Clouded Innocence (3 page)

Chapter 4

The Wager

It was early afternoon before we decided to return to the house. Once we cleared the trees, Conner offered his arm to me as we continued with the remainder of the tour.

Later that evening, at dinner my father spoke some of his business, which I tended to ignore, since it was of little interest to me. The conversation continued throughout the evening. I did not know what was talked about, what was served or if I even ate. My concentration was on attempting to make sense of the spell I seemed to be under, until I was interrupted.

“What about you, Francesca?” I heard the delicious sound of his voice say my name.
 

“Excuse me?”
 

My father laughed at my response. “My daughter tends to be ignorant of the world. Please forgive her.”
 

I knew what my father said was an insult but I did not have it in me to give it much attention. I was still somewhat absorbed in my own head when I heard Lilly ask the question I had been dreading.
 

“How was the tour of the grounds today boys? Did you get a good idea of where everything is?”
 

Shock hit me like a slap in the face. I did not know what to say. I did not want to lie. I had always been terrible at it. Luckily, I did not have to; Steven spoke up before I even opened my mouth. I took a deep breath, calming my nerves.

“Yes, it was lovely. Francesca did a marvelous job of it mother.” His grey eyes held my gaze for several seconds in a silent acknowledgment.

“Well, thank you Francesca. I know you must have wanted to spend your day differently,” said Lilly.
 

“No Lilly. I quite enjoyed myself.” I risked a quick glance to Conner, whose face held a knowing smirk. “Thank you for suggesting it.” I replied with my gaze set forward.
 She had no idea how incredible grateful I was.

The next morning, I decided to do some reading. The sky was blanketed in gray clouds, not allowing one drop of sunshine through. With the threat of rain, I decided it would be best to enjoy my book on the front porch. I normally liked to go into the woods or take my horse out until I found a spot where I could be consumed in my book without worrying someone could interrupt me.
 

There was an overhang which would keep me safe if the clouds did decide to release the rain for the day and I did hope they would. We were in desperate need of it. The grass was beginning to dry and turn a hideous shade of brown which crunched under our feet.
 

It was early afternoon, when the rain began to fall and it was wonderful. The water cooled the hot summer heat, making it a little more bearable. I sat in one of the rocking chairs that lined our porch, absorbed in my reading while the mellow sounds of the rain lulled me into comfort.
 

I was half way through with my novel when the peaceful sound of raindrops thumping against the roof above me, were broken by the sound of horse hooves beating against the muddy ground. I looked up in time to see Steven and Conner ride past me to the stable. Only a few minutes passed before they emerged, from the stable making a mad dash for the house. Both were dripping wet when they made it to the porch. I could not help but stare and smile at the sight they made.
 

Conner ran his hand through his hair slicking it back with the water, which glistened as a result. The fabric of his white shirt was transparent as it clung to his body showing every defined muscle. My body heated and my heart began to race at the sight. I watched the beads of water move slowly down his skin. My eyes narrowed in on one drop as it made its way down his face, gliding slowly down his neck, before I lost it on his chest slipping down his shirt. Oh, I wish I was that bead of water. “Francesca?”
 

His voice jolted me back to reality.
 
Oh, please let my mouth not be hanging open.
 Thankfully it was not. My eyes moved up looking to Conner's face for answers. 

“Hmm?” was all I could muster.
 

“I asked if you were enjoying this lovely weather,” he gestured to the sky.

I giggled, “Not as much as you two I suppose.” 

They both laughed then made their way inside. I let out a deep breath, clearing my head then continued to read my book, but I was no longer interested in it. Thoughts of a dripping wet Conner kept replaying over and over in my mind.

Over the next few days I saw a lot of Conner and Steven. It seemed every time I turned around, I was running into them. Quite literary. I actually did a full on bump in to Conner once. He apologized profusely, blaming himself. All the while, I could only think that my body had been completely pressed against his, even if for only a moment. What was wrong with me that I took a small joy in that fact?

Seeing as how I always seemed to run into them in or around the house, I decided that I would go down to the stable, spending my time with my horse Sophie.

Once in the stable, I made my way to Sophie's stall. I had managed to steal a few carrots from the kitchen before heading down. The stable was long, with horse stalls along the left. Hay spread carelessly on the ground covering the entire floor. There was an open area toward the entrances where we saddled the horses. A pile of hay laid in the corner to the right of the door. I led Sophie from her stall to the front of the stable. After I tied her, I gave her a carrot. Grabbing a brush, I swept it through her black mane.

