Bait Me (The Girl Power Romance Collection)

By Bella Jeanisse

FINAL:

Life on the sea is enough for Roselyn, until he gets under her skin.

Roselyn Jensen runs her father's crab boat with an iron fist. When another captain asks for her help, she expects the transition to be smooth. However, all her years on the Bearing Sea haven’t prepared her for him.

Salvatore Russo also comes from a long line of fishermen. Although the most junior of his boat’s crew, he yearns to advance. His hope grows when they need a replacement for their deck boss. He needs the newbie to take over his duties. Then she shows up

Between his resentment of her and her attraction to him, their worlds spin out of control. What happens when their love of the sea threatens to capsize these two jaded crabbers? Will they give in to their urges or stick to their pledge of staying professional?

The “Girl Power Collection” is a celebration of feminism in an unprecedented manner and will serve as an inspiration for millions of readers across the globe.

Over the years, men that have made landmark achievements in different facets of life have often been celebrated with very little stories about bad ass women that have excelled in their respective positions. While there are some works that highlight the fantastic achievements of women in powerful positions, there is no particular project exclusively dedicated to celebrating the “girl power.”

The compilation contains short stories with the theme of Girl Power in whichever way the author defines it for herself and her readers. The 33 romance stories are narrated in a diverse yet entertaining and inspiring way and will be released in regular intervals throughout 2020.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bella Jeanisse
• Release date: Jul 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005874612

Bella Jeanisse

Server tech by day, author by night, mom and grandma all the time. I'm always striving for something more.

Book preview

BAIT ME

The Girl Power Romance Collection

by Bella Jeanisse

Published by Bella Jeanisse

COPYRIGHT © 2020 by Bella Jeanisse

Published by Bella Jeanisse at Smashwords

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher: [e-mail]

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work, which have been used without permission. The publication/ use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Visit bellajeanisse.com for more information about the author and her works.

BELLA’S BOOKS

The World of Velocity:

Velocity:

Rockin’ Rhythm – Ash’s book

Shredding Dreams – Ian’s book

Silver Strings – Bryce’s book

Driving Reigns – Leo’s book

COMPLETE

☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆

The World of Triple Threat:

Triple Threat:

Reckless

Tragic Soul

Triple Threat

Triple Time

Rubbed Raw

Raw Reunion

Chasing Chad

Dual Desires

Desires Delivered

COMPLETE

Wicked End:

Wicked End

Passionate Needs

Sinful Needs

Fulfilling Needs

Prelude to a Wicked Wedding

Gasoline:

Gasoline

Persistent Urges

Evolving Urges

Forever Urges

Final Urges

COMPLETE

Silverblade:

Silverblade

Accidental Romance

Forbidden Romance

☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆

Contemporary Romance:

Bait Me

☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆

Erotic Tales:

Double Dominance

Insatiable Appetites

PREFACE

When I was asked to join the Girl Power Collection, I fell in love with the idea of books about women in male dominate fields. I have plenty of personal experience with this. I worked in the IT world for many years. Before that, I worked on Wall Street. Most of my adult life I have had few female coworkers. I get a kick out of showing people I can do what they assume I can’t. So far, I haven’t failed at anything I gave my all to.

With all the new jobs opening up to women, you’d think the world would be more accepting of us. We still have a lot of work to do. I hope this collection gives you a taste of what it’s like to be a badass yet stay true to yourself.

To find out more about the Girl Power Collection or check out the other books available, see our website: https://girlpowercollectio.wixsite.com/romance/buy-the-books

DEDICATION

To all the strong ladies in my life: my mom, daughter-in-laws, granddaughters, sisters, cousins, aunts, friends, coworkers and neighbors, I support you in everything you do! Never let anyone convince you that you can’t do something. Believe in yourself because I believe in you!

Thank you to the amazing and loyal group of friends, betas, pimpers, inspirationalists, artists, proofreaders, and readers I have! You make the best team. I wouldn’t be doing this without you all. My star players are invaluable: Sandy, Traci, Sonia, LaDonna, Sarah, Anita, Patricia, Doris, Christa, Stephanie, Lisa, April, Stephanie, Coralee, Debbie, Ruby, Sarah, Gina, Camillie, Frances, Donna, Cortney, and Amy.

This book touches on domestic violence without details. I know so many who have been a victim of it, myself included. There are many ways a partner or family member is abusive. None of them are acceptable. Don’t stay silent! You are not alone. You are worth saving. You can take the first step to a better life.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call 1-800-799-7233

Available 24 hours everyday

https://www.thehotline.org/

(Local resources are also available.)

CHAPTER ONE

Move! Caleb Jensen bumped his sister as he guided the last crab pot into place on the Highlander.

