by kj lewis
“Push into it, Emelia.”
I push back slowly giving my body time to adjust. It only takes a second before it slides into place.
Graham rubs my ass affectionately, fucking me again with his tongue. I’m in sensory overload. Between the fullness in my ass, the job his tongue is doing on me, and the shaking from holding this position so long, I can barely contain the noises I am making.
Graham continues a repetitive movement that has me detonating around him. He continues to drink me in, unfazed, until my arms give way. He catches me and slowly eases me to the floor of the deck. I’m on all fours now.
“That was…”
“Shh,” he cuts me off. “Quiet baby.” He reminds me, as he slowly enters me from behind, that knows what he’s doing. He already knows my body and the fullness I crave. I need him inside of me as much as he needs to be. He sets his rhythm, intermittently turning the object in my ass while his other hand pulls on my hair. I can feel myself climbing again.
“Control,” he grits.
I’m still learning, and my body is not my own. I am learning that I like to be taken from behind. I like watching him glide in and out of me.
His hand cups over my mouth silencing me as he turns the object again, this time removing it just as the most explosive orgasm rips through my body. Once he knows I’m not going to scream, he puts his hand back on my hip and continues to pound into me until he meets his own orgasm. His body drapes over mine, shaking with orgasmic convulsions.
“What are you doing to me, Emelia?”
“I could ask the same of you,” I reply as we continue to catch our breath. Thank God the girls didn’t want to do yoga.
Finding his own balance, Graham raises off me, adjusting himself back into his shorts and returns my pants to their former placement. Without another word he kisses me, but the kiss seems off. I can’t put my finger on it, but it feels almost like a goodbye kiss.
“Graham?”
I know he feels it, too, but he doesn’t respond to me. He caresses my face, his eyes empty. Just like that, without a word, he’s gone.
I can’t shake the feeling that something has changed. Did Ben tell him about John Michaels? Does he not want me anymore? What was that thing he used on me? I have so many questions.
After a quick shower, I head downstairs. Ruth is in the kitchen, preparing food for the day’s meals.
“Where is everyone?” I ask, grabbing a sparkling water from the fridge.
“Not sure where they were all going, but it’s just me and Lucy.”
“I’m meeting some friends to go riding. I was wondering if you have some riding clothes I may borrow.”
“I do. I even have an old pair of six’s. I’ll get them for you. Would you mind taking Lucy with you? She loves to ride.”
“I remember. We rode together last time I stayed. I was hoping she would want to go. By chance,” I bite the bullet and ask, “did Graham say where he was going?”
She stops dicing, giving me her attention.
“No, dear. I’m sorry he didn’t.” She goes back to chopping a pepper. “I like you two together. You’re good for him. Graham has always put everything else first. He always says he wants no-hassle dating. You are a hassle. Ben and I like that about you.” She winks at me, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Now, let’s get you those riding clothes.”
Ruth’s closet is smart and functional, while maintaining style. She has some pieces that are to die for. I run my hand over a long multi-chained vintage Chanel necklace.
“Jules showed me her design for you to wear to Casino Night. It’s beautiful. I was thinking that I have the perfect earrings you could wear with it, if you would like.” She hands me a pair of riding pants. “Try these on and see how they fit. They are too small for me. I have another pair if these don’t work.”
I take off my shorts and put the pants on. They fit like a glove. They have leather at the knees and leather across the top of the hips which gives the illusion that my already ample backside is rounder and perkier. I look at myself in the full length mirror.
Ruth laughs, “I don’t think anyone will be looking at the horse.” This makes me blush.
“These are the earrings that I was thinking would be perfect for you to wear.” She takes out a red leather Cartier box, opening it to reveal a beautiful pair of diamond earrings with a dropped sapphire.
“Ruth, these are so beautiful, but I could never wear these. I would be terrified of losing them.” I close the box and hand them back to her. “It was so sweet of you to think of me.”
“Nonsense. That’s what insurance is for. If you lose them, I’ll replace them.”
I know she is being cavalier about it, but there is no way she could replace these. They are definitely vintage.
“Just think about it, dear. What size shoe do you wear?”
“Eight and a half.”
“Perfect. These will fit you.” She hands me a pair of black leather riding boots. I take them and give her a kiss on the cheek. I think she knows I am thanking her for more than just the boots.
I French braid my hair into a side braid and tuck in the thin, white t-shirt that I am wearing. I look at my watch and yell for Lucy. It’s almost one, and I promised Colleen I would be there at 1:30.
Ruth gives us a ride to the stables, since everyone absconded with all but one of the vehicles. We pull up at exactly 1:30 to find Colleen waiting for us. Exchanging cheek kisses, I introduce her to Lucy.
“Where are the girls?” I look around for Colleen’s nieces.
“Lessons.” she informs me. “But you’ll get to see them soon. They can’t wait to ride with you. Until then, why don’t you and Lucy go for a ride without them tagging along? I have a horse for you to ride, Emme.” She walks me to a large stall. The name plaque beside it says Scout. “Like your first car, and the character from your favorite book,” Colleen points out.
