Free Hearts Aflame Collection III: 4-Book Bundle by Melissa F. Hart Page B

saw no reason to think otherwise.
    She owned the third largest import/export company in the world and had billions to go along with that. What could a man offer her that she couldn’t get with a fun-filled night and a “ don’t call me, I’ll call you” line at the end? After all, men do it, and this was an equal society. At thirty-seven, she was old enough to take charge of her love life, if she had one.
    Despite her money, most men of stature wanted the trophy wife by their side. Someone blonde and slim, petite, pretty to look at, but quiet. This did not describe Lucy at all; she was tall, almost six foot, definitely what one would consider BBW: a big, beautiful, woman. Yes, she had “extra” curves on her curves, but she did not care; when she spoke, she commanded, and got, the attention of all in the room. If the men did not like her for her brains, she did not need them anyhow. She was a tigress, ready to pounce and to dominate, which she did quite well. And she knew she would dominate this new deal and become the second largest shipping company in the world, come hell or high water, and no one was going to stand in her way.
     
    ***
     
    Jake Logan pulled the large cargo ship into the dock and begun the process of unloading the shipping containers. He loved the excitement that came with crossing the ocean with his hull and deck full, only to pull in safe and sound to the port. He loved the sea and all it had to offer, he even joked he had “ land sickness” . He only felt comfortable and at home at the helm of a large ship, which was probably why he had not married yet, to the dissatisfaction of his nagging mother.
    He loved her dearly, yet every call home ended in, “ When am I going to get any grandchildren from you?”
    He laughed her off, yet inside he was yearning to settle down and have kids. Problem was, people did not honor or respect marriage very much anymore. When he married, it would be for good. One woman to share forever with. Jake was waiting for that one special woman; she was out there, somewhere, waiting to find him. She would be extraordinary and be able to endure all his quirks and sea adventures.
    He could well afford a beautiful home for his family now. He had saved his whole life and his mentor, Charles Smith, had sold him ten percent of the Smith Shipping at a much lower price than it was worth.
    Chuck. How he missed him.
    Chuck had been his best friend and had taught him everything he knew about the business. Chuck had made him a deck hand at the age of twenty-one and had kept him under his wing. He really was more of a father than his own father had ever been. Charles had paid for his college education and assured that he not only knew how to run a ship, but also the business end of the company.
    He cleaned up well and could sit at the head of any negotiation table and hold his own; but the sea called his name, and he answered back. That didn’t leave much time for love, but Jake was patient. He knew the right woman would be worth it.
     
    ***
     
    Lucy walked through the front door of her penthouse and kicked off her heals. She considered her options for dinner and realized, as usual, she had no time and also no one to cook for. Most people did not know she also had a degree in cooking, which was her private passion; but she saw no reason to go all gung-ho for just herself, plus she had too much work to do if she wanted to land this contract. This deal would set in stone her place in this jungle called a corporation. She would be known worldwide in her field as a force to be reckoned with, and being the only female member of the Grand Alliance , a vessel consortium formed to aid in scheduling all shipping rotations and schedules, she needed all the boosting she could get.
    Lucy went into her office after ordering from the local Chinese restaurant and started to work on her proposal. She had one week to complete the proposal, have it approved by her legal department as well as signed