Page 13 of Lost At Sea With A Billionaire (Billionaire Row #5)

Jonathan

T he helicopter descended toward the fishing trawler, its rotors churning the calm sea into froth.

Janet stood beside me on the deck, her hand gripping mine tightly. The wind from the rotors whipped her hair around her face as she stared at the approaching aircraft.

“Your chariot awaits,” I said into her ear, trying to lighten the tension I felt in her body.

She managed a small smile. “I’ve never been in a helicopter before.”

“It’s just like a really loud, shaky elevator,” I assured her, though I knew her anxiety went beyond fear of flying.

This helicopter represented our return to reality—a reality where she was uncertain about our future.

I understood her hesitation, but I was determined to show her nothing between us would change.

Captain Martin approached us as the helicopter hovered, preparing to land on the cleared deck space. “It’s been an honor, Mr. Black.”

I shook his hand firmly. “The honor is mine, Captain. You saved our lives. I won’t forget that.”

He nodded, then turned to Janet. “Mrs. Black, safe travels.”

Neither of us corrected his assumption. Janet thanked him, her cheeks darkening slightly at the misunderstanding.

The helicopter landed, and a man in a corporate uniform jumped out, hurrying toward us with a ducked head.

“Mr. Black! Thank God you’re alive, sir.” He had to shout over the noise. “We’ve been searching for weeks.”

“Greg,” I recognized my head of security. “It’s good to see you.” I gestured to Janet. “This is Janet Banks. She’s coming with us.”

If Greg was surprised, he didn’t show it. He nodded and helped us aboard. As the helicopter lifted off, I watched the fishing boat grow smaller below us. Janet’s hand remained in mine, her grip tightening as we rose higher.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

She nodded, though the color had faded from her face. “Just remembering why I prefer my feet on solid ground.”

I pulled her closer, my arm around her shoulders. “It’s a short flight. We’ll be on the mainland in less than an hour.”

The cabin was equipped with headsets to allow conversation over the rotor noise. Greg handed each of us one, then leaned forward once we were settled.

“Sir, I need to brief you on the situation,” he said, his voice coming through the headphones. “Your company has been in a holding pattern since your disappearance. The board appointed an interim CEO, but major decisions have been delayed pending your return.”

“And the search for Captain Reynolds?”

“Per your instructions, we’ve contracted a private search and rescue team. They’re mobilizing now.”

I nodded. “That’s good. I want daily updates and accommodations for Ms. Banks as well. She’ll be staying with me during the search operation.”

Greg’s eyes flickered briefly to Janet, then back to me. “Of course, sir. Your penthouse in San Juan has been prepared.”

“San Juan?” Janet asked through the headset.

“It’s closest to the search area,” I explained. “I have a place there for business trips.”

The flight passed quickly as Greg continued his briefing, covering details of company operations, the crew’s rescue, and media interest in our disappearance. Janet remained silent beside me, taking it all in with wide eyes.

“There will be press when we land,” Greg warned. “Your disappearance has been major news. Everyone wants the story of how you survived.”

I felt Janet stiffen beside me. “No press,” I said firmly. “We’ll issue a statement later. For now, I want a direct route to the residence and arrange for a doctor to meet us there.”

“Already done, sir.”

I turned to Janet. “Is there anyone you need to contact? Family?”

She shook her head. “Just my sister, Melanie. She’s been managing my business affairs.”

“Give Greg her number. He’ll make sure she’s informed.”

As we approached San Juan, the city sprawled below us—roads, buildings, people. After a month of isolation, the sight was overwhelming. I glanced at Janet, seeing the same mixture of awe and apprehension reflected in her eyes.

“It’s a lot,” I acknowledged softly.

“Yeah.” She squeezed my hand. “But we’re together.”

The helicopter landed on the roof of a sleek, high-rise building. A small group waited—medical staff and what appeared to be my household employees. Greg exited first, then helped Janet out. I followed, feeling strange standing on concrete after weeks of sand and earth.

“Mr. Black,” the doctor stepped forward immediately. “I’m Dr. Morales. I’d like to examine you and Ms. Banks as soon as possible.”

“Of course,” I agreed. “But privately, please. We’ve been through enough without an audience.”

