You’re Mine by Penny Brooks novel Chapter 144

Harper

 I’m walking out the double doors, stopping short when I see her in the parking lot.

Aisha.

Say what? She hasn't spotted me yet and I rush back inside, going to where Easton is still standing in line.

He sees me, looking confused as I approach him.

“We have to go.” “Why-” I grab his hand and pull him out of line.

“Follow me.” I'm dragging him to the back of the store, not looking backward, grateful he’s not resisting.

We're near the pharmacy, hiding behind one of the taller racks when I finally come to a stop.

“What the hell, Harper? What's going on?” “I saw—"

I release a shuddery breath, hating how out of shape I feel.

“—Aisha in the parking lot.” “What the fuck?” I shush him because his voice was really loud just now.

“Are you serious?” Nodding, I take a couple of steps to my right, peeking around the taller display that’s hiding us.

I don't see her stupid blonde head anywhere, but that doesn't mean anything.

“What is she doing on this side of town?” “I don't know.

That's the reason why you made me drive all the way over here.

So we wouldn't run into anyone.” “Right.

Yet here she is.” Pretty freaking suspicious if you ask me.

“Let's buy our stuff at the pharmacy.” Easton glances over his shoulder.

“It’s still open.” “Good idea.” There’s no line so we’re able to approach the woman working behind the counter and make our purchase, me with my back to her so I can see the entire store, my gaze searching for that familiar, bitchy blonde head.

But she’s nowhere to be found.

Hmmm.

“All right, let’s get out of here,” Easton says to me once he’s done, clutching the long receipt in one hand and the bag in the other.

“I've got everything in here.

Even your Santa sack.” I roll my eyes at him, relieved that the pregnancy tests are hidden away in the shopping bag.

“You never know.

Maybe I want to put your Christmas present in there.” He grins, and for a moment, I forget all of our troubles as I stare into Easton's sparkling eyes.

“Can't wait to open it on Christmas morning.” “Oh look.

It’s the lovebirds.” We both glance over to find Aisha standing in front of us, her lips curled into a sneer, her gaze full of thinly veiled disgust.

“Go away,” Easton practically snarls, his arm going around my shoulders and pulling me in close to him.

I want to shout with happiness at how rude he’s being toward her.

It’s the best thing ever.

“Well hello to you too,” she retorts.

“Seriously, Aisha.

What the fuck do you want from us?” Easton shakes his head.

“Don't bother answering.

I think I know.

And you're never going to get it.” “No need to be so rude.

It’s the holiday season.

Aren't you supposed to be nice to the people you know?” Aisha asks.

“Not crazy bitches who seem to be following my ass everywhere I go,” Easton throws back at her, full of annoyance.

“I'm starting to think you're tracking me.” “You're not worth following, trust me.” Aisha lifts her head, her nose in the air.

“Rot in hell, Easton.” “Right back at you,” he yells as she walks away.

The moment she’s gone, we make our way out of the store, practically running to the Jeep.

Once we're inside, I’m pulling the pregnancy test out and staring at it as I hold it in my lap.

“What if she would’ve seen us in that aisle?” I ask, not really expecting an answer.

“She would've told everyone.

The entire school would know I was pregnant.” “We don't even know if you're pregnant yet,” Easton reminds me.

“That wouldn't stop her from spreading the rumor,” I say, slumping against the seat.

“Seeing her has ruined the entire night.” “Oh and the pregnancy scare didn't do that already?” He sounds like he’s teasing.

I don't think he meant to upset me by saying that, but man...

I’m upset.

I can feel the tears threatening to spill, and I press my lips together.

Close my eyes.

It’s no use.

The tears start falling, sliding down my cheeks and then Easton is right there, his fingers on my face as he wipes them away, his lips on my forehead.

“Hey, I’m sorry.

I didn’t mean it like that.

I was trying to make a joke.” “I-I know.” I lean into him, really crying now.

“It’s okay.” “No, it’s not.

I hurt your feelings and I’m sorry.” He curves his hand around my nape, his fingers sliding into my hair.

“Baby, I’ve got you no matter what that test says.

I will stand by your side and support you through the good times and the bad.” “Are you saying me being pregnant would be b—bad?” I practically wail.

“Well, our timing would suck, but it wouldn't necessarily be...bad.” He pauses.

“We could make the best of it.” “You really think so?” “I know so.” He kisses my forehead again, his lips feather soft.

“Want to go back to my house and take the test?” “Where are your parents?” “They had some company holiday dinner to go to.

They won't be home for hours.” He pulls away slightly so he can smile down at me, his gaze so gentle, a fresh batch of tears start up.

“Let’s grab some food to go and we can chill at my house while you—take the tests.” I nod once, exhaling loudly.

“Okay.

That sounds good.” We pull out of the parking lot, spotting Aisha’s car as we leave.

She’s already in the driver's seat, I see her unmistakable blonde head and I can’t help but wonder what she’s up to.

Is she actually following Easton around? Or is it all coincidental? Too much of a coincidence if you ask me.

I wouldn't doubt for any instant that she’s tracking my boyfriend.

But how?