finding Reese.: a SAFELIGHT novel vol.2 (SAFELIGHT Series)

by Imy Santiago

  Catalina’s jaw drops in disbelief, and shields her eyes from the afternoon sun. She looks at me with wide eyes. “We’re staying here?” When I nod, she jumps down from the seat and runs towards me. “It’s perfect!”

  I chuckle, and the property manager greets us at the Jeep. “Señor Martynus, ¡bienvenido!”

  I extend my hand to shake his, and he picks up our bags and brings them inside. As soon as we walk in, Catalina gasps. From the outside, the property looks unassuming, but on the inside the furnishings are ultra-modern with every amenity you can think of: stainless steel appliances, a six-burner gas range stove and cupboards stocked with everything we might need. It’s air-conditioned, but the ocean breeze blowing through the house will be more than sufficient to keep us cool. There’s a water wall−its sound very soothing and reminiscent of the South Pacific, and when the property manager leads us into the master bedroom on the second floor, my breath catches in my chest. A California king size bed sits in the middle of the room with an unobstructed view of the ocean. We look at each other and exchange glances, no doubt making the manager very uncomfortable.

  “There’s a hot tub and garden pool on the terrace level, Señor Martynus,” the man says with a smile. He drops our bags on the bench at the foot of the bed. “If you have any questions, or need any assistance, my phone number is on speed-dial. Just dial ’4’ on the keypad, okay?”

  We both nod and walk Pedro to the door. Once it’s closed, we run into each other’s arms and kiss.

  “Why don’t you put your bathing suit on and meet me down here?” I ask. “I’m going to start dinner.”

  “Do you need my help, Stud?”

  “No, I just want you to be comfortable,” I say, swatting her ass affectionately. “Go.”

  Catalina giggles and skips away towards the spiral staircase to the master suite. I busy myself in the kitchen, going through the cabinets and pantry to start dinner. As I’m washing the vegetables, I look out the window and see the ocean, a perfect shade of blue, and the fluffy white foam of the waves as they crash. In the distance, paddle-boarders swim against the blue, while the less adventurous simply lie on the warm sand. The view is a reflection of my life. It couldn’t be more precious, or more perfect.

  I SCRAMBLE THROUGH OUR BAGS in search of the black one-piece swimsuit I bought at one of the shops in Old San Juan. My heart skips in my chest as I revisit the last twenty four hours. This is quickly becoming one of the best times of my life, and it would seem the more time I spend beside Stryder the more I feel like this is how my life should be. His presence in my life has been healing and call me crazy, but I feel my chest could burst at any moment with the intense happiness I feel.

  After the long drive, a nice relaxing shower is the perfect way to kick off this first day in Rincón. The shower could easily fit four people and has jets all over the place. After being in there for ten minutes, it’s difficult to get out. With much reluctance I abandon the shower and wrap myself in a fluffy white towel. There’s music floating in the air. I slip into a flowery pink sundress with my swimsuit underneath, and after brushing my hair and styling it into a French braid, I walk down the stairs barefoot and completely content.

  As I walk into the kitchen I see Stryder wearing nothing but his board shorts which hang sexily over his hips. When he hears me approaching, he smiles that panty-melting smile of his, and lays the cooking spoon against the pan on the stove.

  “Look at you! This place agrees with you.” He beams, his hazel eyes looking greener and brighter than ever. “Just in time.”

  “I’d say the weather and climate is doing you favors too, Stud,” I reply, and wrap my arms around his bare back, hugging him tightly. I love to feel the warmth of his body pressed against mine, and having him with me like this is one of my favorite things in the world.

  Stryder chuckles, and looks into my eyes with an intensity that has me blushing. “Are you hungry?”

  I smile. “For you? Always.” He groans and shakes his head, then kisses me.

  “You don’t play fair.”

  “I never claimed I did, Stud. You should know me by now.”

  He laughs a belly laugh, and hugs me again. “I love you, Raven Girl.”

  “And I you, Stryder.”

