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.

Ryan?" "Sure,

Hmm.

if

sorts of people start

music and

couple of girls brought giant platters of food from a local Mexican restaurant and everyone starts

are hanging out, dancing to the music with giant smiles on their faces

looks extra hot tonight in those short denim shorts and the tight shirt that

her face and she keeps batting it away, laughing at whatever

and flashes one of those

from my beer, my gaze never leaving her even when I

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

else in this

sip from his

cant believe you gave up Stanford

it was a hardship,”

Ryan rolls his eyes.

an excellent school.” "Your parents cool with you changing your plan?" “It was never my

was always my

asked me once

assumed I would follow in his

figured I'd do the same,’

step closer

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

or eight years of my life going to college and law

father and

sounded like

down, I didn't want to disappoint my father or cause

with my father sitting right beside me, going on and on about my chances and

reason, the idea of disappointing

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

helped make the decision

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

didn't give me too much shit

Eventually"

his head

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

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