by Arow Jones
Later, when it was just Lily and Gramps I would go to watch Lily. I wanted to be close to her without anyone knowing. One night Gramps caught me. I could tell he knew what I’d been up to but he never said anything more than commenting on the weather or the stars. Always the stars, alignments, and fates. I didn’t know what they hell he was talking about at the time. Sometimes he would have a glass of lemonade waiting for me or a plate of cookies Lily had baked. We sat on the porch when she was asleep.
By the time Lily left for college my summer visits had become frequent daytime visits with Gramps. I wasn’t working in Boulder as often. I was close to my parents. They never mistreated me and only gave me the best but with Gramps… ah, I miss him. I can’t start that depressing shit before talking to Lily.
When I see her figure walking towards me I stop. Was she coming out to see me? Of course she was, dumb ass! Your house is the only thing at the end of this path. She’s like a night angel floating towards me. Her hair flowing in the breeze. The flowing dress and cowboy boots are so damn sexy. I have to put my hands in my pockets to keep from reaching out and touching her.
“Hey.”
“Hey, Sugar. What are doing walking out all by yourself?” Her eyes look misty. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” She head tilts down as she sniffs. When her head tilts back up her eyes meet me. “I was just thinking about Gramps.”
“Yeah, me too.” Her eyes go soft. I want to pull her towards me. Instead, I rub a hand down her arm. “How are you doing with all this?”
“Good. No, not really. It’s tough but I’m hanging in there. Things aren’t going as well with The Lucky Five as I thought they were. Gramps was behind on some stuff. Thank goodness I have Kenny here to bring in some business.” The mention of Kenny has my hackles up. Instinctively, I my jaw flexes. I try to relax my face before she sees it but it’s too late. She tenses.
“Yeah, about Kenny.” I try to choose my words carefully. I don’t want her to think I’m telling her what to do but I should at least warn her. It seems like she thinks of them as friends but a single guy living with a single woman can make a guy fantasize.
“Stop.” She puts a hand on my chest. “Look, I know you’re trying to be protective but I need Kenny. I need my friends. I need the extra help. Especially right now. Room, board, and experience are Kenny’s pay. Maybe next year I’ll be able to afford to pay employees but right now Kenny’s all I got.” I’m torn because what she’s saying makes sense but I’m a guy. I know how guys think. Maybe this means I still have a chance with her.
“Sugar, I just want you to be careful. Things aren’t always what they seem.” I take her hand. “Besides, you have me.” She squeezes my hand, taking a step closer.
“You are one of a kind JT. Thank you.” She presses a kiss on my cheek. Her lips press lightly but my skin burns in response. I see her look at my lips. Her tongue wets her own as she leans closer. Closer. My hand reaches into her hair to press her head towards mine. Kissing Lily is like pop rocks in your mouth, all sugary and sparks. Our lips light up like a sparkler on Fourth of July. My other arm snakes around her back. I can feel her hands gripping the front of my shirt. My body responds with possessiveness as I deepen the kiss. Our tongues twine in a sensual dance. My earlier doubts melt away.
Her hands slide down my chest, lifting the front of my shirt. Her fingers on my bare skin sear my flesh. I let go of her hair so I can run my hand down her side. I’m just barely touching the edge of her breast. Her nipples are hard. Our breathing is harsh. I want her so fucking bad. Knowing she feels the same way is a huge turn on. I break the kiss before she does. Her whimper at the loss of contact makes me smile. I lean my forehead against hers.
“Not here, Sugar.” She looks around like she’s making a mental note. “Let’s take a ride on my bike.” Smiling, she nods yes. Without a word she takes off for her house. “I’ll pick you up in a few.”
She doesn’t stop her jog but turns her head over her shoulder, “Okay.”
I pick her up in front of her house. She’s put on a jacket but hasn’t changed out of her dress. She climbs onto the back of the bike with finesse. She’s as light as a feather but I can feel her behind me.
The warmth of her front pressed to my back gets my blood flowing. Her arms are circling my waist and her thighs rest against mine. It’s good that she’s behind me or she would feel the evidence of my arousal. I don’t want this moment to end. I want her to remember how strong her feelings are for me and I want her arms around me permanently.
