Chapter Eleven
Meredith
As I dangle my feet in the infinity pool, tiny wavelets lap at my ankles, tickling my skin. The blue of the water seamlessly melds with the ocean horizon. Lila's laughter rings out, drawing my gaze to where she's perched on the pool's edge, her auburn curls catching the light.
"I swear, that zip line was trying to kill me," she jokes. "My stomach dropped faster than my body."
"Baloney," Zara teases, splashing water in Lila's direction. "You were squealing like a toddler the whole time. And half expected you to propose marriage to the tour guide."
"He was pretty cute," I admit. "But Cooper's taken. Or did you not notice the wedding ring on his left hand?"
"What a bummer," Maya declares with no small amount of sarcasm. "This island is like a buffet of hot men. We must sample liberally!"
As my friends dissolve into giggles, I feel a pang of guilt. If only they knew about Ryan and all the naughty things we've done together. Just thinking about our secret encounters gets me wound up. I take a sip of my pina colada, hoping the cool sweetness will calm the butterflies in my stomach.
Zara waves a hand in front of my face. "Wake up, Mer. You zoned out there for a second. Daydreaming about our next adventure?"
"Just enjoying the sunshine, that's all."
Maya sinks back in her deck chair and sighs. "Every morning, I wake up thinking I'm still in my boring apartment back home."
Lila shakes her head. "Get your mind out of the city, girl. We're surrounded by naked gods with equipment that would make any woman blush."
As my friends launch into a debate about which excursion to tackle next, I find my thoughts drifting back to Ryan.
"What do you think, Mer?" Lila asks, pulling me back to the present. "Waterfall hike or snorkeling tomorrow?"
I hesitate, wondering if I can engineer another clandestine meeting with Ryan instead. Guilt gnaws at me just for thinking about that, but the excitement of our stolen moments was intoxicating. "How about we play it by ear? This is a vacation, after all. No need to over-plan."
My friends go back to checking out hot young studs—until I announce that I'm starved. That spurs Maya to suggest we finally try the open-air restaurant.
I take another sip of my drink, the fruity sweetness doing little to quell the bittersweet cocktail of disappointment swirling within me. I haven't seen Ryan yet today. When we settle into our seats at the open-air restaurant, the scent of grilled seafood mingling with the salty air does little to raise my spirits. I miss Ryan. Still, I can't help but smile as I take in the vibrant scene around us—other vacationers chatting animatedly, the rhythmic crash of waves in the distance, and the lush greenery framing our view of the crystal-clear sky.
"I'll have the mahi-mahi with mango salsa," Zara announces, closing her menu with a flourish. "And a pina colada, because why not live a little?"
"Make that two pina coladas," I add, catching the waiter's eye.
As we place our orders, I notice how each of my friends approaches the menu differently. Maya meticulously weighs her options, while Lila confidently chooses without hesitation. It's these little quirks that make our group dynamic so special.
Once the waitress bustles away, Zara leans toward me. "So, Ms. Hayes, what's your secret?"
I nearly choke on my water. "Secret? What do you mean?"
"Oh, come on. You've got this...glow about you. Like you've stumbled onto hidden treasure on this island."
The others lean in, clearly intrigued. I force a laugh, desperately searching for a plausible explanation. "Oh, that? Must be all this sun and relaxation. You know how I burn easily—I'm probably just one shade away from 'cooked lobster.' "
My attempt at humor seems to work. But as I take a long sip of my newly arrived pina colada, I wonder why I need to be secretive at all. Would Ryan care? I should ask him first.
As our laughter subsides, Zara's eyes light up. "Ladies, have you heard about the water volleyball tournament the resort's throwing?"
"Are you serious?" I ask. "Nude water volleyball?"
"Oh absolutely." Zara bobs her head enthusiastically, her curls bouncing. "It's this afternoon. Apparently, they're transforming the curvy pool for the big event, net and all."
"That sounds incredible," Maya agrees. "I've never been very athletic, which you guys know. But I'd love to give volleyball a go."
