The Lucky Five

by Arow Jones

  The horses are all tied up. A blanket is laid out, food spread for our little picnic. We indulge in the fruit, sandwiches, and drinks. The setting is beautiful. The sky is clear. Our view is unobstructed, revealing a green and lush valley below.

  I’m so relaxed my eyes start to droop. “Come here.” JT pulls me to sit in front of him. I lean back, closing my eyes, relishing in his warmth. My mind wanders to that night. I wonder if he’s thinking of the same thing. JT pulls my hair to the side, placing a warm kiss on my neck. His whiskers tickle my ear. I turn my head so our lips can make contact. It starts off slow and gentle. I feel his tongue coax my lips apart. The kiss deepens and soon I am on my back with JT laying half on my. My hands tangle in his hair, clutching is lips to me. One arm pillowing my head with a hand tangled in my hair while the other arm caresses my face.

  “You’re so beautiful.” I can feel his hard length against my thigh. I arch towards him as his fingers trace my jaw, then my neck, and down between my breasts. He looks me in the eyes with such love. In that moment I want to tell him how much I love him. “Lily, you’re mine now. You know that, right? Mine.” I nod my head. “I want to hear you say it, Lily.”

  “Yes, JT. I’m yours.”

  His lips follow the same path. My legs part to let him rest in between them while he worships my body. “So sweet, Sugar.” His hands push my tank top up giving him access to my beasts. His tongue traces my nipple through the lace of my bra until it’s a hard berry. I feel his teeth graze it before he sucks it into his mouth.

  “Ah!”

  His other hand pulls down the lace on the other side, exposing my other already hard nipple. His tongue finds his way there. I’m writhing beneath him, searching for relief. He rubs his arousal against me. I can feel his hand grabbing my ass so he can press himself harder like he’s trying to push his way through our layers of clothing. My whole body is on fire. The image of JT on top of me, pleasuring me overrides my fantasy JT from weeks ago. My real JT is here and he wants me. All of me.

  The friction and his mouth on my breasts are too much. My hands claw at his back. He licks my neck and bites my ear. “Come for me Sugar.” My body grips with tension. His words are like fuel on the already raging fire in my body. Stars burst behind my eyes as my orgasm rocks my body. When my breathing slows I grab his head with my face. We kiss, a slow languid exploration. Our mouths are making love but it’s his body I want. I want him to make my fantasy become a reality. My body is melds itself to him. I can’t get close enough. I need him now.

  “JT? I want you.” His eyes widen. The hesitation in his eyes gives me pause. I mentally kick myself. Maybe he’s not ready. Am I doing this wrong? I should have asked Skye about this but knowing her she would just sit me down in front of a porno and tell me to take notes. A hot sweaty coupling staring JT and Lily. Oh god, I can’t take it any longer.

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to pressure you. I can wait.” My eyes widen. He does want this. Why I questioned his feelings I’m not sure. The evidence of his desire is pushing me towards the edge. The hard friction burning me, driving me insane.

  “No, I want this. I want you. Now.”

  “Are you on the pill?”

  “Yes.” I tug on his shirt. He pulls it off while I take mine off, followed by my bra. His tongue caresses my belly button while his fingers work open the front of my jeans. I’m so lost in his touch when I open my eyes again we’re both naked. We are alone up here, sheltered by nature but I still feel shy as he opens my legs. The blanket fists in my hands when he kisses my inner thigh. I can feel his hot breathe on my core. I know he can see the glistening wetness of my arousal. When I feel his tongue against my swollen folds I nearly buck off the blanket. His hand presses against my torso, holding me down.

  “Easy, Sugar. I want to taste you first.” It’s like the night on his motorcycle but my hands grip the blanket instead. I’m so turned on by his desire. He’s intoxicating me with his smile as he licks and teases me. He lifts my legs over his shoulder. My hands make their way to my sides. He reaches up, threading one of his hands with mine as my other hand moves to his hair. I massage his scalp, gripping and tugging his strands. His ministrations are slow and languid. I am so close. I push myself against him.