Roselyn Jensen waited until her oldest brother let the trap go to shove him to the deck. You should know better! She chuckled when he slapped the wood beneath him. If you didn’t want me to show you up, you shouldn’t have taught me how to fight.

She’s right. Noah Jensen smirked from atop the stack. "You told Dad she could do this. He confirmed the two pots under him were secure and leaned over them. Stop pouting about it."

Hey, be careful! Roselyn hated when her brothers took chances while they were still on the Bering Sea, especially in mid-January when icing was a major problem. Either get down or hang on, Noah.

Noah rose to his feet and stepped over to the next pot. I’m good, Ros. Go police someone else.

Their other brothers, Phil and Adam, shook their heads. Neither would interfere unless they had to.

Roselyn! Captain Rick Jensen shouted from the open door of the wheelhouse.

She glanced up. Yes, Dad?

On this boat, I’m your captain!

For good measure, she jostled Caleb. Be right back.

She navigated the deck carefully to the stairs. Her father’s expression revealed nothing, so she had no clue what he needed. As soon as she stepped inside, she yanked her hat off and shook her semi-short blue hair out.

What’s up?

Rick groaned. I give up taming you, Spitfire.

This is how you raised me. She winked. As the only girl, he favored her to a degree. I’m still your princess.

His stern façade melted. That you are. He pulled her in for a brief hug. Good thing I have you to set me straight.

She smiled and recalled the many times he didn’t know what to do with her. Because her mother had died from a heart condition just after her tenth birthday, she’d spent most of her life on that boat with him and her four brothers. It allowed her to learn every job available. Their boat did salmon tendering and fished all the crab seasons. She’d started fishing to spend time with her father and stayed for the money.

Did you need something? She patted his arm, worried it would be another health scare. He’d already had a mild heart attack. She couldn’t handle losing him.

He nodded. "Got a call from Devin on the Passionate Dreams. They brought his deck boss to the clinic on St. Paul after an accident. He asked if I can spare anyone qualified to replace him. He tilted his head. Since our season is over, thought you might want to make a bit more money."

And I’m the only deck boss you have to offer?

That too. Rick had tested his sons in the role and all failed. They need someone serious who can dish out discipline. He has a young crew.

Roselyn debated the pros and cons. She knew Devin well but not his crew, since she’d never stepped foot on his boat. How many greenhorns does he have?

No new guys. He’s got the same crew from last year.

OK, at least I don’t have to baby anyone. She shrugged. If he really needs help, I’m in. Is he meeting us in Dutch Harbor?

Yep, he should be docking a few hours after we do. Rick took a deep breath to quell the fear of leaving his daughter in the hands of another captain. Please call me if anything goes wrong.

She kissed his cheek. Nothing will go wrong, Dad. She peeked out the window in the door. I need to get back on the deck.

Caleb shook his head when his sister finally reappeared. Why do you always get out of doing the hard work?

Fuck you! I did every job on this damn boat. She grabbed the closest pot when the boat lurched. You get more time in the wheelhouse, so stop bitching!

Noah climbed down to the deck. Don’t make me say she’s right again.

She sneered at Caleb. I’ll be outta your hair when we get to Dutch.

Yep, glad you moved out. Caleb rolled his eyes. Daddy’s little girl is too spoiled.

Roselyn pushed him hard enough for him to stumble. I wouldn’t talk if I were you. Not many thirty-year-olds live at home. You need to learn to manage your money better. Like me. She rarely acted her age. At twenty-five, she showed more maturity than all four of her older brothers.

Caleb got back to work but didn’t drop the conversation. "But you moved to Shorewood, California. That name is so original. Woods to the east and water to the west. Sporting Wood would’ve been cooler."

"You would come up with that one. It’s simple and descriptive."

Noah chimed in with, They should have kept La Madera.

Roselyn let out a chuckle. You realize that just means ‘the woods’, right?

Oh. Noah shrugged. I don’t speak a word of Spanish.

Caleb chuckled. That one’s even lamer.

Roselyn replied with a frown, I didn’t name the town, just find it a good fit for me.

If it were up to you, I’m sure you’d pick Bayview. Caleb’s face lit up. "On second thought, that would be a better name, since the view of the bay from your house is awesome.

Noah shook his head. Give up, Caleb. You couldn’t come up with something cool on your own.

No matter how much Caleb teased her, she loved Shorewood. She’d chosen the small city off Sureño Bay for its clean beaches, lack of traffic jams, large houses with big yards and plenty of fishermen.

Within fifteen minutes, the crew stepped inside and removed their cold weather gear. First thing on the agenda would be food, then sleep. They had a long ride to offload their catch.

Ros, what’re you making? Caleb sat at the mess table.

Not my turn. She settled next to him and pulled out her phone. "What’re you making?"