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.

wonder if

after they arrive, all sorts of people start to

music and it's

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 and

tonight in those short denim shorts and the tight shirt that shows off her

she keeps batting it

staring and flashes one of those shy

take a sip from my beer, my gaze never leaving her even when I feel

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

than anything else

a sip

you gave up

it was a

Ryan rolls his eyes.

with you changing

always my

never asked me once what

assumed I would follow in his

life, I figured I'd

a step closer to me, his voice

Harper?" It started the end of my junior year—the realization that law school didn't interest

next seven or eight years of my life going to college and law

to work for my father and eventually take over

sounded like a

I didn't want to disappoint my father or cause a fight, so I kept my

on and on about my chances and how I would

whatever reason, the idea of disappointing my

to go to UCLA only because of your sister,” I finally answer, my gaze

she helped make the decision easier for

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

parents didn't give me too much

Eventually"

whipped.” Ryan tips his head

talk, considering you're going to the same

Chico State only because she knew I