You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 168

Easton

It's a rare day where I'm at home with just Dad, texting Harper and begging her to come visit so I can fuck her in my pool.

I'm not even ashamed to admit my actual text was — come to my house so I can fuck you in my pool.

She has to study for a test, so I upped it and said, pool and hot tub.

I have an hour before she can even attempt to get here, and I'm bored out of my mind, not because I'm not fucking, but because all I can think about is her and college, which stresses me out so much I'm useless when it comes to anything else.

Somehow, I find myself downstairs in the kitchen staring into the fridge like it's going to magically shit out food for me when my dad's voice sounds.

I jump a foot.

"Seriously? At least announce yourself.

"So, my hard footsteps against the marble floors weren't enough?" I shut the fridge and shoot him a glare.

“Or my heavy breathing? Or the fact that I said your name at least three times while you stared into the fridge like it was Heaven and you were a few seconds away from following the tiny light?" "Very funny.” I run my hands down my face.

"Sorry, it's been a long day.’ "Same"

Dad pulls out a barstool and sits.

I can tell he’s not joking as he tugs on his black tie then pulls it off all the way only to shrug out of his suit jacket.

"I had to defend an innocent person who's now going to jail all because sometimes even the law can't save you.

He has two kids under four, and his wife's all on her own now.."

Dad shakes his head.

"Son, sometimes life isnt fair.” "No"

I agree.

"It isn't.” He leans onto the countertop.

"Want to talk about it?” "My feelings?” I state.

"No, not really.

blurt everything out then start crying like a little bitch?" "Then we disown

in the parenting handbook they gave us when you were

Dad deadpans.

very funny.” Dad pulls out

at least three years?" "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that just like I'm going to pretend

doesn't make eye

cloud son, bad things happen

"Noted"

"Anyway.."

and sure as shit goes to the fridge, grabs

the part where every

me? Is he going to use puppets again? Am I going to be scarred for life?

I mean.

Fuck.

sit down

mine, and sip it while giving him side—eye that says, spit it out before we awkwardly start talking about the weather

had enough awkward conversations with my dad to last me an eternity, so I really

on your

the rest of my existence” I hide my grimace behind the beer and take another sip

"I'm going to Stanford"

mom and I couldn't be more proud.” He slaps me on

you're nervous? Hell, I

to share stories with me about all his accomplishments, the clubs he was a part of;

with honors, take over the law firm he started and work

all set out for you, son, like the

as I sit there,

It feels wrong.

would be taking a left when

dont like this

like I can tell him that I'm apprehensive, that maybe

I'm thinking of changing his entire plan and my trajectory because of a girl, but not just any girl, my

Fucking, MINE.

"Yeah.."

My voice sounds uncertain.

a lot of pressure, you know?" "Yup, sure do.” He finishes his beer in a few swallows and then turns

are you going to tell me the real reason now or keep lying

"Language"

empty can down and faces

"I love her” I blurt