Page 12 of Natural Temptation

We've reached the main building, but neither of us moves to go inside. The balmy evening air wraps around us like a cocoon,filled with the chirping of night insects and the distant crash of waves.

Meredith lowers her voice to barely above a whisper. "Ryan, I realize you're trying to keep things professional. I know it's ridiculous, considering that we just met earlier today, but I can't help feeling like there's...well, something between us. "

I swallow hard, my heart suddenly pounding. "Meredith, I—"

"You don't have to say anything," she interrupts gently. "I just wanted you to know that if you'd ever like to talk or anything else, I'm here."

The invitation in her words is clear, and it takes every ounce of willpower I possess not to pull her into my arms right then and there. Instead, I take a deep breath, forcing myself to remember I'm the general manager. I need to stick to the rules and my duties.

"I appreciate that, Meredith. But as a staff member, I can't—"

"Of course, I understand." A flicker of disappointment flashes on her face before she masks it with a smile. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. Let's just pretend I didn't say anything, okay?"

I nod, relief and regret warring inside me. "That's probably for the best."

We stand here for a moment, gazing at each other, and I wonder if she feels the same tension as I do. The hot kind. I should walk away, end this conversation before it goes any further. But my feet seem to be rooted to this exact spot, and my eyes are locked on Meredith's. Then she takes a step closer, near enough that I can smell the faint scent of coconut sunscreen on her skin.

"You know, Ryan, sometimes the best things in life happen when we let go of the rules a little."

My throat tightens, and it feels like invisible hands are squeezing my throat. "Meredith..."

She reaches out, her fingertips barely brushing my arm. "I should find my friends. We all promised to have lunch together in the dining hall."

The touch of her fingers on my arm sends a jolt through me, and I have to fight the urge to pull her into my arms and kiss her. Instead, I take a step back, putting some much-needed distance between us.

I clear my throat, my voice now sounding strained even to my own ears. "The dining hall, right. It's, uh, just through those doors and to the left. But I'd be happy to escort you."

Meredith's hand falls back to her side, but her eyes never leave mine. "You're so sweet, Ryan, but I can manage on my own. Thank you for the directions and—the company."

I paste on a polite smile, not trusting myself to speak. As she turns to go, I can't help but admire the way her hips gently sway and the graceful curve of her back. Just before she reaches the swinging doors, she glances over her shoulder, catching me staring.

"See you around, Mr. Interim General Manager," she says, with a knowing smile that makes my dick twitch.

I watch her disappear into the building. My chest feels like a lead weight has landed on it.

Dammit. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid. I run a hand through my hair, frustrated with myself for letting things get this far. I should have shut it down immediately, maintained a professional distance. But something about Meredith makes it impossible to keep my walls up. Though I shouldn't do it, I can't stop myself from striding into the dining hall to grab a table in the far corner, partially hidden by a potted plant. From here, I can see Meredith and her friends, but they can't easily spot me. I tell myself I'm just doing my job, keeping an eye on the guests, but deep down I know that's bullshit. I'm here because I can't stay away from her.

Strictly so I won't look like a stalker, I amble over to the buffet and grab some food and a glass of Noni juice. It has antioxidants or something. Then I settle into my secluded corner, the plate before me offering up a colorful array of island delicacies. Thelomi lomisalmon looks amazing—cubes of cured salmon nestled among diced tomatoes and onions, the vibrant reds and pinks a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. I take a forkful, savoring the delicate balance of salt and citrus that dances on my tongue.

And still, I keep glancing sideways at Meredith.

Next, I try a thick slice of pineapple coconut bread, its golden-brown color enticing me to try. The sweetness of the pineapple melds perfectly with the rich coconut, and I find myself tearing off chunks with my fingers, propriety be damned.

My continuing struggle to avoid looking at Meredith has given me a crick in my neck, but I still can't stop watching her. She's laughing with her friends now, her head thrown back, exposing the graceful curve of her throat. I force myself to rip my gaze away, instead focusing on the plate in front of me.

But it's no use. My focus is drawn back to her like a magnet—the industrial-strength kind. She's gesturing animatedly now, telling some story that has her friends in stitches. I find myself wishing I could hear what she's saying and be a part of that easy camaraderie.

Suddenly, Meredith's eyes flick in my direction.

I duck my head, pretending to be fascinated by my food, but I can feel the weight of her focus on me.

Meredith slides her chair closer to Lila while laughing at something Maya says. Even from this distance, the joy she exudes from every pore is infectious. I find myself smiling despite my best efforts to maintain a neutral expression.

Since I've finished my main course, I decide to amble over to the buffet again and snag more grub. If Meredith sticks aroundfor much longer, I'll gain ten pounds before I walk out of the dining hall. But the moment I settle in at my table again, I realize there's another problem. Meredith and her friends have moved two tables closer to me, apparently because the table had become wobbly. Now that the ladies are only a few yards away, the acoustics in this section seem to amplify every word the women speak. So, I bow my head and focus on my eating, as if that will help.

"Fancy meeting you here."

That voice startles me. I raise my head to see Zara standing by my table, a knowing smirk on her face.

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