Clouded Innocence by D. Gambel Read Free Book Online Page A

preparing it. We made small talk about the weather and school. It was a very pleasant day.  
    “Well,” Conner stated, “since you cheated, and received your prize anyway, I think it is only fair that I get to ask you five questions.” Oh no. I did not like where this was heading. 
    “Um... I actually only asked you four questions. The 'Really?' did not count.”  
    “Fine Francesca, I will only ask you four questions then.” He smiled hugely at me. That was not what I had meant.  
    “Can’t you just kiss me instead?” My face instantly reddened. I could not believe I had just said that out loud.
    Conner chuckled shaking his head, not bothering to answer my question. “Since you have not given me an answer yet and you have to answer the questions in complete honesty. Have you ever been kissed?” If it was possible, my face blushed more before I looked away. 
    “You already know the answer to that one Conner,” I answered.  
    “I know. But I want to hear you say it.” His lips were pulled into a half grin which only made his face more handsome.
    I sighed, “No Conner, I have never been kissed.” His smile grew wider seeming satisfied with my response. “What is your next question?” 
    He shook his head then cocked it to the side giving me my favorite crooked grin.  “That is it for now. I think I will save the other three for later.” My mouth dropped open as I gaped at him. I could not believe his audacity. The suspense was going to drive me mad. He was going to make me constantly try to anticipate when the next question would arise. 
    I threw myself back on the blanket with a groan. Closing my eyes, I tried to escape my annoyance with Conner for a moment.
    I must have fallen asleep. Because when I opened my eyes, the sun was just beginning to set. 
    “Oh my,” I said, as I sat up to take it all in.  
    The sky was painted with a variety of beautiful colors. The clouds reflected them and created a breathtaking view of the horizon. The sky was a canvas for which god was the artist. No sunsets ever completely the same. I looked over at Conner. He was sitting with one arm wrapped around his knee. I turned back to stare at the sky.
    “It is a beautiful sight, don't you agree?” I looked back at him.
    “Yes, it certainly is.” His eyes focused on me.  
    His comment made me blush. It felt like he was not talking entirely about the sunset.  
    “Conner, I...” I began.
    He sighed cutting me off, “Come along Francesca. It must be close to dinner time. We do not want to be late.”
    In agreement with him, we packed up the remains of our picnic, mounted the horses and began the journey back to the house. When we got there, I noticed Steven's horse was still not in the stable. We took our time before heading into the house. Conner deposited me safely at my bedroom door to get ready for dinner before returning to his room to do the same.  
    When I arrived at dinner, I seemed to be the last one there. I took my regular seat next to Conner as supper began. I was so exhausted from my day in the sun that I was not paying attention to the dinner conversation. I looked blankly at Lilly as she asked me a question I did not quite comprehend.  
    “Beg your pardon?” I stammered.  
    “I asked if you had a dress for the Summer Ball. The one the Carpenter's throw every year.”  
    “Oh! No, Lilly, I do not. Might I just wear the one from last year?”  
    My father spoke up, “Absolutely not! You can go into to town tomorrow with your stepmother and both of you can buy new ones. I will not have people think that I cannot afford to buy my daughter a new gown.”  
    I exhaled deeply. I knew my father would never allow people to think we had money problems, which they would if I was caught in the same dress that I had worn to a previous ball. “When is the ball?” I asked.  
    “In three days,” Lilly replied.  
    “Steven!” My father bellowed and we all jolted in response “Do you mind