Page 65 of Natural Temptation

As he taps away on the tablet, I can't resist. "You know, if you keep adding to that list, we might never leave."

"Says the woman who just suggested two new items."

I laugh, playfully nudging his shoulder. "Touché. But seriously, Ryan, part of what makes you an amazing general manager is your obsessive need to check things five times."

"Someone has to balance out your wild spontaneity."

I gasp in mock indignation. "Wild spontaneity? I'll have you know my escapades are carefully improvised."

Ryan chuckles, a rich, warm sound that never fails to make my heart skip. "Carefully improvised? Only you could make that work, Mer."

"Admit it, you love my carefully improvised adventures. They keep you on your toes."

"They certainly do." He cups my ass with one hand, humor glinting in his eyes. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

I glance at our packed suitcases. "I think we're as ready as we'll ever be."

Ryan is about to speak when his phone dings. He has a new text. My husband's brows furrow as he reads the message. "We've been dawdling for too long. Rene just pinged me. He said we should get our 'arses' out of bed and hurry to the jet. Otherwise, he'll take off without us."

We gather our luggage, which showcases our dual personalities—a mishmash of bright floral prints and Ryan's more subdued neutrals. As I hoist my bag, Ryan's hand brushes mine.

"Let me get that," he offers.

"Such a gentleman," I tease, handing it over. "But don't forget, where we're going, chivalry might be the only thing you're wearing."

He pats my bottom. "I think I can handle that."

We make our way through the resort, the familiar paths now tinged with a sense of impending exploits. At the main entrance, our staff has gathered to see us off.

Leilani, our effervescent new activities director, rushes forward to envelop me in a hug. "Have an amazing time, bosses! Bring back lots of scandalous stories!"

I laugh, giving her a quick hug. "We'll do our best to maintain our professional dignity."

"How boh-ring," she stage-whispers, winking at my husband.

Ryan clears his throat, a hint of pink touching his cheeks. "The resort's in good hands with Emilio as interim general manager, not to mention you and the rest of the staff. We appreciate your hard work."

As we say our goodbyes, I'm struck by the genuine affection in everyone's faces. This place, these people...they've become family.

Finally, we're jogging toward the grass strip, ready to jump onto the smaller jet.

"Can you believe we're really doing this?" I ask.

Ryan's arm wraps around me, pulling me closer. "Embarking on a tour of naturist resorts? Where we'll either go clothing-optional or clothes-free? I hear there are horses at the Oregon resort. So yeah, it does seem a bit surreal."

I slap his chest. "You know what I mean. This adventure, just us, exploring new places, new ideas..."

"I know, Mer. And I'm looking forward to every minute of it."

Ryan gallantly offers his hands to help me board the jet. Soon, we're flying toward Fiji. As we touch down at the Suva airport, the possibilities of what lies ahead fill my mind. I never could have imagined I would become the guest services managerat a nudist resort, much less one where almost anything goes. Even Ryan enjoys going au naturel these days.

The Suva airport terminal buzzes with activity as we weave through the crowd, our carry-ons trailing behind us. Ryan's hand rests lightly on the small of my back, guiding me through the chaos.

I smile affectionately at the man who's determined to hustle me into an airliner as quickly as possible. "You know, for someone who runs a nudist resort, you seem awfully keen on keeping me covered up."

"Just protecting my investment. Can't have you causing an international incident before we even take off."

My laughter draws curious glances from nearby travelers. "Me? I'm fully clothed, sweetie."

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