You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 170

Easton

I didn't mention the elephant in the room with Harper.

Talking about money always felt weird, and after our champagne, I figured it would be smarter to just Uber her home and then have her come pick up her car later.

She left her keys with me, and I realized I could just drive the car back to her house tomorrow and see her at the same time.

Besides, I had news to tell her.

I got into UCLA too.

Basically, miracles do happen, and I was pumped as shit to get to her house and tell her.

I go down to the kitchen to grab something for breakfast and chug some coffee when my mom stops me and gives me the look every mom gives their kids when they want to have a talk.

“Something on your mind?" I ask, nervous that she already knows about UCLA and is going to try to steer me away from what I've already decided.

She hesitates, rubbing her fingers down her coffee cup like she’s nervous before blurting.

"Are you being safe?" So not what I expected her to say.

I trip a bit then grab an apple from the fruit basket even though my plan was to grab a breakfast sandwich from the freezer or at least a cold brew from the fridge.

"Hmm?" "Safe," she repeats.

"With...Harper.” "Safe as in I make her put her seatbelt on?" I awkwardly bite into the apple and chew.

"Yeah, Mom, we're safe.’ "Okay"

She nods.

"Okay, I just.."

She sets the coffee cup down on the counter.

"It’s important that you go to college—both of you.

And I don't want any surprises like a pregnancy or—" "—Gonna stop you right there.” Guilt creeps in.

"She's not pregnant, and we're being smart, not stupid, and Mom...” I pull her in for a side hug.

So now she wants to be a helicopter parent? Really? Only when it comes to college? It kind of burns, but I try not to focus on it as I hold her close and breathe in her Chanel perfume.

"I love you," I say simply.

“We're together now, and I love her.

We're taking one day at a time"

Mom exhales softly.

I kiss the top

worrying though.” She looks up at me

"I always worry"

don't want to remind her because, for some reason, I'm suddenly seeing her differently, like maybe she just didn't want to interfere

She

know.’ “Thanks

start to

"We both

and then shows me

a huge gulp

And there it

The fakeness.

it's more about a shield she feels she needs to wear because of what my dad does and because of the money

her a bit more

of my apple in the trash, and

to her house, and by the time

Of course.

like I actually

and right

Harper's parents are in

head while Harper yells

Her dad's laughing.

rolling

Sadie is busy digging into the bacon like she hasnt eaten in

watching them, and realize

Is college important? Yes.

important to

what's more important?

Love.

Laughter.

This.

Ryan's keys in the air twice

I'm

nods his head, and then an alarm from someone's phone goes

scrambles around the kitchen while their

“Gotta go!" he says.

us luck!" They're flying by me

hell?" I

over and wraps her arms

find a Groupon for golf lessons.” She

be gone for three hours.” "I suddenly feel the need

I grip her ass.

under

good shape?" "Nah, I jerked off on every seat then made sure to watch some porn in the front seat while getting high and touching my dick every few seconds just to make

bro, of course I

His eyes narrow.

also weirdly detailed.”

yourself.” “Fuck you,’ he growls, grabbing a