Chapter Twelve
Ryan
I wake to the gentle pressure of Meredith's body against mine, our limbs entangled like vines seeking sunlight. The soft cotton sheets whisper against our skin as I blink away the haze of sleep. Memories of last night flood back—exploring the curves and valleys of her body, breathless laughter whenever I tickled her with a feather, the intoxicating closeness of our newfound bond. But darker images lurk at the edges. Sand and blood and the echo of gunfire. I push the memories away, focusing on the warm weight of Meredith's head on my chest.
Did I snore? God, I hope not.
Her amber eyes flutter open, catching the fragile morning light that streams through the gossamer curtains. A slow smile spreads across her face. "Good morning, handsome."
I brush a wayward strand of hair from her cheek. "Morning, beautiful. Sleep well?"
"Mm, like a baby. You?"
I hesitate, unsure how to answer. Did she notice my restlessness, the cold sweat of nightmares? I decide to sidestep the issue. "Never better. Though I may have snored a bit."
She laughs, the sound as bright as the tropical birdsong outside. "Only a little. It was kind of cute, actually."
Relief washes through me. Crisis averted, for now. I pull her closer, savoring the softness of her skin against mine. "So, what should we do with our day? It's my weekend off, you know. Forty-eight glorious hours of nothing but you, me, and this island paradise."
"Oh, I can think of a few ideas..."
Before she can elaborate, a cheerful knock interrupts us. "Breakfast delivery!"
That's Marley's voice.
I reluctantly disentangle myself, wrapping a sheet around my waist as I answer the door. Marley's grin widens as she takes in my disheveled state.
"Well, don't you look relaxed, boss," she teases, wheeling in a cart laden with covered dishes. The aroma of fresh fruit and coffee fills the air. "You know, this is a nudist resort, and it's your day off. Why not embrace the lifestyle?"
I try to maintain some semblance of professionalism, but I can feel cheeks heating up. "Thanks, Marley. That'll be all."
She winks as she leaves. "Enjoy your day off, you two."
As soon as the door clicks shut, Meredith bursts into laughter. "Your face...You looked like a teenager caught climbing out your girlfriend's window."
I roll my eyes but can't help grinning. "Come on, let's see what culinary delights await us."
We settle on the balcony, the lush greenery of Heirani Motu spread before us like a verdant carpet. Meredith picks up a ripe mango, its golden flesh glistening.
"Open up," she commands playfully.
I oblige, and she slides a juicy piece between my lips. The sweetness explodes on my tongue.
"My turn," I say, selecting a plump strawberry. I trace it along her lower lip before she takes a delicate bite. A drop of crimson juice lingers at the corner of her mouth. I lean in, kissing it away.
"Mm, yummy," she hums appreciatively. "So, what adventure do you have planned for us today, Mr. Resort Manager?"
I consider our options, my gaze drawn to the sparkling waters beyond the beach. "How about kayaking? We could explore the mangrove forests, maybe spot some of the island's rarer wildlife."
Meredith's eyes light up. "Yes! I've always wanted to try that."
As we continue our leisurely breakfast, I find myself marveling at how easy this feels. The weight I've carried for so long seems lighter in Meredith's presence. For the first time in years, I'm allowing myself to imagine a future beyond the next day, the next week.
It's terrifying. And exhilarating.
We begin our kayaking journey after breakfast. The gentle rhythm of our paddles breaking the water's surface fills the air as we glide through the dense mangrove forest, and Meredith's kayak keeps pace with mine.
"Ryan, look!" she whispers excitedly, pointing to a nearby branch. A vibrant kingfisher perches there, its electric blue feathers a stark contrast to the lush green surroundings.
I smile, reveling in her enthusiasm. "Beautiful, isn't it? This island never ceases to amaze me."
We round a bend, and I spot a small inlet.
"How about we take a little detour?" I suggest, steering my kayak toward the shore.
"What's on your mind?"
"You'll see." As we beach our kayaks, I reach for her hand. "I want to show you something special."
We hike through the dense jungle, the air thick with the scent of exotic flowers and damp earth. I hold Meredith's hand securely and remain vigilant for any possible threats. What, like flying monkeys? I roll my eyes at my own asinine thoughts.
"Close your eyes," I instruct as we approach our destination.
"This is exciting. Are we meeting up with aliens?"
"You never know." I guide her forward, positioning her just right. "Okay, open up those beautiful eyes."
Meredith gasps as she surveys the hidden waterfall before us, its crystal-clear water cascading down moss-covered rocks into a serene pool below.
"Ryan, it's breathtaking," she breathes, squeezing my hand.
I watch her face, memorizing every detail of her awe-struck expression. It hits me then, a realization both electrifying and terrifying. I'm in love with her.
