July (The Year of The Change Book 1) (49 page)

Another thirty minutes and we stumble -- in Destiny’s case literally -- across the correct trail.  Mike helped Destiny stand as he grinned at her.  She blushed and turned a dazzling smile of gratitude on him.  He didn’t miss it and reciprocated with an impressive smile of his own.

Oh, just gag me! Envy lifted its ugly head and I had to beat it back down.

I stole a glance at Eli. He’d been staring, but quickly looked away. Was he affected or hoping he wouldn't get stuck with me?

What would it be like if I’d fallen and Eli helped me up? Our eyes would meet. I would smile up at him as he looked deep into my eyes where we would find a bonding connection. Now there was a fantasy! I snorted at myself. The reality was that if I wasn't going through The Change he would have frowned, not wanting to touch me. I liked my fantasy better.

Eli pointed down the path. “Follow this path and it’ll take you all the way to the trail head.”

He turned without another word and disappeared into the trees. Literally. Man he was quick. He was gone so fast I didn’t have time to thank him.

Mike smiled with a shrug. “Eli’s in a hurry.  We have to be going. I’ll see you around, at least at school.  Just four more weeks until we have to go back. The new school is great, I’ve seen it.”

From somewhere deep in the trees: “Mike!  Let’s go!” Eli wasn’t a patient person.

Turning back to Mike I placed my hand on his arm – not thinking of what could have happened -- before he could run off too. “Thanks so much for coming along and saving us.  I don’t know what we would’ve done without you.” Too bad I couldn’t have gotten this close to Eli. I wanted to see if he really was who I thought he was. If he is, why did I know him, or was that, why did I know 'of him'?

Mike grinned and looked down, a little embarrassed. “Hey, no worries, glad we were here to help.”

“Please tell Eli thank you.” I smiled and Destiny leaned over and hugged him.

“Mike!” Still impatient.

“Gotta go, bye.”  Mike backed up into the trees, turned and was gone too.

They both disappeared so quickly it was as though it were a dream. And what a dream it was!

We turned the direction that Eli had pointed and continued on down the trail. There was fear lurking in the back of my head that we would get lost again. I didn’t have the kind of luck needed for Eli to be there again to rescue me … us.

Destiny talked about how cute Mike was while I stayed deep in thought.  She jabbered on barely making reference to Eli, but that was okay because I had Eli on the brain enough for the both of us.

When we arrived home I dragged Destiny up to my room and she came even though she was exhausted.  When we were in the attic with the door securely closed I went to one of the boxes I hadn’t completely unpacked yet.  Inside was the manila envelope I was looking for. I pulled out all the pictures I’d drawn of my Native American men and spread them across my bed. Destiny gasped. Before her were at least fifty pictures of Eli. They were all different poses. She looked at the dates on them then looked at me with wonderment.  My smile broadened as she did understand what I was showing her. She noted that Eli’s hair was longer in the earlier pictures and that I had his hairstyle from today in the pictures that had been drawn in the last two weeks. We shuffled through them and now more than ever I wanted to display them.

At the bottom of the box I retrieved the push pins. Destiny helped me hang them up. Along with Eli’s pictures I decided to hang up the other dark haired man, with the tawny stripe, as well. Not with Eli’s pictures but on the other side.  There weren’t as many so they could hang on the smaller space between the closet door and the bathroom door. Finally my room was beginning to look like home. With the last picture up I studied the second man. Maybe, just maybe the second man was real too. Wouldn’t that be something?

Here’s a sample of Kathryn’s first book in The Gown Series

Chapter One

Brinker pushed away from his massive desk and rose from the dark leather executive chair. Stretching to his full imposing height he walked to his built-in bar, flexing his muscles as though they were tight.

Kelly allowed her eyes to follow. He hadn't lost any of his granite toning from his days on the gridiron. She appreciated Brinker's interesting packaging with its many promises, although he was too easy to read: one of her easiest reads since she started her career.

Nice packaging, nonetheless
. In his case, though, the contents didn't stand up to the asking price.

A dark brown lock fell across his brow as he tipped a glass at her. "Wanna drink?"

She dragged her gaze from his wavy tress to glare into his large, hazel eyes. He shrugged and turned to pour from a crystal bottle.

Yeah, he's going to need the artificial boost,
Kelly thought with pity for his crutch.

Beside him, a glass case running the width of the wall held mementos of his days gone by. Even though the shelves showcased large football awards, he kept his favorite trophies in a little black book. He looked into the mirrored case, spotted his reflection and ran his fingers through his perfect hair. His vanity disgusted Kelly. He turned to face her, a smile in place.

Brinker waved his glass. "Charlotte was impressed, so what's the big deal?"

It had been an easy enough meeting, Kelly remembered; the older woman had seemed receptive to him. But then again, this was easy to assume since all women were. The memory cleared. No, the woman had been politely interested. "You think our new client,
Mrs
. Deblichek, was
impressed
with your innuendos?"

