parents are pushing for pre—law, so!

of the responsible ones,

takes a drink of his wine and I watch it

Harper is my baby girl.I have to watch out for her, no one

happen to her