  “Ah.” He licks me like a tastiest morsel, sucking my hardened nub. I writhe in response. My shyness is gone. I let go of his hand so both of mine can steady his head as I grid myself against his mouth. He chuckles, grabbing my hands with his, locking both in one of his hands. With his free hand he slides one finger in, then two. When the third one goes in the stars are back. My vision clouds with lust. My skin is on fire with a sheen of sweat. I writhe and buck as I ride out the orgasm.

  He smiles at me. “I love watching you come.” His lips caress my belly, between my breasts, along the column of my neck. I grip his back. I can’t get enough of this man. He licks the moisture on my neck, nibbling on my ear.

  His weight on me is thrilling, knowing he’s about to take my virginity. This man. I’ve dreamed of this moment and it’s finally here. He pulls one of my legs around his waist. I don’t know how or when but he’s completely naked and ready for me. I can feel him guiding himself into my wet heat. I look into his eyes. The softness unravels me. I love this man and it scares the hell out of me. The green of his eyes remind me of the lush canopy of the tree we’re laying under. I want to live in the depths, always. Forever mine.

  “So tight, Sugar.” The steel length pushes forward, inch by inch, slowly stretching me. His thickness is too much and not enough. “I don’t want to hurt you, baby but it can’t be helped. Hold on to me.” I nod to him before he breaks my hymen in one big thrust. He eases my cry with his mouth, stilling his body. I can feel my body relaxing with his as his tongue makes love to my mouth.

  I want more. I want him to move. He takes my cue and pulls himself out then back in again. Ah. “More.” Sweat forms on his brow. I can tell he’s holding back. I lift my hips to him. He thrusts himself into me.

  “So good, Sugar.” My hands move down his back until I’m gripping his ass. He hisses as I dig my nails into his skin. I can feel myself clenching against him. It’s a sweet invasion driving me to the brink. “Come with me.” My body can’t help but respond. In and out, he plows me over the edge, rocking into my orgasm, groaning out his own release.

  We lay there for a long time, relishing in one another’s arms. JT traces patterns on my arm. I want to ask him about the ceremony. I could have sworn he told me he loved me. I want to tell him I love him with all my being. “JT, I…“ The trill of my phone interrupts me. I want to ignore it but my gut tells me to answer. I roll away from JT to pick up my phone.

  I recognize the number. Nick. Of all the moments to interrupt this is not the time. I want to throw my phone over the edge of the bluff and say ‘oops’ but that would be irresponsible and stupid. So, I do the next stupidest thing, I answer.

  “Why are you calling me? I don’t have time for…”

  “Oh darlin’ you will make time for me.” The sweetness of his voice is like a cod liver oil sliding down my throat. I haven’t told JT about the threatening text messages Nick has been sending me. Somehow I thought after we married I could tell Nick the deed was done and he would have no choice but to slither away. Then, I realize, we haven’t formally told anyone about us. El said she was planning on putting out an announcement in the paper next week. Which means Nick doesn’t know yet.

  “Again, why are you calling me? I don’t have time for you. I have things to do.” His evil laugh turns my blood cold.

  “Fuck your horse training. You and I have unfinished business. You haven’t been answering my calls or my text messages. What’s wrong, cold feet? You remember what I told you didn’t you? After today you will.”

  “I don’t have to listen to your bullshit. Stop calling me!” I’m shaking with anger. Instead of hanging up the masochist in me stays on the line, waiting for the next slap in the face remark. JT wrapped the blanket a
round me while he got dressed. He’s looking at me with worried eyes wondering what is going on.

  “You will back off little girl or your barn won’t be the only thing that goes up in smoke,” he chuckles.

  JT pries the phone from my grip.

  I’m shaking so hard, furious at myself for answering his call. I just wanted to tell him off and warn him to leave me alone. In the distance I see a plume of smoke. No! My heart sinks. I scramble to get my clothes on, praying that smoke is a burn pile and not my barn. One barn is the source of my income. The other houses my family memories. Both are too important to lose.

  Twenty Six

  “You listen and listen real good asshole. If you go anywhere near Lily again. I will make your life a living hell.”

