The Captain's Lady

by Jo Goodman

  “I love you.”

  Alexis’s sigh was as eloquent as the words she might have spoken. She turned in his embrace and rested her head against his chest, her hair fell softly across his shoulder.

  “That sigh. It’s mine forever.”

  “You will have to work just as hard as you did tonight to get it. Does that bother you?”

  He laughed softly in the darkness and bent his head forward, kissing the top of hers. “What do you think?”

  “I think I’ve found everything I ever wanted.”

  “You’re right.”

  And the bitter memories were laid to rest, replaced by a calm acceptance of all that had happened. The kind of peace Alexis had only known in her crow’s nest she found once again in Cloud’s arms. As if sensing her discovery his arm tightened about her waist, assuring her that she had found her place at last.

  Before You Go…

  Thank you for reading The Captain’s Lady by Jo Goodman. We hope you enjoyed the story and will leave a review at your favorite eBook Retailer. Your review helps other readers discover this book and provides valuable feedback to the author.

  Sales and FREE book offers are announced through eBook Discovery. You can receive eBook Discovery’s free Daily eZine and Special Offer alerts by signing up HERE.

  We enjoy hearing from readers and welcome your comments and feedback on The Captain’s Lady. Please contact us via EMAIL at info@epublishingworks.com.

  Happy Reading,

  ePublishing Works!

  Page Ahead for an Excerpt From:

  VELVET NIGHT

  Velvet Night

  Kenna’s question tumbled out again. “Am I a cold woman?”

  Rhys covered the distance to her bed quickly and sat beside her, taking her hands in both of his. When she tried to pull away, he would not let her. “What makes you ask such a thing?”

  That he had not answered her question immediately made Kenna feel as if he were playing for time, searching for a way to spare her. “I don’t know,” she lied. “Sometimes I think I am not as other women,” she said, echoing Victorine’s words. “I don’t think I would suit any man.”

  Not any man, Rhys thought. I don’t want you to suit any man. Only me. “So you think you may be cold, is that it?”

  “Yes.”

  “I could tell you you’re wrong, but then you rarely believe anything I tell you. Why should this be different?”

  “You’re right, of course. I don’t know why I asked you.”

  “I could show you. All you would have to do is feel.”

  “You mean—” But she had only to look at his darkening eyes to know what he meant. “It would be wrong.”

  “Would it?” He doubted anything would be more right any yet he refused to pressure her into something she would regret.

  “Yes.” But there was no certainty in her voice.

  “Very well.” Rhys released her hands and began to edge off the bed.

  Kenna caught the sleeve of his jacket. “No. Don’t leave. I want to know. I must know.”

  “Again, Kenna, why ask me?”

  “There is no one else,” she said simply.

  Rhys had not thought the truth would cut so deeply and he nearly winced with the pain Kenna unwittingly inflicted. He touched her chin with his hand, lifting her face to him. “You haven’t so much as a sliver of ice in your body. Let’s leave it at that.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  “I’ve kissed you, Kenna. I know. And so should you.”

  “But you left me.”

  “I am not such a libertine as you think. On occasion I have a gallant streak. I did not leave you because I found you cold. Quite the opposite, in fact.”

  “Then show me,” she said. “Now.” As an after-thought, she added, “I demand it.”

  Rhys’s laughter was brilliant, softening the hard planes and angles of his face. “You are not so different from the girl I remember,” he said when he caught his breath. “I had thought otherwise.”

  Kenna pushed the comforter aside as she leaned forward. Her white linen gown lay like a whisper against her skin. “I am not a girl any longer,” she said earnestly, willing Rhys to look at her fully and see the truth for himself. “I know what I want.” There was more, much more she could not say, and she could not let Rhys guess the gist of her thoughts. If he suspected how she was using him he would leave her and she would never know if Victorine spoke the truth. It had to be Rhys who introduced her to the rites of loving. If she could respond to him, a man she had reason to despise, then Kenna believed she could respond to anyone. She would not have to remain on the shelf, nor would she be trapped into accepting the only man who had offered for her. Rhys could give her the confidence to leave the cloister she had made of her home. In time, perhaps with the understanding of a loving husband, the nightmares would take care of themselves. “I know,” she repeated, her large dark eyes steady on his face.

  “Do you? Do you really?” He could not lift his glance from her provocative mouth.

  “Must I beg you, Rhys?”

  To purchase

  VELVET NIGHT

  Click HERE to visit your favorite retailer

  OR

  visit the JO GOODMAN eBook Discovery Author Page

  Also by Jo Goodman

  The Dennehy Sisters Series

  Only My Love

  My Heart’s Desire

  Forever in My Heart

  Always in My Dreams

  Only in My Arms

  The McClellan Series

  Crystal Passion

  Seaswept Abandon

  Tempting Torment

  The Thorne Brothers Trilogy

  My Steadfast Heart

  My Reckless Heart

  With All My Heart

  The Marshall Brothers Series

  Her Defiant Heart

  His Heart’s Revenge

  The Compass Club Series

  Let Me Be The One

  Everything I Ever Wanted

  All I Ever Needed

  Beyond A Wicked Kiss

  The Hamilton Family Series

  More Than You Know

  More Than You Wished

  Single Titles

  Scarlet Lies

  Violet Fire

  Sweet Fire

  Velvet Night

  The Captain’s Lady

  About the Author

  Jo Goodman is a licensed professional counselor working with children and families in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. Always a fan of the happily ever after, Jo turned to writing romances early in her career as a child care worker when she realized the only life script she could control was the one she wrote herself. She is inspired by the resiliency and courage of the children she meets and feels privileged to be trusted with their stories, the ones that they alone have the right to tell.

  Once upon a time, Jo believed she was going to be a marine biologist. She knows she is lucky that seasickness made her change course. She lives with her family in Colliers, West Virginia.

  www.jogoodman.com