Read The Wild Belle for Free Online Page B

Comet in the direction of her lake.
    As Andi rode closer to the lake she could hear splashing. Who would be swimming in her lake? She pulled back on the reins to stop Comet. She slid down the horse and tied her off at a nearby tree next to a small stream.
    Andrea cautiously made her way over to the large live oak at the back of the lake. Climbing up on the large low-hanging branches, she made her way to the water. She was taken by surprise. There was a stranger swimming in her lake! No, not just a stranger, but a man! Her cheeks began to burn with embarrassment when she noticed that he was unclothed. She turned to leave, but then a thought hit her—this must be Egbert!
    An evil smile crossed her beautiful face. If she made herself appear too outspoken and brazen for this English lord, then he would refuse to have her for a bride. Last summer when she traveled to Charleston with her father, she had met several English ladies. They were all sophisticated and well behaved. None were outspoken. They were refined and elegant, with pristine, translucent complexions and sweet demeanors.
    Andrea lowered her body to sit down on the low-hanging branch just above the water. She bent her knees and rolled her pant legs up exposing her firm calf and took off her shoes. Tossing her shoes to the dry bank, she allowed one leg to lower into the water. She began making noise by swirling her foot in the cool water.
     
    * * * *
     
    Michael watched the beautiful creature perched on the low-hanging branch. She was dressed as a boy, but her long blond hair blowing in the breeze gave away her gender. Michael watched the woman look at her foot swirling in the water. She would turn it in clockwise circles and then reverse directions. Her right knee was bent and she had her forearm resting on it with her chin cupped in her hand. She turned to face him and looked at him through her long thick lashes, smiling coyly. He sucked in his breath. She was not just beautiful, she was breathtaking. She had a heart-shaped face and high delicate cheekbones. Her wide forehead was lined with long wavy blond curls. She gave a small giggle and crinkled her small upturned nose, then licked her overly sensuous pink lips.
    She said nothing as she stared at him. She was not able to speak. Never in her life had she seen a more handsome man! If this was Egbert, then he must not take after the Peterson side of the family—either that or he wasn’t really a Peterson. His dark brown hair was damp and clung to this square jaw. His eyes held her in place as they scanned her body, and she felt heat enter her.
    Michael swam towards the pixie and stopped several feet away. Her cheeks brightened with embarrassment. He took an exasperated breath.
    “Can I help you?” he asked.
    Andi smiled shamelessly again. “No. Just waitin’,” she replied coyly in a thick southern drawl.
    Michael looked uneasily around. “For whom?”
    “For you.”
    A sensual smile crossed Michael’s face. “For me? How? You don’t even know me.”
    She looked deep into his eyes. Her heart fluttered as she looked into the midnight blue orbs. Licking her lips nervously, she brazenly continued, “No, I don’t. But ya see, I’ve never seen a naked man before and when I saw ya here, I just couldn’t pass up the chance.”
    Michael’s look quickly changed to one of shock. “What?” he asked with agitation to his voice.
    “Ya see, my sister is always tellin’ me what a naked man looks like, but I never believe her—she has a tendency ta over-exaggerate things. So when I saw ya swimmin’ in my lake I decided you would do.”
    “Here now,” Michael protested with notable frustration. “I do not think that would be appropriate, especially since you have now indicated that you are an innocent.”
    “Why does that make a difference, whether or not I’ve been with a man? I’m just wantin’ ta look, not touch.”
    “Well, they go hand in hand.”
    “Do they now?”
    “Yes. So run along