by Arow Jones
“I know mom. Don’t ask Lily too many questions so she can refuel. Eat, Lily.”
“Of course. He’s right dear. You must try the quiche it’s one of my favorite recipes.”
“Mom never attends an event empty handed. She probably stayed up half the night drinking white wine, swaying to Billy Holiday while she made those things.” I grabbed one from her plate and popped it in my mouth. “Mmm, best yet mom.”
“Oh you! Really.” She loved to be flattered.
“Mmm. These really are very good Eleanor.”
“Please, call me El.” She hands her a napkin. “I’m so glad you like them. I’ll have to teach you how to make them someday.”
The day went pretty quickly. I introduced Lily to some of my colleagues. The guys caught up with us sometime after lunch. They wanted me to check out some steer during the Reining competition. Lily stayed behind, saying this is where she thought she might meet the kind of clients she and Kenny thought they needed.
I got waylaid by some old clients wanting to catch up. I left Lily with my mom and her friend, Jayne. They looked like they were in cahoots about something. Those two were always up to no good but they were relatively harmless. I can only imagine what they are talking to Lily about. When I finally had a chance to get back to her she was standing next to Scott. He had a cocky grin on his face. One hand was playing with the end of Lily’s braid. Whatever he was saying to her made her laugh. A genuine laugh. Jealousy surged through me like bull looking to butt heads.
He dropped his hand when he saw me walking towards them. The grin on his face flattened. That’s right asshole. Back off! I came up behind Lily and slung my arm around her shoulders. I bent down and kissed her on her cheek, never taking my eyes off Scott.
“Oh, JT. You remember Scott? He was telling me about a pair of colts he wants to send over. Scott, Kenny is amazing to work with. She can get them started and I can continue to work with them while she returns to school. This is so great! Thank you so much!”
“You’re welcome. I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. JT, nice to see you again. I’ll call you later, Lily.” That guy has a reputation. I don’t want him around Lily and Kenny but I know he would be good for business. I make a mental note to talk to Chase about it later. I move my arm around Lily’s waist. My mom and Jayne walk up to us. By the looks on their faces I am absolutely sure they are up to something.
“Oh Lily. We are all set for tomorrow morning! Have JT bring you to my place tonight. We’ll go first thing in the morning.”
“Mom, Lily has to get back tonight.” She laughs and pats me on the arm.
“Nonsense! You two can stay for a few days. We’ll take care of everything. All you have to do is show up looking like your dapper self. We’re taking Lily shopping tomorrow morning. After the ceremony you two can stay at the hotel. We’ve already booked the sweet.” She’s gushing. Lily is thoroughly blushing. I squeeze her hip a little to reassure her. I’m not sure what I’m reassuring her about but I can’t help but enjoy her sweet body against mine.
“Wait, what ceremony?”
“Yours, of course.” Mom looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. Of course.
Twenty Three
Nervousness churns my belly. I can’t believe I let El and Jayne talk me into this. I take a deep breathe to calm my nerves. Last night I called Kenny to check in and let her know I wouldn’t be home until Tuesday. Then I called Skye for some beauty advice. I feel guilty for keeping this from my friends but it has to be done as soon as possible.
I nearly fainted after El and Jayne spilled the beans to JT about our plans. I hadn’t even said yes, let alone broach the subject with him. I just couldn’t let the moment pass us by. I knew my destiny. At least the part that included The Lucky Five. I’ve worked too hard to let it go and if this was the route I needed to take, well, then I needed to seize the opportunity before I let it pass me by. Just about every girl grows up fantasizing about this moment, or so I’ve heard. Skye used to tell me she dreamed of doing it at some exotic place. Sunset, on a beach, where the water lapped their ankles. Like everything in my life I had a singular goal. My focus had never wavered until recently. Not until I faced the prospect of losing the only place I’ve ever called home.
JT knows this more than anyone. Even more than Skye and Kenny. The look on his face when I asked him last night said it all.
