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

fact he made her feel like a second seat. What was it about him that made her feel as if she was here to listen? Yes he was absolutely the most gorgeous man she had ever seen. Yes, he had the most gorgeous sea-green eyes she had ever seen and not an ounce of fat on him , unlike her . She was what they considered chubby. A man like Jake would never be interested in a chunky woman, ever. He probably had a string of blonde size-zero bimbos at his beck and call. Not that she cared. She had no time for him, or any man for that matter! She was thinking of how his voice could warm her on a cold winter night when her brain finally caught up to exactly what it was he was stating, and at that moment she recoiled.
    “ What ? Did I just hear you say that you want to be the captain for this shipment, Mr. Logan? And what type of credentials do you have? Do you realize I am staking my family’s name on this? Everything my family has spent their lives building since the end of World War II ? Sir, I mean no disrespect; I do know my father knew you better than I or he would not have sold part of the business to you. But you must understand, Mr. Logan, I do not know you, or anything about you! I have seven days to research and find a captain and I do not have time for wannabe captains. I do not see how you could possibly fill this contract, Mr. Logan. I think it would serve the company better if I found a more suitable captain. I hope you understand.”
    Jake pondered this for a moment, trying to use this outcome from every angle. “Ms. Smith, I agree, you do not know me yet, but I cannot help think this is going to change very quickly. Yes, your father knew me as well as any person on this earth and I can assure you that if he were here right now, I would be the first person he called for this shipment. Now, as for my credentials and experience, I will explain them to you over dinner tonight.”
    “What?” Lucy had never been so flustered in all her life. She felt this deal sinking fast and was dumbfounded that its success fell on the hands of this man and his signature. What do you mean over dinner? I need this signed now, this morning. I will be spending this whole day researching captains and do not have time for this. I see no reason why we should not settle this here and now. I have stated my position on this and do not see any reason to repeat myself. Now, if you will please sign on the dotted line, I can go about filling the position of captain!”
    Jake could not help but notice how beautiful she was when she was mad. Her chest heaved with indignation and her cheeks reddened. At this moment, he knew he had to act to make her his. “Ms. Smith, I have stated my position as well. I have a prior engagement I must attend to. I will send a car around for you at 8:00 p.m. sharp. Where shall it collect you from? Will it be your office or home?”
    “Mr. Logan , I must protest, I see no reason for this!”
    “Ahh, Ms. Smith, if you think about it, you have every reason to see this through. You have a proposal you need me to sign and I need you to ensure me the position of captain. Now, once again, your home or your office?”
    With as much indignation as she could muster, she arose to her full height and looked him square in the eyes. “ I must first remind you, sir, that it is my family’s name on this company heading, and at the end of the day I get what I want. I will hear your qualifications, Mr. Logan, and that will then be the end of it, but I will be driving myself. I need no man to collect me. I will expect to hear from you by 4:00 p.m. as to the location of this meeting. Good day, sir.” And with that, she walked out the door.
    Jake smiled as he enjoyed every second of watching her walk away.
    “What was that about?” Landon inquired. “I thought you were just going to run it by her and if she said no then that was the end of the deal?”
    “Landon, I have a new plan, and with this one, the stakes have never been