Zara launches into a detailed description of what she believes water volleyball will be like. But I can't stop picturing Ryan in the nude, spiking the ball and making his balls flap too. But I assume the general manager won't participate in that event. It wouldn't be professional.
Lila snaps her fingers in my face. "What about you, space cadet? Game for a little silly fun before the tournament?"
"Uh, what?" I smile, trying to disguise the face that I have no idea what Lila is talking about. "Oh, I don't know. Whatever you guys want."
Zara shakes her head in mock disappointment. "You weren't listening at all, were you?"
"Sorry, no, I zoned out for a minute."
"No kidding." Zara sighs. "Coconut painting, Mer. Yay or nay?"
"Sure, let's do that." I have no idea what coconut painting is, though it sounds bizarre.
Later that afternoon, I find myself wandering down to a secluded beach I'd seen on the map of the resort. The warm, silky sand feels wonderful between my toes. The sun hangs low now, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. And there, silhouetted against the setting sun, is a familiar figure.
As Ryan turns toward me, his lips curve into a slow, sexy smile. "Ditched the girls, eh?"
I return the smile, closing the distance between us. "You know what they say about great minds. You and I think alike so often it's almost supernatural."
Ryan roves his gaze my whole body. "And what exactly was your great mind thinking about?"
I bite my lip, feeling bold in the fading light. "Oh, you know...coconut painting, secrets, the usual vacation fare."
He raises an eyebrow, stepping closer. "Sounds intriguing."
"Not really. Painting a coconut is damn hard. They're slippery buggers."
Ryan's laughter is husky and rich. "I imagine they are. Maybe you should stick with landscape painting."
"I suck at that too. Lila tried to teach me, but I'm hopeless."
"How about a surfing lesson instead?"
My laugh turns into spluttering. "Aren't there sharks out there?"
He shrugs. "Some things are worth the risk."
"Like what?" Am I worth it? I desperately want him to tell me yes.
But Ryan gazes out at the horizon instead, his jaw tightening, a muscle ticking there. The tension I saw there lessens but doesn't evaporate. His voice drops to a rougher tone. "Speaking of surprises, I've got a few of my own."
I can feel the change in his demeanor, but I can't understand it. Maybe he's trying to avoid a deeper conversation. So, I keep my tone light, not wanting to push. "Well, if you'd like to get something off your chest, I'm here to listen."
He knifes a hand through his hair, a gesture I'm beginning to recognize as a sign of his discomfort. "Yeah, I...There's a lot you don't know about me, Meredith."
I take a step closer, drawn by the vulnerability in his voice. "I'm a good listener, if you want to share. I'm also good at keeping secrets—for the right reasons."
Ryan takes a deep breath, his eyes meeting mine. "This isn't exactly first-date material. But then, we blew past that line a while ago."
"Good thing this isn't our first date, then." I'd hoped to ease his tension. Not sure my strategy is working. "You don't have to buy me flowers or chocolates."
He chuckles, but it's tinged with sadness. "Fair point."
While his body tenses up, I wait with the proverbial bated breath, wondering what secrets he might impart to me.
"I...I used to be a Navy SEAL," he begins, his gaze going distant. "There was an accident. A mission that went wrong. Horribly wrong."
My throat tightens. Ryan has never shared this much about his past before. I stay silent, afraid that if I speak, I'll break the spell and he'll retreat back into himself. I want to hold him, but I know I shouldn't, not yet. "Sweetie, you don't have to tell me."
"No, I want to, I need to."
He swallows hard, and I struggle to resist the urge to reach out and touch him.
"We were on a rescue mission in Libya," Ryan continues, his voice low and strained. "Four American archaeologists had been taken hostage at a recently discovered ancient site. Intel suggested it would be a small operation, in and out." He pauses, running a hand through his hair, squeezing his eyes shut. "But the intel was wrong."
The waves crash against the shore, their rhythm a stark contrast to the tension in Ryan's body. I simply listen, sensing he needs plenty of space to tell his story.