He’s a milk chocolate stallion with a black mane and black tail. I look over the stall door and see he has black on all four legs from the knees down. He has a white marking at the top of his head in the shape of a diamond.
“He’s perfect.”
I gently test his demeanor to see if he will let me pet him. He does. I run my hand from his forehead to his muzzle. He lets me kiss him and I coo into his dark, soulful eyes.
“Jackson says you grew up riding. I would have chosen a mare, but he believes you can handle a stallion, so I trust him.”
“I’d be happy to ride whatever horse is available,” I tell her. Scout pushes at my hand for me to pet him again.
“Well,” Colleen says, uncharacteristically beaming, “Scout will always be available for you to ride.” She pulls down a sheet of paper that was covering part of the plaque.
I look from the plaque to Colleen and to the plaque again. It reads, “Scout. Owner, Emelia James.”
“You didn’t.” I say in disbelief.
“Happy Birthday, Emme.”
“But my birthday isn’t until the end of the month.”
“I know, but I wanted you to have him this week so you could enjoy riding him.”
“Colleen, this is too much. Get me some perfume, or a great book. You don’t buy me a horse. I can’t accept this.”
“Why not? You know you are special to me. I’ve given my nieces horses for their birthdays. So, you get a horse.”
For some reason the only image that is in my mind is Oprah pointing to everyone saying “You get a horse and you get a horse! Everyone gets a horse!” The image and the absurdity of it makes me giggle.
“He’ll stay here with our horses. They groom him, feed him, and keep him trained.”
“There aren’t words…” I trail off. I’m overwhelmed. I had an issue with a $350 iPod. This is more. So much more.
A stable hand opens the stall and guides him out. He’s huge, a stellar horse. I can tell just by looking at him. He’s been prepped for riding already.
“Colleen, I can’t.”
/> “You can and you will.”
The stable hand gives me a hand as I mount and then brings Lucy’s horse, Sky, around. She’s named for her blue eyes.
“Here you go.” Colleen hands me a riding helmet. “I got your measurements from Jackson.”
The stable hand leads me to a training pen, where I can ride him in a confined area to get a feel for him. I easily get into a groove with Scout. He’s a dream to ride. He’s responsive, easy tempered and sure-footed. He’s a strong horse and has a will of his own, but he doesn’t hinder my movements or directions.
Lucy has started ahead of me, and I ride him out of the arena to meet her. Colleen comes up beside me to hand me a crop in case I need it.
I think about how different my life would have been if I hadn’t met Jackson. His faith in me opened me up to a world I never imagined. I never pretend that I belong in this class of people, but I also have no ideas that I am inferior because they have money and I don’t. I find they are like everyone else. They want to be loved for who they are and not what they have. Granted, there are plenty of people with money who are absolutely horrible, but I’ve been able to steer clear of them for the most part.
Lucy and I slow our horses to a walk and she gives me the story of what happened last night. I talk to her about the dangers of not being in control of your surroundings. I can’t prove it, but I swear I think Brody had put something in her drink.
I follow her into the stables. Colleen has already left. Lucy takes Sky to her stall while a stable hand helps me dismount and takes the reigns.
“Hi, beautiful.” I turn to the voice I am so familiar with.
“Jackson, what are you doing here?”
“Polo match. Patrick is home.”
“I didn’t know you were playing today. I would have come. Colleen gave me a horse.” My thoughts are tripping over themselves. I feel like there’s so much to tell him—and so much I can’t.
“I know, sweetheart. Don’t overthink it. She’s been wanting to since the last time you rode together.”
I put my arm around his waist, and we walk for several minutes.
“Out with it.” He stops and looks at me.
“Out with what?”
“Whatever’s on your mind?”
“I may or may not be seeing Graham Taylor.” I just blurt it out. I exhale a deep breath that I feel like I’ve been holding for days.
“You’re still in the decision making process?”
“He is.”
He considers this for a moment and then says, “You’re aware he has a reputation about the girls he dates.”
“I do. That is not how this would play out,” I assure him.
“But you’re interested.”
“I am.” I pause. “What do you think about him? Do you know him?”
“On a business level. Its Graham’s building we work in.”
“Is he a suggestion for my mentor program?”
“Yes.”
“Because…”
“Because I think he’s a good guy. He’s smart, extremely talented. He’s a phenomenal business man. He treats his employees well. His is the top corporation in America to work for. He’s a good man, Emme.”
“But…”
“But, you’re like a sister to me. Who I trust my business to isn’t the same as who I trust my sister to. That said, I could see that you would be a good match for each other. Not sure why it never occurred to me before, actually. Why do you think he’s still deciding?”
“I just do. I can’t put my finger on it yet, but I just do.”
“Well, I can’t blame him for wanting to be careful where you’re concerned. Just take it one step at a time.” He hugs me. “Can I give you and Lucy a ride home?”
“Thanks, but Ruth is coming for us. Besides it’s out of your way. We’ll be fine.”
“Oh, Richard Raines called me. He wants to meet. Maybe we can later this week or next week. I almost had a coronary when I read what happened in the paper.” He looks a little miffed that he didn’t hear it from me.
