Page 2 of Lost At Sea With A Billionaire

“I’m Sandra, Mr.Black’s personal assistant.The rest of the crew is already aboard.You’re the last to arrive.”Her tone suggested this was between a cardinal sin and a federal offense.

“My flight was delayed,” I said, though I didn’t owe her any explanation.

“Mmm,” she hummed, not bothering to offer help with my bags.“Follow me.”

I trailed behind her up the gangway, trying not to gawk at the obscene display of wealth surrounding me.The polished teak decks gleamed in the sunlight, chrome fixtures sparkled, and everything reeked of casual luxury that reminded me I was not in my world anymore.

“The kitchen is this way,” Sandra said, leading me through a door and down a corridor.“Mr.Black has specific dietary preferences that were sent to you.Did you review them?”

“Thoroughly,” I replied.No allergens, preference for high-protein meals, an aversion to overly sweet desserts.Simple enough.

She stopped at a doorway.“This is the kitchen.Your quarters are one deck down.I’ll show you after you meet Mr.Black.”

My heart skipped.“He’s in there now?”

“Yes.He likes to approve all staff personally.”

Great.Straight off a commercial flight to meet my new billionaire boss.I smoothed my chef’s jacket and followed her in.

The kitchen was a chef’s dream—everything was top of the line with more counter space than my entire restaurant had offered.Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a panoramic view of the water, but my attention was immediately drawn to the man standing at the center of it all.

Jonathan Black was...overwhelming.He was at least six-foot-five, with broad shoulders that strained against his shirt and biceps that looked like they could bench-press me without breaking a sweat.Dark skin gleamed under the kitchen lights, and his sharp features were so perfectly structured they belonged in a museum.His faded haircut accentuated a strong jawline, and his neatly trimmed goatee framed full lips that seemed permanently set in a serious line.He wore no jacket, just a white button-down with sleeves rolled up, revealing powerful forearms dusted with hair.

“Mr.Black, this is Janet Banks, the chef,” Sandra announced.

His dark eyes assessed me from head to toe in the way someone might inspect a racehorse before placing a bet.But something else behind his perusal made my skin tingle—a flare of interest, perhaps?Or maybe that was just my imagination working overtime.

“Ms.Banks,” he said, his deep voice shooting tingles down my skin.“I enjoyed watching you on ‘Extreme Chef.’You have remarkable ingenuity.”

“Thank you,” I said, gripping my knife roll tighter.“However, I’m more comfortable in a kitchen than a forest.”

A slight smile curved his lips, transforming his face in a way that made my stomach do an unexpected flip.“I certainly hope so.This trip is important to me.I need everything to be on point.”

“I understand,” I said, sounding more confident than I felt.“I’ve reviewed your preferences, and prepared menu plans for your approval.”

He raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering across his features.“Already?Impressive.”

“It’s my job,” I replied.

“Your job starts now.I’d like to sample something before we depart.”His eyes held mine.“Consider it an audition.”

My spine stiffened.“An audition?I thought I was already hired.”

“You are.But I like to know exactly what I’m getting.”The challenge in his gaze was unmistakable.

Sandra shifted uncomfortably beside me.“Mr.Black, perhaps Ms.Banks would like to settle in first?—”

“It’s fine,” I said, setting my duffel down and stepping further into the kitchen.“What would you like me to prepare?”

Jonathan crossed his arms, the movement causing his biceps to flex impressively.“Surprise me.Use whatever you find here.You have thirty minutes.”

With that, he turned and left, and Sandra trailed behind him like an obedient puppy.

I stood alone in the gleaming kitchen, my irritation building with each passing second.An audition?After I’d already been hired?After I’d packed up my life and flown across the country?Who did this man think he was?

A billionaire who’s paying triple your rate,a voice in my head reminded me.

I sighed.If he wanted an audition, I’d give him one he wouldn’t forget.

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