Page 45 of Lost At Sea With A Billionaire

“I had a custom bladesmith recreate it based on your description.”He looked uncertain for the first time.“Is it close?”

I turned the knife in my hand, feeling its perfect balance, its weight like an extension of my arm.The tears dropped, one at a time.“It’s exactly right.Thank you.”

He brushed away the tears.“No crying in the kitchen, Chef.You have a restaurant to open.”

I tossed my arms around him and kissed him heavily.

The followinghours kept me busy as a bee: the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the arrival of the first guests, and the rhythmic dance of service as orders flowed in and plates went out.I lost myself in the work, and the familiar pressure was challenging and comforting.

From my position at the expo station, I could see Jonathan charming investors and critics alike, occasionally catching my eye across the busy restaurant with a private smile that reminded me of quiet moments on our island.

The menu I’d created told our story without being obvious—dishes inspired by Caribbean flavors but refined through classical technique, simple ingredients elevated through careful preparation.Many incorporated elements we’d discovered during our island time—herbs similar to those we’d foraged, cooking methods we’d developed out of necessity.

The signature dish—“Island Catch”—featured locally sourced fish prepared with techniques we’d perfected when cooking over open fires.Served with foraged greens and root vegetables, it captured the essence of our survival experience while transforming it into something elegant and accessible.

By the end of the service, it was clear that we had achieved success.The critics were making appreciative noises, the regular diners were already booking return visits, and the staff was riding high on the success of a flawless opening night.

As the last guests departed, Jonathan found me overseeing the final cleanup in the kitchen.

“Chef Banks,” he said formally, though his eyes danced with pride.“I believe congratulations are in order.”

I wiped my hands with a towel.“We pulled it off.”

“You pulled it off,” he corrected.“This is all you, Janet.”

The staff gathered around as Jonathan opened a bottle of champagne, pouring glasses for everyone.He raised his in a toast.

“To Salvaged, and to the extraordinary woman who created it.May this be the first of many successful nights.”

“To Salvaged!”They all shouted.“Congratulations Janet!”

Applause erupted and my tears were back as I glanced at them one by one, and in the midst of it all – Jonathan, now my rock, made my heart warm all the more.

Chapter15

Janet

“Ihave something for you, too.”

Two days later and I was still riding high on the successful launch of Salvaged.Yet still, I’d been thinking about the gift I got Jonathan ever since he’d given me the replica of my father’s knife.

I handed Jonathan a small wooden box.“Open it,” I urged.

He flipped the latch, and the lid sprang open.A smile lit up his face, his eyes growing sensual and warm.

Inside was a compass—antique brass with a hand-carved wooden case.The compass face was pristine, the needle true, but the inscription inside the lid made him suck in a sharp breath:“Found when lost.J & J.”

“It’s beautiful,” he said, running his thumb over the engraving.

“I thought about all the ways our paths shouldn’t have crossed—all the coincidences and decisions that somehow led us to that island together.”I squeezed his hand.“Even when we were lost, we found something true.”

His eyes met mine, holding a depth of emotion that still took my breath away.“I don’t need to know where I’m going anymore.Just who I’m going with.”

His lips met mine in a passionate kiss and shot heat straight to my pussy.

“I’ve got something for you too.”

My eyes widened and I drew back.“Something else?”

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