Pushing the thought aside, I grin and tug her toward the pool. "Care for a swim?"
As we splash in the cool water, I can't help but marvel at how natural this feels, how right. For the first time in years, I'm not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. I'm simply here, in this moment, with her.
Later, as we dry off on sun-warmed rocks, Meredith points to some markings on the nearby cliff face. "Are those...cave drawings?"
My brows lift. "Good eye. They're believed to be centuries old."
She traces the faded lines with her fingers. "It's amazing to think about the history here, isn't it? Makes you wonder what other secrets this island holds."
I smirk. "Who knows? Maybe next we'll stumble onto buried treasure."
"Well, I think I've already found something pretty valuable here on this island."
My heart skips a beat as our eyes lock. The urge to tell her how I feel is overwhelming, but I hold back. Not yet , I tell myself. Not here.
Instead, I stand and offer her my hand. "Ready to head back? I've got another surprise waiting for you at my place."
Moments after we've sat down on the sofa in my bungalow, I get a video call from my bosses. Meredith discretely moves to a chair on the other side of the room. I run a hand through my still-damp hair.
James and Holly's smiling faces fill the frame. "Ryan! How's paradise treating you?"
I grin, leaning back in my chair. "Can't complain. How's Florida?"
"Hot and sticky," Holly confirms. "But we're managing. Mom's thrilled to have us here."
While they tell me more about their visit, I find my gaze drifts to Meredith, curled up in that chair, looking sexy and sweet as she skims through a magazine. I'd much rather sweep her up in my arms and carry her into the bedroom. But duty calls.
"Are you still there, Ryan?" James's deep voice jerks me back to attention—and to the video call. "You seem...distracted. Everything all right at the resort?"
I clear my throat. "Yeah, sorry. Actually, there's something I should probably tell you both."
Holly leans forward, her eyes glimmering with interest. "Ooh, I love a good secret. Is this a soap-opera type of deal?"
"Not exactly. I, uh...I've met someone." The words tumble out before I can second-guess myself. "It's a guest. Meredith Hayes. We've been spending a lot of time together."
James's eyebrows shoot up. "Spending time, huh? Is that what the youngsters are calling it these days?"
I tug at my shirt collar, wincing. "It's not just...I mean, yes, but it's more than that. She's incredible."
Holly claps her hands, beaming. "Oh, Ryan! That's wonderful! Tell us everything."
As I share some carefully edited details about Meredith and our adventures, I become more relaxed, especially when I glance at the woman in question. She smiles in the sweetest way and gives me a thumbs-up sign. James and Holly give me knowing smiles. Seeing their genuine happiness for me, I realize how much I've missed having people to confide in. But now I have Meredith—and James and Holly.
"The staff's been teasing me about being 'infatuated with a guest,' " I admit. "They were right about that."
"Well, can you blame them? Blimey, you're practically glowing."
I resist the impulse to point out that men don't glow. At least, none that I've known do.
We wrap up the call with promises that I'll keep in touch more often. I'm actually looking forward to more video calls. As I close the laptop, my phone buzzes. Tucker's name flashes on the screen.
"Hey, Tuck," I answer, waving for Meredith to come over to the sofa. She does that instantly, leaping onto the cushion beside me.
"Ryan, buddy!" Tucker hollers. "How's island life treating you? Damn good, I assume, based on how cheerful you sound."
We catch up, and I find myself talking about Meredith, unable to keep the happiness out of my voice. I even introduce Tucker to Meredith via another video call. As our conversation winds down, my friend grows more serious.
"That's great, Ryan, really. But..." Tucker pauses. "How are you sleeping?"
His question catches me off guard. I hesitate, debating whether to brush it off.
"Ryan?" Tucker prompts gently.
I sigh. "I had a dream the other night. I was back in Libya."
"Shit," Tucker breathes. "Did Meredith notice?"
"Yes, she did," the woman herself announces. "But I didn't say anything. Wasn't sure you'd want me to know."
"Of course I do. I've told you about Libya, but not about the nightmares." I rub my chin, feeling the evening stubble pricking at my skin. "I should tell you, though."
Meredith snuggles closer. "Only if you're ready for that."
"Ryan," Tucker's voice is firm but kind. "You gotta explain it to her. If this is real, she deserves to know. Right, Meredith?"
Meredith raises her hands. "Please don't get me in the middle of this. I don't want Ryan to feel that he has to tell me everything. We haven't known each other long, after all."
"She's right, Tuck. But I will explain everything, I swear—when the time is right."
Once Tucker signs off, I start worrying about what might happen if I tell her about the nightmares. What if it's too much? What if she decides I'm not worth the trouble?
"Ryan?" Her hand touches my arm, warm and grounding.
"Mer, I...I need to ask you something."
She tilts her head, studying me. "Shoot."
