Page 37 of Lost At Sea With A Billionaire

“He tried to save us,” Janet said softly beside me.

Guilt pressed down on me.If I’d listened to Captain Reynolds about the storm in the first place, none of this would have happened.

“We’re going to find him,” I told the crew firmly.“I’ve hired the best search team available.”

“The authorities said it was hopeless,” Sandra said.

“They’re wrong,” I replied.“And even if they’re not, he deserves our best effort.”

As we left the hospital, Janet was quieter than usual.In the car, she finally spoke.“You blame yourself, don’t you?”

I didn’t pretend to misunderstand.“Of course I do.It was my decision to maintain course and overlook the warnings.”

“The captain knew the risks of his job.”

“That doesn’t absolve me.”

She placed her hand on mine.“No.But finding him won’t erase what happened, Jonathan.”

“I know that,” I said.“But I can’t give up on him.I won’t.”

Her expression softened.“That’s one of the things I love about you.”

It was the first time she had used that particular term.My heart fluttered.

“You love me?”I asked quietly.

A blush crept up her cheeks, but she held my gaze.“Yes.Is that a problem?”

I leaned across the seat, cupping her face in my hands.“The only problem is that you beat me to saying it first.”

Her smile was like a sunrise after a storm.“Always have to be in control, don’t you?”

“Not anymore,” I murmured, bringing my lips to hers.“Not with you.I love you, too, Janet.”

She moaned when I captured her lips, a sound that brought comfort through my soul and removed the guilt I felt moments before.

It became obvious day by day that the strange course of our path had a purpose, and I wanted to see that purpose through with her for as long as she would allow.

That evening,the search operation was officially launched.Three boats and a surveillance aircraft began methodically covering the search grid Hector had established.I stood on the penthouse balcony, watching the boats head out to sea, their lights diminishing into the darkness.

Janet joined me, wrapping her arms around my waist from behind.“They’ll find him,” she said.“Or they’ll find answers.”

I turned to face her.“How are you handling all this?It’s a lot to process in one day.”

“I’m taking it one moment at a time.”She glanced around at the luxurious penthouse.“Though I must admit, your version of normal will take some getting used to.”

“This isn’t normal for me either,” I admitted.“Being here with you.Finding someone who sees me, not what I can provide or what I represent.”

She reached up to touch my face, her fingers tracing my jawline.“I see you, Jonathan Black.The island you and CEO you—they’re the same person.The core of you hasn’t changed.”

I covered her hand with mine.“Stay with me tonight?”

“I thought that was the plan.”

“No, I mean—” I gestured toward the master suite.“With me.Not in the guest room.”

Her smile was answered enough.“I think that can be arranged.”

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