  We sit down and enjoy another delicious Italian meal of sausage and peppers, and move to the terrace where the sun has begun to set. With a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio we make a toast, and sit on the sun bed watching the sunset. Bright splashes of orange, reds, purples, and yellows decorate the sky, and with the sound of the waves crashing below, the never-ending songs of the seagulls flying above, and the salty ocean breeze blowing around us, I’d say this moment has become one of my top ten favorite moments with the man I love.

  “Are you happy, Catalina?” Stryder asks, and turns to face me.

  “I think you should rephrase that question to ‘Is it possible to be this happy?’ because right now I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Thank you.”

  Stryder takes a sip of his wine, and rests his glass on the small table in front of us. He extends his powerful hand and guides me to sit on his lap, rubbing circles on my back beneath my shoulder blades.

  “No need to thank me, Catalina. It is me who should thank you. You’ve given me a second chance in life, love, and everything in between. I was a bitter, shallow man when I met you, and you’ve brought so much color into my life. You’ve breathed hope into my heart, and you make me dream of a future with you.”

  I take a long sip of my wine, and turn sideways on his lap. “Meeting you and Jackson was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you more than life itself, and I have no regrets about how we met and ended up together. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a single damn thing.”

  Stryder takes my glass from my hands and puts it beside his on the table. He brings his hand to my cheek, tilting it down for a kiss. “Me neither, Catalina. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

  “Where do we go from here, Cat? Where do you see us down the road?” he asks, his eyes searching mine.

  I break our gaze and look at the ocean before us, listening to the song of the native Coquí frogs in the distance and feeling the evening breeze against my face. I inhale deeply, and then turn to look into his eyes again. With my heart in my throat I answer.

  “I see us together . . . forever.”

  Stryder inhales sharply, and his entire body relaxes underneath me. “Good. Assignments and life in general couldn’t keep me from you, not even if I tried. From the first moment you asked me to stay in your bed I declared myself yours. I am yours, Catalina. From the moment I wake up in the morning until I fall asleep at night, and even in my dreams my thoughts are of you.”

  My eyes well with happy tears.

  “I’m yours too, Stryder. Every single part of me is yours to keep.”

  His lips crash into mine and we kiss like our lives depend on it. Our tongues dance and our hands hold onto each other’s for dear life; wanting, claiming, and conquering. He takes hold of my waist and rolls me onto my back against the sun bed. With his body hovering over mine, he pulls my sundress over my head and peels my swimsuit off.

  We make love on that very bed, and when I open my eyes for a moment, I see the twinkling stars above. From the corner of my eye, I see a shooting star. I quickly close my eyes, and make my wish.

  I want to be Stryder Martynus’ wife.

  Our week in Puerto Rico flies by too fast. We spend the majority of our days laying on the beach, taking surfing lessons, traveling into the tropical rainforest and even making love under a waterfall like a couple of teenagers. All week long I’ve been thinking about what I want to do with my life when my forced vacation comes to an end. With each passing second I’m considering the job offer Jackson made me back in Port de Soleil after he won the World Championship to be a permanent press member of his snowboarding team. As we sit in the private jet awaiting take-off, I can’t help the tears that wet my cheeks.
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  “Hey, what’s wrong, baby?” Stryder asks.

  I wipe the tears away. “I had such a great time that I don’t want to leave.”

  Stryder chuckles and pulls me in for a hug. “We can always come back. Whenever you want. All you have to do is ask.”

  I nod and hug him back. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

  Stryder pulls back and rests his hands against my knees, looking into my eyes.

  “I’m thinking about resigning from Xsports. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this week, and ever since I covered Jackson’s press tour I feel like Xsports has become too confining. I’d like to work with Kaelan and be a part of Jackson’s full-time staff.”

  Stryder sits back in his seat and smiles. “Too confining . . . I think both Kaelan and Jackson would be thrilled to have you on board. Whatever you decide to do, you have my full support, Catalina. Besides, that would mean we could spend more time together. I definitely approve.”

  “Do you think Jackson was serious about his offer?” I ask, biting the inside of my cheek.