  “Fuck you, you greedy fucking Tanner. The land is where the money is and don’t pretend you don’t know that. It’s just like you told Blanche. You’re just using that little bitch! As soon as you get what you want you’ll toss her out like the piece of garbage she came from.” I hadn’t stepped away from Lily. Her face goes white. She heard every word. Before I can stop her she is hopping on Five, galloping down the path. My eyes scan the horizon spotting the column of smoke coming from a burning building in the distance. Anger burns in my gut.

  “I will fucking end you, do you hear me.” The laughter dies with a click. This guy thinks he can bully Lily into letting go of me. A part of me is terrified he’s convinced her. I follow after her, galloping down the same path.

  I can smell the fire in the air as I near the barn. It’s the barn where we play poker and it’s completely engulfed in flames.

  I jump off my horse, frantically looking for any horses that might be trapped then I remember the only horses she kept in this barn are the two we rode to the ridge. “Lily! LILY?!” I yell for her. Kenny comes running around the corner. “JT, she’s over here.” She waves towards the house. Tears trail through the ash on her face. She’s on the phone. The wales of sirens are coming closer.

  I run up the stairs. I want to hold her and tell her everything is okay. She shakes her head at me, stopping me with her hand. “No. I need some time JT.” My heart lurches. She’s scared, pushing me away.

  “Sugar, just let me hold you.” I push her hand away. She uses it to slap my face. The sting is minor but the intent is there. I’m shocked at her ire. I stand there looking like a dumbass.

  “Go hold Blanche.” What the fuck?

  My eyes plead with her. She doesn’t answer my silent pleas. I have no choice turning away. I can’t leave her like this. “Kenny take her back in the house while I go talk to the fire chief.” It’s a mess. The entire barn is a loss. It’s not just the barn but mementos of her Gramps. The bottles of alcohol fueled the fire. The pictures, the memories, they didn’t stand a chance.

  My phone rings. “Hello? Yeah, Chase. It’s gone. The whole fucking barn is gone.”

  He curses. “I’ll be over in a bit.”

  I hang up, looking towards the house. I want to go to her but she pushed me away. I can’t comfort her but I can make it right. I pull up my contacts list. “Blanche, we need to talk.” I tell her to meet me at Jack’s. Nick is the reason for everything. Somehow he’s manipulating Blanche and Sam just like he’s trying to manipulate Lily.

  I sit at the bar. Rob refills my scotch. Cold hands snake up my arms. I can feel the bitch’s breath on my neck.

  “JT, I knew you couldn’t stay away.” I shrug her hands on me. She pouts like we’re playing a game. “Awe, don’t get shy on my now.” I can’t even look at her. I’m too disgusted with her fake affection.

  “Why the fuck are you talking to Nick about me?” She stiffens but continues rubbing me. I’m not a fucking dog, like those horny bastards she uses to get her way. She knows this. I don’t know what her game is but I’m determined to find out.

  “It’s a free country. I can talk to whomever I wish.” Her sneer is evident.

  “Why did you tell Nick I was using Lily?”

  “Aren’t you?” I slam my glass on the counter. The surrounding chatter quiets.

  “I fucking love her. Don’t ever come near me or her again.” She pales. I rarely raise my voice in anger. It’s been twice today. I signal Rob for a beer. “I don’t want to hear or see your face. Stay the hell away from me.” I don’t look at her as she slinks off to where she came from.

  Lily thought I told Blanche I was using her? She can’t believe that, can she? I thought it was pretty clear when I told her I loved her, married her, and made love to her. I’ve been trying to show her how much I fucking love and want her and yet, I still get resistance. She doesn’t trust me, still. I don’t know what else to do, short of throwing her over my shoulder and locking her in a room with me, making love to her until she admits she loves me back. My phone rings. Chase. I hit the ignore button. I feel lost and surrendered. She owns me. If this is what she wants I have no choice. I drink and drink until I feel numb.

  It’s dark outside when I finally emerge from Jack’s. The alcohol is pumping through my veins. I’m too wrecked to drive. I text Chase to let him know where I’m at but my fingers are too numb to type any more than that. The food from the picnic churns in my gut. When I get to the grass side of the parking lot I violently heave out my stomach’s contents. Not enough food. Too much alcohol. I manage to stumble into my truck before I pass out to sound of my phone beeping. A voice calls my name in the distance but I’m already gone in my fog of drunkenness.

