Page 33 of Natural Temptation

"Glad you said that," she whispers into my year. "Because after what you did to me in Fiji, turnabout is fair play."

I feel Meredith's fingers trail down my chest, caught in a whirlwind of emotions—exhilaration, apprehension, and a deep-seated need I can't quite name. The silk scarf around my wrists is both a tether and a release, challenging everything I thought I knew about myself.

"You're thinking too hard," Meredith tells me. "Let go, Ryan. I've got you."

I swallow hard, fighting against years of carefully constructed walls. "It's not that easy."

She pulls back, and I swear I can feel her gaze on me even with my eyes closed. "Why not, sweetie?"

"I'm...not used to this. Being vulnerable." The single word—vulnerable—seems alien to me.

Meredith cups my cheek with her hand. "Open your eyes, Ryan."

I obey, and the tenderness I see in her gaze nearly undoes me.

"We'll go as slow as you need," she assures me. "But I want you to know something. Your vulnerability? It's beautiful."

Something shifts inside me at her words. I lean into her touch, allowing myself to truly let go for the first time in years. "You're different, Mer."

"Good different?"

"Definitely good. You seem...freer."

"I feel freer," she admits. "Being here, with you, it's awakening things inside me that I didn't even know existed."

"I know exactly what you mean."

While she lays her hands on me in the gentlest way, I'm struck by how attentive Meredith is to my reactions. Every touch, every kiss is carefully calibrated to my responses. She pushes my boundaries with exquisite care, always asking me how I feel, always making sure I'm comfortable. As we lose ourselves in each other under the starlit sky of Heirani Motu, I realize that for the first time in years, I am truly, blissfully alive.

Once it's over, we lie tangled together on the blanket, our breathing slowly returning to normal. The stars twinkle above us, a silent audience to our intimacy. Meredith's head rests on my chest, and I absently run my fingers through her hair.

"That was...life-altering, Mer. I know that sounds dumb, but it's how I feel."

"It was the same for me. What we just did was beautiful."

I tip my head back to take in the full panorama of the night sky, feeling more at peace than I have in a long time. "I never expected this when I came here."

"What do you mean?" Meredith props herself up on one elbow to look at me.

I hesitate, weighing my words carefully. "I came here to escape, to hide from my past. But with you...I find myself wanting to open up, to share things I've kept locked away for so long."

"I'd like that, Ryan. I want to know you—all of you."

As the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, we reluctantly part ways. I steal one last kiss before slipping back to my bungalow, my heart feeling lighter than it's been in years.

The next day, I'm helping Marley set up for a morning yoga class when I spot Meredith across the lawn. She's chatting witha group of guests, smiling and laughing. Our eyes meet briefly, and my heart suddenly beats faster.

"Are you sleeping standing up, boss?" Emilio's voice breaks through my reverie. "Or are you planning on starting this class sometime soon? Marley's waiting for your thumbs-up."

I clear my throat, tearing my gaze away from Meredith. "Right, sorry. Go ahead, Marley."

She turns toward the guests gathered on the lawn, each standing on a yoga mat. "Let's begin with some deep breathing exercises..."

Throughout the day, Meredith and I dance around each other, stealing glances and "accidental" touches. During lunch, she brushes past my table, her hand ghosting over my shoulder.

"Oops, sorry about that." She winks, but her tone is anything but apologetic.

I struggle to keep my expression neutral. "No problem at all, Ms. Hayes."

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