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, Ryan

Hmm.

wonder if that's

after they arrive, all sorts of people

playing music and

of food from a local Mexican

out, dancing to the music with giant smiles on their faces and I can't

in those short denim shorts and the tight shirt

it away, laughing at whatever Sadie says as she keeps shaking

catches me staring and flashes one of those shy smiles that make my

from my beer, my gaze never leaving her even when

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

anything else

a sip

believe you gave up

like it was a

Ryan rolls his eyes.

excellent school.” "Your parents cool with

was always

never asked me once

I would follow in his

most of my life, I figured I'd

takes a step closer

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

the next seven or eight years of my life going to

coming to work for my father and eventually

like a

or cause a fight, so I kept my mouth

on and on about my chances and how I would be a legacy, carrying

whatever reason, the idea of disappointing my

UCLA only because of your sister,” I finally answer,

helped make the decision easier for

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

give me too much

Eventually"

whipped.” Ryan tips his head

room to talk, considering you're going to

State only because she knew I wanted to