Page 11 of Natural Temptation

Ryan stalked me? Oddly, that fact turns me on. "I'm not upset, sweetie. Actually, it's rather flattering."

He takes a step closer, managing to peek at me sideways. "This is a beautiful spot, isn't it? Not many guests find their way here."

"I probably should have brought a map. Good thing you stumbled onto me, or who knows how long I would've been lost in the woods." His rapt focus on my face makes me shiver faintly, and I'm acutely aware of the water lapping at my skin. "It's like a little slice of paradise, don't you think?"

He smiles, and I feel my heart skip a beat. "That it is. Though I have to say, the view just got even more spectacular."

I blush at his words as if I'm a virgin, which I haven't been since prom night many years ago. Part of me wants to sink deeper into the water, to hide from Ryan's gaze. But another part, a bolder part I'm just discovering, wants to stand up and let him look his fill.

As I settle for treading water, keeping my shoulders above the surface, I try for a casual tone. "I didn't realize the staff got to enjoy the island too."

Ryan chuckles, the rich sound sending a tingle of arousal down my spine. His eyes never leave mine as he speaks. "We're encouraged to explore during our off hours, so I decided to go for a walk on my lunch break. Even a few minutes of time off helpsus better assist all our guests. It was James and Holly's idea—they're my bosses. Though I have to admit, this is a first for me."

"What, stumbling onto a naked guest in a hidden pool?" I tease, surprising myself with my boldness.

His grin widens. "Something like that."

We stare at each other for a long moment, the air between us charged with unspoken tension. I can feel my heart pounding, and not just from the exertion of my hike. Ryan takes another step closer, his feet at the water's edge now. I can see the muscles in his arms flexing as he grips the strap of his backpack tighter.

"I—I should probably head back," I tell him, though I make no move to climb out of the pool. "My friends will be wondering where I've disappeared to."

Ryan nods and sighs, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face before his professional mask slips back into place. "I understand. Please let me walk you back to the main building."

And he does exactly that. He escorts me. No copping a feel. He doesn't even glance at my boobs. Ah, well, there's always tomorrow.

Chapter Four

Ryan

Did Meredith notice when my gaze flicked down to her tits? I got the impression she was admiring the scenery and didn't pay any attention to me. Not that I care. But damn, a man only has so much willpower, and Meredith is a beautiful, sensual woman. The fact that I caught her swimming in the waterfall pool with no clothes on doesn't help.

Of course she was naked, you moron. It's a nudist resort.

As I lead Meredith back to the main resort building, she insists on chatting like any normal person would. I do my best, but my attraction to this woman is hard to resist. When she tells a joke, I smile and manage a slight chuckle. She is one of the nicest people I've ever met, but that only makes it harder for me to stay professional around her.

"So, Ryan," Meredith says, her voice as silky as warm honey, "you never did tell me how you ended up working at a nudist resort. Seems like an...interesting career choice."

I clear my throat, trying not to let my eyes wander to her tits again. "It's a long story."

She bumps her shoulder into mine in a playful gesture. "I've got time. And I literally can't leave the island unless Rene flies me to Fiji."

I sigh, knowing I shouldn't encourage this conversation but unable to resist. "Let's just say I needed a change. A big one."

"Okay. I can relate to that. It's why I'm here, actually."

As we walk, her arm brushes against mine, sending electricity through my body. I clench my jaw, reminding myself of the rules I'd written for myself which are somewhat stricter than the guidelines for my staff members. But with every step, every smile she throws my way, I feel my resolve weakening. I shouldn't even be entertaining the idea, but something about Meredith draws me in.

I know the dangers of letting my guard down, of allowing even a small crack in the wall I've built around myself. Yet, the more time I spend with this woman, the more I find myself wanting to know her—beyond the polite small talk and surface-level pleasantries.

Her laughter is infectious, her enthusiasm for life palpable. How can one person be so endlessly cheerful? It's a stark contrast to my own subdued nature, and maybe that's part of the allure. She represents everything I've shut out: spontaneity, joy, the pursuit of real happiness. Why do I crave her attention like this? It's been years since I've felt this kind of pull toward someone, and it's as disturbing as it is exhilarating.

"What kind of change are you looking for?" I find myself asking.

She tilts her head, considering her answer. "I'm not entirely sure. Freedom, maybe. A chance to rediscover myself, for sure." Her amber eyes meet mine. "What about you? Did you find what you were looking for here?"

I hesitate, torn between maintaining professional distance and opening up. But I give in and answer her question—sort of. "I found...peace. And a fresh start."

Meredith's smile softens. "That sounds nice."

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