You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 188

Easton

The ride to Disneyland is long, a little over four hours, but at least the high school rented plush buses for us to travel in.

Harper and I sit together, with Ryan and Sadie in front of us, and the girls have kept up their conversation ever since we left campus, Sadie going on and on about her favorite rides and snacks at the park.

"and we have to get the Dole Whip, Ryan. It's so good. I know you don't like pineapple, but you must try it.” Sadie nudges Ryan in the tubs, and he grunts in reply.

I glance over at Harper, noting how her gaze is at half—mast.

My girl looks sleepy and I reach out, briefly settling my hand on her thigh.

“Tired?” She nods, her eyes falling closed for a moment.

“Maybe I should nap before we get there.” “You can use my shoulder as a pillow, I suggest, because I've become that guy.

The one who's so completely into his girl, he'd do anything to make her happy.

Harper's eyes pop open and she smiles.

“I'd love that.” “Harp, are you seriously going to take a nap right now? I was just going to tell you about Splash Mountain.” Sadie turns in her seat, rising up onto her knees so she can look directly at us as she grips her headrest with both hands.

“Ryan's no fun. He's only talking to me in grunts, like I'm an annoyance to him. And now you're about to fall asleep too. What is wrong with you people?"

“Let them sleep so they can actually enjoy Disneyland later; I tell Sadie, wishing she'd calm down.

I like Harper's best friend, but sometimes she's way too hype.

“We're in for a long night, Harper says as she rests her head on my shoulder.

“I need rest.” "So do I, Ryan says from his seat in front of me.

Sadie purses her lips into a pout.

“I'm too excited to sleep.” “Try.

hand and tugs, causing her to

a deep kiss before pushing her out of his lap and back

"Close your eyes, baby.

If she could relax for as many minutes as

lips to Harper's

definitely try to take

night long.” “I can't

don't even know what ride to get on

bestie.” "I know you do bestie,”

yeah, I'm

all day, excited about the trip.” “It's going to be fun.” I grab her hand, interlacing our

haven't been there in

and I wish I knew what was going on in that

been so wild.” “What

whole Blake

heard that,” Sadie

Harper's laughter is soft.

I squeeze her

“Continue.” “Prom night.

dress and how

and

you're coming to UCLA

have a future together” She lifts her head

feel on top of the world.” That's all she says, and I sense there's a

Yet she remains quiet.

feeling unsure about any of this, about me, just know you've

got me on

couldn't shake me if you tried.” She turns her head to look at me, her eyes glowing, though I spot

I don't worry about you. Or

limo,’ she admits,

it when

because I want to bite that plump lip