“Do you ride?”

Startled, I jumped; as I looked up I saw Conner standing in the doorway. He was leaning against it, ankles crossed, arms crossed over his chest, staring at me. How long had he been there? Sunlight was highlighting his features. 

“Conner!” I exclaimed, trying my best to get my heartbeat to slow to a normal pace. “You startled me. Where is Steven?”

“My apologies; that was not my intention.” He pushed off the frame. “He had business in town
again
. I was just asking if you ride.” He pointed to Sophie. There was a twinge of humor to his voice.

“Of course!” I could not hide the amusement in mine. I had been riding since I was little. My father had insisted that I learn. My lessons had started when I was five. My mother had thought I was too young, but my father had persuaded her. I fell in love with it quickly. The joy I got from riding was indescribable. My parents had bought me Sophie as a gift for me. She and I had learned to ride together.
 

“What are your plans for tomorrow?” Conner asked walking past me to head further into the stables.
 

“I have none that I am aware of, why do you ask?” I replied while he turned and faced me.

“Do you gamble, Francesca?” 

Well, that seemed a random question to ask. Truthfully, I had bet on a card game once with some friends, but when my mother found out, she had snapped that no acceptable man would have a wife that would wager his hard earned money away. My mother, always wanting me to do what was best to find a suitable husband.

A smile crossed my face as I looked down at a piece of golden hay lying at my feet trying to hide from Conner’s gaze. 

“Ah, so you have.” My face flushed at his words. “Do not worry Francesca; your secret is safe with me.” His voice sparkled with genuine amusement.

I looked up in time to see a glorious grin cross his perfectly chiseled face that made my insides quiver. 

“Let's make a wager,” he stated more the asked.

“What kind of wager?” Curiosity was getting the better of me. I knew I shouldn't. My mother would have been very disappointed in me, but anything that might allow me to spend even a little time with Conner, I would do.

“Tomorrow, race me. You can have your choice of horse.” He patted Sophie. “You know the terrain. Odds are definitely in your favor.”
 

I could not help but feel that he was playing me. Everything he said made sense. Yes, the odds were most certainly in my favor. So why would he bet?

“What are the terms, Conner? What do I receive if I win?” 

“The terms would be the first one to a certain point, say... to the end of your property line.” Amusement appeared on his face. He was most certainly trying to play up his confidence but I was going to wait to call his bluff.

“And what would the winner receive?” I asked. 

“What would you like to receive if you win, Francesca?”
 he said in the most enticing tone.

Hmm... What would I want?
Money was out of the question. For one, I had none to bet. I took a moment pondering before I responded. 

“A secret,” I grinned.

“A secret?” He said furrowing his brow causing a questionable look on his gorgeous face. 

“Yes, a secret and not some little thing. I want something no one else knows.” I could not hide my amusement. I am sure that was the last thing he thought I would ask for.
 

“Fine, if you really want to waste your win on that,” he responded snidely.
 

“Yes, I think I do.” I was pleased with myself and the huge grin across my face certainly let him know it. “What about you Conner? What do you want?” I tried for my best flirtatious tone. His raised his eyebrow and looked on me. A mischievous look crossed his face. He stared at me like he was seeing straight through me. It made me nervous. His lips pulled into a half smirk.

“A kiss,” he said so seductively, that my checks flushed. 

“What?” I did not understand. Perhaps I did not hear him correctly. Why would he possible want to kiss me? This man was flustering me.

“You heard me correctly Francesca. If I win I want a kiss.” Dull light glinted off his playful blue eyes. He must have seen the confusion on my face. “I understand if you think you cannot win. Maybe the wager is too steep for you,” he said plucking a piece of lint from the lapel of his jacket. He was wearing a soft blue suit that made his eyes stand out brilliantly. He was trying to goad me! No the odds were certainly in my favor and I could not let him know that his wager bothered me. I approached him wanting to wipe the teasing look from his smug, handsome face. I stood inches away from him and held my hand out for him to shake. 

“I accept the terms and your wager, Conner.” His look changed to one of delight. He placed his hand against mine.
 

