You’re Mine by Penny Brooks novel Chapter 119

Chapter 119

Harper

“Mom— '

“No. '

She puts her hand in the air. “I need a second. '

She’s not supposed to be home. No one is. Ryan is at Sadie’s and my parents are always at work at this hour. Mom never gets home at this time, so I don’t know what she’s doing here. But that’s not the point anymore. The point is, she saw us under the tree with Easton's face between my legs. And I’m mortified. I seriously want to die. “Explain yourself, Harper. What would make you think it’s appropriate to bring a boy into our home and have him do—that—under the family Christmas tree? Or THAT in general. '

Her hand goes to her forehead, like she has a migraine. “Are you having sex? Are we about to have that kind of talk? '

She swallows, her knuckles turning white. “I didn’t know you were even getting close to, to, to what I just witnessed. You've said nothing to us about dating or boys or—sex. '

This conversation would be easier if I could ease into it. Bring up the idea of a boyfriend, mention that we're getting closer, and then revisit it after several months. Guess that opportunity is long gone. “Mom, Easton and I are together. As in, we're dating. As in, we’re a serious couple. '

“Why am I just finding out about this? '

I don’t know what to say. I didn’t even think to mention him to my parents. Maybe it’s because, for the longest time, my brother wanted to murder Easton. And then we went from hiding to being totally open and somehow the concept of sharing the news just got lost. Plus, it was nice, not having to explain myself when Easton was around all the time. They just assumed he was here for Ryan. Not me. “I... don't know, '

I tell her. “Harper, I let you go to Easton's lake house for the weekend, I had you stay there an extra night because of the storm. And that whole time, I had no idea you two were—are—intimate. '

Her eyes widen. “How could you do that to me? How could you be so dishonest with me? '

“It wasn't intentional. I didn’t do it to upset you. '

‘You've always been the most honest, loyal, forthcoming girl—it's your brother who keeps everything locked up like a vault. And now I have to find out like this? Does Ryan know you're dating his best friend or is that another fire I have to prepare myself for? '

I swallow. “He knows. '

“Of course. I’m the last to find out, makes perfect sense. '

“I- '

“Disappointed doesn’t even begin to cover it, Harper. I’ve always trusted you to make mature decisions, I've given you the freedom to do so, and this is how you treat that freedom? With this much disrespect? '

“Mom... '

I reach for her hand, knowing I have to make this better. “What happened today was wrong, I shouldn’t have done that. You definitely shouldn't have walked in on it, but you need to know I'm being careful. Easton and I—we're both being careful. I've waited a long time to do this, I wanted to make sure it was with the right person. '

I nod. “And it is. '