The next few hours were a whirlwind of medical examinations, showers in actual bathrooms with hot water, and the strange experience of putting on formal clothes again.

I found Janet in the guest suite, standing awkwardly in new clothes that had been delivered—simple but high-quality items that fit her surprisingly well.

“My assistant has good taste,” I said from the doorway.

She turned, a small smile playing on her lips. “And apparently, a good eye for sizes.” She tugged at the sleeve of the soft sweater. “This feels weird.”

“The clothes?”

“All of it.” She gestured around the luxurious room. “This is your life. Private helicopters, penthouse suites, staff waiting to fulfill your every need.”

I moved closer. “Parts of it, yes. But it’s not who I am.”

“Hmmm…” Her eyes held mine.

“You disagree?”

“The moment that helicopter landed, you transformed back into CEO mode. Orders, arrangements, efficiency.”

“That’s my job,” I said carefully. “Not my identity.”

She seemed to consider this. “I guess we’ll see.”

A knock banged at the door. Greg stood there with a tablet. “Sir, the search team is assembled and ready for your instructions. And there’s an update on the recovered crew members.”

“I’ll be right there.” I turned back to Janet. “Will you join us?”

She nodded. “I want to help however I can.”

The search operation headquarters had been set up in my home office. Maps of the Caribbean Sea covered the walls, marked with search grids and ocean currents. The lead coordinator—a wrinkled man named Hector with a military posture—waited with his team.

“Mr. Black, Ms. Banks,” he greeted us. “I understand you want to continue the search for Captain Reynolds.”

“That’s right,” I confirmed. “Whatever it takes.”

Hector nodded. “I should be honest with you, sir. The chances of finding him alive are extremely slim.”

“I understand the odds,” I replied, keeping my voice steady. “But we need to be certain.”

The meeting lasted over an hour as Hector outlined the search plan, incorporating data from the storm, ocean currents, and the location where we’d been found. Janet remained by my side, asking insightful questions about survival possibilities that impressed even the seasoned search experts.

“Your girlfriend knows her stuff,” Hector said after she’d suggested checking a particular chain of small islands based on the prevailing currents.

I didn’t correct his assumption about our relationship. “She’s the reason we survived on that island. If anyone can think like someone trying to stay alive out there, it’s Janet.”

When the meeting concluded, Greg stayed behind with another update. “Sir, about the crew—they’ve been notified of your rescue. They’re all still recovering at the Mercy Hospital in San Juan.”

“I want to see them,” I said immediately.

“Of course. I can arrange a visit for tomorrow.”

“Today,” I insisted. “They need to know we’re doing everything possible to find Captain Reynolds.”

Janet and I walked into the hospital an hour later, with Greg and another security officer who kept the press at bay. The seven surviving crew members had been moved to a private wing, where they were recovering from their ordeal.

The first person we saw was Sandra, my former assistant. She burst into tears at the sight of us. “Mr. Black! Ms. Banks! You’re alive!”

The reunion was emotional for everyone. The crew had been through hell—a week drifting in the life raft before a cargo ship spotted them, followed by dehydration treatment and recovery. They’d assumed we’d perished when the yacht hit the rocks.

“We saw you both go overboard,” Elliot, the first mate, explained. “The Captain ordered us to the life raft. He was going back for you when the yacht shifted. A wave took him from the deck before he could reach you.”

“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.”

Later, as we lay together in the most comfortable bed either of us had experienced in a month, Janet’s head resting on my chest, I felt a sense of peace even with the uncertainty surrounding Captain Reynolds. Whatever happened, I knew I’d found something precious in the most unlikely circumstances.

I stroked her hair and murmured, “I had a revelation.”

“Yeah? What is it?”

“Sometimes you have to lose everything to find what really matters.”

She propped herself up on one elbow to look at me. “Pretty profound for a guy who spent all day issuing orders and making arrangements.”

“I’m a multi-tasker,” I said.

Her laugh was the most melodic beautiful sound I’d heard all day. “That you are.” She settled back against me. “One of those tasks being a fisherman.”

“And a builder of slightly lopsided shelters.”

“It wasn’t lopsided. It had character.”

We fell asleep like that, trading memories of our island life, holding onto the connection we’d forged while navigating this new reality together.