The Lucky Five - By Arow Jones Page 0,50

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