The road winds through the hills. There aren’t any street lights on this road. The bright celestial night sky lights our way. We arrive at a lookout, off a dirt road. Only the locals know about it so we’ve got the place to ourselves. The valley below us glows in the moonlight. She steps off the bike. I lean back getting ready to hop off. I only get as far as taking off my helmet. Lily leans into me for a kiss. I close my eyes to savor the moment. Her sweet lips. I grab her hips, lifting her back onto my bike so she’s straddling me, laying her legs over mine so that we’re face to face. Her fingers reach the zipper of my leather jacket. Slowly, she zips it down, her hand following the same path. Her lips find the bare spot just below my Adam’s apple. Her kiss lights me on fire. I grab her hair, gently pulling her head to align our mouths. Our tongues dance and mingle. Slow and soft. I can’t get enough of her taste. I want more.
When I pull back I can see her eyes glazed over. She’s panting cute little breathes. Her lips are red, swollen from the affection I lavished them. The hand I had in her hair moves down to her neck. The other traces her lips, her jaw, down her neck and in between her breasts. I slowly push her down. “Hold on to the handle bars.” She obediently moves her hands, gripping the handle bars. I lean down, continuing my ministrations on her neck. The V of her dress gives me perfect access to the insides of her pert breasts. I lick and nibble as my hands massage her thighs.
“I love how you taste. I want more.”
“Yes.” Her breathes are short and sexy. I want this woman so badly. I will fight Kenny, Nick, and whoever the fuck wants this sexy she-cat but in the end she will be mine. I scoot back in the seat, pushing her dress up as I move, exposing her stomach. My eyes lock onto hers as I lick and nibble my way down her panty line. “Has anyone ever gone down on you, Sugar?” Her eyes open with fear and lust, nodding her head. “I need to taste you, Sugar. Don’t take your eyes off of me.”
My hands make my way around her panties, no, make that a lacy thong. Thank, Fuck. With a yank, I rip them off, shoving them into my pocket.
“JT!”
“I’ll buy you more. Eyes on me.” The first swipe of my tongue along her crease almost undoes her. She’s so close to unraveling. I want to make this good for her. My tongue swipes again. Her writhing is driving me wild. I smile at her. Her eyes haven’t left mine so I reward her with a lick on her swollen nub. She hisses in delight.
“JT, more. I need you.”
“I know what you need baby.” I torture her with my tongue a few more times before sucking her nub into my mouth. I hold her down with one arm as her body bucks in ecstasy.
“Oh, JT.” Her fingers scratch my scalp, gripping my hair as she pushes herself against my face. The smile on my face is mile wide as she quivers. A probe her with a finger while my mouth continues to worship her. The combination is too much for her as she arches her back, crying out my name.
“My god, you’re beautiful, Lily. I won’t be able to get enough of you.”
Thirteen
Last night had me grinning like a fool. JT wanted to have dinner with me tonight but I told him Nick was coming over. He didn’t take the news well and insisted on being present. He’d been close to Gramps too. They played poker together. Kip told me Gramps was fond of JT and treated him like a grandson. If it wasn’t for JT the Lucky Five might have been lost a last year. Did JT give Gramps a loan? I didn’t see any paperwork but I haven’t finished going through the books yet. I’ll have to
ask JT when he comes over.
I touch my hand on to my lips. JT makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. I had always fantasized about being with him, giving myself to him for the first time. I’m not sure if he realizes how inexperienced I am. Last night was a glimpse. He’s not exactly been the model of modesty when it comes to his sexual activities. Everyone knows he’s not a player but he was promiscuous. I’m scared he’ll reject me. Or worse, we do the deed and I’m not good enough? I shake my head to clear my thoughts.
Earlier in the day Kenny told me the truck needs a new alternator and the rear shaft is dangerously rusty. The barn needs some repairs too. The costs keep adding up and we haven’t been making enough income to compensate. I’ve already added half a dozen more horses on the training schedule and another half six months from now. If some of the horses ended up staying on for monthly boarding we might be able to get by this year. Might. We need to figure out something soon or I’ll lose the only home I’ve ever known.
