The Lucky Five - By Arow Jones Page 0,19
in Boulder now? What’s she doing in town? Who was that guy? Did I get more heavy whipping cream? What am I going to tell Kenny about JT? I wonder if Skye will take Kenny out tonight. I load the truck and pull out my phone.
Lily: Hey, favor?
Skye: Sure, what?
Lily: Take Kenny out tonight?
Skye: Of course, why?
Lily: Meeting with JT
Skye: meeting or meeting?
Lily: shut it!
Skye: k, details later!
Lily ;-)
I breathe a sigh of relief. I haven’t talked to Kenny much about JT but my feelings about him aren’t a secret either. I just want some more time alone with JT. I could just be one in a long line of girls he dates. But it’s JT. I’ll take what I can get. For now.
The day is sunny. I still have some chores to do but I think I’ll take a quick dip in the pool before JT comes over. The street lamps have baskets of flowers hanging from them. I drive slowly through town. The town hosts an annual summer rodeo. The store fronts are getting ready for the activities. It’s a small affair but large by small town standards. Vendors will fill the park. At night the town and visitors come out for dancing, drinking, and fun. Gramps and I usually man a booth selling my sweet potato pies and advertise our ranch.
I press a hand to my aching chest. Tears well up in my eyes. Thoughts of JT and I have been overwhelming me. I thought he felt the same way about me. Does he kiss her like he kisses me? Does her skin burn with his touch? What was I thinking, letting him get to me? You’re alone Lily. You always will be.
I shake my head and wipe the tears from my eyes. Rein it in Lily. You’ve got a ranch to run. I wonder if Skye and Kenny will stay on with me for the next couple of years. Of course they will. They already said they would help out. I shake my head to clear my thoughts.
POP! The truck lurches. I grip the wheel to steady the truck and pull over to the side of the road. I get out to see what’s wrong and I immediately see the remnants of a rubber tire littering the road. Great. I knew the tires were bad but not this bad. I walk around the back of the truck and bend down to look under the truck to see if the spare is any good. No spare. Just a rusty under carriage. I pinch my temple and let a little laugh, shaking my head. I’m only a few miles from home. I could just walk there or better yet text Kenny to come pick me up.
A minute later a black SUV drives up. He pulls over to the side of the road and parks in front of my truck. It’s the guy who was talking to Blanche. Of course. Could this moment get any worse?
“Hey there!” Smiling as he gets out, he takes off his suit coat and rolls up his shirt sleeves. He reaches one hand forward, pointing to the now barren wheel well. “Need some help?” Does he think I don’t remember the way he was man handling Blanche? I narrow my eyes at him.
“No. I’m good.” He smirks.
“Looks like you could use some help. Do you have a spare?” His hands are on his hips. He cocks his head to one side looking me up and down.
“No spare. Waiting for my ride.” It’s a lie but I don’t want to be on this stretch of road for any long than I need to, especially with this guy.
“Okay. I’m Nicholas.” His hand thrusts forward. I don’t move to shake his hand. I cross my arms over my chest. I don’t know this guy but I know I don’t want him touching me. I look behind him at black quad cab truck that has pulled up behind me. I breathe a sigh of relief at the sight of Chase. He’s dressed in jeans and a fitted black button up shirt. He slams the door and stalk over.
“Lily, go to my truck.” His fury is palpable. I don’t know why he’s mad but he hasn’t taken his eyes off Nicholas. I nod my head and walk to Chase’s truck. These two must have history from the looks of their scowls. I’m an independent woman but I know better than to cross a bull and right now, Chase’s eyes