He flashed a thousand-watt smile. "Of course she was, they all are."

Kelly slowly shook her head in disbelief. "You're the most conceited man I've ever known."

"That's because I'm the best."

She snorted. "You're not even fifth on the rung."

He drew near. "I'm better than you think." Brinker's eyes narrowed, but Kelly saw the blaze and felt the boiling vibes rolling off his ego. Any more obvious and he would have growled.

Then I would have to slap his nose and tell him "bad dog”.
Kelly fought back a grin.

His advances, as of late, had grown more blatant. An underling told Kelly how Brinker boasted that he would tame Kelly and put her in his bed where she belonged. He’d as much chance of that as buying Husker season football tickets on a home game day. The tattle amused her even though she didn't believe the young whelp at first. She took the time to observe and saw how her indifference stimulated Brinker. She conceded to the thought that she’d become a well-needed challenge for the spoiled child. His good looks didn't interest her though. She needed more substance than he could provide.

She sighed, holding her ground. She wouldn't let him push her into something she would definitely regret later. She would in no way run to his arms, and she certainly wouldn't run from him.

He studied Kelly for a moment before reaching out to run his fingers along her arm. Kelly knew the move. He did it with all the women. Narrowing her eyes, she stared him down and he withdrew his hand. Smart move on his part.

He was taking too much of her time and it irritated her. "Just because you have most of the women drooling over you doesn't make you the best."

"It gives me an advantage." He grinned as he took a swig.

"It gives you a reputation, that's all." Kelly's frustration boiled up, threatening to expose itself.

"It's well earned." His eyebrows twitched and Kelly rolled her eyes. "But it's not the only reputation I have," he countered.

Shifting to her back foot Kelly crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh yeah, your glory days. You can't sit on your laurels forever, Brinker, they grow thorns."

He lifted his chin and pulled his shoulders back. "The guys appreciated it at the Anderson meeting. It was my entertaining the two partners with my
glory days
that got us that account."

Her voice rose. "It was hard work and thorough preparation that got us the Anderson account." Kelly reined back her irritation.

"That's not what the guys said." He smirked and took another sip.

The memory of how he’d dazzled the two nerdy men with his football stories and how all the bosses congratulated only him grated her nerves. But she kept her emotions in check that time. Taggert, in particular, had oozed all over Brinker. The older CEO barely acknowledging three months of hard work, of which Brinker did none. At least a dozen talented people worked sixty hour weeks to get ready for this presentation, only to be overshadowed by Taggert’s pompous golf buddy. She still rankled at the thought. Top management's coddling of Brinker was the real problem. She would have to do something about their interference.

She focused on Brinker. "Yeah, the good ole boys." Brinker dropped his face to hers and his grin briefly disappeared. "At this moment you're their favorite toy, but that won't last forever. It won't be long before they find a new shiny plaything to dangle in front of other clients. Then you'll gather dust on a shelf." She flicked her fingers dismissively.

She watched as he schooled his face, propping up a smile that then twisted into a lopsided grimace. He had potential. Too bad he took the easy path, which gave him no points with Kelly.

Something diverted her from his internal struggle. What caught her eye? Ah, sheen dewed on his perfect features. She had him and they both knew it.

It was getting late and after having to yell at him for half an hour, she was bored. Coming back to his stupid stunt with a new client and his woeful lack of preparation, she jabbed her finger into his hard chest, backing him against his prized trophy case. Stretching to her full height she glared into his widening eyes. Physically she didn't come close to his mammoth height but she didn't need to. They both knew she was better than him.

"If you can't pull your weight in my department, I'll get someone who can."

Slowly shaking his head, he rolled his eyes. "Kelly, Kelly, you know Taggert won't let you." Ignored, her threat dropped to the thick, brown carpet. As he grinned down at her, she grudgingly had to give him credit for the cool performance. She wondered for a moment if his bravado might not be an act.

Taggert, the CEO and Brinker's golf buddy, headed the “good ole boys”. Taggert would oppose his buddy's removal, and obviously the friendship gave Brinker some false confidence. She felt sorry for him, but not enough to let him off the hook. She could read the doubt in his eyes. The doubt that hovered, waiting to pounce.

Continuing to study his eyes she sized him up.
Another nudge should do it
. "So, you think you're secure?"

"Oh Kelly ..." If he patted her head, she would sucker punch him. "Of course I know I'm secure. I'm going to be
your
boss someday." He smiled serenely, his voice level and strong. He fiddled with his tie.

Hmm, she thought. A bead of sweat appeared between his smooth brows. Finally. Now she would shake the last of his confidence. She was tired of this game.

She leaned in close. For a moment her head swam from his bold cologne.
Need to stay in control.
Kelly took a step back to clear her head.

She slid her hands to her hips and narrowed her eyes. "Security in the corporate world is an illusion. No one is safe, not even Taggert. Produce or I'll drag your worthless hide out to make room for someone who will." Turning in a slow circle, she looked at the overdone office. "This is a nice space with a great view of the capital. I'm sure the next guy will appreciate it more."

