Page 40 of Natural Temptation

I tug at my shirt collar, wincing. "It's not just...I mean, yes, but it's more than that. She's incredible."

Holly claps her hands, beaming. "Oh, Ryan! That's wonderful! Tell us everything."

As I share some carefully edited details about Meredith and our adventures, I become more relaxed, especially when I glance at the woman in question. She smiles in the sweetest way and gives me a thumbs-up sign. James and Holly give me knowing smiles. Seeing their genuine happiness for me, I realize how much I've missed having people to confide in. But now I have Meredith—and James and Holly.

"The staff's been teasing me about being 'infatuated with a guest,' " I admit. "They were right about that."

"Well, can you blame them? Blimey, you're practically glowing."

I resist the impulse to point out that men don't glow. At least, none that I've known do.

We wrap up the call with promises that I'll keep in touch more often. I'm actually looking forward to more video calls. As I close the laptop, my phone buzzes. Tucker's name flashes on the screen.

"Hey, Tuck," I answer, waving for Meredith to come over to the sofa. She does that instantly, leaping onto the cushion beside me.

"Ryan, buddy!" Tucker hollers. "How's island life treating you? Damn good, I assume, based on how cheerful you sound."

We catch up, and I find myself talking about Meredith, unable to keep the happiness out of my voice. I even introduce Tucker to Meredith via another video call. As our conversation winds down, my friend grows more serious.

"That's great, Ryan, really. But..." Tucker pauses. "How are you sleeping?"

His question catches me off guard. I hesitate, debating whether to brush it off.

"Ryan?" Tucker prompts gently.

I sigh. "I had a dream the other night. I was back in Libya."

"Shit," Tucker breathes. "Did Meredith notice?"

"Yes, she did," the woman herself announces. "But I didn't say anything. Wasn't sure you'd want me to know."

"Of course I do. I've told you about Libya, but not about the nightmares." I rub my chin, feeling the evening stubble pricking at my skin. "I should tell you, though."

Meredith snuggles closer. "Only if you're ready for that."

"Ryan," Tucker's voice is firm but kind. "You gotta explain it to her. If this is real, she deserves to know. Right, Meredith?"

Meredith raises her hands. "Please don't get me in the middle of this. I don't want Ryan to feel that he has to tell me everything. We haven't known each other long, after all."

"She's right, Tuck. But I will explain everything, I swear—when the time is right."

Once Tucker signs off, I start worrying about what might happen if I tell her about the nightmares. What if it's too much? What if she decides I'm not worth the trouble?

"Ryan?" Her hand touches my arm, warm and grounding.

"Mer, I...I need to ask you something."

She tilts her head, studying me. "Shoot."

"This thing between us..." I gesture vaguely, searching for the right words. "Is it just...I mean, when your two weeks are up..."

Understanding dawns in her eyes, and she crawls onto my lap. Her arms encircle me. "Oh, Ryan. Do you really think I could walk away from this? From you?"

"You have a life back home. A job, friends, family..."

Meredith laughs, the sound as bright as the island sunshine. "A boring job I was planning to quit anyway, and friends who'dbe thrilled to visit me on a tropical island." Her expression turns serious. "What about you? Are you ready for something real?"

I swallow hard, realizing this is my moment of truth. "I want to be ready for that. But there are still things about me, about my past, that you don't know."

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