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,

Hmm.

wonder if

they arrive, all sorts of

playing music

brought giant platters of food from a local Mexican

with giant smiles on their faces and I

those short denim shorts and the tight shirt

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

staring and flashes one of those shy smiles that make

beer, my gaze

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

than anything else in this

a sip

cant believe you gave up Stanford

was a

Ryan rolls his eyes.

cool with you changing your

always my

once what I wanted

assumed I would follow

most of my life, I figured I'd do the same,’ I

closer

just for Harper?" It started the

the next seven or eight years of my

work for my father and eventually

like a

want to disappoint my father or cause a fight, so I

me, going on and on about my

but for whatever reason, the idea of disappointing my

didn't choose to go to UCLA only because of your sister,” I finally answer, my gaze still on her as

helped make the decision easier for

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

God my parents didn't give me too

Eventually"

Ryan tips his head back, draining

room to talk, considering you're going

she knew I wanted to go there.” Ryan shakes his