Chapter Twenty
Meredith
As we had stepped off the plane in Redmond, Oregon, the first thing I noticed was a crisp breeze. It had sent my hair swirling around my face like a mini cyclone. The journey from Redmond to the Au Naturel Naturist Resort had taken longer than I expected, but I'm excited to finally see the original resort that set off a chain reaction of nudist hijinks.
A beautiful, tanned god opens the passenger door of the pickup truck that had brought us here. "Welcome to Au Naturel. It's lovely to meet you, Meredith. I am Val Silva. And that is my wife Eve over there, preparing to explain the rules to a new batch of guests."
Val's Brazilian accent is hot, but I prefer Ryan's voice.
Ryan steps out of the truck first and gives me a helping hand. We both glance around, curious about our new environment.
I fake a shiver and wrap my arms tightly around myself. "Brr! Quite a change from the warm, sunny paradise we just left, huh?"
"Seriously? It's not that cold," Ryan informs me sarcastically, taking my hand as we follow Val. "Look at those senior citizens playing miniten in the buff. If they can handle it, so can we. This place definitely has charm, don't you think? I hear there's a hot spring too."
Well, that does sound wonderful. Hot spring sex? Count me in.
Ryan's gaze veers to a family nearby—the parents nude, the kids a mix of clothed and not. "Interesting crowd. I've gotten used naked adults twenty-four seven."
I follow his line of sight, taking in the diverse group of travelers. An elderly couple strolls by hand in hand, smiling and waving to Val—and by extension, me and Ryan too. A little girl, maybe five or six, gleefully skips ahead of her parents with not a stitch on. Her ebullient giggles echo off the buildings.
"Welcome to Oregon," I proclaim, linking my arm through Ryan's. "Land of the free, home of the bare."
He chuckles softly at my joke as we make our way to toward a lovely little cottage that's set apart from the other buildings. I can't help but compare this bustling resort in the heart of America to our secluded island home. No lush jungle or pristine white beaches here. Instead, I see Ponderosa pines, western hemlock, Indian hawthorn. Still, there's an undeniable beauty and energy here.
When we reach the little house, I notice it's labeled "Caretakers Cottage."
Val pounds on the door. "Wake up, amorzinho ! Our guests have arrived." He throws a smirk over his shoulder at us. "Don't worry, Eve is in there. She's pregnant again and needs a good amount of rest." He pounds again. " Amorzinho ! I'm about to kick the door in."
Ryan and I exchange awkward looks, then turn our attention to the large lawn. I spot a young man with a buff bod who's wearing...well, not much. Just a small apron emblazoned with the resort logo. I sneak a glance at Ryan, noticing the slight furrow of his brow.
"Everything okay, sweetie?" I ask.
"Hell yeah. Don't worry about me, Mer."
The door to the cottage swings open at last, and a strawberry blonde greets us with a big smile. "Welcome to Au Naturel Oregon, our original resort. Ryan I've met, virtually. And you must be his other half. Ready to explore the place where naturism found its home?"
"I'm so ready. My name is—"
"Oh, we know all about you and Ryan." She steps aside to make room in the doorway. "I'm Eve Silva, by the way."
A dark-haired woman rushes up to me and Ryan, grinning broadly—and wearing clothes. "I'm Mara Jackson. My hubby, Ollie, is busy with other stuff, so I thought I'd greet you guys."
"It's wonderful to meet you, Mara. We've heard so much about this place."
"Well, prepare to have your expectations blown away," Mara advises us with a teasing smile. "Let's start with a quick tour, shall we?"
Eve and Val join our little group. As we all follow Mara through the resort, I can't help but notice the stark differences between our little slice of paradise on Heirani Motu and this part of Oregon. Here, the air is crisp and pine-scented, a far cry from the tropical breeze we've grown accustomed to. Families and couples of all ages mingle freely, some clothed, some bare, all seemingly at ease.
Ryan keeps hold of my hand as we pass by a group of clothed staff members. This resort is just like Heirani Motu in that respect.
