Page 73 of Natural Temptation

Until the crowd parts.

Meredith stands on her tiptoes, craning her neck. "Is that...no, it can't be."

But it is. As we draw closer to the resort's main entrance, we see none other than international rock sensation Miles Roydon sauntering down the path, surrounded by an entourage of assistants and bodyguards. His dark hair, slicked back, gleams under the resort's soft lighting. Even from this distance, I can see the impish glint in his ice-blue eyes.

Oh, yeah. He's trouble for sure.

Meredith grips my arm. "Oh my god. It really is Miles Roydon. What's he doing here?"

"I'm not sure. James didn't mention any celebrity guests."

As we approach, I notice Emilio hurrying toward the rock star, looking flustered. Marley trails behind him, her eyes wide and glittering with excitement.

"Mr. Roydon," Emilio declares. "Welcome to Au Naturel. We weren't expecting you until tomorrow."

Miles flashes a roguish grin. "Change of plans, pal. Thought I'd surprise you guys."

His gaze sweeps over the gathered crowd, lingering on the nude bodies with unabashed interest. When his eyes land on Meredith, he gives her an appreciative once-over that makes my jaw clench. I instinctively step closer to her, wrapping my arm around her waist protectively.

"And who is this knockout?" Miles asks, sauntering toward us with the easy confidence of a man used to getting what he wants. "Maybe you guys rustled up some groupies for me."

Before I can respond, my wife extends her hand. "Meredith Kimble. I'm the guest services manager here at Au Naturel. And this is my husband, Ryan, the general manager."

Miles Roydon claims Meredith's hand, holding it for a beat too long. "You're one hot chick, baby. Come to my suite later and we'll have some fun."

She's my wife, you jackass. Those are the words I want to snarl at him, but it's my job to cater to every guest—even the assholes. However, that catering does not include screwing my wife. If he makes another pass at Meredith, I might deck him, to hell with my job.

I feel my jaw tense as I struggle to maintain my professional demeanor. Meredith gently squeezes my hand, a silent reminder to keep my cool.

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Roydon." Meredith smoothly extracts her hand from his grasp. "But I'm afraid I'll have to decline. As I mentioned, I'm married. Very happily married."

Miles shrugs, seemingly unfazed. "Can't blame a guy for trying. So, what's the deal with this place? Heard it was clothing-optional, but I didn't expect everyone to actually be naked."

I step forward. "Au Naturel is a clothes-free naturist resort, Mr. Roydon. Our website and all our brochures, not to mention our social media ad campaigns, describe the resort as such."

"No shit?" Miles's eyebrows shoot up. "Well, when in Rome, I guess." With a casual shrug, Miles starts unbuttoning his designer shirt. "My people didn't research this place thoroughly enough, I guess."

Everyone in Roydon's entourage seems embarrassed. Because they screwed up? Or because of the naked people?

I clear my throat. "Mr. Roydon, perhaps we should continue this conversation in private. We have a VIP check-in area where we can discuss the resort policies and amenities."

Miles pauses, his shirt hanging half-open. "Sure, whatever you say, boss man." He turns to his entourage. "You guys hang tight. I'll be back in a few."

As we lead Miles away from the crowd, I catch Meredith's eye. She gives me a reassuring smile, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. This isn't going to be an easy guest to manage. In the privacy of my office, I explain the resort's rules and philosophy to Miles. He listens with surprising attentiveness, nodding occasionally.

"So, no cameras, no gawking, and no unwanted advances," Miles summarizes, leaning back in his chair. "Got it. And everyone's really cool with just..hanging out in the buff twenty-four seven?"

"That's right," I assure him. "Our guests come here to embrace an alternative lifestyle and connect with nature. It's about freedom and acceptance—and exploring your sexuality, if you choose."

Miles runs a hand through his hair, seeming thoughtful. "Huh. That's...actually kind of cool. Different from what I'm used to, but cool."

"We're glad you think so," Meredith concurs. "We have a variety of activities if you're interested. Yoga, nature hikes, water sports, and soon a bioluminescent kayak tour."

"Did you say water sports?" Miles grins. "Now that sounds totally based."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "We have kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling available."

"This place does sound pretty awesome." Miles slants forward, smirking. "So, what's the craziest thing that's ever happened here? I bet you've seen some wild stuff."