32: REVELATIONS AND REFLECTIONS

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the farm, Emma hurried about her cozy kitchen preparing dinner for her and her two loves. It had been Jackson’s first day at the office with Brayden and she had a feeling he would have a mental overload. She wanted their dinner to be perfect and relaxing.

The aroma of roasted chicken filled the air as Emma lovingly set out plates and cutlery on their rustic wooden farm table. She couldn’t wait for Jackson or Brayden’s face to light up when they walked through the door. Emma had missed them terribly and she was excited to tell them about her new friend Ginger, their neighbor.

Jackson and Brayden arrived just as she finished setting down three steaming plates of food. They laughed at each other reminiscing about something that had happened that day at the office, then they saw Emma standing beside the table smiling with pride at the beautifully set meal she had prepared for them. The guys embraced Emma showing their gratitude for such a delicious meal awaiting them after a long day of work.

Brayden ducked his head into Emma’s shoulder inhaling her scent as he hummed, “Emma, I have missed you so much. I know this food smells amazing, but I could eat you up instead.” Emma laughed at him swatting him towards his seat.

Jackson kissed her on the forehead as he took a seat on the other side of her. The dinner was wonderful; roasted chicken, scalloped potatoes, butter beans, and her grandmother’s famous cornbread were a few items among the spread before them.

“So, Emma tell me about your day?” Brayden asked in between shoveling food in his mouth.

Emma thought for a moment, “I had an eventful day. First, we got all the animals unloaded and put away into their specific places in the pastures and in the barn. That was most eventful, because of my grumpy delivery driver.” She laughed making the guys match her enthusiasm. “Then, I think I made a new friend. Her name is Ginger, and apparently she and her husband Tye own the farm right on the other side of us. They raise and train racehorses.” Emma paused for a second to let them speak.

Brayden shook his head, “Yes, Ginger and Tye. There are some very wealthy individuals in this area. Both come from racehorse backgrounds and from what I have heard they have a successful business.”

Emma continued, “Yes, Ginger told me all about her past and present. She is sweet, kind, and down to earth. I really enjoyed her being here today. We got so caught up in our conversations that we lost track of time.” Emma shook her head at herself as she put another mouth full of food in her mouth. Emma’s eyes sparkled with excitement while describing Ginger’s warmth and eagerness. “Ginger also said she would take me shopping some time in the city.”

“Seems like you’ve made yourself a good friend, Emma. I couldn’t be happier because I want you to be happy living here.” Mused Brayden appreciatively as he raised his glass towards her in a silent toast. He continued, “The shopping trip is a great idea also. You need some new clothing for around the farm, and you are going to need a fancy cocktail dress for next weekend.”

Emma looked at Brayden with a confused look, “Huh, Why?”

“One of our investors always has a benefit this time of year to raise money for the Cancer Association. It is a formal ball so you will need something nice. I am almost certain Ginger and Tye will be there so I’m sure she would love to help dress you up.” Brayden brushed his hand over Emma’s squeezing it. Emma could burst from the excitement that bubbled inside her. She and Ginger had exchanged phone numbers before she left. Emma would call Ginger tomorrow and talk to her about everything.

“So, enough about me and my day. What about the two of you?” Emma sat back with a full belly ready to listen.

Jackson started the story, “It was a lot to learn and absorb in one day. I met lots of nice people who will be assisting in the work I will be doing. I have so many ideas running through my mind right now I feel as if my brain might explode.” He laughed as he looked to Brayden and continued, but now his face was frowning, “Except, for Phillip, is he normally that hostile and rude?”

Brayden had a knowing look on his face, “He has always been grumpy, but ever since we told him about you coming on board, he has been even more hostile towards us. Brent and I have talked about it on several occasions but are unsure of the problem.”

Jackson didn’t know if he should be this brutally honest this soon into the new job, but he had a suspicion that he knew what it might be, “Can I be honest with you about my thoughts?”

“Most definitely Jackson, I trust you with my life, my business, my everything,” Brayden said as he looked to Emma and smiled. “I love you guys and I want there to always be honesty and openness whether it comes to personal or business issues.”

Jackson nodded and continued with his suspicions, “I know that you, Brent, and I have talked about the dropping numbers in the company. Have you investigated Phillip? The reason I ask is because if you think about it, if he doesn’t want to go and explore the options with his own eyes then to me, he doesn’t care. What if he could be taking bribes from these landowners to get you guys to buy their land even though they know it will not be fertile? Then he pockets extra money under the table, and you lose money when the crops do not grow or produce the quantities you need.”

Brayden sat back in his seat, a frown etched across his face, creasing his forehead, “I have never thought about that Jackson, but you are right. Something is off the way he was so hostile to your idea of taking tours of the land. If you find that the land isn’t what we need he loses his extra cash. I will talk to Brent tomorrow, you and I both should have a meeting with him first thing, tell him what all your concerns are and let’s investigate this together. You may be on to something.” Jackson nodded in agreement. “Now, I’m ready to get out of this suit and relax on the front porch. Who’s with me?”

With bellies full and hearts content, they helped Emma clean up the kitchen, and they retired onto their porch where fireflies danced under starlit skies, listening to the crickets serenade the outdoors. Emma sat in front of Jackson with her back leaned against his chest. Jackson’s head rested on top of hers and his hands rubbed up and down her arms sending shivers all over her. Brayden sat at her feet with them placed in his lap rubbing and massaging them. He worked his way further up Emma’s legs spreading them wide as he scooted closer, now placing her legs around his waist. Brayden’s eyes were dark with a need she recognized oh so well. He ran his hand up her silky night dress. It rode up her thighs higher as he pushed further to her growing wet center. Emma let out a small moan as she felt Jackson’s shaft hardening against her back. She turned her head to the side giving Jackson access to kiss down her neck as his hands slid under the straps of the night dress, finding her hardened nipples. He squeezed and tugged at them hard making her squeal. Brayden looked at her under hooded eyes as his fingers slipped past her panties and in her wet folds, he was coated in her juices instantly. Brayden pulled his fingers from her and licked them clean.

Jackson groaned watching Brayden do that, “Let’s take this upstairs shall we?” Brayden shook his head yes as Jackson lifted Emma over his shoulder and carried her inside.

Emma squirmed under his grip, “What are you doing Jackson? I can walk!”

Jackson reached up and spanked her bottom with a load smack, “No mam, I will get you where I want you to go. You just hang on for the ride.” Emma’s mouth was wide open at the sensation she had gotten from Jackson spanking her. Brayden saw her thoughts written all over her face as he smiled at her. Emma anticipated what was to come next.