  Twenty Seven

  I called Skye after the fire, knowing I was going into a self-destruct mode. I was so furious and upset with JT when I overheard his conversation with Nick. Then the barn burns down. I know Nick did it, he threatened me on the phone. And Blanche? I want to tear Blanche’s hair out. I want to scream and throw things. So, I did. The sounds of shattering and breaking are distant in the red haze of my fury. I’ve never been so out of control. Lately, it’s all I do, lose control.

  The floor of my room is littered with broken glass from a picture frame I threw. Headless trophies and medals lay in front of my closet. At one point I threw a tin can full of pencils and pens. One of the pencils stuck to the ceiling.

  I’m lying in the middle of feathers and shredded cloth, curled up into myself. My door cracks open.

  “Knock, knock.” Skye peeks her head in then opens the door fully revealing my destructiveness. “Okay. You know, if you wanted to redecorate, you only had to ask.” She smiles. I try to smile back but I end up crying instead. I bow my head in my hands and let more tears come. “Oh, honey. It’s going to be okay. I promise. We’ll build a new barn. Thank goodness the horses weren’t there.” Remembering the horses were with us on the bluff. The bluff. I cry harder. “Shh. What’s this about? This can’t just be about the barn.”

  I hate myself right now. While I was indulging in JT Nick had been setting fire to the barn. The ranch is already in trouble. There is no money to rebuild. Worse, so many memories were lost. Photos, mementos. Why? All because I selfishly wanted to keep the ranch to myself. I didn’t want it to be destroyed. And JT? Oh my god. I gave myself to him, completely. I should have told Nick before he did anything else.

  “We… on the ridge. While we were,” I choke back a sob. “…you know? That bastard Nick did this. It’s all my fault. I should have just given him what he wanted and backed off.”

  “Oh sweetie, it’s not your fault. You didn’t set that fire.” She rubs my back, like my mother used to do. I feel like I’ve let them down. “I’m so happy for you and JT.” She smiles knowing how much I wanted JT to be my first. It’s all I ever fantasized about. It was all ruined when I answered the phone.

  “It’s not real. I married him to keep the ranch and he was just… it wasn’t real.” I can’t even say it, using me. The words are bitter in my mouth. Was he using me? Was I using him? I wanted the land and the only way to get it was to marry him. So, yes, I was using him. I also love him. More than I love the ranch? I’m so confused.

&nbs
p; “Of course it’s real! I see the way he looks at you. He’s loves you just as you love him. We all saw it, when he mouthed ‘I love you’ right before he married you. Never doubt his love for you. All he’s ever done is look out for you. Remember the bonfire? It was JT who stayed by our sides. When you weren’t paying attention, he gave dirty looks to the guys who tried to approach you. And the bar? He was so jealous when he thought Kenny was a guy? He’s totally in to you. He loves you, silly girl.”

  “Nick said Blanche told him he was just using me for the land. The land is worth a lot of money.”

  “Since when do you listen to what those ass hats have to say? Nick is a total sleaze ball, always has been. And Blanche? There are no words to describe the depths of depravity that woman will go to get what she wants. She’s like a black hole sucking in the happiness around her and shooting out the other side of a time warp, never to be seen again.” I frown.

  “Black hole? Time warp?”

  “Ugh, don’t get me started. Grayson made me watch a space soap marathon last night. I wanted to ‘beam’ the hell out of the there. I couldn’t though. Knowing Grayson he would tie me to a chair. At least he feeds me strawberry shakes. Honey, you are a wreck. Whatever you do. Don’t do anything rash. JT isn’t going anywhere.”

  She’s right. I am a wreck and I’m not stupid. I could feel JT’s love for me in all the moments we’ve shared. Why now do I doubt him?

  I’m scared.

  I’m worried.

  “Let’s get you and this room cleaned up so you can find your man. You can fix this.”

  “Okay.” We spend the better part of the afternoon cleaning up the mess. I take a shower, cleaning off the grime and soot, carefully washing between my legs. I’m sore. My body warms thinking of JT between my legs. Do I want this? Yes. I want him again and again, if he’ll have me. I search for my phone. I want to call him. I want to hear his voice. When he doesn’t answer I leave him a text message.