  “Of course he was! In fact, let’s call him before this bird takes flight,” Stryder says as he whips out his cell phone from his pocket. After a couple of taps, the sound of the speakerphone rings in the silence of the cabin.

  “It’s been a goddamn week, Jupiter! I’ve been on pins and needles here! How’d it go? Did you−” Jackson’s voice floods through the speaker.

  “Jax, you’re on speakerphone, and Catalina is here,” Stryder says, raking a hand through his hair.

  “Oh! Hey, Catalina! How was Puerto Rico?”

  “It’s such a beautiful place, and I can’t wait to come back,” I reply.

  “What’s up, lovebirds? Why the impromptu conference call?”

  Stryder inches forward in his seat. “How would you feel about Catalina joining your press team on a more permanent basis?”

  Jackson’s howls make me laugh. “Like that’s even a question! I told her I wanted her on my team! Cat? You will always have a spot, and it would make me so fucking happy to have you around all the time, girl. Are you thinking about it? Pray tell.”

  “Yes, Jackson. I’d love to work with Team Reese . . . I’ve done a lot of soul-searching and I feel at home where my two guys are.”

  “That’s because you’re family and where one goes the rest follow. When will you start?” Jackson asks.

  “I have to give Xsports my notice, and after that I can start right away. Thank you, Jax.”

  “Dude, you have no idea how happy this news makes me. No more stuffy office, no more having to deal with outsiders. Is it Christmas, or is it just me?”

  The three of us laugh and after small talk, we say our farewells and end the call. As the jet lifts into the afternoon sky, I look out the window and see the aquamarine ocean glittering below. This moment marks a new chapter in my life where I’m living life to its full potential, and no matter where this journey takes me I know I’ll make the absolute best of it.

  After nine long hours of travel we finally make it back to Casper in one piece. Kaelan picks us up at the airport as Jackson spent his day training, and is too sore to move a muscle. As we walk through the wide doors of his home, he walks over and wraps me in a tight hug. I look long and hard at his form. He seems leaner, stronger, and his arms and chest look more defined than when I first met him.

  “Damn, Jax. We leave for a week and you start looking like a bodybuilder. I’m impressed,” Stryder says, and pats his back affectionately. “How are you feeling?”

  “I feel great, Jup. Rob and I have been working hard, putting in long hours at the gym and I’ve been on point with my diet and physical therapy. I’ve been cleared to hit the pow whenever I want. Which reminds me . . . We’re leaving for Chile in three days.”

  I watch the boys lost in their conversation, and rest my head on Stryder’s shoulder. The bond I’ve made with these men can never be undone, and I look forward to many adventures with them in the years to come.

  “Cat?” Jackson asks, interrupting my inner thoughts.

  “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  “I was saying the follow-up piece will be your final story for Xsports. I’m so excited to have you here full-time,” Jackson says, hugging me fiercely. “What are you going to with your place in the city?”

  The question throws me. It’s something I haven’t given much thought, and while the loft is paid off I know I’ll have to decide to keep it or sell it if I intend to work with Jackson here. All of a sudden I feel overwhelmed with decisions I have to make, and sigh in relief when Stryder holds me, pulling me tightly against him.

  “She has a lot to consider. Don’t you, babe?” Stryder speaks softly, kissing my hairline.

  “Yeah,” I reply amid yawns. “I’m tired. If you’ll excuse me, I’m heading off to bed.”

  I hug Jackson and kiss Stryder goodnight. As I’m walking up the stairs I hear their voices barely above a whisper.

  “Did you ask?”

  “No . . . I wanted to, but I kept thinking I wanted to wait for the perfect opportunity. I had so many chances, and I’m afraid I let them go,” Stryder answers, sounding defeated.

  “It just wasn’t the right moment, Jup. It’ll come. Now come on, there’s something in the office I want to show you.”

  As their footsteps retreat, I enter our room and close the door behind me. I’m curious to know what Stryder and Jackson were whispering about downstairs. I have this unsettling feeling that it could be bad news. I shake my negative thoughts and pull back the covers, and lay in bed until the countless hours spent in the Caribbean sunshine and sleepless nights finally catch up with me.

