Catching the Storm

49. Happy Endings are for Stories that are Finished

Crystal's POV

It had been a week. A week of getting my story straight. A week of dealing with the FBI while my father was locked up. True, there still had to be a trial, but Damien had said he'd do everything to keep me out of it. So that I'd be safer. The fewer people who knew I was involved, the better.

Still, that would not stop what was coming and I knew that.

Damien had left several FBI agents behind on the property watching the front door, the front gate, watching me. Making sure I was safe.

Really, I just wanted to be alone. Just wanted some time with my thoughts before I disappeared into the world. Which was why I'd snuck out of the house through a window, just to go for a stroll around the property without an escort.

I stood near the edge of the cliff, staring out at the sea as Jackson Storm himself walked up behind me.

True, I couldn't see him to know that it was him, but then, I didn't have to. I could feel his smug ego radiating off him.

He said nothing as he walked up so he was standing beside me, his eyes never straying from the setting sun in front of us. His hands were shoved in his front pockets. He'd removed his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his button-up shirt to his elbows, the jacket draped over his arm. His hair was still dark brown, his face still spotted with freckles, and his eyes were now hazel green. I was surprised he hadn't changed more of his appearance yet. I was even more surprised that he was still here.

The sky was lit up with a beautiful sunset over the clear blue ocean. No boats were in sight. There was a soft breeze and I couldn't help but notice how his hair blew lightly in it.

I was also painfully aware that this was practically a scene out of a romantic movie and it was leaving me with the urge to gag.

"I thought you left a week ago," I finally spoke, not bothering to look at him and keeping my gaze on the sunset.

"That was the plan," He replied.

I turned to look at him and he briefly glanced at me.

He shrugged. "Had some engine trouble," He said simply. "Noah took care of it."

I nodded and went back to staring out at the ocean. "Then I guess you'll be heading out soon."

I could see him nod out of the corner of my eye. "Yep. Just thought I'd come to say goodbye."

I snorted in disbelief. "Jackson Storm, you haven't grown to like me, have you?" I teased as I turned to face him completely.

An amused smile split his lips as he looked back at me. "Of course not. That would be quite foolish of me." He winked at me and I couldn't help but laugh.

I shook my head. "Good luck to you," I said as I gestured out at the sea. "Wherever you decide to go."

"I'm shocked," He said and I turned to look at him in confusion. There was a wicked smile on his lips. "That you actually wished me luck instead of wishing for my yacht to sink. My, my, you really have grown fond of me, haven't you?"

I couldn't help but smile back at him. "You may have grown on me," I replied mysteriously.

He laughed and continued to stare at me. "I am curious," He said. "What exactly will you be doing now?"

I tilted my head to the side as I stared at him. "And why's that? Hoping to swindle me out of something else, or simply blackmail me again the next time you see me?"

He shrugged and looked back out at the sunset. "On the run from your father for the rest of your life," He started then shrugged again. "just curious as to how you're taking it."