"And here's our pride and joy," Mara announces, gesturing toward a winding path that disappears into a thick grove of pines. "This is the 'Naked in Nature' hiking trail. It's a favorite among our guests. Anyone up for a little something different?"
I had been casually admiring the scenery, but I perked up at Mara's question. "Oh, that sounds amazing. What do you think, Ryan?"
Rather than responding to my query, he asks our guide, "How long has the resort been here? Was it always clothing-optional?"
Mara grins. "You're a curious one, aren't you? The resort's been around for about a decade, and yes, it's always been clothing-optional."
I'm fascinated to hear more, and I find myself soaking up every detail as we tour the facilities. There's a swimming pool, complete with mini water slides and a splash pad. Ryan raises an eyebrow at the sight of naked kids frolicking in the water but doesn't comment.
"It's so different from Heirani Motu," I whisper to him as we come out of the woods to see a mini-golf course. "It's, uh, more structured?"
He nods while scanning our surroundings. "Definitely geared toward families. Different vibe entirely."
After the tour, we're led to a conference room where Eve, Val, Holly, and James are waiting, along with some unfamiliar faces—presumably the other resort employees. We meet Ollie, Heidi, and Damian, who are also bigwigs at the resort.
While introductions are made, I notice Ryan's posture straightening. He's slipping into business mode. I admire his ability to compartmentalize, even as I fight the urge to squirm in my seat. Clothes feel strangely confining after our time on the island.
The meeting flies by in a blur of spreadsheets and projections. As we're wrapping up, Mara whistles to get our attention.
"Don't forget, the 'Naked in Nature' hike leaves in an hour!"
I grab my husband's arm. "Ryan, we have to do that."
He scrunches up his mouth. "I don't know, Mer. It sounds like a long hike."
I employ my best seductive voice to change his mind. "Come on, it'll be fun. When's the last time you went hiking au naturel?"
A reluctant smile tugs at his lips. "Never, actually. We should do that when we're back home again."
"Why not try it right now? Don't tell me my husband, a former Navy SEAL, is squeamish about hiking in the nude with strangers."
One corner of his mouth stretches upward into a smirk. "Okay, you got me. Can't have anyone thinking I've gone soft."
"Then it's settled." I declare triumphantly. "We're going."
As we head back to our room to change—or rather, un-change—I find myself wondering what other new experiences await us here and at other resorts in the Au Naturel chain. More importantly, how might these experiences change us? For the better, I'm sure.
We hold hands as we set out on the trail with the cool Oregon air kissing our skin. The sounds and scents around us are both invigorating and freeing. I catch myself grinning at the woods even while my feet crunch on the pine-needle-strewn path. Ryan walks beside me, his initial hesitation melting away with every step.
"Isn't this incredible?" I whisper, nudging him playfully.
"Well, it's...different. But not in a bad way."
Peripherally, I notice a young woman trailing behind the group, arms wrapped tightly around herself. Her eyes dart nervously, never quite meeting anyone else's gaze. My heart goes out to her. I'd been a little anxious the first time I stripped naked in public, though I was never as nervous as she is.
I slow my pace, falling in step beside her. "First time at a nudist resort?"
She winces. "Is it that obvious?"
"Only because I remember feeling exactly the same way. I'm Meredith, by the way. My husband, Ryan, and I run the Au Naturel Naturist Resort South Seas."
"I'm Stephanie," she replies, her posture relaxing slightly.
"You know, my first nude beach experience was on a little island called Heirani Motu. I was fifty-two at the time. Boy, was I terrified at first, but I quickly realized something important." I lean in to whisper, "Baring it all made feel freer than I ever had before."
Sarah's eyes widen. "Really? How did you get over the nerves?"
I grin, gesturing at the lush forest around us. "By realizing that this"—I indicate my body—"is just as natural as the trees, the earth, and the wildlife. We're part of nature, not separate from it."
Okay, I fibbed a little. I was never that nervous on day one at the South Seas resort. Stephanie needed encouragement, so I consider my little white lies to be all for a good cause.