“Tomorrow after breakfast then, oh and just so you know Francesca,” my breath hitched as he pulled me into him since he was still gripping my hand. He leaned close to my ear and I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin. His lips touched my ear as he whispered, “you did not have to wager a secret. I would have answered any question you asked me.” He pulled back just as suddenly, leaving me wanting that closeness.
 

My heart raced under the intensity of his pale blue eyes. A half grin crossed his face, as he released my hand.
 

Turning to leave, he paused at the doorway. Speaking over his shoulder. “See you at dinner.”

Deep breath
s,
 I told myself after he left.

Chapter 5

To Cover Up a Lie

That night, dinner flew by until my father and Lilly retired for the evening leaving Steven, Conner and I alone for dessert. I cast my eyes towards Conner. It was the first time all evening that I had allowed myself to risk a glance in his direction for fear that someone notice the anticipation in my eyes. Like he sensed it, his gaze turned immediately to me. The intensity of his eyes held me until Steven spoke, breaking the connection.
 

“Thank you for covering for me today.”
 

“It was no trouble Steven,” Conner replied turning his attention back to his dessert of apple pie.
 

“Well, tomorrow I need to make another trip into town. It should be a short one. If you want to come along we can look around town once I am done?”
 

Conner did not even hesitate in his reply. “Actually Steven,” Conner turned looking at me then back to Steven, “Francesca has agreed to show me around on horseback tomorrow, perhaps some other time?” Butterflies stared fluttering in my stomach. He wanted to spend the day with me. I could not believe it. I figured at the very least Conner was bored and that was the reasoning behind his wager. What with Steven's constant business to town, that none of us knew anything about. But here Steven was offering up an alternative and Conner was refusing without wavering. Could he really want to spend the day with me? More than that, could he really want to kiss me? God I hope he did. I took a deep breath steadying my heart before it got away from me.

“Of course, some other time perhaps,” Steven said, taking the last bite of his dessert, he stood stretching his muscles. “Well, I am off to bed then.” Within seconds he was gone. I looked over at Conner, his penetrating blue eyes resting on me. 

“You know, we can forgo our plans tomorrow so you can leave with Steven?” I was not sure why I said that. I did not want him to go with Steven. I wanted to spend the day with him, but I felt the need to make it known that he was not required to follow through with plans he made out of boredom.

“Trying to get out of our wager, are you?” His response took me by surprise, I felt my cheeks flush. 
Complete opposite actually
, I thought to myself. “You know Francesca, if you are really that afraid of losing, I will let you out of it. No hard feelings.”
Afraid?
I was certainly not going to let him make me out the scared little girl. 

“Absolutely not! I only hoped to save you the embarrassment of losing to me tomorrow, but we made a deal Conner and I plan on following through with it.”
 

“Glad to hear it,” he said stepping up away from his chair. “Let me walk you to your room, so I can make sure you get there safe and that you do not try to make a run for it,” he taunted raising his eyebrow mockingly at me.
 

As much as I wanted to let him walk me to my room, I knew he was still toying with me.
 

“That will not be necessary Conner. I am more than capable of finding my own way.” I did not hide the small bit of hostility I felt for the way he continued to tease me. I rose from my chair and began to walk past him when his hand grabbed my arm. It tingled slightly from the contact. His fierce blue gaze captured my eyes and I knew he felt it too.

“I know you are capable, Francesca, but allow me the honor of escorting you.” There was no humor behind his words. His gracious tone caught me unaware. All I could do was nod my head. He laced my fingers around his arm then began leading me to my room. Being that close to him, made my breathing accelerated. I tried to do my best to steady it without much success. 

The walk up the stairs seemed to take longer than normal. Perhaps it was adrenaline rushing through my veins that I was working so hard to control or the fact that I never wanted to make it to my room because I knew when I did I would then have to release my hold on Conner and I was enjoying his companionship. At last, we stood at my door, which now that I was there the time seemed to have passed too quickly. With much disappointment, I released my grasp on Conner's arm. I placed my hand on the doorknob and cracked the door before I spun to face him.
 

“Thank you, Conner, for making sure I got to my room safely.” I struggled to conceal the smile that was making an attempt to appear on my face. It was a silly notion, I thought, nothing could possibly happen to me from the dining room to here.
 