"We arrived under the cover of darkness. Everything seemed quiet—too quiet. Just as we approached the temple ruins, all hell broke loose." Ryan's gaze goes distant now, and he's clearly reliving the memory. "We were ambushed. Gunfire erupted from all sides. A terrorist group planned to steal whatever treasures they might find, and they knew we were coming. But there were no riches."
Ryan's whole body tenses, the muscles and tendons visible beneath his skin. Yet at the same time, his lips tremble faintly. He clenches his jaw, the muscles ticking beneath his skin. "We fought hard, but we were outmatched. I made it out alive, but..." He trails off, his voice cracking slightly. "Not everyone did. One of my closest friends got hit and...didn't make it."
The pain in his voice is palpable, and I ache to comfort him. "I'm so sorry, Ryan. I can't imagine how horrific that was."
He shuts his eyes, his shoulders bunching up. "It broke me, Meredith. The guilt, the memories, wondering whether I'd done enough to save my friend...I couldn't face it. Couldn't face myself. That mission changed everything. Afterward, nothing felt the same—relationships, daily life...It was like I'd left a part of myself behind in that desert. That's why came here. To escape my old life."
I step closer, my hand hovering near his arm and my voice barely a whisper. "You're not running now. You're sharing something horrific with me. That takes guts."
He hunches his shoulders. "I don't usually...open up like this."
"I'm glad you did."
Ryan's hand covers mine, his touch gentle, and his voice barely a murmur. "Feels like a two-ton weight has fallen off my chest. There's something about you, Meredith. Something that makes me want to let my guard down and shake off all those old issues."
I grin. "Well, we are on a nude beach. Guards down is kind of the theme."
His laughter is genuine as the tension eases from his shoulders. He clasps both my hands. "You've got me there, baby."
Ryan pulls me into his arms, holding me close. We stand here while the sun dips below the horizon, I feel the shift between us. This isn't just attraction anymore. It's something deeper, more complex. And despite the complications, I find myself falling headfirst into whatever this is becoming. After a moment or two, Ryan kisses my forehead and ambles back to his office. Meanwhile, I send a text to Zara asking where I can meet up with my friends.
We're on the beach, sweetie. Turn right and follow the footprints to the mangrove tree.
Zara's directions get me to my destination swiftly.
"There you are, Mer." Zara exclaims, leaping up. "We were starting to wonder if you'd gotten lost in paradise. Or maybe just lost in Ryan's bungalow."
I laugh, hoping the flush on my cheeks can be attributed to the island sun. My mind flashes back to Ryan's vulnerable gaze. "Get your mind out of the gutter, woman."
We spend an hour on the beach, swimming, splashing each other, laughing, and getting a tan. Then Zara announces that we're all going to a foam party this evening.
I stare at her. "Excuse me? A what party?"
"Foam. You'll understand once you see it. But basically, a machine spews nice, clean foam all over the designated party area—in this case, the big patio."
"Sounds...slippery."
"Oh, it is," Lila proclaims. "And that's half the fun. You haven't lived until you've tried to dance in chest-deep bubbles."
Maya grins. "I can't wait to see everyone sliding around."
As we make our way back to our rooms to get ready, I can't help but wonder if Ryan will be at this foam party. The thought of seeing him there, all soaped up and slippery, sends a thrill through me. But I quickly push the image aside, reminding myself that I need to focus on my friends tonight. What will a nude foam party be like? It sounds crazy, but that's fine with me.
The foam party is in full swing when we arrive, with the patio transformed into a surreal landscape of bubbles and laughter. Music pulses through the air, mingling with excited squeals and shouts as people slip and slide through the knee-deep foam.
"Oh my god, this is amazing!" Maya exclaims, her eyes wide with childlike wonder.
Without hesitation, she plunges into the frothy mess. Lila and Zara follow suit, shrieking with delight as they lose their footing and tumble into the foam. Fortunately, the staff laid yoga mats down on the patio for cushioning. I can't help but laugh at my friends' antics, feeling a surge of affection for these wonderful, uninhibited women.