As we chat, I can't help but marvel at the stark difference between this landscape and Heirani Motu. Where the island was all sun-drenched beaches and vibrant tropical flowers, here the air is crisp and pine scented. Towering evergreens create a cathedral-like canopy overhead and dappled sunlight filters through the trees.
"It's so...green," I murmur, more to myself than anyone else. "And quiet. Peaceful too."
"A different kind of beauty," Ryan, overhearing my conversation with Stephanie. "It makes you appreciate the diversity of the natural world."
Though we're far from our island paradise, we're discovering new wonders together. And isn't that what life's all about?
Even after the guests hike back to the resort proper, Ryan and I linger on the shores of the lake that resides within the confines of the resort's land. The sun dips lower and lower on the horizon, and soon, we'll need to head back to the main area. But Ryan and I stretch out on the sandy shore briefly to wiggle our toes and feel the cool grains against my skin.
"This place has such a different vibe," I muse, turning to face Ryan.
He raises an eyebrow. "How so?"
"No monkey-faced bats, no dolphins, not even one cockatoo." I gesture toward the spot where a family had built a sandcastle earlier. "It's more...communal, I guess? Back home, it's all about luxury and decadence. Here, it feels like summer camp for all ages."
"Summer camp where clothing is optional."
I wriggle around to face, cross-legged. "But doesn't it make you think about what we could do with the South Seas property?"
He eyes me sideways. "Your mind is always dreaming up ideas, isn't it?"
"Anything wrong with that?"
"Nope. It's what I love about you."
Something like a cowbell clatters from the direction of the main resort area. A male voice shouts through a megaphone, "Dinner! Get the grub while it's hot."
We race up the trail, arriving just in time.
The main building's dining hall is quite similar to the setup back home. Although, it's bustling with energy, more like an indoor picnic. Laughter and the clink of utensils fill the air as we make our way to an open table.
"Well, this is certainly lively," Ryan comments, his eyes darting around the room.
I grin, already feeling the pull to mingle. "It's fantastic, isn't it? Look at all these people, just being themselves."
A young couple approaches our table, wearing a friendly smile. "Mind if we join you?"
"Please do." I gesture to the empty chairs. "I'm Meredith, by the way, and this is Ryan."
"Tim Smithers," the man introduces himself, "and this is my wife, Mindy."
As we settle in, I can't help but notice how at ease everyone seems, despite their state of undress. It's a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do.
"So, what brings you two to Au Naturel?" I ask, genuinely curious about their story.
Mindy's face lights up. "Oh, it's our annual getaway. We've been coming here for years. It's like a second home now."
A lot of people we've met today told us the same thing. It's extraordinary how faithful to the resort these guests have become. And it reveals a lot about Eve's original vision for Au Naturel, as well as what she and Val have done to explain the brand.
As the evening progresses, we're joined by another couple, Damian and Heidi Petrescu, who we met earlier today. The conversation flows easily, touching on everything from favorite hiking trails to the challenges of running a naturist resort.
I can't help but think how perfectly this moment encapsulates what I love about the naturist lifestyle—the openness, the connections, the feeling of belonging. As I catch Ryan's eye across the table, I see a spark there that tells me he's thinking the same thing. James and Holly turned Heirani Motu into a glittering treasure in the middle of the South Pacific, honing the grand until it became the hottest destination for naughty nudists. But now, it's time for me and Ryan to take their vision and set it ablaze—in the best way. When I look around at the smiling faces, the animated conversations, here in this dining hall, I know we're on the right track.
Damian has begun gesturing animatedly as he regales us with tales of his Ludar gypsy heritage. His dark glitter with humor, and I can't help but be drawn into his storytelling.
"You know," Damian begins, wiggling his eyebrows, "I've got a special talent for palm reading. It's all part of the show I do in my gypsy wagon."
"Really?" I ask, intrigued. "That sounds fascinating."
Ryan raises an eyebrow, his skepticism evident. "Palm reading, huh?"
