Page 53 of Natural Temptation

The call came from Val Silva. I have to go. My proposal will need to wait a while.

As I burst into the conference room, my jaw drops. Sitting around the table are Val and Eve Silva, along with James and Holly Bythesea—all four of my bosses.

"Ryan!" Val booms, his voice as larger-than-life as ever. "Just the man we wanted to see!"

I struggle to find my voice. "What's going on? I thought you were all back in Oregon."

Eve leans forward, her eyes twinkling. "We couldn't miss this opportunity. Ryan, we want you to become the permanent general manager here at the South Seas resort."

The words hit me like a tidal wave. It's everything I've worked for, everything I thought I wanted. But all I can think about is Meredith.

"I don't mean to be rude, but..." I swipe a hand over my eyes. "You see, I was just about to do something monumental when you guys called. I'm stoked about the promotion, for sure. But, ah, just a few minutes ago, I was on the cusp of asking Meredith to marry me."

"That's wonderful!" Holly and Eve shout at the same time.

James and Val grin and slap my arm.

Then all their faces go blank. James speaks up. "There is a slight problem, Ryan. Didn't Meredith text you?"

"Text me what?"

James glances at the others, then sighs. "Read the text. Now."

I hate cryptic bullshit, but I follow James's orders. I check my texts. There is indeed one from Meredith, but when I see it, my stomach drops. "She's going to Fiji with Rene? On a supply run? And they're leaving in fifteen minutes? Shit."

Eve winces. "Check the time stamp."

When I do that, I throw my head back and groan. "The message was sent six minutes ago. No way can I get to grass strip in time."

"Of course you can," Holly declares. Then she makes a shooing motion. "Run fast, Ryan!"

James chuckles. "What are you waiting for? Rene's jet will be at any moment, and Meredith's on it. Do you really want to wait until she comes back before you propose?"

"Go, Ryan," Eve commands. "Just like Holly said, run fast!"

I'm already racing toward the door when Val's voice stops me. "And Ryan, don't forget to get down on one knee!"

As I sprint out of the room, I can't stop myself from grinning. Maybe being a lovesick moron isn't so bad after all. My heart races as I reach the trail that leads to the grass strip, having already galloped across the resort grounds. The stunning scenery flies by, blurring the trees and grass and even the sky.

The distant hum of an engine spurs me into action. I take off towards the landing strip, lungs burning, legs pumping. Rene's sleek jet comes into view just in time for me to see the door sliding shut.

"Meredith!" I shout, waving my arms like a madman. "Wait!"

Through the window, I catch a glimpse of her face, those warm amber eyes widening in surprise. My voice cracks with desperation. "Please!"

For a heart-stopping moment, nothing happens. Then the door swings open again, and she's there, gorgeous and confused.

"Ryan?" Meredith calls out, uncertainty in her voice.

I can't find the words, and so I simply hold out my arms. She hesitates for only a second before leaping onto the ground, crashing into me with such force we nearly topple over. Our eyes lock, and I see everything I'm feeling reflected back at me—hope, longing, love.

Rene's amused voice breaks the spell. "Oi, lovebirds! Make up your minds, yeah? I've got a schedule to keep."

I barely register the cheers and whistles from a crowd I hadn't noticed gathering behind us. I drag Meredith tightly against me, kissing her with every ounce of passion I possess. When we finally break apart, breathless, I can't wait one second longer.

I drop to one knee, holding out the ring box with the lid up, a sparkling diamond nestled inside. "Meredith Hayes, will you marry me?"

Her answering smile is brighter than the tropical sun. "Yes, you fool, of course I will!"

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