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    The First Mate's Lady
    The First Mate's Lady
    The First Mate's Lady
    Ebook80 pages1 hour

    The First Mate's Lady

    By Stephanie Payne Hurt

    5/5

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    About this ebook

    Tom Breckin knew the moment he saw the masked woman across the dance floor that he'd lost his heart. Then she disappeared only to reappear as a stowaway on his ship. What would he do with a woman on a pirate ship? Things are about to get interesting, but very dangerous.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherStephanie Payne Hurt
    Release dateJun 19, 2016
    ISBN9781310542763
    The First Mate's Lady
    Author

    Stephanie Payne Hurt

    Stephanie Payne Hurt has been writing stories since she was a teenager, but only started publishing her work in 2012, 30 years later. The romance genre drew her in at an early age. Since 2012 she's published over 35 Romance novels/novellas.Stephanie is a busy lady. She's a Children's Minister, Accountant, wife, and mother along with a blogger and writer, along with starting a publishing service called Horseshoe Publishing alongside her publisher. It's been an exciting ride and she looks forward to what the future holds for her writing.Currently, she writes romance ranging from Christian, Contemporary, Suspense and Cowboy. Her work is available at many online retailers, on her website, and in a bookstore in Zebulon, Georgia near her home.Come by and visit her at http://www.stephaniehurtauthor.com/ and subscribe to get updates and release dates, also her monthly newsletter!

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    • 5/5
      It’s a great short about love at first sight and happiness

    Book preview

    The First Mate's Lady - Stephanie Payne Hurt

    Sequel to Safe in the Pirate’s Arms

    The First Mate’s Lady

    By:

    Stephanie Payne Hurt

    The First Mate’s Lady ©2016 Stephanie Payne Hurt

    Smashword Edition

    Horseshoe Publishing

    Cover Designer: Kaleigh Payne

    Any person mentioned in this book is not based on any person, living or nonliving.

    This book is a work of fiction. This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher.

    Sign up for my newsletter at www.stephaniehurtauthor.com to keep up with upcoming events and new releases.

    Also, come by and join my Street Team for chances to win books, get to read chapters before their release and get to know me on a more personal level. All the information is on my website!

    Chapter 1

    Tom Breckin stood at the helm as the ship came into port. It had been a long two months at sea and he was looking forward to the masquerade ball at Caleb’s house. Caleb Tanner was the most well-known ship captain around and for the last month he’d been on his honeymoon with his new wife, Serena. Tom took charge of the ship, but only until Caleb returned to the helm.

    As the sails were hauled in and the men prepared the ship for docking, Tom rubbed his jaw, deep in thought. His life was full with the sea life, but since Caleb, his best friend, had married and looked so at ease, he wanted that for himself. But a man didn’t find a woman at sea.

    Two hours later, Tom set off for Caleb’s house. He had a room there and looked forward to the awaiting bath. He was met at the front door by the happy couple, glad he was home. The party was doubling as their reception, since they’d never had one. Tom took the stairs two at a time, heading to his room for a little rest. The large tub stood in front of the fireplace, filled with scented water. Now this was what he needed.

    After a long soak, he dressed and went down to the party which was in full swing. He moved around the room, greeting several old friends as he went. His gaze moved across the dance floor, meeting the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. Stopping in his tracks, he watched the woman in a gold and silver mask. For a long moment, Tom forgot how to breathe.

    Before he knew what was happening, he was walking toward her. Reaching out, he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. As he bowed to her, she dipped down, smiling beneath the mask. Her eyes never left his as they danced, both pulled into the moment. The music drifted into another song, neither noticing. When he tightened his embrace, she pushed out of his arms, almost running from the room.

    Tom raced after her, finding her at the garden wall. She didn’t look his way as he touched her shoulder. Sweet lady, I know you felt the same draw I did. Please look at me with those blue eyes that make a man lose his senses.

    Kaly turned, but when her eyes looked up into his, they were filled with sadness. Sir, I felt nothing and if I did, I wouldn’t dare say so, for fear that it would give you the wrong idea. Please forgive me, but I must leave.

    Can I please know your name, for your beauty mesmerizes me. Tom reached out to lift her hand to his lips.

    As this is a masquerade ball, I prefer to stay a mystery to you. Kaly looked up into his searching eyes, causing her heart to flutter wildly in her chest. She knew who this man was. Kaly had watched him from the docks earlier. He was the most handsome man she’d ever seen, but she could never be anything more than she was to him now, a mystery.

    Please, my lady, remove your mask so that I may look upon your full beauty. Tom reached up, removing his mask. I need to see your face.

    Kaly smiled, then she reached up to caress his handsome cheek. Then pushing up on her toes, she touched her lips to his, feeling his surprised smile caress hers. Tom pulled her against him, deepening the kiss. Kaly felt sad, knowing this would be the only kiss they’d ever share, for she would disappear afterwards.

    Tom pulled back, looking down at her blues eyes, the moon dancing in the tears that filled them. He reached out to wipe away the tear that escaped. What could put such sad tears in such beautiful eyes?

    This you shall not know, but know that you’ve made me happy, for just this moment, but I must leave you. Kaly pulled out of his arms, turning to go.

    Don’t go. Tom said as he pulled her back, close to him.

    Sir, you don’t know the reasons I must leave you, but know this, if I ever set eyes on you again, I shall never leave you. Kaly knew she’d never see him again, but she enjoyed the hope in his eyes. It made her feel like maybe he would help her.

    Tis a promise I hope you’ll keep, for I’ll search for you in all my endeavors. Tom saw the desperation in her eyes, so he released her arm, letting her slip into the shadows beyond the garden. For a long while, he watched the darkness, hoping she’d return, but knowing she wouldn’t. That lady, beautiful and enchanting as she was, had something to run from, but what?

    He made his way back into the ball, finding Caleb and Serena at the edge sipping punch. Caleb, the young woman I was dancing with, who was she?

    Caleb turned and grinned, I’d have thought you knew by the way you two were dancing. I didn’t recognize her, did you my love? He turned to his wife.

    "No, I’d never seen her before.

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