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.

joining us."I

you for

says, taking out the items from

her dad

me and they'te

"So ...ahhh,"

to think of something

“Where's Ryan and Sadie?"

around the kitchen,

tells me.She winces."They should be

her

bit of resistance I have, but I can't

I make eye

stare tells me something is about to

go have a little chat,

“Out there."

right,’ I reply, quickly glancing at Harper whose eyes are sending apologies

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

her dad

not going to beat around the bush,’ he

things, therefore I want to

hauled outside and have to lay my truth on the table.I just want to tell him I love

I say

have good

me, but I'm happy I

great deal to

about her so much

sweating, my

standing in front of our whole school,

is very important to

“Are you being careful?"

I clear my throat.

"Careful?"

going to college next year.The last thing I need—the

I didn't

one that feels like a slap

I shake my head.

“No buns, sir.

Definitely no buns."

“You're sure about that?"

the audience just grew to our

my parents are pushing for pre—law, so! can

one of the responsible ones,

drink of his wine and I watch

girl.I have to

her back.Nothing will ever happen to her when she's