"This thing between us..." I gesture vaguely, searching for the right words. "Is it just...I mean, when your two weeks are up..."
Understanding dawns in her eyes, and she crawls onto my lap. Her arms encircle me. "Oh, Ryan. Do you really think I could walk away from this? From you?"
"You have a life back home. A job, friends, family..."
Meredith laughs, the sound as bright as the island sunshine. "A boring job I was planning to quit anyway, and friends who'd be thrilled to visit me on a tropical island." Her expression turns serious. "What about you? Are you ready for something real?"
I swallow hard, realizing this is my moment of truth. "I want to be ready for that. But there are still things about me, about my past, that you don't know."
She silences me with a finger to my lips. "We've all got baggage, Ryan. I'm not looking for perfect. I'm looking for real. Tell me more when you're ready."
The next morning, I wake before dawn, a plan forming in my mind. I slip out of bed, careful not to disturb Meredith, and make a few quick calls.
When she stirs an hour later, I'm waiting with two cups of coffee and a grin. "How do you feel about snorkeling?"
Her eyes light up. "I've always wanted to try it."
"Perfect." I hand her a mug. "Because I've got a whole day planned for us."
We spend the morning exploring the vibrant underwater world surrounding Heirani Motu. Meredith's delight at every colorful fish and the swaying coral is infectious. Her hand finds mine beneath the water, and I realize I've never felt so at peace.
After lunch, we paddle a canoe to a secluded inlet I discovered during my early days on the island. As the sun begins to dip toward the horizon, I build a small fire on the beach.
Meredith leans back on her elbows, watching the flames dance "This is incredible. I feel like I'm in a movie."
I settle in beside her. "Wait till you taste dinner. I packed some local specialties."
While we eat, our conversation flows easily, touching on hopes and dreams, fears and insecurities. With every word, I feel the walls I've built around my heart slowly crumbling.
Once our meal is finished, I know it's time to explain. "Mer, I'm ready to tell you about my nightmares."
She takes my hand, her touch gentle and encouraging. "I'm listening."
And so, under a canopy of stars, I finally let the whole story spill out—the nightmares that often plague my sleep, the lingering guilt over not being able to save my best friend. Even when I explain that my dreams often result in me thrashing and shouting, Meredith listens without judgment. Her presence is a balm to my battered soul.
When I finish, she cups my face in her hands. "Thank you for trusting me with this."
Then she pulls me into a kiss that speaks volumes, more than I could ever find the words to explain.
Later, as we make love on the warm sand, I feel my soul unburdening, lifting the weight that had held me down for so long. The ghosts of my past haven't disappeared, but for the first time in years, I can see a future beyond them—a future with Meredith by my side.
The gentle lapping of waves against our canoe mingles with the rhythm of my heartbeat as Meredith and I fall asleep on the sand. In the morning, we paddle back to the resort.
"Race you to the beach?" she challenges.
I grin, feeling lighter than I have in years. "You're on, sunshine."
We sprint across the sand, laughing like kids. When we reach the main trail, I catch her hand in mine, savoring the warmth of her skin against my palm.
"Last night was..." I start, searching for the right words.
Meredith squeezes my fingers. "I know. Me too."
We walk in comfortable silence, admiring the lush greenery of Heirani Motu. Suddenly, I can see myself living on this island for good, staying on as general manager, not just for a while but forever. I only want to do that if Meredith stays with me. I have a sneaking suspicion she'll love the idea.
As we approach the resort, reality starts to creep back in. I sigh, knowing I need to slip back into manager mode.
"Duty calls?" Meredith asks, a hint of understanding in her voice.
I nod, reluctantly releasing her hand. "I'll find you later?"
"Count on it," she winks, heading toward her bungalow.
I watch her go, my mind already plotting ways to steal more time with her. But as I turn toward the front desk, Mariel's panicked face stops me in my tracks.
"Ryan!" she calls, her usually soft voice pitched high with worry. "We have a situation!"
"What's wrong?" I ask, instantly on alert.
Mariel wrings her hands. "There's a tropical cyclone forming nearby. And Emilio's hurt his ankle badly. He tripped on a root while doing trail maintenance. Marley's out with the nature tour group, and we're short-staffed, and I don't know what to do, and--"
"Breathe, Mariel," I interrupt gently, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. "We'll handle this. Has the weather service issued any warnings yet?"
As Mariel fills me in on the details, I feel a familiar presence at my side.
Meredith stands there, concern etched on her face. "Sounds like you could use an extra pair of hands. How can I help?"
I hesitate, torn between my desire to keep her safe and the obvious need for assistance. "Mer, you don't have to--"
She cuts me off with a determined look and a raised hand. "I want to do this. Consider me your assistant for the day."
God, I love this woman.