  There’s a flurry of activity the following morning at Jackson’s. Kaelan and Kathy are helping Jackson pack for the weeklong journey to Chile, and Stryder is working from Jackson’s office, submitting files to his clients. I steer clear from everyone and work from bed. I open my email and catch up on all things Xsports, and type up a message to Marcia regarding the follow-up story on Jackson. Just as I’m about to open a blank document to draft my letter of resignation, someone knocks on the door.

  “Come in!”

  Kaelan walks in with Jackson and Stryder flanking her, and I sit up straight in bed, wondering what’s going on. In her hands Kaelan has a familiar magazine. My hands rise to my mouth as an excited huff of air leaves my body.

  “Oh my goodness! It’s here!” I squeal. “Show it to me.” Kaelan does, and then leaves the room, closing the door behind her.

  The boys plop beside me as I gently caress the glossy cover with Jackson’s face on it. He’s looking at the horizon with snow covering his scruff, and his bright blue eyes are sparkling with determination. Underneath his picture is the title of the article in big, black letters: chasing Reese. It’s a great picture of Jackson, and I love it even more because it was taken by Stryder.

  It took a lot of convincing on my part to allow one of his pictures to be used in the article. Dominick and Marcia’s wanted to only use Kenny’s pictures, but I’m glad I stuck to my guns. I read the article out loud, and we laugh, cry, and marvel at the events that forever changed our lives.

  “There is more to be seen by this remarkable athlete in the years to come. Jackson Reese is not the man I’ve seen portrayed in the media, and I, Catalina Pardo, am proud to call him a friend. It is truly my hope that the world will come to see the amazing human being I’ve had the privilege of meeting and chasing after for a month. As I’ve shown you, there is more to Jackson Reese than meets the eye,” I conclude, and close the magazine, holding it tight against my chest.

  “Cat, you are great at what you do. Are you sure you want to walk away from that to chase after me and my shenanigans?” Jackson asks thoughtfully, cracking his knuckles.

  Stryder kisses my hair and I cradle into his embrace. “Yes, I’ve never been more sure, Jackson. I’d like to discover new places and be surrounded by those I love.”

  “Aw, shit, Catal
ina. When you put it like that it’s hard to question you, isn’t it?” Jackson says with a wink, and stands. “All right, I’m going to get back to packing. Mom must be with Kaelan in laundry hell. See you later.”

  “I hope you liked the article, Jackson,” I call as he walks towards the door.

  He stops and turns around with the cutest smile on his face. “I love it, Cat. You made me love myself. From the moment I met you I knew you’d be the only one to tell my story. Something tells me this is only the beginning.”

  Today is the big day, and I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit to myself I’m nervous and nauseated with worry. We’ve been in Chile for two days now, but weather conditions haven’t been ideal for Jackson to make his first run. There’s been a lot of tension between Jackson and his coach- mainly due to Jackson’s fear. Coach Rob has reassured him the scout team has monitored three sites that have little to moderate avalanche activity. I truly believe Jackson is psyching himself out. After having a heart to heart conversation with just the three of us, I can see he is feeling better about his first run.

  The wind is blowing fiercely from the south, and the subzero conditions making it seem much colder that it is. I adjust my scarf to cover half of my face as we make our way towards the helicopter. Its loud, powerful rotors blow snow in all directions, and find myself adjusting my polarized sunglasses to protect my eyes. Jax opens the sliding door of the helicopter and Rob, Jackson, Stryder and I board.

  My heart is racing, and I feel the need to hold back my tears for Jackson’s sake. He needs to regain his self-confidence, and facing a snow-covered mountain is the only way he’ll get it back. I see Jackson give the pilot a thumbs up, and the helicopter slowly flies towards the top of one of the Pucón Mountains. Last time I was in a helicopter I was scared for my life, but this time around I’m more worried about Jackson. It takes us a good fifteen minutes to arrive to the drop-off point. Stryder has decided to chronicle the run alongside Jackson- all the more reason for me to be nervous. Losing one of them would be devastating; losing them both would be catastrophic.