Clouded Innocence by D. Gambel Read Free Book Online

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    He sat quietly for a few moments before answering. I could feel his intense pale blue eyes focused on me. He sighed heavily. “Because I would hate to leave here, and…and to always have this lingering desire...of wondering what it would be like to kiss you. I do not want to wonder. I would rather know,” he stammered.
    My eyes shot to his face. I was sure confusion and shock were noticeable in my expression. I felt my cheeks flush, my heart race, and my breathing became ragged all at once. I looked away taking a deep breath to cleanse myself of the yearning he made me feel, but that did little good. I cleared my throat, still not looking at him.  
    “Then I guess it is only fair that I tell you something important.” I turned my eyes to him gazing back at him with the same intensity. “I cheated.”  
    His brows creased together before a grin appeared on his face, shaking his head in disbelief. “How?”  
    I sighed softly. “Well, I knew how your horse felt about jumps so that is why I suggested this direction.”  
    “Francesca that is not really cheating, that was using your knowledge to the best of your abilities.” Well he had me there.  
    “Also, the property line is actually right through those trees.” I said pointing to the woods to my right.  
    He cocked his head to the side, “So we actually have not finished the race then?”  
    “Nope, sorry,” I paused giving him my sweetest, innocent smile.  
    “Fine,” he said standing up abruptly. He walked to me and grabbed my arms pulling me to him. “We are going to finish it now. The tree line is a few yards away it should be no problem for us to run.”  
    Run? I was not a good runner. He certainly had me at a disadvantage, but I was not going to back out.  
    “Fine! Count us off Conner.” I was trying to show some sign of being frustrated. I certainly did not want him to think I actually wanted this, which of course I did. I grabbed my dress, lifting up so it would not get in my way, not caring about propriety before we took off.  
    I pushed myself as hard as I could. I could feel the ache in my muscles and the burn in my chest, but it was no use. Conner beat me by a good bit. When I made it to the tree line Conner had his ankles crossed, his back resting against a tree, with an accomplished smirk on his face.  
    “Yes, I know. I owe you a kiss,” I huffed. “Can you give me a moment to catch my breath?”  
    “Not a problem, Francesca. Take all the time you need.” His smile never faltered.
    I pressed my back against a tree next to Conner. I took deep, long breaths but I could not get my breathing normalized. I knew it was because I was nervous. I was about to have my first kiss and it was with this handsome man. Of course I was nervous. Who would not be? Conner seemed to notice that my breathing was still off as a few moments passed.
    “Are you all right?” he asked. I nodded inhaling a large gasp of air, but it did little good. He sighed, “You have never done this before, have you?”  
    I looked up at him through my lashes releasing a deep breath, not answering his question. He sighed again shaking his head. “Come on,” he said reaching out for me. My fingers were shaking as I placed my hand in his. Was this it? “Let's go have our picnic.” He answered my question and my heart sank with disappointment. I was nervous, but I still wanted this.
    “What about the wager?” I asked, hoping to hide the hint of desperation.
    Conner took a deep breath, “Francesca, I am not going to let you give away your first kiss in a bet. A first kiss should be special.” Once we made it back to the blanket, he leaned down whispering in my ear. “When I do kiss you, it is going to mean something.” My head shot up, staring directly at him but his gaze was no longer on me. I waited for him to elaborate, but he did not. So I reluctantly let it go.  
    We had our picnic. The food was delicious. Mary had done a fine job of