"Come on, Meredith!" Zara calls, her face barely visible above the bubbles. "The water's fine!"
Water? I don't see any of that, but I can roll with the wackiness. I take a deep breath and plunge into the foam. As I wade into the sea of bubbles, the sensation is unlike anything I've experienced before. The foam tickles my skin, cool and slippery, and I can't help but giggle as I lose my footing and slide forward.
"Whoa there!" A strong pair of hands steadies me, and I look up to find Ryan grinning down at me with his lips quirked. My heart skips a beat at the sight of him, memories of our earlier conversation flashing through my mind.
"Wasn't sure if I'd see you today," I tell him. "Didn't think the general manager would participate in something as silly as this." I peer into shoulder-high bubbles around us but can't see much. "Are you naked? I can't tell."
"Of course I'm naked," Ryan chuckles. "It's my night off. Even general managers need to let loose occasionally. Besides, how could I resist the chance to see you covered in bubbles?"
Before I can respond, a wave of foam crashes over us, momentarily obscuring my vision. When it clears, I find myself pressed against Ryan's chest, our slippery flesh sliding together. The heat of his body contrasts deliciously with the cool foam, and I feel a familiar spark of desire ignite within me.
"Well, this is cozy," I purr, gazing up at him through foam-coated lashes.
"Very cozy." Ryan's hands slide down to my waist, holding me steady, and I'm now positive that he's naked. His dick just rubbed up against me. "Though I have to say, I prefer our private playtime."
"So do I. But my friends are around here somewhere. We should probably..."
As if on cue, I hear Zara's voice calling out. "Mer! Where are you?"
Ryan and I quickly peel ourselves apart, the foam swirling around us. I catch a glimpse of his regretful smile before he disappears into the bubbles. My heart is pounding as I turn to face my friends, hoping the flush on my cheeks can be attributed to the excitement of the party.
"There you are!" Lila calls out, emerging from the foam like some kind of bubble monster. She's grinning from ear to ear, her hair plastered to her head. "We lost you for a minute there."
"Yeah, sorry," I laugh, trying to sound casual. "I got a little turned around in all this foam. It's crazy."
Maya slides up next to me, her eyes sparkling. "Isn't it amazing? I feel like a kid again!"
I catch sight of Ryan's head moving away. Soon, he's left the foam behind and begins to wash himself off with the temporary showers the staff had set up for this party. I desperately want to go after him, but I don't want to offend my three best friends.
Zara taps my foamy shoulder. "Go on, sweetie. If I had a hot guy like Ryan waiting to lather me up, I'd ditch the party too." She makes a shooing motion with her hands. "Go, sweetie, right now."
I hesitate for a moment, torn between my desire to follow Ryan and my loyalty to my friends. But Zara's knowing smile and encouraging nod give me the push I need.
"Are you sure?" I ask, glancing at Lila and Maya.
"Go!" They declare in unison.
With a grateful smile, I wade through the foam toward the temporary showers. As I approach Ryan, who's rinsing the last of the bubbles from his toned body, the sight of water cascading down his muscles makes my mouth go water. He has a scrumptious body that any woman would want to feast on.
"Thought you might need some help getting clean."
Ryan turns toward me, dragging his tongue across his lips while his eyes roam over my foam-covered body. "I was hoping you'd follow me."
He reaches out to pull me under the spray with him. The warm water cascades over us, washing away the foam and leaving nothing but slick, bare skin. Ryan's hands glide down my arms, and lower still, until he can cup both of my ass cheeks. I shiver despite the heat, acutely aware of every point where our bodies touch. Then he grasps my hand, leading me away at a swift pace.
We conclude the evening in my bungalow, naked and writhing, moaning and teasing each other. But the most remarkable part of this evening isn't the foam or the orgasms. It's the way we fall asleep together.
Damn, I'm falling for the wounded man lying beside me—and that doesn't bother me at all.