Read Online July (The Year of The Change Book 1) by Kathryn Gilmore - Free Book Online Page B

I cringed and worried about the rift I was going to gouge between the brothers. I was a walking battlefield.
    Barbara turned to me. “Have you ever ridden, Sylvia?” She gestured to the horses.
    Riding horses had been my favorite thing to do. In the wide open spaces all around the dry desert land and surrounding dusty dirt roads outside of Houston, Texas I was as free as a bird.
    “Yes, I used to ride all the time when I lived with my grandparents.”
    “Well then, I’m sure the boys wouldn’t mind taking you riding.” She glanced over at Kevin with a twinkle in her eyes.
    Kevin didn’t waste time and jumped on the invitation. “I’d be glad to take you out.”
    I looked at Dad who frowned.
    Kevin spoke to Dad. “We have a very gentle mare, she would be safe.”
    Dad didn’t have to say anything. I had to be the one to decline. I didn’t want to, I wanted to go for a ride and have some fun with Kevin, to flirt and be playful. I wanted Kevin to chase me and I wanted to let him catch me. Sigh.
    Instead I was dutiful and lied. “That’s very nice of you, but I’d rather not.” Another lie told for the sake of The Change. I didn’t like the taste of it on my tongue.
    His smile turned down. “Well, if not horses then I could take you for a ride in my new car and show you the area.” His smile was back with enthusiasm. He had a very alluring smile with the most beautiful full lips.
    Mentally I shook myself.
    I wanted to go for a ride with him, but once again I was dutiful. “I really don’t want to be in a car, but thank you for offering.” After a glance at Dad I looked down at my big feet and felt like such a heel when Kevin was being so nice. I hoped that he could see that I really did appreciate his offer.
    I needed a way out and Dad was no help. He and Jim were back talking about some Nebraska vs. Oklahoma game that was coming up. Sue had wandered off to keep the twins out of trouble. She didn’t want any part of this.
    Barbara came to my rescue. “I can imagine with all the driving ahead of you the idea of being in a car isn’t very appealing.” I really liked Barbara. “How about cards or board games?” It sounded safe. “’Sides, we have air conditioning in the house. It’s more comfortable.”
    It wasn’t all that bad outside. It had been a good ten degrees hotter when we left Oklahoma
    “That sounds like fun.” Enthusiasm was hard to muster. I would have rather stayed outside. I would have rather done a lot of things, but couldn’t. I peeked at Kevin and stifled a groan.
    He wasn’t frowning any more. I was sure he preferred his idea of the car ride. “Yeah, we have lots of games.”
    Too bad I couldn’t explain all of this to him so he didn’t think I was such a wet blanket.
    Mark and Randy heard our plans and came over with the twins trailing behind. They wanted to play, too. We all walked back to the house, Mark and Kevin on either side of me. With one last look over my shoulder at their beautiful horses, I was forced by The Change to go inside on such a beautiful day. Dad gave me a ‘be careful’ look and stayed behind us.
    Gram told me I would have to give up much this year. December couldn’t come soon enough. I missed my grandmother.

Playing Games
     
    Inside the house, the guys tried to lead me down to the basement.
    I stopped abruptly at the top of the stairs, both hands clutching the handrail. “Uh … Can’t we play up here?” My face heated with those pathetic words.
    The others looked at me like I was crazy. I backed away towards the living room where my bodyguard was headed.
    Mark piped up. “It’s cooler downstairs and we have a game table.”
    “Uh, ya’ll go ahead. I’ll go read my book.” Kevin stayed by my side as I kept backing up. I swallowed hard.
    It was obvious they weren’t thinking well of me. Doing this was the pits and I could only hope The Change would keep them from hating me.
    Kevin looked at me puzzled. “We can play upstairs until