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 that's

sorts of people start to

starts playing music

platters of food

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

extra hot tonight in those short denim shorts and the tight

getting in her face and she keeps batting it away, laughing at

one of those shy smiles that make my dick

beer, my gaze never

I glance over at Ryan who's standing

anything else in

takes a sip from

you gave up Stanford for

like it was

Ryan rolls his eyes.

cool with you changing your plan?" “It was never my

always

never asked me once

I would follow

life, I figured

step closer to me,

the truth—did you switch it up just for Harper?" It started the end of my junior year—the realization

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

for my father

like a

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

next thing I know, I'm applying to Stanford with my father sitting right beside me, going on and on

want, but for whatever reason, the idea of disappointing my parents about my future choices—specifically my

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

she helped make the

me the strength to fight for what I want, and

my parents didn't give me too much shit over

Eventually"

his head back, draining the last of his

no room to talk, considering you're going to the

she knew I wanted to go there.”