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

they arrive, all sorts of people

starts playing music and it's

of food from a local

giant smiles on

denim shorts and the tight shirt that shows off her

and she keeps batting it away, laughing

flashes one of those shy smiles that make my dick

sip from my beer, my gaze never

I glance over at Ryan who's standing directly beside

else in

takes a sip from his

believe you gave up Stanford for

it was a hardship,”

Ryan rolls his eyes.

is an excellent school.” "Your parents cool with you changing your plan?"

always my

asked me once

just assumed I would follow in

my life, I figured I'd do the

step closer

for Harper?" It started the end

the next seven or eight years of my life going to

coming to work for my father

like a

my father or cause a fight,

to Stanford with my father sitting right beside me, going on and on

do whatever the fuck I want, but for whatever reason, the idea of disappointing my

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

helped make the decision easier

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

didn't give me too much

Eventually"

so fucking whipped.” Ryan tips his head back, draining

talk, considering you're going to

because she knew I wanted to go