Kelly sauntered to the door. It wouldn't do to rush, and he had to see that she controlled his future. As she opened the door, three of the office staff scurried away.

Sometimes she hated her job. Today wasn't one of those times. Bringing Brinker down to size felt good. Maybe now she would get the results out of him everyone said he could deliver. If not, she would replace him. She didn't care what Taggert said.

The next guy might not have as much natural talent, but at least she wouldn’t have Brinker’s massive ego to deal with.

Squaring herself in the doorway she turned back to stare into his crumpled face. "I'm not patient."

She turned. The tide of people parted, and with confident strides, she left Brinker to lick his wounds. She could now move on to more important things. Getting out of these torturous three-inch heels topped her list.

Chapter Two

The two PFCs (Private First Class) stood stone still. Millam, on the right and half a head shorter than Tanyard, seemed to be this side of a grin. Captain Duran wanted to rip something apart in his frustration with Millam. Even at his best 'At Attention' stance, there was always the ghost of 'At Ease' that hovered about the young man. As Millam's captain, it was Duran's duty to teach his charge how to be a good soldier so he could keep himself alive. And every day the private was under his command, Duran had to remind the happy go lucky Millam that his life wasn't his own. His life was far more important than that.

Duran sighed and shook his head. He knew that Millam had so much potential if he would just get out of his own way. But how to get that through Millam's thick skull had become the captain's project and the bane of his existence.

Tanyard, on the other hand, stood rigid and sweated bullets. The younger man, a good kid who didn't have Millam's quick wit and smarts, showed promise. If only he’d chosen a better friend, he wouldn't keep getting in trouble. He was the kind of kid who flocked to the Corps every year, who learned quickly that home wasn't so bad after all. They would do their hitch with honor, then go home and marry their high school sweethearts. Duran could see Tanyard doing that. Now Millam, on the other hand, he could see in the brig.

Duran paced around them, an angry satellite, obviously too close for their comfort. With each circuit Tanyard flinched. At the end of the third orbit, Duran stood before them, his practiced mask firmly in place.

"This stupid stunt of yours is going to cost you!"

Tanyard cringed, saying nothing.

"But sir -"

"Did I tell you to speak” Duran barked. Millam snapped his mouth shut, the first smart thing he'd done this very early morning. "I can't believe any of my men would pull such an asinine trick as the one you two botched pitifully!" He popped the P for emphasize and a drop of spittle landed on Millam’s shoulder.

Millam opened his mouth and Duran glared at him. Millam shut it with an audible snap.

"It was a waste of resources that you two will pay for with sweat." Duran stomped another elliptical circuit, letting the anger build. "Your aim was so bad that you obviously need extra trajectory drills! When you aren't on duty, sleeping, or eating quick-ly, you will report to the officer on duty for drill time!" Millam twitched, but his captain didn't give Millam a chance to make him angrier. "Your life depends on what you do or don't do! Your actions determine the safety of every person in this unit. It was bad enough Gunnery Sergeant Graves got blindsided with your concoction of leftover oatmeal -- and I don't want to know what else -- but not being aware of your surroundings, you also got the colonel. I will not tolerate pranks of any kind! Do you understand me?"

Colonel Broan chewed Duran’s XO (Executive Officer) apart, and then his XO ripped Duran apart for half an hour, before releasing the captain to deal with his testosterone-filled men. Duran could have passed the verbal assault onto his lieutenant to handle, but preferred to deal with these two personally.

"Yes sir!" Tanyard's quavering voice boomed over Millam's, and Duran felt sorry for the young man.

"Good, because every time the colonel reminds me of oatmeal in his hair, I will remind you with extra work details!"

A quiet groan escaped Tanyard, but Millam, though not really smirking, looked satisfied. The captain would have to wipe that almost-smirk off his face for the next month, longer if he had to, until he got it through Millam's thick skull this was no place to goof off. Millam would just have to wait until he was stateside to be stupid.

"Obviously, I'm not keeping you two busy enough. I will alleviate that oversight. Tanyard!" Tanyard's slim build jerked straighter. "Report to Lieutenant Stover for the first of many trajectory drills." The boy didn't budge, his eyes wide and his skin a sickly shade of yellow. "Move it, Marine!"

Tanyard dashed from the tent, which served as Duran's office here in the middle of nowhere.

Turning back to Millam, Duran heaved an exasperated sigh. He didn't know how to inspire his wayward PFC to pull out the greatness that he knew was inside. Duran leaned against his tiny desk, rubbing his eyes.

"Okay, Millam, why the oatmeal attack?"

Millam went slack as he turned to face his captain. "Well, Skip –"

Duran jumped up and shoved his nose in Millam's shocked face. "Did I tell you At Ease Marine?"

Millam snapped to attention. "No sir!"