You’re Mine by Penny Brooks novel Chapter 147

 Easton

 There’s only one way I want to spend New Year’s Eve and that’s with my girl, her lips locked on mine at midnight, and zero drama, especially now that I know we're in the kid—free zone.

Holy fuck, that was close.

Too close.

But the overflowing amount of drama that’s surrounded us lately is why I wasn’t sure that I was going to head to Blake’s New Year’ S party, even though Harper and I had been invited.

Blake still isn’t my favorite person in this world.

Where he travels, Aisha is never far behind, and she’s nothing but trouble.

I just don’t want to deal with their bullshit.

But when I told Ryan that, he lost his shit and said I have no choice, I was going—that we're all going, him, Sadie, Harper, and me.

So now, I’m driving to Harper's house to pick up the three of them for the party.

Fortunately, they all come out as I pull into the driveaway, saving me from having to go inside and see her parents.

Thank fuck.

“Hi,” Harper says, leaning across the front seat to kiss me.

The diamond necklace I bought her for Christmas is sitting on her neck and I’m wearing the boxers and button—down she got me.

“Mmm, you taste delicious,” she adds.

“I taste like ...

me.” “Exactly.” I laugh, resting my hand on her thigh as Sadie and Ryan get into the back.

“Are you guys ready for this?” “I don’t know,” Harper replies, her voice now full of anxiety.

“I know Aisha is going to be there and that doesn't get me excited to go.” “But you know I'll cut a bitch if she tries to fuck with you,” Sadie chirps in.

“And I love you for that,” Harper adds.

“But I’m still ugh about it.” “Listen, if there’s drama tonight, we're all going down together,” Ryan says.

“But there won't be, tonight's going to be fun as hell.” I definitely don't have Ryan's positivity when it comes to this party.

Maybe that’s because my girl and our relationship have been the center of every controversy that’s come through our school lately where Ryan and Sadie seem to slip by unnoticed.

“You know what would make things much better?” I announce.

“A joint.” “I've got you,” Ryan says, and I instantly smell the smoke as he lights one up.

As he hands it to me, I squeeze the paper between my fingers and take a hit, holding in the smoke until I cough.

“Do we know who's going to be there tonight?” Harper asks.

“Everyone,” Sadie replies.

“I scanned Insta before I came over to your house and saw a ton of stories of all the girls getting ready.” “Great,” Harper says.

“More of an audience.” “Um, no,” Sadie responds.

“The more people there, the more of a distraction it's going to be, so less peeps paying attention to you and Easton.” Harper sighs.

“So, you're saying, WHORE or BIG DICK isn’t going to be painted on one of Blake’s mirrors? Seems like everywhere I go, I’m hit with those wonderful words.” Fuck me, it’s affecting her.

And I can’t fucking blame her.

I squeeze her leg as Sadie says, “Harp ...” “And I better be all smiles or WHGOSSIP is going to snap a pic of me in the most unflattering way and air it across every social media site with some headline that makes me want to die.” “Baby,” I whisper, gripping her even tighter.

“I've had it, Easton.” “That's why we're going to have fun tonight.” I glance in the rearview mirror, making sure Ryan and Sadie see me, letting them know we all need to watch out for our girl this evening.

“I think we could all use some, don’t you?” “Hell yes,” Sadie sings.

I give Harper the joint, glancing over to see her suck down several hits.

When she passes it to Ryan, I grab her hand.

“You look gorgeous,” I say softly.

“Yeah, yeah.” I release her fingers to trace mine across her collarbone and down her side, feeling the tightness of the dress hug her hips.

“Fuck, with you looking that good, I don't know if we’re even going to make it to the party.” “Uh, can you drop us off first? You might be my boy, but she’s my sister, let's not forget that,” Ryan says.

Harper laughs and it’s a sound and sight I want more of.

I park in a spot about a block from Blake’s house and we join hands the moment we're on the sidewalk.

As we walk toward his mansion, I bring her fingers up to my mouth and kiss across her knuckles, keeping an eye on her as we get closer.

“Hey,” I say before I ring his doorbell, waiting for her to look at me.

“Remember ...

fun.” She nods.

“Harper, that’s all we’re going to have tonight.

I promise you.” I know the responsibility I’m taking on as I say those words and what will happen if some shit goes down.

But I need my mystery girl smiling.

I need that more than anything.

I press the bell and Blake opens the door, grinning while he says, “My party people!” He pounds each of our fists.

“Happy you're finally here.” As I step inside, the music is blasting.

Balloons cover his ceiling, their long, glittery tails giving the room almost a psychedelic effect.

Everyone is holding cups, dancing, laughing.

There's definitely fun happening here.

He hugs Harper and my entire body stiffens.

I don’t like his hands on her, but I’m not going to make a scene.

I’m not going to start this night off with a confrontation.

I’m going to uphold the promise I made to her.

“Man, I’m glad you came,” Blake says to me when he releases her, leaning in for a man—hug.

“Looks like a good party,” I tell him.

I can feel Sadie and Ryan behind me, Harper’s fingers tapping me as though she’s warning me to be nice.

“Wouldn't be the same without you.” Blake’s hand goes to my shoulder, shaking it.

“Listen, Easton, I want to start over.

I want things to be good between us, like they used to be.” I'm shocked to hear his admission.

Especially now, at the end of a wildly, rocky year, where it feels impossible to just forget everything that’s gone down.

But I know hating one of my best friend’s has been hard and it’s the last thing I've wanted.

And knowing we only have a little time left before we all part ways and go to college—that thought does sting.

I don't know if the trust can be repaired, but maybe it'll return as time goes on.

“I like that idea,” I tell him.

“Excellent.” He puts his arms around Ryan and me and says, “Drinks are in the kitchen, along with a shitload of food.

The hot tub is bubbling outside if you want to use it.

Game room downstairs has everything you want, plus beer pong if you feel like joining the tournament that’s going down in a little while.” He looks at his empty hands.

“I need to go get myself a drink.

Boys” —he then glances at Harper, smiling—“and girls, make yourself at home.” He leaves us and I put my hand on Harper's face, forcing her to gaze up at me.

“See, all good.” I kiss her.

As she pulls away, her eyes tell me how leery she is.

“It's still early ...

just wait.”