Commander of His Heart (Promise of Forever After Book 4) by Arlem Hawks

Author:Arlem Hawks [Hawks, Arlem]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Love Letter Press
Published: 2020-09-15T16:00:00+00:00

Abysmal. Splendidly abysmal. Collin clasped his hands behind his back but could not keep his fingers from fiddling with the cuffs of his sleeves. Not only had they allowed the French brig to escape last evening, but if they’d caught up, the crew clearly would not have put up much of a fight. This morning the men milled about in near chaos before him as they tried to practice under Cyrus’s directions.

They’d drilled with the guns only once since departing Chatham three weeks ago. What a fool he was not to think of practicing more. The gun crews had assembled awkwardly yesterday evening when they’d spotted the French brig, partially thanks to Cyrus’s inexperience. The Teaspoon hadn’t cooperated, either. Luckily for the crew, they’d lost sight of the other boat before they could engage.

Lieutenant Greetham’s sneer from the dockyard flashed across his mind. The man would have watched the display with glee at Collin’s struggle.

He paced the quarterdeck, half listening to Cyrus’s instructions to the gun crews. Mr. Riley’s deep voice carried from the forecastle. Even at a distance, Collin could hear frustration in the gunner’s usually calm tone. A few days of practice, and they’d pull together. Collin had to believe it, as they’d continued their course in the direction of the other brig and very well could have a battle on their hands soon. He hoped it had returned to dock, but they needed to make certain. Patrolling the coast was their assignment and bringing home a prize, even a small one, would boost morale. Not to mention the respect he’d earn.

Collin gave the call to load the cannons. He hadn’t seen Mrs. Kinsley that morning. Cyrus said she was working below, and Collin didn’t dare disturb her. He couldn’t shake from his thoughts the fire of indignation in her eyes when he’d insisted she go below yesterday evening. Collin rubbed his brow as he watched the crew clumsily loading the guns with powder, some of them cursing at the others’ lack of understanding and speed. How could she understand that it had nothing to do with his confidence in her abilities and everything to do with his fear for her safety?

Did he want her to understand? Collin puckered his mouth, turning his back on the struggling seamen. She wanted him to treat her like the rest of the men, or at least the other warrant officers. But she wasn’t really an officer. And not a seaman either, despite her hefty knowledge of ships and life at sea. He blew out heavily. All his years in the navy leading up to this moment were meant to prepare him for taking command. His superiors hadn’t covered how to handle a woman on the crew.

Not that she needed handling. She was confident, in her unassuming way, and any difficulties with the crew had come from their lack of experience, not her abilities. The corner of his lips pulled upward as he remembered their evening conversations. She had a dry wit that flickered to life after sunset, and her interest in him was flattering, if not endearing.

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