“I’m sorry. I should have called you. It never occurred to me you would be worried.”
“I’m always concerned about you.”
We say our goodbyes, and I walk over to Scout’s stall to brush him down.
“Holy fuck.”
I turn to find Blaine smiling at me. I don’t hide my surprise at seeing him.
“What are you doing here? You know they have group meetings for stalkers.” I can’t help but smile back at him.
“I’ve had some crazy stalkers. You ought not to joke. My parents own these stables, so maybe it’s you who’s stalking me.”
I roll my eyes, and he continues, “I grew up working here. Can I just take a moment to worship your body in those riding pants?” His eyes wander to my ass, which, I can’t deny, do look good in these pants.
“Smoke and mirrors, my friend.” I put extra emphasis on friend. “The way the leather is cut.” I run my finger across the seam.
“Not possible. I’ve seen it before today, you know.”
He picks up a dandy brush, combing behind my rubber curry. We make our way around the horse, each changing to a body brush, Blaine on one side, me on the other.
“Where did you learn to care for a horse?” Blaine asks. “Most people who keep their horses here don’t know the difference in the brushes, much less how to use them.”
“My grandpapa had horses. He taught me to ride and to care for them.”
I take a comb to Scout’s mane. Blaine moves to his legs and hooves. We work in comfortable silence.
“He’s good,” Blaine says, dusting off his hands. “The stable hands will finish the rest. Why don’t we go to the café and grab a bite?”
I look at my watch. “I have dinner shortly, but a snack sounds perfect.”
“I remember,” he nudges me laughing. “A girl who likes to eat.”
I close the stall behind me and run my fingers over the owner’s plaque. I grab my phone out of my boot and text a picture of the plaque and the horse to Jules. Lucy comes around the corner. The sight of Blaine stops her in her tracks. I can see in her eyes that she’s a fan.
“Lucy Taylor, I would like you to meet Blaine Moore.”
She’s speechless—something Blaine seems to be used to. He speaks first, offering his hand to her.
“How do you know each other?”
I wait for Lucy to answer, but she’s a little awed.
“Lucy is my best friend’s fiancés sister. Say that three times fast,” I laugh. He makes small talk with her, winning her over even more with his charm.
“I was just coming to get you. Want to get a snack?” I ask her.
“Sure, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not,” I answer. “Lead the way,” I say to Blaine.
We make our way to the café they have on the property. Blaine introduces us to his mother, and I can’t help but wonder if she saw the pictures of me kissing her son. She is a strong, feisty woman, and I like that about her. She reminds me of my grandmother, just years younger. She gives us tea and cookies, which makes me like her even more.
“So, I’m almost out of clothes,” Blaine says to me.
“I’m not sure that’s as big of a problem as you might think it would be,” I quip.
Lucy chokes on her tea, and I pat her on the back. Blaine laughs at the two of us. He has a wonderful laugh that I like very much, but it doesn’t rumble the place deep in my belly like Graham’s does.
It’s easy to see that Blaine is used to being around all types of people. He has no problem engaging Lucy in conversation so she doesn’t feel excluded. I take a pic of them for Lucy.
We make our way back towards the stables in time to see Ruth’s car pulling up. Lucy reluctantly says her goodbyes, but gives me a cheeky wink before giving Blaine and I a moment alone.
“I’ll be back in the city next week. Call me and I’ll schedule some time to work up some new looks for you. Make
sure to thank your mom again for me.”
“Are you going to Casino Night?”
“I am. It’s a working night for me and Jackson.”
“If something changes let me know. I would love to take you.” He’s hopeful.
“As friends?” I playfully remind him. “That’s sweet of you, but it’s already finalized. I’m sure you have someone else you would love to take.”
“That’s just it. I’m beginning to think there isn’t.”
He pulls me into a hug, his hand moving to my lower back. I break the contact before he kisses me.
“Take care of Scout. I’ll be back later this week to check in on him,” I say casually patting Blaine on the chest, trying to defuse the one-sided sexual tension. Blaine reluctantly lets go of my waist and I turn on my heels to head to the car. But not before running straight into Graham’s chest.
“Graham?”
“Emelia, wait in the car,” he says without taking his eyes off of Blaine.
“I don’t think so. Let’s go, Graham.”
“He needs a reminder of the definition of friends,” he growls, finally looking at me.
I say good-bye once again to Blaine and stomp my way toward the car, leaving Graham behind. What the hell? He’s the one who left me today! I’m just about to open the driver’s door when Graham locks the door from behind me.
“What the hell, Graham! Unlock the door!”
“Emelia!”
“Graham!”
“You’re not driving!” Without another word he picks me up at the waist, walks around to the passenger side, unlocks the door, drops me in the seat, fastens my seatbelt, slams the door, and hits the door lock again. He makes it to his side of the car before I have a chance to get out.
Like most sixteen-year-olds, Lucy is completely oblivious to what is actually going on between us. She gushes about how sexy Blaine is and that she just cannot believe I know him. When she tells us that Blaine is on her “list”, I actually think Graham might run into a tree.