You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 174

Easton

It's the weekend and my parents are out of town so that calls fora celebration.

What exactly we're celebrating, I'm not sure.

But do we need to have a reason to party? I dont think so.

I'm dragging a cooler out on the back patio when my first guests show up, all three of them strolling into my back yard.

Harper, Sadie and Ryan.

“Hope you have lots of booze tonight!" Sadie does a little shimmy, hip checking my girlfriend and nearly sending her toppling over.

"Plenty for you Sadie,’ I tell her, extending my arm toward Harper and pulling her to me, delivering a quick kiss to her lips.

"Hey beautiful"

She smiles, her hand resting on my chest.

"I will never get tired of hearing you say that"

“Gag.” This comes from Ryan, who's watching us with a scowl on his face.

"You two disgust me"

"Stop being such a grouch"

Sadie lightly slaps Ryan's arm.

"You should be happy right now"

"Is there a specific reason why he should be happy?" Harper asks, her gaze questioning.

"We discussed it a couple of nights ago and...Ryan and I are going to college together!" Sadie throws both arms up in the air, her expression triumphant.

“Oh my God!” Harper pulls away from me to wrap her best friend up ina hug.

"I'm so excited for you!” "I'm excited too.” Sadie hugs her back.

"And so is Ryan.

"Sure, Ryan

Hmm.

if that's

after they arrive, all sorts of people start to show

starts playing music and

platters of food from a

to the music with giant smiles on their faces and I can't stop

those short denim shorts and the

in her face and she keeps batting it away, laughing at whatever Sadie says as she keeps

me staring and flashes one of those shy smiles

a sip from my beer, my gaze never leaving her even

my sister, don't you?" I glance over at Ryan who's standing

than anything else

takes a sip

cant believe you gave up Stanford

like it was a

Ryan rolls his eyes.

parents cool with you changing your plan?" “It

was always

me once

would follow

my life, I figured I'd do the same,’

step closer to

switch it up just for Harper?" It started the end of my junior year—the realization that

years of my life going to college

work for my father and eventually take over

sounded like

my father or cause a fight, so

on

I want, but for whatever reason, the idea of disappointing my parents about my future

your sister,” I finally answer, my gaze still on her as she continues to

make the

me the strength to fight for what I want, and stand up

give me

Eventually"

Ryan tips his head back, draining the last of

to talk, considering you're going to the same college as

State only because she knew I wanted