“JT, we need to talk.” I could tell he was nervous. He didn’t understand what we were talking about. I had been on my way to talk to him when I was intercepted by Scott. I knew Scott wanted to talk to me about more than just business. He was flirting with me hoping I’d flirt back. The scowl on JT was adorable. When JT spotted us he scowled and came stalking over, putting his arm around me and kissing me on the cheek. I felt branded, owned, possessed. I wanted that feeling to last. In that moment I knew I wanted to be his, needed to be his, in every way. El was right. It was time.
“What’s up, Sugar?” I turned and held JT’s hands in my own. I looked down at my small hands holding his. I could feel the roughness of his fingertips. Tomorrow night could be the night for us. Nervous energy rushed through me.
“JT.” He smiled at me. Do not smile at me JT. I needed to just get this out before I chickened out. “You and I—I mean, I—god, I don’t know where to start.” His brows furrowed and his jaw clenched. He looked upset. I wish my tongue didn’t feel so twisted. I take a deep breath and blow it out. Rolling my shoulders back I decide to just spill it all out. “JT. We’regettingmarriedtomorrow.” His eyebrows lift. I can’t believe I just put it out there like that. Who does that? The corners of his mouth tilt then turn into a full out grin. He throws his head back in full out laughter. I’m mortified. I’ve blown the one chance I had to keep the ranch. I don’t know what to say. I turn to walk away. His hand grasps the upper part of my arm and turns me so abruptly I slam into his chest. The laughter in his eyes turn serious. He looks at my mouth. I can see the lust burning in his eyes.
“Sugar, you have no idea how happy you’ve made me. I will spend every waking moment of my life showing you how much you mean to me.”
“Does that me yes?”
“Yes, baby. YES!” My legs leave the ground as he picks me up and spins me around. “We’re getting married!”
“You look beautiful sweetheart. Your Gramps would be so proud.” I turned from the full length mirror to Pops. His shiny belt buckle gleamed proudly on his waist. I had insisted on a very small and casual ceremony. What I hadn’t realized was Pops didn’t do anything casual or small. Fortunately, El reassured him she would take of everything, tastefully.
They had chosen The Montreal, a five star hotel in downtown Boulder. The ceremony would be held in a private suite two bedroom suite adjoined to another, equally large, suite. The women insisted I stay here with them last night. We had our own little girl’s night, ordering room service of steak tip salads and cocktails. This morning, after we returned from shopping, I was ushered back to my bedroom. It had an en suite bathroom with a large soaking tub. The best part was the view.
I’ve spent the better part of the afternoon getting ready. My hair had already been taken care of by a hairdresser El had sent to my room. I assume the others are getting ready in the other bedrooms. I can hear the noises of hotel staff hustling around the main rooms, preparing for what’s to come next.
“Thank you so much Pops.” Tears threaten to ruin the makeup I’ve just spent too long applying. He hands me a tissue. I dab my eyes. Thank goodness for waterproof makeup. I silently thank Skye for her advice.
“Anything for you sweetheart. Now, come on. Your man is waitin’ on you.” He takes my hand, leading me out to the hallway where El is waiting. “Oh honey, you look beautiful! Did I not tell you?” El has a wad of tissue in one hand. She dabs her face with a tissue from the other hand. “I can’t help it. I’ve always wanted a daughter.” I smile. The faces of my parents and Gramps flash in my mind. I’d like to think they’d be happy too. I’m sad they
couldn’t be here. “Your mama would’ve been so proud.” I’m too choked up to respond. Instead, I nod, knowing she understands.
“Well, let’s get this show on the road.” We walk arm and arm to the living room.
The entire space has been rearranged. Couches and chairs have been pushed aside to create an aisle. A long white carpet leads from the hall way through the middle of the room, ending where Jayne is standing. Behind her is the view of the snowy covered Rocky Mountains. It’s breathtaking. Sitting on the couches are Jayne’s husband, Grayson, Skye, Chase, and Kenny. The tears threaten to come again when I see them. I felt guilty for keeping this from them and here they are. Skye points to Chase who shrugs.
As the music guides us down the aisle my eyes lock on the only pair that can mesmerize me. I am completely undone.