I’ve already told Kenny that JT is coming over when Nick comes over. I don’t want any hurt feelings but I thought it was best if Kenny wasn’t around while we hashed things out. She was apprehensive to leave me to deal with Nick but knowing JT was going to be around, she acquiesced. Besides, we agreed to root beer floats afterwards.
After my morning chores I took Five Alive out for a ride. We started out walking near the pond but veered off into the woods. I don’t usually ride at more than a walk when we’re in the woods. You never know what hazards might cause trouble. Today I was feeling a little like getting away so I let Five set the pace. I took her on the well-traveled trails, the ones she is most familiar with. On one side of the bluff we are riding on there is a steep path. Even though we’ve come this way often. I don’t always go down the hill. It reminds me of the hill from that movie where the Aussie cowboys are chasing after a herd of wild horses. One lone man jumps over the hill while the rest of the men stop short.
I dismount at the top of the bluff. There is a tree nearby that provides plenty of shade. The view is spectacular. I’d been so busy with things I hadn’t been up here in a while. JT said he’d been riding the trails. Laying down on the grass I look up into the blue sky. The clouds are soft. The breeze is blowing the boughs of the tree. I can hear the rustle of leaves. Sometimes I dream about this spot. Only instead of just me it’s JT and I, holding hands, arguing over the shapes of clouds, sweet kisses.
The thought of JT’s kisses used to give me such innocent butterflies. Warmth spreads through my core remembering his hands in my hair, around my back. The way his eyes roam my body. His kisses aren’t sweet anymore. They’re carnal. His tongue traces my lips. I open to him. He explores my mouth as he lays his weight between my legs. My nipples become twin rosy peaks as he caresses them before worshipping them with his hands. A burning heat fills the apex between my thighs. My hand traces my body, down to my jeans. Fantasy JT’s fingers find the heat, wet, just for him. His fingers dip into the heat, massaging my lips. His talented tongue follows. When he gets to swollen nub, I cry out, instantly bursting to flames.
My breath is ragged. I’m panting, sated by my fantasy JT. I must have closed my eyes at some point because when I look up I see dark clouds making their way towards us. Storms have known to cause mud slides and washouts in these hills. It’s probably nothing but I’d rather be safe than sorry. I need to get ready to meet with Nick soon.
Five and I follow the trail back the way we came and straight into the barn. After a good rub down and some treats, I leave Five in her stall. She nickers when she sees Lucky Shot. He nickers and stomps his feet in response. Those two get along well but Five might be going into heat soon. I make a mental note to talk to Kenny about breeding Five to Lucky Shot. JT had mentioned it and I think it’s a great idea. Five could be a great mother. They have an outstanding lineage. As much as I want to keep their offspring, I know I could probably earn a good amount of needed cash.
At four thirty Kenny and I meet up to talk about the training schedule, paperwork, and the parts for the truck. The tractor seems to be in good working order. We don’t have much in farm equipment but what we do have seems to work just fine. However, we still need the truck for small sized loads of supplies from town.
“I already ordered the parts. They are supposed to arrive tomorrow or Friday. I can work on the truck this weekend. We just need to pick up the parts before then.”
“Thank you so much Kenny. I don’t know what I would do without you. Seriously, you are a life saver.” I look at the desk calendar to see what’s on schedule for the next couple of days. Friday is the next available afternoon. “Since we’re already going into town Friday night, why don’t we go a little earlier and pick up the parts then?”
“Good idea. I’ll drive. Is Skye coming too?”
“I think so. She said she would be back in town sometime during the day with plenty of time to meet up with us.” Kenny hadn’t told me what was going on tonight. I didn’t want to pry but I had overheard a phone conversation with Rob, the bartender. I haven’t seen Kenny date. With no one. Not ever. My curiosity was piqued. “So, what are you going to do tonight?”
“Making myself scarce, per your request. Although, I really don’t want to be around this Nick guy. He sounds seedy. I was thinking of going to see Kip.”
“Mmm Hmm.” I lifted an eyebrow.
“You sure you don’t want me to stay?”
