Page 50 of Natural Temptation

"Count me in. But I really need do something first."

My friends don't ask what that thing is, bless them.

While they follow Emilio, I'm left alone with my thoughts. The island breeze caresses my skin, and I close my eyes, letting the sounds of nature wash over me. I think about the woman I was before coming here—lonely, stressed, stuck in a rut, afraid to take chances. Now, standing on this beach, I feel free and alive as if the universe has opened up for me.

I open my eyes and spot Ryan across the beach, directing a group of guests. His quiet strength and dedication draw me in like a magnet. Taking a deep breath, I straighten my shoulders and begin walking toward him. It's time to take that leap.

As I march across the sand, my heart pounds with every step. Ryan's back is turned as he gestures toward a pile of debris, his tanned skin glistening with sweat. I'm right behind him when he turns, his eyes widening.

"Meredith? What are you—"

I don't let him finish that thought. My arms fly around his neck as I pull him close and press my lips to mine. Briefly, he's frozen. But then he slides his arms around my waist, and he's kissing me back with a passion that makes my toes curl.

Whoops and cheers erupt around us. I break away, suddenly remembering we're surrounded by people. Ryan's cheeks are flushed, and he seems almost embarrassed, the way he ducks his head slightly.

"Well," he drawls, clearing his throat, "that's one way to boost morale during cleanup."

"Sorry, I just...needed to do that."

He takes my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. "Let's talk somewhere more private."

We're barely out of earshot when Rene's booming voice cuts through the air. "Oi, Ryan! We've got a situation, mate!"

Ryan's jaw tightens, but he doesn't let go of my hand. "What is it, Rene?"

The pilot jogs up to us, his blue eyes twinkling with barely contained excitement. "Storm's done a number on our supply lines. We need to make an emergency run to the mainland. Reckon you're up for a quick trip to the Land Down Under? It'll be like old home week for me."

I feel Ryan's grip on my hand tighten slightly. He looks at me, brows raised. "Are you okay with this? Me running away on a supply run? You seemed like you wanted to talk some more."

"Go. We need supplies, and everything else can wait." I surprised myself with how steady my voice sounds. "The resort needs you. We'll talk when you get back."

"I promise we'll finish this conversation."

As Ryan and Rene dash off toward the airstrip, I'm left standing alone. But Ryan will be back soon. That thought cheers me up as I dive back into the cleanup efforts. Sunset arrives faster than I expected, but I guess hard work makes the hours just zip by. After a long day of picking up after Mother Nature, everyone gathers on the beach for an impromptu party. It's in full swing by the time the sun is dipping toward the horizon. Tiki torches flicker in the breeze, casting warm light over the revelers. I sip my fruity cocktail, trying to focus on Zara's animated retelling of her day's adventures, but my eyes keep darting to the darkening sky.

"No more puppy dog eyes," Lila insists, nudging me. "Your sex god will be back soon."

I manage a wan smile. "I know. But it feels like eternity."

Before either of my friends can respond, a familiar rumble fills the air. Heads turn as the small jet appears, silhouetted against the fading light. My pulse accelerates, and I feel a touch lightheaded from sheer excitement.

The party goes quiet as the general manager and the pilot make their way onto the beach. They're grinning, Rene's arm slung over Ryan's shoulder as he regales him with what I'm sure is an inappropriate joke. Then Ryan's eyes lock with mine, and the world seems to fall away. My feet are moving before I realize it, sand kicking up behind me as I run. Ryan matches my pace, closing the distance between us in long strides. When we meet, his strong arms wrap around me, and he lifts me off my feet. I'm laughing, my arms wrapped around his neck while he spins us in a circle.

"God, I missed you," he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear.

"I missed you too," I whisper back, not caring that everyone's watching. In this moment, it's just us—Ryan and Meredith, two people who found something unexpected on this magical island.

He sets me down, keeping his arms around me, and I know we both have decisions to make. But right now, surrounded by the cheers and applause of our makeshift island family, I let myself bask in the joy of this moment, this connection that feels both thrilling and somehow like coming home.

The euphoria of our reunion fades into a bittersweet realization when I wake up the next morning. And for the next six days, we're both too busy to have "the talk."

Suddenly, I realize we have only two days left. The thought hits me like a punch to the gut, and I sit up in bed, running a hand through my tangled hair. We made love last night, and it had been so sweet and sensual that I nearly melted into a puddle.

"You're thinking too loud," Ryan mumbles beside me, his eyes still closed.

I tickle his lips with my fingers. "Sorry, didn't mean to wake you."

He cracks one eye open. "What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?"

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