Twenty Four
I knew mom was up to something would not have guessed this was her idea. She’s always been the one to remind me of making plans for the future. When I teased her about being spontaneous she just laughed and told me this was just the tip of the ice burg. I didn’t have a plan for what marrying Lily would look. I know she’s doing this to keep The Lucky Five. Offering herself in exchange for the only thing that truly holds her heart. It hurts a little but I am devoted to her none the less. Maybe, in time, she’ll learn to love me. For now, I will be her rock.
The small gathering of friends and family only remind me of how alone Lily is in this world. I don’t ever want her to feel as insecure as she did the day of Gramps funeral. The agony in her eyes was unbearable. I don’t ever want to see that look on her face again.
I had planned on making my case to win her over and convince her to marry me. This is so much better.
When the music changed I knew it was time. A calmness came over me. This was right.
Lily had asked my parents to walk her down the aisle. I could see her nervousness. When she saw our friends her lip quivered. She’s so strong. So vulnerable. When I told chase and Grayson what we were up to he insisted on bringing the girls out. They drove all night, making it back in time to check in to their rooms before the ceremony. My mom, Jayne, and Lily stayed in the suite last night. Even though they didn’t let me see her I was able to call her, just to hear her voice.
The guys had left as soon as the women took Lily away, leaving me with my Dad. We went back to his place. We shot pool, shooting the shit. After a couple of bourbons the doorbell rang. He answered the door. I sat on one of the leather club chairs, waiting for Pops to return. A man in a black suit entered room. A woman followed behind him.
“JT, this here is Robert Carrs of Carrs Jewelers. Your mother arranged for him to come by with some options for you to choose from.” He introduced himself and his assistant to me. We moved to a table where they displayed several cases with wedding ring sets. I found what I wanted right away. It was perfect for Lily.
I lightly brushed the side of my pants pocket where I had the rings. Even though everything was last minute I hope she will like the rings. My parents are walking her down the aisle but we decided to skip the other roles. It will just be the two of us up here with Jayne.
My eyes are locked onto her face. Her lovely green eyes shimmer when she sees me. A tear slips down on cheek. She’s cradling a bouquet of Calla Lilies. Her dress is a simple strapless number with a red belt that matches the shade of lipstick she’s wearing. Knowing my mom it’s probably designer. I don’t care where it came from. I would pay a million dollars to see the look on her face right now.
When they reach my side my parents hand her over to me. I take both her hands in mine. Looking deep in her eyes I mouth, “I love you.”
~*~
The rest of the evening went off without a hitch. We hadn’t talked about a wedding night. In truth, I didn’t want to push her. After a couple rounds of champagne I knew she would be a little wrecked. I smirked when she tried to convince the bar tender to give her a shot of tequila. He turned her down, per my request. A half hour later I was carrying her to her room.
“Mmm, JT. I feel so light headed.” Her fingers were playing with the strands of hair on the back of my head. Her other hand gripped the lapel of my jacket. Her lazy grin was contagious. I couldn’t stop smiling.
“It’s the alcohol, Sugar.”
“Are you taking me to bed?”
“Yeah, baby.” I set her on the bed. I just stood there, watching her.
“JT?”
“Yeah?” I knelt down with my hands on her knees.
“I need help getting my dress off.” I was already at full mast. Her request only made me painful.
“Put your arms around my neck.” She stood up, putting her arms around my neck. She laid her head on my shoulder, swaying to the music in her head. My hands caressed her back until I found her zipper. I unclasped the hook at the top, slowly pulling the zipper down. My fingers caressed her spine, following the path of the zipper. When my fingers felt the lace at the bottom of her spine I realized how naked she was going to be once I pulled this dress off. It turned out I didn’t have to pull it off. As soon as I stepped away the dress shifted downwards, creating a pool of white satin around her legs. I had felt her naked breast before but seeing them was killing me.
Her lower half was at least somewhat covered but no less enticing. I let my hands drop to her hips, steading her as she stepped out of the dress. I sat her back down on the bed so I could remove her stockings. I had pictured what the tops of her stockings would look like when I removed her garter belt at the reception. Seeing the lace tops of her silk stockings was glorious. I was completely losing it but I knew she would be uncomfortable sleeping in them.
