Chapter Three
Meredith
As I gaze past the patio, a gentle breeze brushes against my skin, bringing with it the soothing scents of afternoon in the tropics. My throat suddenly feels parched, and my mouth waters at the thought of a cool, fruity cocktail. I half expect to see staff members bustling about with trays of drinks. And I can almost taste the sweetness and tanginess on my tongue. The sound of clinking glasses and soft chatter fills the air, accompanied by the occasional burst of laughter. I can also hear the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.
"Should we head to the lobby for our welcome cocktails?" I ask Zara.
Her light laughter almost seems to tinkle like wind chimes. "Oh, Mer, didn't you read the welcome packet? The drinks are on the auxiliary patio."
"Right, of course." I hesitate, feeling a bit sheepish. Guess I should've read the welcome packet more thoroughly. "Lead the way, oh wise one. I wonder how many tiny umbrellas had to die for our drinking pleasure."
"Probably an entire rainforest's worth," Maya giggles like a schoolgirl, not like the mature college behavioral counselor she is. Her blue eyes are sparkling in the sunshine as she points toward a sexy man with a buff bod and salt-and-pepper hair. "Mm, can I get one of those to go?"
I roll my eyes at her. "This isn't a buffet, Maya."
"Not yet. But who knows..."
This is what happens when four widows who met at a group counseling session decide to relieve our dwindling sorrow with a crazy vacation. And that's how I met Maya, Lila, and Zara—because we lost our husbands. The vacation idea had been two-and-a-half years in the making. Once we resolved to put the past behind us, this trip was inevitable. Hence, our wild holiday on the other side of the world.
As we saunter toward the larger patio, I shake my head, wondering if I could have a little something steamy with the interim general manager. I know his name, but I wonder if he knows mine. Ryan had been glancing at me often during his welcome speech this afternoon. That suggests he is interested.
But I don't see him now.
We reach the bar where a colorful array of tropical concoctions is spread out before us. I grab a vibrant blue drink, complete with pineapple wedge and, yes, a tiny umbrella. Then I notice Maya has just reached for a second cocktail.
"Careful there, Ms. Kozlow," I admonish. "Any more of those and you'll be pink from head to toe."
"Oh, hush," Maya retorts, but her cheeks are already flushed. "I'm just embracing the island spirit."
As we sip our drinks, my gaze wanders to the snakelike pool below. Guests splash and laugh, their bodies glistening in the sunshine. I watch a group of twenty-somethings engaged in a heated game of volleyball, their movements fluid, their laughter carefree. They all look so...comfortable, so at ease with their nudity and with this whole experience.
Zara gives me a knowing wink and a smile. I take a deep breath, feeling the warm island air fill my lungs, and release it gradually.
You're ready for this, Mer , I remind myself. Ready for all of it .
I raise my glass. "To new adventures."
My friends echo the sentiment, our glasses clinking as we imagine the promise of memories to come. Yeah, I might be going a tad overboard with the purple prose. Hey, I never said I was a writer. I'm a bank teller, for pity's sake.
"Ladies, shall we check out our accommodations?" I suggest, draining the last sip of my drink.
My friends nod their agreement.
The sweet, tropical flavor of my cocktail lingers on my tongue as I lead the way into the main resort building. The cool air offers a surprising respite from the balmy atmosphere outside. As we follow the corridors, our bare feet pad softly on the carpeted floors. I guess they don't want anyone to slip on polished wood, so they went for soft carpeting instead.
Maya and Lila dash ahead, clearly too excited to do anything but grin and laugh. I feel exhilarated too, minus the giggles.
Lila raises her key card and grins. "Room 304."
She fumbles with her key card, and the door swings open to reveal a spacious suite bathed in natural light.
"Oh. My. God." Maya's jaw drops as she takes in the panoramic view from the open patio. "Mer, you have to see this!"
I step out onto the balcony, drinking in the breathtaking vista. The sinuous pools wind their way through lush gardens, beyond which the mountains rise majestically, their peaks kissing the azure sky. The ocean glimmers in the distance, a ribbon of turquoise on the horizon.
"Not too shabby," I concur, but my casual tone can't mask my awe.
We spend the next hour exploring each of their suites, oohing and aahing over the luxurious amenities. As I flop onto Zara's king-size bed, a twinge of disappointment hits me, and I sigh.
"I can't believe I'm all the way across the resort from you guys."
But Zara pats my shoulder. "Look on the bright side, honey. You'll have all the privacy you need for any...late-night visitors."
I pretend to be horrified and overdo it a touch. "Please. I'm here to relax, not..."
"Not what?" Lila waggles her eyebrows. "Have mind-blowing, earth-shattering, tropical-island sex?"
