Page 52 of Natural Temptation

"I've been thinking," I tell her as I set down my coffee mug. "What if we expanded the nature trails? There's that hidden ledge behind the main waterfall that we haven't fully explored yet. A couple of guests, Craig and Vanessa Hathaway, found it last year."

Meredith leans forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. That means she's thinking. Since Meredith became my right hand at the resort, unofficially, she's been funneling her newfound management skills into eco-tourism initiatives.

"Go on, baby," I encourage. "I can tell you have an idea."

"Remember those deep fissures we stumbled onto last week? I think they could be part of an underground cave system." She taps one finger on her mug. "If we could safely map it out, it could be an amazing addition to the island's attractions. Might even be archaeological artifacts squirreled away there from hundreds of years ago."

I love watching Meredith brainstorm. She almost glows from the excitement of new possibilities. This is the woman I fell in love with—passionate, determined, always seeking new adventures. I reach across the table and squeeze her hand. "That sounds incredible, Mer. And it could be a great way to showcase the island's unique ecosystem. Maybe we could even partner with some researchers to study the wildlife in those caves and in the mangroves on the other side of the island."

"Exactly!" Her expression brightens, and I can practically see the gears turning in her mind. "We could create educational tours, maybe even set up a small research station. It would be a win-win for conservation and tourism."

As we clear the breakfast dishes, I keep glancing sideways at her. It's amazing how far we've come in a relatively short time. Just a few months ago, Meredith was a guest, a stranger, a widow seeking new experiences and craving something wild. I had just taken on a job that I wasn't sure I could handle, on an island full of naked people. But I know now that I belong here with this new family I've forged. My actual family met Meredith in person a few weeks ago—though not here on the island. They aren't quite ready for that. But they're completely fine with my new life.

Now, Meredith and I are building something beautiful together, not just for ourselves, but for this island we've grown to love.

"So, when do we start exploring?" I ask.

Meredith lifts her brows. "Eager, aren't we? How about this weekend? We can pack some supplies and make a day of it."

"Perfect. I'll talk to Cooper and Mila about borrowing some of the resort's climbing gear."

As we finish getting ready for the day, I find myself thinking about what's to come for us. Great things, I know that much. An expedition to a mysterious part of the island is exactly the kind of adventure we both relish these days. And I have the perfect partner by my side.

We make our way down to the main resort area, greeting the early-rising guests with warm smiles. The Au Naturel Naturist Resort South Seas has become more than just a workplace for us—it's our community, our home.

But before we undertake our expedition, I need to do something else.

I suggested to Meredith that she ought to learn all about what goes on in the dining hall behind the scenes. If my idea made her suspicious, she didn't let on that it did. After kissing her goodbye, I jog to the gift shop. Since I don't know howlong I'll have to complete my secret mission, I figure I need to get done quickly just in case. My palms are sweaty, though this building does have air conditioning. Memories rush through me—of Meredith's smile, her laughter, the way her eyes crinkle when she's truly happy.

I burst into the gift shop, startling Mariel behind the counter. "I need a ring."

Mariel stares at me blankly. "A ring? Who do you need to call?"

"No, I don't—Never mind." I scan the modest jewelry display. "I need an engagement ring. Right now."

Mariel's eyebrows shoot up. "For Meredith?"

"Yeah." I suddenly feel foolish. "Is it too soon? God, what am I thinking?"

"Relax, boss," Mariel replies, her voice softening. She gestures to a delicate band with a small, sparkling stone. "This one's nice. Simple, but elegant. Like Meredith."

I nod, trying to imagine the ring on Meredith's finger. "Perfect. I'll take it."

As Mariel rings up the purchase, she adds casually, "You know, most women like it when a man gets down on one knee. It's romantic."

I scoff. "That's a bit cliché, isn't it?"

Mariel shrugs. "Sometimes clichés work for a reason."

I pocket the ring box, my mind racing. "Thanks, Mariel. I'll...consider that advice."

Leaving the shop, I head for the dining hall. But only a moment later, I suddenly get a much better idea. I need to rehearse what I'll say. So, I go to our bungalow and stand in front of the bedroom mirror. Proposing doesn't seem that hard.Marry me, those words are all I need to speak. But as I glance out the window, I see a familiar figure through the trees, pacing around the hot tub. I freeze, watching her. Meredith stops, hergaze sweeping over the lush landscape. The calls of exotic birds and the distant rush of water fill the air. My chest tightens just from seeing her profile. Her presence always does this to me.

"Time to man up," I mutter to myself. "Go out there and just do it."

Just then, my phone rings. I don't want to answer. Yet my curiosity gets the better of me, and I find myself snatching the phone out of my pants pocket.

Conference room. Now.

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