Page 5 of Natural Temptation

My gaze flicks to Zara, finding an echo of my own excitement in her eyes. We exchange a silent nod, a promise of what's to come.

Ryan's lips pucker briefly, the expression almost imperceptible. "Please don't hesitate to ask any of us whatever questions might come to mind. Your welcome packets include a list of our rules. Please abide by them."

A hand shoots up from the crowd, and a man's voice calls out, "Rules? I thought this was supposed to be a naughty place!"

I stifle a laugh, curious to see how Ryan will handle this.

He doesn't miss a beat, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Don't worry. We have only a few restrictions. It's all common-sense stuff and common decency. But you'll find a plethora of opportunities to explore the sensual side of life while you're here on the island of Heirani Motu."

As Ryan continues, I find myself wondering just what those "opportunities" might entail. And whether I'll have the courageto seize them. Telling myself I'm on board for a naughty holiday isn't the same as actually doing it.

Buck up, woman. This is your time to escape from life back home. Seize it.

I lean in, hanging on Ryan's every word as he delves deeper into the resort's philosophy. His voice, rich and confident, sends a warm shiver down my spine.

He sweeps his hazel eyes over the crowd. "Remember, this is an adults-only, clothes-free naturist resort. The few exceptions to that rule are outlined in your packets." Ryan gestures to the far side of the patio. "In consideration of our clothes-free mandate, we provide a few amenities other tourist destinations don't offer. The terracotta bowls located throughout the resort offer free access to sunscreen, insect repellent, and condom packets."

Wait. Condoms? Big bowls of them? Yeah, he just said that. Sure, I'm itching for some hot romance, but I hadn't expected terracotta bowls full of rubbers. Guess I don't need to worry about the box of condoms I bought back in the airport gift shop. When in Rome, dive into the debauchery. Don't think that's quite how the saying goes.

But Ryan is still talking, and I find myself mesmerized all over again.

"And also," Ryan explains, "we remind you that our in-house pharmacy can provide whatever medication refills you might need. We also have a medical doctor and a nurse on staff."

As he speaks, my attention drifts. I begin to consider my options for a vacation fling and sneak a few glances at some of the younger male guests. To my surprise, more than a few are eyeing me appreciatively. Maybe being fiftyish isn't such a drawback after all. I wonder if Ryan is younger than I am.

I take a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent that seems to permeate the island. And I whisper to myself, "You've got this, Mer. Time to live a little for once in your life."

As Ryan's speech winds down, a surge of determination washes over me. This is it. My chance to rediscover myself, to embrace life with everything I've got. I square my shoulders, a silent vow forming in my mind:No more holding back. No more what-ifs.

"And now," Ryan announces, "off with your clothes!"

There's a moment of hesitation, then a flurry of movement. Shirts fly, pants drop, and suddenly the patio is awash in a sea of bare skin. I take a deep breath and peel off my sundress, tossing it aside. And just like that, I'm naked. In public. The tropical breeze caresses my skin, and I can't help but smile. It feels...liberating. Exhilarating, even.

"Well, would you look at that," Lila giggles beside me. "Mer has the girls out and proud!"

I laugh, giving a little shimmy. "Might as well put them to good use. Think they'll help me snag that cabana boy?"

"Honey," Zara chimes in, "with those puppies, you could snag the whole kennel if you wanted."

We dissolve into laughter, the sound mingling with the excited chatter around us. I catch Maya eyeing a group of young men nearby. Her cheeks dappled with pink.

"Earth to Maya," I tease. "Did you see something you like?"

She grins, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Just thinking about the, um,scenery."

"Speaking of scenery," Lila interjects, "we'd better stock up on lube. Otherwise, we'll be suffering from what I like to call the Sahara Desert Effect. We are mature women, after all."

I snort, shaking my head. "Always the practical one, aren't you?"

As we banter, I can't help but marvel at how natural this feels. Here we are, naked as the day we were born, cracking jokes like it's any other girls' trip. But it's not, is it? This is the start of something new, something life changing. I glance around, taking in the diverse array of bodies on display. Young, old, fit, curvy—everyone seems so comfortable in their own skin. It's infectious, really. I stand a little straighter, feeling a newfound confidence course through me.

"Ladies," I announce, "I think this is going to be one hell of a vacation."

Chapter Two

Ryan

I stand on the patio dais, alone yet surrounded by people, taking a deep breath as I watch the new arrivals strip down. Their whoops and laughter echo across the patio, a cacophony of uninhibited joy. My jaw clenches.Stay professional, Kimble. You've faced tougher challenges.But have I? Even my SEAL training didn't prepare me for managing a nudist resort. I can almost hear Tucker's gravelly voice and his laughter when I informed him of my new job. He thought it was funny, but he wasn't being a douche. He's genuinely happy for me.

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