Page 3 of Natural Temptation

I take another deep breath, squaring my shoulders. The dimly lit office feels like a cocoon, shielding me from the world outside. But I can't hide here forever.

Shake off the memories, Kimble. Look to the future.

My perusal of the guest list proved there will be loads of hot women on the island for the next two weeks. Why I thought about that I can't explain. It's not like I can have a fling with a sexy guest. Can't even remember the last time I had sex.

And you won't be having any on this island either, Kimble. Keep it professional, remember?

I step out the door, leaving the sanctuary of my office behind. Tomorrow will bring its own challenges, but I'll face them the way I always do—one carefully measured step at a time. The door clicks shut behind me, and I head for my private bungalow. Just another night in paradise, with the weight of the world on my shoulders and a heart I don't dare to unchain.

Chapter One

Meredith

As the wheels of the small jet touch down on the grass landing strip, my heart leaps into my throat. This is it. I'm really doing this. Whenever I've dreamed about taking a vacation, I would imagine Cozumel or Italy or maybe even Amsterdam—but never an adults-only nudist resort on a private island in the South Pacific. Yet here I am at the Au Naturel Naturist Resort South Seas. And I'm about to strip naked in front of a bunch of strangers. Fortunately, I have my three best friends with me to take the plunge together.

As I descend the steps of the jet, with our pilot's chivalrous assistance, I give him a smile. "Thank you, Rene. I love your Australian accent. And I can tell you're a gentleman with a naughty streak, just the kind of man I like."

He winks and chuckles. "Don't tempt me, love."

As my shoes touch down on the grass, I know for sure that I'm finally here on the magical island of Heirani Motu. The vibrant colors and luscious aromas of the island drench my senses like warm honey. Lush green palms sway gently in the breeze, framing a sky so blue it almost hurts to look at it. The air is thick with the scent of tropical flowers and salty sea spray.

Mm, this is heaven.

"Welcome to paradise, ladies and gents!" Rene calls out with a grin. "Watch out for the mosquitos, they're as big as Godzilla!"

His corny joke breaks the tension, and I can't help but laugh along with the other guests.

Then a handsome young man approaches us, clipboard in hand. He's clearly an employee of the resort. "I'm Emilio, your assistant manager. If you'll follow me, I'll escort you lot to the resort and get you checked in at the front desk."

Emilio has a smooth New Zealand accent and a cheerful attitude.

As we make our way up the winding trail, my three best friends crowd around me, buzzing with excitement.

"Can you believe we're actually here?" Lila gushes, her green eyes wide as she takes in our surroundings. "It's like stepping into a dream."

"A very naked dream," Maya quips with a wink. "Hope you all remembered to pack your birthday suits."

Zara smirks, linking her arm around mine. "Oh, this is going to be such an adventure. I can feel it in my bones."

I grin. "Well, ladies, are you ready to unleash your wild sides?"

Lila shakes her head. "Honey, my wild side's been caged up for so long that it's gone feral. Watch out, island men!"

As we emerge from the wooded path and onto a sprawling patio overlooking the sea in the distance, my breath catches. The view is spectacular, but that's not what draws my eye. Standing near the edge is quite possibly the most gorgeous man I've ever seen. Tall and lean, with tousled blond hair and piercing hazel eyes. He exudes an aura of quiet authority that makes my pulse quicken.

"Who's the stud?" I murmur to Zara.

She follows my gaze and smirks. "That, my dear, is Ryan Kimble. In the brochure, it said he's the interim general manager and a former Navy SEAL. Didn't you read your welcome packet?If you had, you'd know who he is. Ryan is filling in while the regular general manager and his wife are away."

My gaze remains glued to Ryan as he moves to address the group. The way he carries himself, shoulders back and spine straight, exudes confidence and control. And wow, is that sexy.

"Welcome everyone," he begins, his voice as deep and smooth as aged whiskey. "I'm Ryan Kimble, and on behalf of the entire staff, I'd like to say how happy we are to have you here at Au Naturel Naturist Resort South Seas."

As he continues speaking, my mind wanders to decidedly less wholesome places. I wonder what that tanned skin would feel like under my fingertips. How those strong arms might feel wrapped around me. And oh yes, how his cock might feel inside me.

"Earth to Meredith," Maya whispers, elbowing me gently. "You're drooling."

I blink rapidly, realizing I've completely zoned out. And I whisper too. "Sorry. Just...taking in the scenery."

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