“Don’t change the subject. And no. JT said, more like insisted, he would come so I’ll be fine. You sure you’re not going to see a certain bartender?”
“What? No, no. Rob asked me to come by and take a look at his Trans am.”
“I’m sure he’s looking forward to having you under his hood.”
“Ha ha, very funny. I’ve heard it all.” I try not to burst out laughing at my own ridiculous joke while Kenny gives me an eye roll. “Kip also asked me to look at his truck. I told them I would come by tonight. I’m getting a free meal and some drinks, on the house. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
“Yeah, I bet.”
“Seriously!?” We laughed and cracked jokes. Being with Kenny was so relaxing but I missed Skye too. I was really looking forward to this Friday.
It was getting close to six. After Kenny left I took a shower, washing grass out of my hair and thinking about how it got there.
I wasn’t big on fashion but I had my favorite clothing. Most of my wardrobe had consisted of clothes I could wear around the barn or on a horse. Since I rode half the time I was in school I didn’t really need to add much. Skye insisted on helping pick out clothes, as usual. She had stocked my college wardrobe with girl outfits and party clothes. I loved that about her. She knows me so well.
My favorite accessories were my boots. I chose a worn pair of brown suede cowboy boots paired with a white flowing skirt that stopped just above my knees. It was like a short peasant skirt. I layered my top with a spaghetti strap tank under an eyelet blouse with a boat top. One side hung of my shoulder. I didn’t think I needed to dress up but I hoped my change in clothing helped me with my current state of mind. If I wasn’t so worked up about seeing Nick I’d let my mind wander to seeing JT. I know it’s going to be about Gramps.
I mixed up some lemonade and put cookies on a plate. Through the kitchen window I see Nick’s SUV pull up. He’s not wearing the usual lawyer attire of suit and tie. Instead, he’s wearing khaki pants with a sweater. The strap of his leather brief case is on one shoulder. The other hand is holding a large paper bag with rope handles. I recognize the bag. My instincts go on high alert.
Before Nick can knock I open the door. His hand is still in a knocking position. If I wasn’t so angry I would have laughed. I’m pretty sure I’m giving off a pissed off vibe. Nick doesn’t seem to notice.
“Hey darlin’.” He holds up the bag. “You mentioned the diner so I brought the diner to you. I hope you like wine. I thought it might compliment the meal.”
“You brought dinner? I
thought this was a business meeting?”
“Of course, but I haven’t eaten. I’m staying at a motel and thought I would get dinner and meet with you. I don’t like eating alone so I thought I’d share.” I want to slap that cocky smile off his face but I don’t know him well enough to know if he’s lying or just trying to be polite.
“I’m sorry. Please, come in.” I step aside to let him pass me by. “The kitchen is on the left. You can set the bag on the counter.” I don’t know what Nick’s game is but I really don’t feel comfortable alone with him. “Would you excuse me? I need to use the ladies room.”
“Of course, darlin’.” My cell phone is still in my room. I silently go upstairs and retrieve the phone before. I feel like I’m sneaking around in my own house. I take a deep breath and tell myself to relax. I walk into the upstairs hall bathroom, shutting the door quietly behind me. I can feel the tears stinging in my eyes. I know we’re going to talk about Gramps but I can’t let myself be vulnerable in front of Nick. I look at my phone and see a text from JT.
JT: Sorry, running late, 10 min
The time stamp indicates the message had been from about fifteen minutes ago. Where is he? Just when my fingers hover over the buttons to reply I hear my front door open. I leave the bathroom and make my way downstairs.
“Sugar.” JT comes over to me and kisses me on the cheek. Behind him I see Chase. “I hope you don’t mind. I brought Chase over to witness.” I furrow my brows in confusion.
“Witness? I don’t understand.”
“Well, well, well. No one told me we’d be having a party.” I turn to see Nick with two wine glasses in his hand. “We were just getting ready to sit down to supper. Sorry, boys, I didn’t bring enough for extra company.” Nick grabs my elbow to lead me to the kitchen. I want to stay where I am but my body automatically follows his lead. On the dining room table is the bottle of wine next to two place settings. The candles are lit.