She laid back on to the comforter with her hands above her head. Her compliance and the smile on her face reminded me of how much alcohol she drank. I went back to work on her stockings. I dragged a chair over so I could sit. Placing one foot on my lap, I reached up. My fingers twitched as they gripped the lacey top. I made it through one leg. I brought her other leg up and did the same. She sat up before me. Like a goddess in white lacey boy shorts she turned her back to me. Her ass ended up right in front of my face. Rhinestones spelling ‘bride’ shined in the dim light. I laughed. My mom definitely had a hand in her undergarments. She shook her ass when she heard me, earning a groan from me.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I grabbed her from behind, sitting her on my lap. Her hands reached up behind her, winding them behind my neck. I nuzzled her neck, making her mewl and writhe. Oh god. Her skin was so delectable. My hands slid down her legs, parting them so she was straddling me backwards. Up her torso, teasing her belly ring, my fingers ached for her nipples. “You’re so fucking hot Sugar.”
“Mmm, ah.” Her nipples are rock hard. I finger them, tugging, caressing her. “JT, please.”
“I got you baby.” My arm goes around her torso, holding her in place. Her writhing hips are driving me insane. One hand slips down the front of her panties. “Is this what you want?” My lips are against her ear.
“Yes, YES!” She grabs my hand, gently guiding it to her wetness. I can feel her soft lips. Their naked. “Oh, right there.” I find the center of her sex. I worry it as she grinds her hips into me. “Mmm.”
“Shh, I’m not done yet.” My hand slips down further. My palm is on her while my fingers tease her opening. When I slip a finger inside her warmth she arches her back, pushing against my hand. “You like that?”
“Yeah.” She’s so fucking responsive. I let her work herself against my hand. Riding it like cowgirl on a bucking bronco. My other hand palms her ripe breasts while my tongue traces the shell of her ear. She’s so close. My lips trail down the side of her neck, to her shoulder.
“Come for me Sugar.” Her breath catches. “That’s it, let it go.” Her whole body shudders as she lets the orgasm rock her body. Her sexy sounds and hot little body are too much. I want to bend her over and fuck her right here. Instead, I bend her over the bed, grinding myself against her. My hand trails up her spine.
I lean into her and kiss her upper back. “Baby, I want you so badly.
“Yes!”
My lips caress her ear. “No. When I’m in you I want you to remember every moment. Every touch. When I’m inside you, you’ll be drunk on my love.”
Twenty Five
The day after the ceremony the girls and I drove back to The Lucky Five. They gave me a hard time about how drunk I got, blaming it on my nerves and my hot husband. Husband. Oh God. I’m married! We joked about me not remembering JT putting me to bed. I couldn’t tell them I remembered everything. Even JT acted like I was too far gone to remember. He kept giving me looks at breakfast. He kept my hand in his. I could feel his thumb tracing my knuckles. The same hand that had been… oh god, I was wanton. I had never acted like this with anyone but JT. He’s just so hot. A burning blaze of masculinity that could melt me with just a look. And he was all mine. Mine.
During the week I had gotten a few texts from Nick. They were short and terse. One minute he’s trying to warn me off and the next he’s trying to seduce me. I ignore the texts but I keep getting that same icky feeling only now if feels like dread. I shake it off and concentrate on the gelding I’m working with. Everyone agreed to keep the marriage a secret until we could find out how far Nick was going to go.
JT asked me to go for a ride up to the bluff. My stomach clenches in nervousness. We hadn’t really talked much since that night. I know I wanted more but I wasn’t sure how to ask him. We were sleeping in our own houses but a day didn’t pass when we weren’t talking or seeing one another, several times a day. A caress here, a stolen kiss there. I was nervous around him more now than any time before. With Nick still looming in the background I was worried JT would change his mind or Blanche would somehow convince him he’d made a horrible mistake. I wish those two would disappear and leave us alone.
