Page 14 of Natural Temptation

Zara huffs. "Oh please. I just talked to him, and let me tell you, that man is one step away from spontaneous combustion every time he looks at you."

Is it really that obvious? Shit, I need to work on my poker face.

"Zara!" Meredith hisses. "Keep your voice down. He might hear you."

"Good," Maya declares. "Maybe then he'll finally make a move."

Meredith growls at her friends. "He can't do that. I'm sure he has to abide by some kind of fraternization policy—with guests and employees. I respect that, even if it's...disappointing."

I shift uncomfortably in my seat even as a surge of longing at Meredith's words hits me in the chest. She's disappointed that we can't be together? It doesn't matter how either of us feels, though. But does the resort have that kind of policy? I never bothered to check because I never imagined I'd lust for a guest.

Lila huffs. "Well, if you ask me, sometimes rules need to be bent a little. Especially when there's clearly something special brewing."

"That's right," Maya agrees. "Life's too short to let bureaucracy get in the way of potential happiness."

Fortunately, the four ladies have finished their meal, and they stand up, heading toward the dining hall entrance. I watch as Meredith and her friends amble out of the dining hall, their laughter fading as they disappear through the doors. The remainder of my food sits untouched in front of me, my appetitegone. I can't stop replaying their conversation in my head, especially Meredith's words.

She's disappointed. And she wants to know me better.

I shake my head, trying to clear it. This is exactly why fraternization policies exist—to prevent this kind of distraction, this emotional entanglement. But knowing that Meredith feels the same way I do only makes it harder to resist the temptation.

With a heavier sigh, I stand up and bus my tray. As I'm heading out of the dining hall, I catch a glimpse of Meredith through the window. She's standing by the pool, her hair catching the sunlight as she throws her head back in laughter at something Zara said.

Time to re-read the fraternization policy.

Chapter Five

Meredith

The sun-warmed grass tickles my feet as I step onto the lawn, and a hint excitement zings through me. I can't help but grin as I take in the sight of my friends, all of us as bare as the day we were born, gathered for what promises to be the most unusual game I've ever played. Miniten is a lot like tennis, I've been told, but on a smaller court. It's also only for naturists, also known as nudists.

"Ladies, welcome to miniten!" Marley's cheerful voice rings out as she approaches, fully clothed and holding what look like oversized oven mitts—except they're made of wood. "This is the sport of champions...Well, nude champions, at least."

I snicker, nudging Zara. "Champions of what, exactly? Best tan lines?"

Zara rolls her eyes, but I can see the smile tugging at her lips. "Speak for yourself, Mer. Some of us are working on our all-over glow."

Marley hands out the strange box-shaped contraptions—thugs, she calls them—and I slip mine over my hand, flexing my fingers experimentally as I curl them around the bar that will help me hit the tennis ball. It feels oddly empowering, like I'm about to engage in some quirky, nudist version of a gladiatorial sport.

"All right, people," Marley continues, demonstrating with her own thug. "The rules are simple. Use this to hit the tennis ball. No rackets, just good old-fashioned hand-eye coordination and a dash of naturist pride."

While Marley explains the finer points of the game, I scan the resort grounds, moving only my eyes, a part of me hoping to catch a glimpse of Ryan's muscular form somewhere in the crowd. But he's nowhere to be seen, and I push down a twinge of disappointment.Focus, Meredith.You're here to play a ridiculous game and have fun with your friends, not moon over the first attractive man you've met in years.

The match begins, and soon the air is filled with laughter, shouts of triumph, and the occasional yelp as the ball finds its mark on bare skin. I throw myself into the game with gusto, relishing the feel of the warm breeze on my body and the camaraderie of my friends. Lila and I take on Maya and Zara, whupping them handily before we invite a couple of guys to try their hands.

Hours later, pleasantly exhausted and sun-kissed, we make our way to the resort's spa. As I sink into the warm, fragrant waters of the hot tub, Zara nudges me with her elbow. There's a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"So, Mer, I noticed you checking out the scenery earlier. Looking for something in particular? Or someone in particular?"

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks, grateful it can be blamed on the heat of the water. "Zip it, lady, I'm trying to relax."

"Oh, come on," Lila chimes in. "We've all seen the way you look at Ryan. Why not invite him to join you in the pool behind your bungalow?"

I splash water in their direction, laughing despite myself. "You two are impossible. Can't a girl appreciate the view without being interrogated?"

As we dry off and dress, my friends start chattering about heading to the game room to mingle. But the thought of more socializing suddenly feels overwhelming. I guess miniten wore me out.

"You guys go ahead," I suggest, waving them off. "I think I'll head back to my bungalow and order in."

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