Page 39 of Natural Temptation

We round a bend, and I spot a small inlet.

"How about we take a little detour?" I suggest, steering my kayak toward the shore.

"What's on your mind?"

"You'll see." As we beach our kayaks, I reach for her hand. "I want to show you something special."

We hike through the dense jungle, the air thick with the scent of exotic flowers and damp earth. I hold Meredith's handsecurely and remain vigilant for any possible threats. What, like flying monkeys? I roll my eyes at my own asinine thoughts.

"Close your eyes," I instruct as we approach our destination.

"This is exciting. Are we meeting up with aliens?"

"You never know." I guide her forward, positioning her just right. "Okay, open up those beautiful eyes."

Meredith gasps as she surveys the hidden waterfall before us, its crystal-clear water cascading down moss-covered rocks into a serene pool below.

"Ryan, it's breathtaking," she breathes, squeezing my hand.

I watch her face, memorizing every detail of her awe-struck expression. It hits me then, a realization both electrifying and terrifying. I'm in love with her.

Pushing the thought aside, I grin and tug her toward the pool. "Care for a swim?"

As we splash in the cool water, I can't help but marvel at how natural this feels, how right. For the first time in years, I'm not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. I'm simply here, in this moment, with her.

Later, as we dry off on sun-warmed rocks, Meredith points to some markings on the nearby cliff face. "Are those...cave drawings?"

My brows lift. "Good eye. They're believed to be centuries old."

She traces the faded lines with her fingers. "It's amazing to think about the history here, isn't it? Makes you wonder what other secrets this island holds."

I smirk. "Who knows? Maybe next we'll stumble onto buried treasure."

"Well, I think I've already found something pretty valuable here on this island."

My heart skips a beat as our eyes lock. The urge to tell her how I feel is overwhelming, but I hold back.Not yet, I tell myself.Not here.

Instead, I stand and offer her my hand. "Ready to head back? I've got another surprise waiting for you at my place."

Moments after we've sat down on the sofa in my bungalow, I get a video call from my bosses. Meredith discretely moves to a chair on the other side of the room. I run a hand through my still-damp hair.

James and Holly's smiling faces fill the frame. "Ryan! How's paradise treating you?"

I grin, leaning back in my chair. "Can't complain. How's Florida?"

"Hot and sticky," Holly confirms. "But we're managing. Mom's thrilled to have us here."

While they tell me more about their visit, I find my gaze drifts to Meredith, curled up in that chair, looking sexy and sweet as she skims through a magazine. I'd much rather sweep her up in my arms and carry her into the bedroom. But duty calls.

"Are you still there, Ryan?" James's deep voice jerks me back to attention—and to the video call. "You seem...distracted. Everything all right at the resort?"

I clear my throat. "Yeah, sorry. Actually, there's something I should probably tell you both."

Holly leans forward, her eyes glimmering with interest. "Ooh, I love a good secret. Is this a soap-opera type of deal?"

"Not exactly. I, uh...I've met someone." The words tumble out before I can second-guess myself. "It's a guest. Meredith Hayes. We've been spending a lot of time together."

James's eyebrows shoot up. "Spending time, huh? Is that what the youngsters are calling it these days?"

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