Free The Wild Belle by Lora Thomas

door.
    “Ya titled, too?” the Colonel stated, echoed by Stephen’s, “You’re a lord?”
    Michael sighed in frustration. Just what this group of individuals needed, more ammunition against him. He could sense their hatred towards England. “No. I do not have a title. My father is an Earl, yes. And his title will go to my oldest brother, Eli. But he is not very welcome in England since he only occasionally attends the meetings at the House of Lords and never makes appearances at any social functions.”
    Before anyone could reply to his statement, Andi called, “If you’re comin’, then come on. Or do I get to tell everyone that you cheated and were afraid of a rematch because ya know you’ll lose.”
    “I’m comin’, Andi. Christ. Don’t get yerself all riled up,” Higgins answered. Standing, he walked towards the back, the other patrons following on his heels.
    “Come on. This I’ve got to see,” Stephen told Michael as he followed the group.
    When they exited the back of the tavern, Michael noticed two wooden boards set up in the back. Each board had the back end elevated and a hole cut near the top of each board. He watched Andi bend over and her brown pants pulled tight over her backside. He swallowed hard. She was a tantalizing woman. She picked up four black bags and tossed them at Higgins.
    Stephen walked over to Andi and leaned over. He whispered low into her ear, so no one could hear, “Thought you were tending Nellie?”
    She turned and smiled sweetly at her soon-to-be brother-in-law. “Just an excuse. Sally told me the Earl was comin’ for supper and I don’t want to socialize with him.” Her green eyes darkened a shade. “Can you believe that my parents have me engaged to him?”
    Stephen looked at her with confusion in his eyes. “I think you’re mistaken—”
    “No! I know who he is. Now, I must make myself as unappealing as possible so he will not want to marry me.” She turned away from Stephen and picked up the remaining corn-filled bags.
    Stephen smiled maliciously at Andi. If she thought Michael was the Peterson’s nephew, he was not going to correct her. She had teased him mercilessly and pulled too many pranks on him for him to forget. Now, it was time for his revenge. He looked Michael’s way. In no way did that handsome man resemble the Peterson’s homely nephew.
    He walked away and stood with Michael. He wanted to see this rematch. Higgins always won at cornhole. Stephen knew that Andi had been practicing. He would watch the match and then escort Michael back to the Double Oasis . Then maybe sneak a visit with his lovely fiancée.

Chapter Seven
     
    Michael watched the lovely blond-haired woman. She took a slow, deep breath and held it, and with an underhand toss, sent the tan corn-filled sack sailing towards the wooden plank. The sack hit with a loud rattling thud and slid into the hole. A cat-like smile crossed her sensuous lips. She tilted her head cockily towards her opponent and held up her final sack.
    “That slider makes us tied. And I have one bag left,” she taunted arrogantly.
    “You’ll miss, Andi. Ya always do,” Higgins countered.
    Andi just smiled sweetly at the man. Turning to face the board, she took another slow deep breath, concentrating on the task at hand. She drew her arm back to toss the sack, but Higgins began coughing loudly. She looked at him out of the corner of her eyes. He continued coughing. She turned her head towards him.
    “Are you quite finished?” she asked, annoyance apparent in her voice. Higgins grinned sheepishly at Andi and nodded his head. “Oh, and, Higgins, if you cheat, it’s an automatic win for me.”
    Higgins loudly groaned while Andi took her position. Bouncing the sack several times in her hand, she accustomed her reflexes to the weight. She took a breath and tossed the sack. It landed on the board and slid past the hole towards the edge. Andi cringed as she watched her sack slide towards the edge and then stop