Page 69 of Natural Temptation

I grin, gesturing at the lush forest around us. "By realizing that this"—I indicate my body—"is just as natural as the trees, the earth, and the wildlife. We're part of nature, not separate from it."

Okay, I fibbed a little. I was never that nervous on day one at the South Seas resort. Stephanie needed encouragement, so I consider my little white lies to be all for a good cause.

As we chat, I can't help but marvel at the stark difference between this landscape and Heirani Motu. Where the island was all sun-drenched beaches and vibrant tropical flowers, here the air is crisp and pine scented. Towering evergreens create a cathedral-like canopy overhead and dappled sunlight filters through the trees.

"It's so...green," I murmur, more to myself than anyone else. "And quiet. Peaceful too."

"A different kind of beauty," Ryan, overhearing my conversation with Stephanie. "It makes you appreciate the diversity of the natural world."

Though we're far from our island paradise, we're discovering new wonders together. And isn't that what life's all about?

Even after the guests hike back to the resort proper, Ryan and I linger on the shores of the lake that resides within theconfines of the resort's land. The sun dips lower and lower on the horizon, and soon, we'll need to head back to the main area. But Ryan and I stretch out on the sandy shore briefly to wiggle our toes and feel the cool grains against my skin.

"This place has such a different vibe," I muse, turning to face Ryan.

He raises an eyebrow. "How so?"

"No monkey-faced bats, no dolphins, not even one cockatoo." I gesture toward the spot where a family had built a sandcastle earlier. "It's more...communal, I guess? Back home, it's all about luxury and decadence. Here, it feels like summer camp for all ages."

"Summer camp where clothing is optional."

I wriggle around to face, cross-legged. "But doesn't it make you think about what we could do with the South Seas property?"

He eyes me sideways. "Your mind is always dreaming up ideas, isn't it?"

"Anything wrong with that?"

"Nope. It's what I love about you."

Something like a cowbell clatters from the direction of the main resort area. A male voice shouts through a megaphone, "Dinner! Get the grub while it's hot."

We race up the trail, arriving just in time.

The main building's dining hall is quite similar to the setup back home. Although, it's bustling with energy, more like an indoor picnic. Laughter and the clink of utensils fill the air as we make our way to an open table.

"Well, this is certainly lively," Ryan comments, his eyes darting around the room.

I grin, already feeling the pull to mingle. "It's fantastic, isn't it? Look at all these people, just being themselves."

A young couple approaches our table, wearing a friendly smile. "Mind if we join you?"

"Please do." I gesture to the empty chairs. "I'm Meredith, by the way, and this is Ryan."

"Tim Smithers," the man introduces himself, "and this is my wife, Mindy."

As we settle in, I can't help but notice how at ease everyone seems, despite their state of undress. It's a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do.

"So, what brings you two to Au Naturel?" I ask, genuinely curious about their story.

Mindy's face lights up. "Oh, it's our annual getaway. We've been coming here for years. It's like a second home now."

A lot of people we've met today told us the same thing. It's extraordinary how faithful to the resort these guests have become. And it reveals a lot about Eve's original vision for Au Naturel, as well as what she and Val have done to explain the brand.

As the evening progresses, we're joined by another couple, Damian and Heidi Petrescu, who we met earlier today. The conversation flows easily, touching on everything from favorite hiking trails to the challenges of running a naturist resort.

I can't help but think how perfectly this moment encapsulates what I love about the naturist lifestyle—the openness, the connections, the feeling of belonging. As I catch Ryan's eye across the table, I see a spark there that tells me he's thinking the same thing. James and Holly turned Heirani Motu into a glittering treasure in the middle of the South Pacific, honing the grand until it became the hottest destination for naughty nudists. But now, it's time for me and Ryan to take their vision and set it ablaze—in the best way. When I look around at the smiling faces, the animated conversations, here in this dining hall, I know we're on the right track.

Damian has begun gesturing animatedly as he regales us with tales of his Ludar gypsy heritage. His dark glitter with humor, and I can't help but be drawn into his storytelling.

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