“My pleasure, Francesca,” he whispered, capturing my hand and planting his lips against my knuckles. I froze, reveling in the fact the Conner's lips were touching me. Part of me hoped that tomorrow I would lose just so his warm lips could be pressed to mine. His blue eyes anchored to mine never breaking contact. Releasing my hand, he whispered, “Until tomorrow,” before turning to head towards his room.
 

I quickly maneuvered into my room placing my back against the door before my legs gave out. I slid down to the floor my breathing ragged and fast.
 
Oh no, what was happening to me?

* * *

I made my way down to the dining room for breakfast, but I was not the first one to arrive. Steven's gray eyes stared at me as I entered the room.

“Good morning Steven. Do you have another favor to ask of me?” I said as I took my seat, not letting my gaze leave him. “I am afraid my time is still rather limited today.”
 

He looked as if he was trying to figure out whether to say something. Finally, he shook his head clearing his thoughts. “Yes, I do have another favor, but just like last time this will not require anything of you.”
 

“Alright Steven, let's hear it,” I sighed.
 

“Let my mother think I am spending the day with you and Conner, continuing the tour of the property”
 

“Why should I do that?” I was completely overwhelmed with curiosity. What was he hiding?
 

“For one, it will hide questions about you and Conner being alone together, without a chaperone and two I will owe you one. Whenever you need a favor of me, I will be there to help you too.”
 

Hmm...
A favor would be nice and I had not thought about how Conner and I would be able to leave the house, alone, without any questions. 

“I cannot lie, Steven,” I said reluctantly. “It is not a moral stand point. I quite literary cannot lie. They will be able to see straight through me.”
 

“Do not worry about it. I will take care of everything.”

Shortly after our conversation, the others came in to begin breakfast. When Conner stepped in, my eyes immediately fell on him, and a soft noise escaped my throat, making my breath catch. The sight of him was still overpowering. 
Darn it!

I broke my stare to look anywhere but at him when I noticed Steven's eyes resting on me. He had one eyebrow raised in a questioning way.
 
Oh no
! 
He had seen my reaction to Conner and that was not good.

Eventually, he broke his sight away from me to wish his mother a good morning. I took that as my chance to risk a glance at Conner as he took his seat next to me.
 

“Good morning, Francesca,” he whispered letting his eyes dance across my expression.
 

“Good morning,” I breathed quickly then turned my face away before he could see the blush spreading across my features. I thought I heard a light chuckle coming from him but I did not dare risk a glance to see.
 

“What are your plans for today, darling?” Lilly asked Steven.
 

“Well, Francesca has agreed to show Conner and myself the entire property today, on horseback.”
 

I saw Conner through the corner of my eye. He was staring questionable at Steven. I realized we had not had time to inform him of Steven's lie. I reached under the table and faintly squeezed his hand that was resting on his knee. He turned to me, blue eyes sparkled with question. I gave the barest shake of my head too small for anyone but him to notice. His eyes widened then; he understood. I went to release him but he gripped my hand tighter. His thumb raked over my knuckles causing desire to build in me. I was enjoying his touch. I licked my lips because they suddenly felt dry, but other than that I refused to move. I was too worried someone would notice my reaction. Conner reluctantly relinquished his hold when he noticed I was frozen. I turned facing him and gripped his hand quickly wanting to convince him that my reaction to him was not a negative one. He squeezed my hand reassuringly before I took it back from him. I hesitantly continued eating my breakfast even though my appetite had all but evaporated. Any question Lilly asked, Steven answered without hesitation, which I was glad. He was good at this, perhaps a little too good.

“Well,” Steven said, “we had better be on our way. Oh, and do not expect us for lunch. I already asked Mary to make us a small picnic basket.” 

Picnic? That was a brilliant idea. Why had I not thought of that? Perhaps because my thoughts had been so overrun with Conner that I had not giving myself time to think of anything else. I really desperately desired help with my obsessive infatuation with him. It could not be healthy.

“Francesca? Conner? Shall we?” I wiped my mouth on the napkin and stood to follow them. 

Once we were by the front door Steven asked, “Francesca, do you mind waiting for Mary to bring you the picnic basket while we go down and get the horses ready?”
 

“Of course not,” I was not sure why the basket was not already prepared. Steven had been sitting at the table waiting for me this morning. The kitchen had plenty of time to prepare it. Or so I thought.
 

Once the boys left, I turned toward the kitchen deciding not to wait for Mary. I wanted to see what the complication was.