You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 175 Harper

We've only been partying for a couple of hours, but I am having the best night ever.

The booze is flowing, I can feel Easton watch me as I dance, his gaze eating me up.

He doesn't come over and talk to me or try to dance with me that is definitely not his style-but I'm still having fun.

Teasing him.

Trying to turn him on.

From the dark look on his face I've been seeing all night, I'm pretty sure it's working.

"Your man can't stop staring at you," Sadie yells, that ever present tequila bottle clutched in her hand.

"Your man is staring at you too"

My brother is standing right next to Easton, the both of them watching us.

The music switches to a slow song and Sadie grabs hold of me like we're going to slow dance.

"What are you doing?" "Loving on my bestie." She gives me a tight squeeze.

"Thank you for always being there for me"

"Oh my God, Sadie." I hug her close.

"You've been there for me so much this year.

I don't know how I would've survived without you"

"Same girl, same"

Sadie pulls away, her hands on my shoulders as she contemplates me.

"I can't believe Ryan and I are going to the same college"

"Are you happy?" "So happy"

She lets go of me to take a long swallow of tequila, grimacing as she wipes the back of her hand across her mouth. "That shit is nasty"

"Then why are you drinking it?" "I want to get fucked up"

She shrugs.

"Why?" Her grin is huge as she sways a little to the right.

"You dont want to know what I've got planned for your brother later." "God, no.

I really don't." I shake my head, laughing.

"I need to find more tequila"

Sadie tips the bottle upside down, only a couple of drops leaking from it onto the ground.

"I polished this one off"

"Sadie.."

I gape at her.

She really drank that entire bottle? She's going to be hurting so bad in the morning.

"I'll be right back.

Unless you want to come with?" Sadie sends mea questioning look.

"I'll stay right here.

Ask Ryan to go with you," I tell her, my gaze going to Easton to find him deep in conversation with my brother. "Okay! Be right back"

She darts off, heading around the pool for Ryan and Easton.

Once Sadie distracts Ryan and drags him into the house in search of more tequila, I'll make my move on Easton.

A girl can tolerate her boyfriend staring at her as if she's the hottest thing alive for only so long before she finally gives in and jumps him.

And that's exactly what I plan on doing as soon as Sadie and Ryan are gone.

I dont want to hang out outside all night with everyone.

I'd rather be alone with Easton.

"Hey, Harp"

I turn to find Blake standing before me, a silly grin on his face.

His cheeks are ruddy and his hair is trying to escape his ever present manbun.

He's teetering back and forth, as if he's completely unstable and from the glazed look I see in his eyes, I'm guessing someone is already super drunk. "Hey Blake.

How are you?" His grin grows.

"Fucked up"

"It's still early,' I point out with a faint smile.

"Yet I'm still fucked up." He steps closer, and I catch a whiff of alcohol on him.

"Really going to UCLA with Easton, huh?" I nod, taking a step back.

He's so wobbly on his feet I'm afraid he might collapse on top of me.

"Definitely.

UCLA has always been my dream school"

"And I'm guessing you're Easton's dream girl, so it works out perfect." His smile fades, his expression turning grim.

"Lucky son of a bitch"

"Blake"

I rest my hand on his arm briefly.

"You've been such a good friend to me.

But don't make this weird"

"IL cant help it, Harp.

I've crushed on you for a while—" "Please," I interrupt, needing to keep the moment light.

I do not want him to get serious on me.

"You never noticed me the first three years of high school." "That's not true"

"Oh, it's so true. You and Easton would hang out with Ryan all the time and never paid one minute of attention to me. And that's fine.

I was always hiding from you guys anyway,' I admit, sinking my teeth into my lower lip.

His gaze zeroes on my mouth, lingering there.

"Well look at you now.

The most beautiful girl at school and with the most popular guy in the senior class as your boyfriend, about to graduate and go to UCLA.

You're a superstar, Harp." He keeps calling me Harp, like we're the best of friends, even though we are so not.

I've always liked Blake, but we're not close.

Not at all.

"I don't know if I'd call myself a superstar"

He shakes his head.

"You are to me.

A beautiful, bright shiny star that I always want to touch, though I know I shouldn't," he admits.

"Blake " He holds up his hands.

"I know, I know. You don't want to hear it. You're with Easton. You're in love with him, even though he treated you like shit for way too long and didn't deserve you. If you ask me, he still doesn't deserve you" "Hey." I'm totally offended.

He makes a face, though I can tell he's not sorry for what he said.

"You know what I mean. I just wish I had a chance"

"A chance for what?" "A chance with you." He leans in, dipping his head, getting closer and closer...

Right before he's ripped away.