Damian grins. "Oh, it's legit. I've got what we call 'Ludar lidar.' It's kind of like radar, but it's for reading people."
I burst out laughing. "Ludar lidar? I love that."
As the laughter subsides, I turn to the woman sitting beside me, a first-timer at the resort. "So, what made you decide to try naturism?"
Wendy blushes slightly. "Honestly? I wanted to challenge myself. Push past my comfort zone, you know?"
"I get that. It can be intimidating at first, but it's so liberating once you embrace it."
"Exactly," Wendy agrees. "I never thought I'd feel this comfortable being naked around strangers. It's freeing."
Later, as Ryan and I walk back to our room hand in hand, I can't help but sigh. "I miss Heirani Motu."
"Me too. It feels like home, doesn't it?"
I sigh, surprised by the intensity of my longing. "There's just something about the island...the freedom, the dirty escapades."
"The condoms in terra cotta bowls?"
"Among other things."
Ryan pulls me close as we reach our door. "I get what you mean, though. But you know what? I've been thinking that maybe we should take a real honeymoon. Explore some places neither of us has seen before."
My heart leaps at the suggestion. "Really? That would be incredible!"
Once we're inside our bungalow, we both fall asleep swiftly. It's been a wonderful, if exhausting day.
I watch Ryan's chest rise and fall as he drifts off, a contented smile playing on his lips. My fingers itch to trace the line of his jaw, but I resist, not wanting to disturb his peaceful slumber. Instead, I drink in the sight of him, marveling at how quickly he's become such an integral part of my world.
"Who would've thought?" I whisper to myself. "Me, Meredith Hayes, falling head over heels for the stoic resort manager."
As the room grows quiet, save for Ryan's gentle breathing, a sense of solitude washes over me. It's not loneliness, exactly, but a moment of introspection. I think back to the woman I was before Heirani Motu—always searching, never quite satisfied. And now?
"I'm happier than I've ever been," I muse, snuggling closer to Ryan's warmth.
After a while, I surrender to sleep.
Then a thunderous pounding on our door jolts me awake.
"Get up, lazy heads!" a familiar voice booms. "No rest for the wicked, or in this case, the naked!"
Ryan bolts upright, his eyes wide. "Tucker? Is that you?"
"Better believe it. Time to rise and shine."
I can't help but laugh at his expression. "Looks like your best friend's come to join the party."
We throw on some clothes and open the door to see Tucker's beaming face. Ryan told me about his Navy SEAL buddy, but I didn't have the chance to meet him.
Until now.
"Tuck the man is here!" Ryan exclaims, pulling his friend into a bear hug. "What are you doing in Oregon?"
"Couldn't let you two have all the fun," Tucker winks at me over Ryan's shoulder. "Now, who's hungry? I hear this place does a mean breakfast spread."
As we make our way to the dining hall, I can't stop smiling. Watching Ryan and Tucker banter feels like witnessing a piece of my husband's past come to life. It's a side of him I haven't fully seen before, and it's utterly captivating.
"So, Meredith," Tucker says as we find seats at a table, "has this grump been treating you right?"
I laugh, reaching for Ryan's hand under the table. "Oh, he's nowhere near as grumpy as he once was. I loosened him up a bit."
Ryan rolls his eyes, but I can see the happiness radiating from him. As Tucker launches into a story about their college days, I find myself imagining a future filled with moments like this—laughter, love, and endless possibilities.
"You okay?" Ryan whispers, noticing my distraction.
"Never better." And I mean that with every fiber of my being.
He slips his fingers between mine. "This seems like the right time to tell you both what I've realized recently."
Tucker moves closer to us, waiting to hear more—just like I am.
Ryan shoves his hands into his jeans pockets. "I haven't had a nightmare since the day I proposed to you. And I've stopped worrying about whether I'll ever suffer another bad night." He kisses my cheek. "But if I ever do, I know you'll be there to talk me through it. My burden has been lifted, after all these years. That's due in large part to you, Mer."
That might just be the best compliment I've ever received. Our life together will be full of joy, humor, and hot sex from this moment on.