Page 42 of Natural Temptation

Mariel wrings her hands. "There's a tropical cyclone forming nearby. And Emilio's hurt his ankle badly. He tripped on a root while doing trail maintenance. Marley's out with the nature tour group, and we're short-staffed, and I don't know what to do, and--"

"Breathe, Mariel," I interrupt gently, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. "We'll handle this. Has the weather service issued any warnings yet?"

As Mariel fills me in on the details, I feel a familiar presence at my side.

Meredith stands there, concern etched on her face. "Sounds like you could use an extra pair of hands. How can I help?"

I hesitate, torn between my desire to keep her safe and the obvious need for assistance. "Mer, you don't have to--"

She cuts me off with a determined look and a raised hand. "I want to do this. Consider me your assistant for the day."

God, I love this woman.

Chapter Thirteen

Meredith

The sun dips toward the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of oranges and pinks that reflect off the serene, crystal-clear waters of Heirani Motu. I feel the soft, warm sand between my toes as Ryan and I stroll hand in hand along the secluded beach, our footprints leaving trails behind us, like memories being created with every step. The tranquil sound of waves lapping against the shore echoes around us while Ryan and I continue to amble down the shore.

But it does little to calm the queasiness in my stomach. There's a storm potentially barreling toward the island. But for now, for tonight, I'll try to banish those thoughts from my mind.

I sneak a glance at Ryan, admiring the way the fading sunlight accentuates his chiseled features. My heart flutters as I contemplate telling him how I feel—that I want to be with him forever, that I love him. Whether he feels that way...I don't know.

"Meredith, there's, ah...something I need to tell you."

We stop walking, and I turn to face him. But I can't stop myself from ringing my hands, waiting for a bomb to drop. "What is it, sweetie?"

I listen intently, fighting the urge to interject or offer solutions. This is Ryan's moment to express his concerns, andI'm sure he needs to get it all out in one go. So, I focus on the warmth of his hand in mine.

"This position...it's more than just work for me, Meredith. It's been my sanctuary, my haven from the past." He grasps both my hands, facing me, his expression earnest. "I might never have come out of my shell if it weren't for you. I might never have dealt with the pain of that botched mission either. But you saved me, and I'll always be grateful for that."

Why does it sound like he's saying goodbye? "What's wrong? Are you getting fired? Oh god, are you sick?"

He smiles and shakes his head, chuckling softly. "No, Mer, it's nothing like that. I'm trying to say...I love you."

"Huh?"

Ryan clasps my face in both hands. "I'm in love with you, Meredith. You're like a burst of sunshine that lights up the whole world. Your spirit and your sense of adventure—it's infectious."

I suddenly feel like a shy teenager at the prom. "Well, someone's got to keep you on your toes, Mr. Kimble."

"You make me want to be less rigid. To take risks. To seize every day and make the most of it."

"What risks were you talking about?"

He scratches his cheek, seeming almost sheepish. "I have to start with my friend Tucker. For years, he's been my anchor, the one person I could truly confide in, the only one who knew about my nightmares."

"That's understandable. You both experienced that horrific mission."

"I'm trying to explain that I want to share everything with you." He hesitates, then stands up straighter. "I was hoping you might want to become that person for me. If you can handle my baggage."

"Oh, Ryan." I throw my arms around him. "Your baggage is mine too because...I love you."

For a moment, we simply stand here embracing each other. Then we both smile, I realize we both want this—to be together, on this island, always. Is that even possible? Ryan is the interim general manager. James and Holly probably expect to take over again once their vacation is over.

Ryan and I start our trek back up the main trail. My heart feels full, thanks to our newfound intimacy, yet there's also a bittersweet ache as reality creeps in. Less than two weeks. That's all we have left, according to the calendar. I find myself holding out the faint hope that James and Holly won't come back, and that Ryan and I might run the resort together.

We proceed in companionable silence for the rest of our walk, and I find myself making a mental catalog of every sprig of lush foliage, every stunning flower, and every gorgeous creature on Heirani Motu. The vibrant birdsong that usually fills the air has quieted, as if nature itself is holding its breath, waiting to see what becomes of us.

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