Page 10 of Natural Temptation

My gaze is drawn to the hallway where I can just glimpse a sliver of the large bedstead. I race down the hall and spread my arms wide, smiling as I throw my head back. The bed is draped in gauzy white curtains that billow gently in the ocean breeze. It's an invitation to indulgence if I've ever seen one. I swear I can already feel the fabric brushing against my skin even from across the room.

"Well, hello there, you sexy thing," I purr as I leap onto the bed, giving the mattress a playful pat. "I have a feeling we're going to become very good friends."

I continue my exploration, each discovery more wonderful than the last. The bathroom is a work of art with a freestanding tub big enough for two people—or more, my mind helpfully supplies. The gorgeous tub takes center stage, while an outdoor shower promises the exhilarating feel of warm water and tropical air on bare skin.

While I picture the possibilities, a tiny shiver of anticipation races down my spine. "Babe, you've outdone yourself this time. A nudist resort? My girlfriends would never have thought of that on their own."

Stepping onto the deck, I'm greeted by a private infinity pool that seems to melt into the ocean beyond. The view is breathtaking—endless shades of blue stretching to the horizon. I close my eyes, letting the warm sun caress my skin. For the first time in years, I feel truly alive, every nerve ending tingling with possibility.

"Look out, Heirani Motu," I declare to the sea and sky. "Meredith Hayes is ready for adventure."

As if in response, a gentle breeze wraps around me like a lover's embrace, carrying the intoxicating scent of tropical flowers. Laughter spills out of me, light and carefree. I've neverfelt this free, not in my entire life. Years of sadness hadn't left much time for frivolity.

My mind drifts to Ryan, his easy confidence and that devastating smile. Then I recall his welcome speech and the other guests gathered on the patio, who ranged from young to old, all of them beautifully uninhibited.

"Two weeks," I muse, trailing my fingers along the railing. "Two weeks to be whoever I want to be, to do whatever—and whoever—I want."

With a contented sigh, I turn back to the bungalow. It's time to unpack and maybe take a dip in that inviting pool. But as I cross the threshold, I can't shake the feeling that I'm stepping into more than just a room. I'm stepping into a whole new chapter of my life. And I can't wait to see how the story unfolds.

As I wander back into the living room, my mind still reels from the luxurious nature of my surroundings. The large flat-screen TV catches my eye, and for a moment, I'm tempted to sink into the plush sofa to lose myself in a bit of mindless entertainment. But as I reach for the remote, a pang of guilt stops me.

"What are you doing, woman?" I chide myself. "You're on a tropical island paradise, and you're about to watch TV? Come on."

I toss the remote aside and walk to the window, gazing out at the lush landscape. The distant roar of a waterfall reaches my ears, and suddenly, I remember the rope bridge I'd read about in the resort's brochure.

"Now that's more like it," I grin, grabbing my phone, my sun hat, and a bottle of water. I had already smeared sunscreen over myself earlier.

As I amble out of my bungalow, the temperate air wafts around me once again. The path to the waterfall trail is clearly marked, winding through a verdant jungle that teems withlife. Exotic birds call to each other in the canopy above, their melodies a siren song drawing me deeper into the heart of the island. As the trail gradually steepens, I feel a slight burn in my thighs. It's been too long since I've challenged my body like this. As I round a bend, the rushing of water grows louder until, suddenly, there it is—a breathtaking cascade tumbling over moss-covered rocks.

"Wow," I breathe, drinking in the sight.

The rope bridge stretches across the gorge, swaying gently in the breeze, suspended high above the deep gorge. Its wooden slats are only slightly weathered despite frequent use. The ropes that hold it together show no fraying and seem strong enough to bear the weight of a single person at a time or even couples or small groups too. The bridge seems to dance between the lush green trees and the sparkling waters below in a gentle, lulling rhythm.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the crossing. The first step onto the bridge sends a jolt of excitement through me as it sways beneath my feet. I grip the ropes tightly as I make my way across, one step at a time, until I've found my footing. At the halfway point, I pause to take in the view. The waterfall roars below, mist rising in ethereal swirls.

Once I'm safely across the bridge, I throw my arms up and whoop. I've conquered my first challenge of the trip. Energized, I opt to explore further down the trail. The path narrows, winding deeper into the jungle. Vibrant flowers peek out from the undergrowth, their heady scent intoxicating. Lost in the beauty around me, I barely notice as the well-worn trail gives way to a less traveled path. The canopy grows denser, filtering the sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor. The air grows thick with humidity, and I can feel beads of sweat forming on my skin.

As I push through a particularly dense patch of foliage, I suddenly emerge into a small clearing. My breath catches in my throat at the sight before me. A hidden waterfall, smaller than the main one but no less beautiful, cascades down a rocky cliff face into a crystal-clear pool below. The sunlight sparkles on the water like diamonds.

"Oh my," I whisper, in awe of the secluded paradise I've discovered.

Without a second thought, I slip out of my sun hat and toss it aside. The heat and humidity have left me feeling sticky and uncomfortable, but the cool, inviting water calls to me like a siren's song. I wade into the pool, sighing with pleasure as the refreshing water envelops my body. I dip my head back, letting my hair fan out around me. For a moment, I float here, weightless and free.

Then I hear a rustling in the underbrush ahead of me. My heart leaps into my throat as I freeze, wondering what creature I might encounter. But instead of some exotic animal, a familiar figure emerges from behind a large fern.

"Ryan?" I gasp, surprised to see the resort manager out here on the trails.

He looks equally startled to see me, his eyes widening as they take in my nude form. I feel warmth in my cheeks, abruptly aware of my nakedness in a way I hadn't been back at the resort.

"Meredith?" he queries, his voice a bit husky. "I didn't expect to run into anyone out here."

Ryan's crisp, white resort uniform stands out against the lush greens of the surrounding jungle. The fabric is neatly pressed, just as it had been during his welcome speech, and it accentuates his muscular frame. The faint scent of laundry detergent clings to his uniform, while my skin smells of sunscreen and sweat.

His gaze flickers over me, and I feel a rush of heat that has nothing to do with the tropical climate.

"I, um, I was just exploring," I stammer, suddenly feeling tongue-tied. "I didn't realize I'd wandered so far off the main trail. Hang on, how did you know my name? I don't recall introducing myself."

He scratches the back of his neck, wincing guiltily. "Well, I, sort of...looked at everyone's passport photos until I found yours."

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