Page 68 of Natural Temptation

Ryan keeps hold of my hand as we pass by a group of clothed staff members. This resort is just like Heirani Motu in that respect.

"And here's our pride and joy," Mara announces, gesturing toward a winding path that disappears into a thick grove of pines. "This is the 'Naked in Nature' hiking trail. It's a favorite among our guests. Anyone up for a little something different?"

I had been casually admiring the scenery, but I perked up at Mara's question. "Oh, that sounds amazing. What do you think, Ryan?"

Rather than responding to my query, he asks our guide, "How long has the resort been here? Was it always clothing-optional?"

Mara grins. "You're a curious one, aren't you? The resort's been around for about a decade, and yes, it's always been clothing-optional."

I'm fascinated to hear more, and I find myself soaking up every detail as we tour the facilities. There's a swimming pool, complete with mini water slides and a splash pad. Ryan raises an eyebrow at the sight of naked kids frolicking in the water but doesn't comment.

"It's so different from Heirani Motu," I whisper to him as we come out of the woods to see a mini-golf course. "It's, uh, more structured?"

He nods while scanning our surroundings. "Definitely geared toward families. Different vibe entirely."

After the tour, we're led to a conference room where Eve, Val, Holly, and James are waiting, along with some unfamiliar faces—presumably the other resort employees. We meet Ollie, Heidi, and Damian, who are also bigwigs at the resort.

While introductions are made, I notice Ryan's posture straightening. He's slipping into business mode. I admire his ability to compartmentalize, even as I fight the urge to squirm in my seat. Clothes feel strangely confining after our time on the island.

The meeting flies by in a blur of spreadsheets and projections. As we're wrapping up, Mara whistles to get our attention.

"Don't forget, the 'Naked in Nature' hike leaves in an hour!"

I grab my husband's arm. "Ryan, we have to do that."

He scrunches up his mouth. "I don't know, Mer. It sounds like a long hike."

I employ my best seductive voice to change his mind. "Come on, it'll be fun. When's the last time you went hiking au naturel?"

A reluctant smile tugs at his lips. "Never, actually. We should do that when we're back home again."

"Why not try it right now? Don't tell me my husband, a former Navy SEAL, is squeamish about hiking in the nude with strangers."

One corner of his mouth stretches upward into a smirk. "Okay, you got me. Can't have anyone thinking I've gone soft."

"Then it's settled." I declare triumphantly. "We're going."

As we head back to our room to change—or rather, un-change—I find myself wondering what other new experiences await us here and at other resorts in the Au Naturel chain. More importantly, how might these experiences change us? For the better, I'm sure.

We hold hands as we set out on the trail with the cool Oregon air kissing our skin. The sounds and scents around us are both invigorating and freeing. I catch myself grinning at the woods even while my feet crunch on the pine-needle-strewn path. Ryan walks beside me, his initial hesitation melting away with every step.

"Isn't this incredible?" I whisper, nudging him playfully.

"Well, it's...different. But not in a bad way."

Peripherally, I notice a young woman trailing behind the group, arms wrapped tightly around herself. Her eyes dart nervously, never quite meeting anyone else's gaze. My heart goes out to her. I'd been a little anxious the first time I stripped naked in public, though I was never as nervous as she is.

I slow my pace, falling in step beside her. "First time at a nudist resort?"

She winces. "Is it that obvious?"

"Only because I remember feeling exactly the same way. I'm Meredith, by the way. My husband, Ryan, and I run the Au Naturel Naturist Resort South Seas."

"I'm Stephanie," she replies, her posture relaxing slightly.

"You know, my first nude beach experience was on a little island called Heirani Motu. I was fifty-two at the time. Boy, was I terrified at first, but I quickly realized something important." I lean in to whisper, "Baring it all made feel freer than I ever had before."

Sarah's eyes widen. "Really? How did you get over the nerves?"

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