Page 6 of Natural Temptation

Tuck knows about my...issues. And he helped me figure out how to cope.

A peal of feminine laughter draws my attention. A lithe brunette tosses her sundress aside, stretching languorously while she tips her head back and grins. My gaze snaps back to the resort entrance.Focus on the job, not the guests.I smooth my crisp white uniform, the starched collar a stark contrast to the carefree atmosphere. My fingers brush the name tag—"Ryan Kimble, Interim General Manager." The cool metal grounds me just enough to keep me from acting like a human statue.

You've got this, Kimble. Second chances don't come easy, so fight for it, man.

As I turn away, a flash of caramel-brown hair catches my eye, and I get a glimpse of amber eyes. What is that woman'sname? I'd been watching her out of the corner of my eye during my entire welcome speech. Though she's now facing away, I'd recognize that luscious hair and those transfixing eyes anywhere. My heart thuds traitorously, and my cock jerks too. My own body is trying to encourage me to break my rules for this job. No romance. No sex either.

My phone chirps, mercifully distracting me. It's Tucker:How's paradise treating you? Still got your clothes on?

I chuckle despite myself. Leave it to Tucker to cut through the tension. I type back:All good here. Professionalism is my middle name.

His reply is almost instantaneous:Bullshit. It's Theodore and we both know it. Proud of you, man. You've come a long way, and you've got this.

Suddenly, I'm standing up straighter and lifting my chin. Maybe I do have this, just like I told myself a moment ago. Maybe Heirani Motu is exactly where I need to be. I type:Thanks, Tuck, no need to worry about me.

He sends me a thumbs-up emoji, then signs off. I square my shoulders and stride toward my office. Time to get to work.

I pivot smoothly, as the first guests enter the lobby, my practiced smile sliding into place. I extend my hand to a sun-bronzed couple. "Welcome to Heirani Motu. I'm Ryan, your interim general manager. How may I assist you today?"

The woman beams, her enthusiasm infectious. "Oh, this place is just gorgeous! We're looking for some information on activities."

I nod, gesturing toward a nearby rack. "Of course. You'll find our full range of pamphlets right over there. Emilio, our assistant manager, can help you. We also have two activity coordinators who can provide more details."

Emilio appears at my side as if he'd been hiding behind me, though I doubt that. His curly hair is hair tousled by the islandbreeze, and he grins at the couple. "Did someone say activities? I've got you covered, mates."

"Ooh, what a lovely accent," the woman says. "Is that Australian?"

"New Zealand. I'm a proud Kiwi."

While Emilio leads the couple away, I catch Marley's eye across the lobby. She gives me a subtle thumbs-up, mouthing '"you're doing great!" I manage a small smile in return, grateful for her support.

A booming voice cuts through the chatter. "My god, would you look at this view?"

I turn to find a barrel-chested man with a salt-and-pepper beard, his eyes wide with wonder as he gazes out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the entrance to the lobby.

"It's certainly breathtaking, sir," I agree, stepping closer. "Heirani Motu is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the South Pacific. Our nature trails offer—"

"Nature trails?" He claps a hand on my shoulder. "Tell me more, son. Can't wait to explore this wicked paradise."

I slip into my well-rehearsed spiel, grateful for the distraction. "We have several guided hikes that showcase our local flora and fauna. The waterfall trail is particularly popular, featuring a rope bridge and a natural swimming hole. For the more adventurous, we offer zip-lining tours through the canopy."

His eyes light up. "Zip-lining? Now that's what I'm talking about!"

I find myself warming up to the topic too, though I doubt I'll have time for recreation of any sort. "We also offer day trips to the nearby Fiji Islands, and even shopping excursions to New Zealand for those looking to mix a bit of urban exploration with their tropical getaway. You have to wear clothes off the island, of course."

As if he wouldn't have figured that out on his own.Duh, Kimble.

While I speak, I can't help but marvel at how easily the words flow now. A few weeks ago, I was floundering, unsure if I could handle this role. Now, it almost feels...natural.

Almost.

Because even as I maintain my professional demeanor, a part of me remains hyper-aware of every bare shoulder, every flash of skin in my peripheral vision. This job is unlike anything I've ever done before, and the constant balancing act is...challenging, to say the least. But I'm determined to make it work. For my career, for my future, and maybe, just maybe, for a chance at finding a real home here at a nudist resort. Normal life hadn't turned out so well for me. Might as well try something vastly different.

My mind drifts back to earlier, when the guests first began to disrobe. I'd steeled myself for this moment, but nothing could have prepared me for the sight of the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. She smiles at me as if she knows me, her smile radiant, The caramel-brown waves of her hair catching the sunlight as she sheds her dress. I force my gaze upward, meeting her amber eyes. They're sparkling with mischief, and I swear she just winked at me.

"Keep it together, Kimble," I mutter under my breath, gripping my clipboard tighter. The familiar weight grounds me, a shield against the sudden rush of heat coursing through my body. I scan the crowd, focusing on faces, not bodies.Remember, professionalism first, I remind myself. But it's a losing battle. My eyes keep drifting back to that gorgeous woman—her confident stance, her easy smile. Even the wrinkles around her eyes are enchanting.

"All right, everyone," I call out, my voice remarkably calm. "If you'll gather round, we'll get started with our welcome orientation."

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