Page 28 of Lost At Sea With A Billionaire

He pulled me against him for another kiss.“No.It’s a promise, Ms.Banks.”

We gathered our things and marked the path so we could find it again.The journey back to camp was filled with stolen touches and private smiles, our bodies still humming with the memory of our encounter.

That night, as we lay together in our shelter with Jonathan’s arms wrapped securely around me, I realized we were nothing like we once were.This wasn’t just island fever, or the strange circumstances that had thrown us together.

This was deeper and would follow us back to civilization whenever rescue came.To be honest, I’d lost count on how many times I thought that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be rescued at all.

“What are you thinking about?”Jonathan asked, his voice drumming against my ear where it rested on his chest.

I considered deflecting and making a joke but opted for truth.“I’m thinking that I’m glad we crashed here.”

His hand paused in its gentle stroking of my hair.“Is that right?”

“Yes.”I propped myself up on one elbow to look at him.“If we hadn’t, I would never have known this version of you.And I like this version very much.”

His expression softened.“I like this version of me, too.”He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.“And I definitely like this version of you.Though I suspect I would have liked any version.”

“Even the one who told you off about your audition demand?”

He laughed.“Especially that one.”

I settled back against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.There were still questions and uncertainties about what would happen if we returned to our regular lives.But for tonight, in this shelter we’d built together on an island far from civilization, those questions could wait.

Chapter9

Janet

Three weeks turned into four on our private island paradise.I’d never imagined being stranded could feel so much like freedom, and each day brought discoveries about the island, Jonathan, and me.

The outdoor kitchen I’d built had become more elaborate with each passing day.What started as a simple stone surface had evolved into a fully functional cooking station with storage areas for herbs, fruits, and the various tools we’d salvaged or created.It was nothing like the state-of-the-art kitchen on the yacht, but somehow, I loved it more.

“You’re humming,” Jonathan said, approaching with an armful of firewood.

I hadn’t realized I was making any sound at all.“Force of habit.I always hum when I’m comfortable in a kitchen.”

He set the wood down and wrapped his arms around me from behind, his chest warm against my back.“You never hummed on the yacht.”

“I wasn’t comfortable there,” I admitted.“There was too much pressure to be perfect.”

His lips brushed the sensitive spot just below my ear.“You are perfect.”

“Now, who’s full of it?”I laughed, turning in his arms to face him.“I’m sweaty, my hair is a disaster, and I’m pretty sure these shorts have seen better days.”

Jonathan’s hands slid to my hips, his fingers slipping under the hem of my shirt to touch my belly.“Perfect,” he repeated, his voice dropping to that tone that never failed to make my insides melt.

I rose on my toes to kiss him, still marveling at how quickly this had become natural between us.His mouth opened under mine, and for a moment, I forgot all about the fish I was supposed to be preparing for lunch.

A rustling in the nearby bushes broke us apart.We both tensed, scanning the tree line.After weeks, we’d encountered various island wildlife—mostly birds and small reptiles—but nothing dangerous.

“It’s probably just a bird,” I said.

Jonathan didn’t look convinced.He moved toward the sound, putting himself between me and whatever might emerge.

A flash of vibrant color darted from the bushes—a parrot, its bright plumage an igniting color against the green foliage.It perched on a nearby branch, studying us with curious eyes.

“Well, hello there,” I said softly.

The bird tilted its head, then let out a squawk that sounded almost like “hello” before flying off.

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