You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 187

Harper

"Oh my God, I don't want to be here" Sadie groans, leaning her head on my shoulder.

I pat the top of her head.

"Only a couple more weeks, and then it's over forever." "No more high school," Ryan adds as he joins us.

We're standing in front of our lockers, waiting for the bell to ring to start our day.

One of our last days of high school.

This moment is totally surreal.

"It just feels so pointless, going to class.

We're graduating in mere days.

Why do we even have to be here?"

Sadie goes to stand beside Ryan, sliding her arms around him and resting her head on his chest.

"I have a suggestion-let's ditch." "We can't ditch, Ryan says, kissing her hair.

"If they catch us, no grad trip for us." "And you're not missing out on that," I warn her.

"I cant go to Disneyland without you.

Who will go on the Peter Pan ride with me?" "I'm your Tinkerbell." Sadie smiles, pressing her lips against Ryan's chest before she lets him go and takes a step back to stand next to me, bumping her shoulder against mine.

"It's going to be so epic." "What's going to be epic?"

Easton asks, coming right in between us and sliding his arms around mine and Sadie's shoulders.

It warms my heart that my boyfriend is so good to my best friend.

Yes, sometimes they have their moments but for the most part, they get along.

And I love it.

"Senior grad night," Sadie tells Easton.

"Disneyland, here we come." "Only a few more days," I sing song, extra excited.

"You told him, right?" Sadie asks, glancing over at Easton.

His brows draw together as he turns to me.

"Told me what?" "We've...never been to Disneyland before,' I admit.

Easton glances over at Ryan.

"For real?" Ryan nods.

"For real." "Your parents never took you guys to Disneyland ever? Not even when you were little kids?"

Easton's voice goes low as he nuzzles my hair.

I shake my head.

"They never really had the money.

It's expensive."

The sympathy in Easton's gaze is unwanted, but I do love how he kisses me and whispers, "We're going to have the best time." "I can't wait to take you on my favorite ride!" Sadie squeals as she slips from under Easton's arm and goes back to my brother, gripping the front of his T-shirt.

"Pirates of the Caribbean is so much fun." "My favorite is Space Mountain,' Easton says.

"Oh and the Haunted Mansion." Sadie makes a dismissive noise.

"That ride always breaks down."

"It's still cool, though." Easton tucks me into his body, pressing his mouth on my forehead.

"It was my favorite when I was a kid." My heart squeezes.

I love thinking about little Easton.

He must've been the absolute cutest.

"Aw."

"We are going to have so much fun," Sadie says.

"I can't wait." "What are you guys talking about?" Blake appears, glancing around at each of us.

Easton goes tense beside me.

"Senior grad trip, Ryan answers for us.

"Duuuude, I can't wait." Blake grins, rubbing his hands together.

There are a few mumbled "yeahs", but otherwise we're silent.

It's still a little awkward between us and Blake, especially with Sadie.

That kiss in the garage at Easton's party still lingers over her head, though she plays it off for the most part.

I don't think it bothers Ryan nearly as much as it bugs Sadie.

Meaning miracles can and do happen.

"How's the freshman?"

Easton asks Blake.

"She's doin all right.

Too bad she can't come to grad night' Blake drawls.

"You're still seeing her?"

I ask.

"Oh yeah." Blake nods.

"We just hung out last night." "Dude, she's like...fifteen," Ryan protests.

"You can't get any action with someone like that.' "You'd be surprised," Blake says mysteriously.

"Gross," I mutter under my breath, making Easton chuckle.

"Hey so I just found out I'm leaving for San Diego early,' Blake announces, looking around at us.

Even Sadie, who immediately looks away.

"Why?"

I ask.

"I got a job down there at a hotel right on the water." Blake grins, scratching the back of his head so his manbun bounces up and down.

"I'll be banging beach babes all summer long." "Lucky," Ryan says, earning a slap on the stomach from Sadie.

"Ow, baby." "Wrong thing to say, baby," Sadie throws back at him.

The bell rings, breaking up the tension.

Thank God.

"I'll walk you to class,' Easton says as he steers me down the hallway and away from our friends.

"What do you think of Blake's new job?"

I ask, my voice casual.

I cant help but wonder if my boyfriend thinks Blake is lucky too since he's going to be surrounded by bangable beach babes all summer.

Can't believe Ryan said that in front of Sadie.

He's going to catch hell for that remark.

"I'm sure he'll be great at it.

He knows how to lay on the charm.

That'll earn him a lot of tips," Easton says.

That isn't what I was referring to.

"What about the babes part?" "What about them?"

He glances down at me.

"He's going to be having the time of his life, single and free while working at a hotel on the beach." I pause for a moment.

"Some guys might like that." "I'm not just some guy, Harper.

And I don't want to work on the beach this summer.' He pauses right in front of my classroom doorway and we turn to face each other.

"I want to be with you." "Well, you're stuck with me whether you like it or not," I say lightly, the tension easing within me.

"I'm not stuck with you, Harper.

I'm in love with you." His gaze is serious as he studies my face.

"Big difference." My heartis so light, I feel like it's going to pop out of my chest and float to the heavens.

Even after everything we've been through, I still get worried sometimes that I might not be enough.

That he might be tempted to go somewhere else.

But here he still is, always by my side.

Smiling at me.

Leaning in for a kiss.

Like he is right now.

"No PDA in the hallway!"

someone from administration squawks as they walk by us.

A new person who came in to replace Mrs. Scott.

Ugh.

So glad she's gone.

"Uh oh,' Easton says as we spring away from each other, laughing.

"You better get to class," he tells me.

"You too." "I love you, he mouths at me.

"I love you too," I whisper back, earning a smile that makes my heart ache in the best way.

love this man so much.

And I can't wait to start the next chapter in our lives.

Feels like forever until we get there.