Page 21 of Natural Temptation

Unconsciously, I trace patterns on the table's weathered surface, mirroring the electric sensations still lingering on my skin from the other night. I can't help imagining Ryan's fingers moving over my body instead of the table, arousing me more with every leisurely swipe. I want to touch myself, under the table, and relieve this delicious ache. But instead, I clench my fingers on my thighs.

"It was that good, huh?" Lila's emerald eyes widen, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Come on, spill the beans, Mer. I demand all the juicy details. Well, maybe notallof them, but you know what I mean."

I laugh. "It involved some playfully naughty things, moonlight, and the kind of kiss that makes you forget your own name. That's all I can tell you."

"Meredith Hayes, you minx!" Lila exclaims, her sketchbook momentarily forgotten. "I knew this island would work its magic on you."

"It was magical last night and this morning." My smile falters a touch. "But he still won't tell me anything about himself."

"Have you confessed all your secrets and old wounds to him?"

I wince and scratch my cheek. "Not exactly."

"And that's Meredith for 'hell no.' Right?" Her tone remains casual, but that's just what Lila is like. Even an asteroid hurtling toward Earth couldn't faze her. "Men can be more complex than a coral reef ecosystem sometimes. Did you try talking to him about it?"

I bow my head and moan pitifully. "I wanted to, but he seemed so closed off when I tried to talk about his past. It seems like he's built more than a wall around himself. He's erected an entire castle, and I'm not sure how to scale those ramparts. God, I'm sick of metaphors."

As I speak, I can't help but wonder if Ryan's behavior is a defense mechanism or if I completely misread our connection. The memory of his touch, so tender and passionate last night, seems at odds with his absolute refusal to talk about his past this morning. It's a riddle I'm determined to solve, even as part of me wonders if I'm setting myself up for heartbreak.

Lila leans toward me, her expression gentle yet with a touch of mischief. "Oh, my dear Meredith, don't you see? Life's greatest adventures often begin with a dash of mystery." She gestures expansively at the lush island around us. "This paradise isn't just about shedding clothes. It's about peeling away our inhibitions, our fears, all the things that hold us back."

I can't help but smile at her. "You always know just what to say, don't you?"

"It's a gift," she winks. "But seriously, embrace this feeling. The thrill, the uncertainty, it's all part of the journey. Your heart knows what it wants, even if your head's a bit confused right now."

Her words resonate with truth, stirring something deep inside me. I take a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of plumeria carried on the breeze. It reminds me of Ryan for some strange reason. "You're right. I can't let fear hold me back. Not here, not now. If there's one place in the world where I can be myself, completely and without shame, it's here on Heirani Motu."

"That's my girl," Lila beams. "Now, go hunt down your hot young mystery man and unravel that enigma."

I turn to leave, but Lila's voice stops me.

"Remember, confession is a two-way street, Mer. You need to share your past with Ryan too."

"Thanks, Lila. I'll do that."

But will Ryan reciprocate? I'm praying he will.

With newfound determination, I bid Lila farewell and make my way to Ryan's office. My heart races as I approach the door, and I feel a bit nauseous from sheer anxiety. So, I take a moment to calm myself with slow, deep breaths. Then I knock on the door.

"Come in," Ryan calls out.

I shut the door after me and lean back against it. "Hello there, handsome."

Ryan's hunched over his desk, surrounded by a sea of papers. His brow crinkles as he concentrates on whatever, but I notice a slight tension in his shoulders that wasn't there yesterday.

I clear my throat deliberately. "Busy day?"

His head pops up, and freezes. For a split second, I see a flash of something in those hazel eyes—desire? regret?—before his professional mask slips back into place. "Meredith. Yeah, just, uh, catching up on some work."

I step closer, my voice gentle. "Wow, that's quite the workload. Anything I can help with?"

Ryan shifts uncomfortably, his eyes darting between me and the papers. "I appreciate the offer, but I've got it under control."

I bite the inside of my lip while I search for a way to breach his defenses. "You know, all work and no play...well, it doesn't suit this place, does it?"

A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips before he catches himself. "Someone has to keep things running smoothly."

I lean against his desk, and my proximity clearly affects him. "True. But I think there might be something else on your mind. Or maybe...someone?"

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