Page 15 of Natural Temptation

Alone in my room, I peruse the room service menu, my gaze lingering on dishes described as "sensual" and "indulgent." Without quite knowing why, I find myself ordering a spread that sounds more like foreplay than dinner. The menu is filled with mouth-watering images of delicately plated dishes, each one adorned with vibrant colors and drizzled with exotic sauces that make my stomach growl.

A gentle knock at the door signals the arrival of my decadent spread. I swing it open to find a smiling attendant wheeling in a cart laden with covered dishes. The aromas wafting from beneath the silver domes are intoxicating, a blend of exotic spices and subtle floral notes that make my mouth water. I thank the attendant, a sweet young man who grins at the size of my...tip. Once he's gone, I eagerly lift the first dome. A plate of oysters nestles in a bed of crushed ice, their shells glistening like polished onyx. Beside them, a small dish of mignonette sauce shimmers, the red wine vinegar dotted with finely minced shallots. I lift one to my lips, savoring the briny taste and slippery texture as it slides down my throat. The mignonette adds a tangy kick that makes my taste buds sing.

I move on to the next dish, a vibrant salad of mixed greens topped with juicy pomegranate seeds and crumbled goat cheese. The dressing is light and citrusy, perfectly complementing the sweet-tart burst of the pomegranate. But as I uncover the main course—a perfectly seared piece of mahi-mahi atop a bed of coconut rice—I can't help but imagine sharing this meal withsomeone special. Someone with sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes that seem to look right through me in the sexiest way.

Stop it, woman. You can find another man, one who will embrace the hedonist in you.

I've just about convinced myself of that when a knock comes at the door. I ease it open, unsure of who might be visiting me now. I hadn't ordered any more food.

Standing before me, looking equally surprised, is Ryan.

His eyes widen as he notices my state of undress—as if he hasn't seen my nakedness before. "I...uh, room service?"

I blink, suddenly very aware of my bare breasts and the slickness between my thighs. "Ryan? What are you doing here?"

He clears his throat, desperately trying to maintain eye contact. "Marley needed the night off, so I'm covering some deliveries. I didn't realize...I mean, I should have checked the room number."

As he stands there, awkwardly balancing the tray of food, I can't help but notice the way his muscles flex under his shirt. A thrill runs through me, and I find myself wondering if this unexpected turn of events might lead to something more exciting than a solitary dinner.

As I smile at him, I experience a mixture of nervousness and excitement fluttering in my belly. "Well, since you're here...I may have ordered way too much food. Would you like to join me?"

Ryan hesitates, his hazel eyes darting between me and the tray. "I'm not sure if that's appropriate, Meredith. I'm technically still on duty."

"This late in the evening? Oh, come on," I tease, leaning against the doorframe. "I'll even put on a robe if it makes you more comfortable. Unless...you'd prefer I didn't?"

A hint of a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "You're making it very difficult for me to refuse."

I step back, gesturing for him to enter. "That's the idea."

While Ryan sets the tray down on the nightstand, I can feel the tension between us crackling like electricity. I hate to shatter the mood, but I have to remind him. "Don't you need to deliver that food to its rightful owner?

"Oh, yeah. Right." He blushes again and clears his throat, raising one finger. "Gimme a sec."

He races out of the room, only to return one minute and thirty-five seconds later, flushed and breathless. Yeah, I counted the seconds. Then he slams the door shut. "Delivery...done."

I move closer to him. "Thank goodness. Are we going to share all these delicious treats you brought me tonight?"

Ryan roams his gaze over me, his professional demeanor visibly slipping while his voice grows deeper and rougher. "Why don't we find out together?"

Suddenly, I can't catch my breath. Is this really happening?

He reaches for a strawberry, dipping it in chocolate sauce. Then he lifts it to my lips. "Open up."

I part my lips, letting him feed me the fruit. The chocolaty flavor hits me first, followed by the strawberry sweetness that explodes on my tongue in a rush of sensual flavors, and the juices dribble down my chin. "Your turn, honey."

With every morsel, this dance becomes more daring, more sensual, intensifying my desire more every minute. My nipples harden into tight pearls that ache for his touch. Just the scent of him, all woodsy spice and sweaty male, turns me on even more. Normally, I don't get wet without lube. But I have a feeling Ryan will do much better than that.

His drops to a husky tone that makes my knees weak. "You know, there are more interesting ways we could enjoy this meal."

"Like what?"

He picks up a small bowl of honey. "How about we get a little...messy."

I can't believe this is happening, can't believe all-business Ryan is suggesting something so deliciously naughty. But I'm not about to let this opportunity slip away. "Oh, sweetie, I thought you'd never ask."

While Ryan drizzles warm honey over my collarbone, I shiver with delight. His eyes have darkened with desire, and his expression is rife with erotic determination. He leans in, his tongue following that sweet trail, and I can't help but moan.

"God, Meredith," he growls, his breath hot against my skin.

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