Page 7 of Natural Temptation

After a brief pause to make sure everyone is listening, I step onto the temporary dais with my clipboard in hand. The wood creaks beneath my feet, but I doubt it will collapse. But yeah, I suffered a brief moment of concern about that. My voice sounds authoritative as I speak, and I suddenly realize that's not an act. "Welcome to Heirani Motu. We're thrilled to have you here at Au Naturel Naturist Resort South Seas. Before we dive in, I'd like to emphasize our core values: respect and consent."

A murmur of approval ripples through the crowd. I continue, outlining our amenities and activities, careful to keep my gaze at the eye level of every guest. But whenever my focus passes over a certain guest, my heart rate spikes. No woman has ever affected me this way before.

"While this is a clothes-free resort," I explain, "we recommend wearing sandals or sneakers outdoors, and you may want to place a napkin or handkerchief under your bottom when you sit down. That includes the dining hall especially."

The guests haven't made any lewd jokes. What a relief.

I glance at my clipboard briefly, then face the crowd again. "Remember, photography is strictly prohibited without explicit consent from all parties involved. Please place a red sticker over your phone's camera when you aren't photographing. If your phone has multiple cameras, slap those dots on all of them."

As I speak, I can't help but admire the guests' confidence. Their unabashed attitudes, their comfort in their own skin...it's admirable. And it's a stark contrast to my own rigid posture in my resort uniform.I could never go naked in public, I think, even as a small part of me wonders what it might feel like to be so free.

A voice pipes up from the crowd, breaking through my reverie. "Hey, does this mean we can finally tell people we're going to a nude beach without lying just so we'll seem totally based?"

The quip catches me off guard, and a ripple of laughter spreads through the group. I feel the corners of my mouth tug upward, my stoic facade cracking just a bit. It's been a while since I've allowed myself a genuine smile. The young man who spoke is still grinning.

A slight chuckle tumbles from my lips. "Well, I suppose that's one perk of our clothes-free policy."

More chuckles follow, and for a moment, I'm transported back to family gatherings, to easier times filled with warmth and laughter. But the memory twists, turning bittersweet as I find my thoughts reeling backward in time to a far less pleasurable moment.

I clear my throat, pushing the darkness aside. "Now, let's talk about our nature trails. We have several routes of varying difficulty..."

As I continue the orientation, my eyes scan the diverse group before me. It includes a kaleidoscope of body types, ages, and backgrounds—all united in their embrace of a unique experience. It's oddly beautiful, this celebration of the human form in all its variations.

"Our main waterfall trail is a particular favorite," I point out, my voice rock steady. "It offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with the island's natural beauty."

I catch a glimpse of that woman again, her eyes sparkling and her lips curled up at the corners. For a moment, I allow myself to wonder what it would be like to hike that trail with her, to share in the wonder of Heirani Motu's hidden treasures and share an erotic moment with her beneath a shimmeringwaterfall. Her water-slicked body would shimmer, as droplets dapple her skin.

But then shame washes over me, hot and familiar. I'm not the man I once was—trusting, open. Tragedy left its mark, deeper than any physical scar.

"Remember," I add, pushing the memories aside, "safety is our top priority. Always stay on marked paths and respect wildlife habitats."

As I wrap up the orientation, I realize something has shifted. The anxiety has faded away. Here, surrounded by people embracing new sides of themselves without shame, the idea of holding onto that fear seems...trivial. So, I step down from the dais, my clipboard no longer a shield but simply a tool.

"Any questions?" I ask, surprised to find I'm genuinely curious about what these people might want to know.

While I mingle with the guests, their enthusiasm begins to infect me too. I can't help but feel a spark of pride for Heirani Motu, this slice of paradise I've been entrusted to manage.

"Where's the best spot for stargazing?" a silver-haired woman asks.

"The secluded cove on the north side of the island," I reply, gesturing toward the lush tree line. "It's a bit of a hike, but the view is unparalleled. You'll feel like you can touch the Milky Way."

I find myself relaxing into the role, answering questions about hidden waterfalls and the best times for wildlife spotting. It's almost...fun. The thought of James and Holly's suggestion about a long-term future with Au Naturel flits through my mind. Maybe this is more than just a temporary escape.

A tap on my shoulder pulls me back to the present. I'm in the lobby now, the orientation simply a vivid memory.

"Ryan?" It's Marley, her freckled face wrinkled with a mix of apology and urgency. "Sorry to interrupt, but I've got a question about today's schedule."

I turn to face her, pushing thoughts of the past aside. "No problem, Marley. What's on your mind?"

She explains a conflict between two activities, her hands gesturing animatedly. I listen, considering the options.

"Let's move the nature walk to three pm," I decide. "That'll give the zip-lining group time to finish and join in if they want. Good catch, Marley."

Her face lights up. "Thanks, boss. You're doing such a great job with all of this, Ryan. Seriously, the resort's never run smoother."

Her praise makes me want to clear my throat and avoid her gaze, though I tamp down that instinct. "I appreciate that. But it's a team effort. Your attention to detail makes my job a lot easier."

She beams, and I'm reminded of how often I've commended her during staff meetings. It's not just empty praise. Her work ethic is impressive. I've only known Marley for two weeks, yet she's already become a trusted ally. While she heads off to adjust the schedule, I allow myself a small moment of satisfaction. Maybe I'm not just running from my past here. Maybe I'm building something new.

---