The four of us dissolve into uproarious laughter. When we flop backward onto the bed in unison, we laugh even more. Once we catch our breath again, we discuss ordering room service for the four of us, but I make my excuses and leave my friends behind. They don't mind. And I need a bit of alone time after that long plane ride in premium economy class. We pooled our resources to pony up for the extra fees that granted us a teeny bit more comfort. It was still a far cry from first class.
After walking out of Zara's amazing suite, I set off toward my bungalow. It lies in a more secluded area. I had reserved the bungalow only because the resort was almost booked up when we made our reservations. I would've preferred to stay closer to my friends. But as I exit the main building, I lift my chin and feel a bounce in my step that I hadn't noticed before.
Is this freedom I'm feeling? Yes, it is.
The path to my bungalow is a feast for the senses. Vibrant hibiscus and fragrant frangipani line the walkway, their petals dancing in the gentle breeze. The air is thick with the heady scent of ylang-ylang, its sweet perfume mingling with the salty tang of the sea. I pause to admire a towering breadfruit tree, its large, glossy leaves creating dappled shadows on the ground. Nearby, a cluster of bird of paradise flowers reveal their vibrant orange and blue petals reminiscent of exotic tropical birds ready to take flight.
A melodious trill catches my attention, and I pause, watching a brightly colored bird flit from branch to branch. I swear its song is beckoning me, as if it's crooning, "You belong here, Meredith."
Jeez, I really have gone sappy. So what? I'll embrace the schmaltz.
As I approach my bungalow, my heart quickens with anticipation, though I can't quite explain why. A woven basket sits by the door, overflowing with local fruits and treats. The attached card tells me the basket includes feijoa, guava, and several other exotic fruits I've never heard of before.
I lift the woven lid, inhaling deeply as a burst of sweet, tropical scents wafts up to greet me. The feijoas are oval-shaped and green, their skin slightly bumpy under my curious fingers. I've never tasted one before, but the card promises a flavor somewhere between strawberry and pineapple. Next, the guavas beckon with their yellow-green hue and intoxicating aroma. I can't resist picking one up, marveling at how its soft fuzz tickles my palm. The basket seems like a cornucopia of surprises. There's a spiky red fruit that must be rambutan, according to the card, its wild exterior hiding the translucent flesh within.
My hand hovers over the doorknob, and I take a deep breath. "Well, Mer, here goes nothing. Let's hope my bungalow is as amazing as the suites my friends have."
I twist the knob and step inside, my jaw falling open in awe. The bungalow is indeed a paradise within paradise. Two words whisper out of me: "Holy shit."
Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating a spacious living area that flows seamlessly into an open-air deck. The décor is a perfect blend of tropical luxury and intimate comfort—all natural materials and sensual curves.
I run my fingers along the silky-smooth surface of a driftwood coffee table. "This is...absolutely incredible."
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 never felt 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 with life. 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."
Ryan stalked me? Oddly, that fact turns me on. "I'm not upset, sweetie. Actually, it's rather flattering."
He takes a step closer, managing to peek at me sideways. "This is a beautiful spot, isn't it? Not many guests find their way here."
"I probably should have brought a map. Good thing you stumbled onto me, or who knows how long I would've been lost in the woods." His rapt focus on my face makes me shiver faintly, and I'm acutely aware of the water lapping at my skin. "It's like a little slice of paradise, don't you think?"
He smiles, and I feel my heart skip a beat. "That it is. Though I have to say, the view just got even more spectacular."
I blush at his words as if I'm a virgin, which I haven't been since prom night many years ago. Part of me wants to sink deeper into the water, to hide from Ryan's gaze. But another part, a bolder part I'm just discovering, wants to stand up and let him look his fill.
As I settle for treading water, keeping my shoulders above the surface, I try for a casual tone. "I didn't realize the staff got to enjoy the island too."
Ryan chuckles, the rich sound sending a tingle of arousal down my spine. His eyes never leave mine as he speaks. "We're encouraged to explore during our off hours, so I decided to go for a walk on my lunch break. Even a few minutes of time off helps us better assist all our guests. It was James and Holly's idea—they're my bosses. Though I have to admit, this is a first for me."
"What, stumbling onto a naked guest in a hidden pool?" I tease, surprising myself with my boldness.
His grin widens. "Something like that."
We stare at each other for a long moment, the air between us charged with unspoken tension. I can feel my heart pounding, and not just from the exertion of my hike. Ryan takes another step closer, his feet at the water's edge now. I can see the muscles in his arms flexing as he grips the strap of his backpack tighter.
"I—I should probably head back," I tell him, though I make no move to climb out of the pool. "My friends will be wondering where I've disappeared to."
Ryan nods and sighs, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face before his professional mask slips back into place. "I understand. Please let me walk you back to the main building."
And he does exactly that. He escorts me. No copping a feel. He doesn't even glance at my boobs. Ah, well, there's always tomorrow.