The Reading Garden - Historical10

Important notice: All excerpts have been submitted by the author.

Author: Julie Moffett

"Ye knew all along how to play chess," Megan accused him, her eyes flashing with anger. "'Twas naught but a ruse. Ye tricked me."

"I tricked you?" Rolf said with a significant lifting of his brows. "Was it I who suggested the wager against a player whom I thought I could easily best?"

"But ye played badly on purpose."

"Consider it a strategy -- a lesson to take to heart. I didn't see you playing so expertly that first game either, although I could sense you held yourself back. If you must know, you are a most formidable opponent, when you play to your abilities."

"Ye ... ye, Englishman," she exploded, bestowing the worse of all curses on him. "I should have never agreed to play chess wi' ye."

"Ah, but you did, my dear."

Slowly he unfolded himself from the chair, stretching his sleek, muscular frame like a panther. He walked to the hearth, bending over and adding another few squares of peat to the fire. Finally he straightened and turned to look at her.

"Come here, Megan," he commanded softly, motioning with the crook of his finger. "I believe it is time to honor your wager."

Megan looked at him with wide eyes, her courage faltering. "N-nay," she whispered, her voice shaking unnaturally. "'Twas wrong o' me to make such a wager. I can't honor it. I simply don't think I could bear it."

"Bear what?" he asked sharply.

"Being k-kissed ... by ye."

He frowned, raising his maimed hand. "You mean being kissed by a cripple."

She blinked in surprise, her brow drawing into a frown. "Nay, I mean being kissed by ... an Englishman." The soft burr in her voice deepened with anxiety. "I'm certain 'twill be most horrible."

Rolf suddenly began to laugh. "So that is what troubles you?" he asked. When she nodded, a slow smile stretched across his face. "Come here, Megan. Let me show you what it is like to be kissed by an Englishman." © 1997

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*About the author: I wrote my first story when I was four years old. It was all about a handsome prince and a beautiful princess who lived in a faraway land. They met, fell in love and lived happily ever after. My mom still has the story and occasionally takes it out to read it. I guess I was destined to write romances. Even at four, I knew I wanted a happy ending!

I published my first book in 1993. I was at my 10 year class reunion a few years earlier (gee, did I just give away my age??) when someone asked me what goal I had yet to accomplish. I immediately answered, "Write a novel." After that, I just couldn't stop thinking about it. I decided to get serious and checked out several books on writing. After deciding what kind of book to write (historical romance) and doing the research, I began to write. I haven't stopped since!

I have a B.A. in Political Science and Russian Language from Colorado College and a M.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. I'm a reporter for an international radio station in Washington and greatly enjoy the work, although it can be quite stressful at times.

I've been married to a terrific guy from Poland since 1991 and have a two-year old son who is unquestionably the light of my life! I'm also a military brat and love to travel - hence, my interest in languages and history.

I absolutely LOVE to hear from readers, so you can either write to me at: P.O. Box 10001, Alexandria, VA 22310 or e-mail me. Happy Reading!!

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