Chapter Five
Meredith
The sun-warmed grass tickles my feet as I step onto the lawn, and a hint excitement zings through me. I can't help but grin as I take in the sight of my friends, all of us as bare as the day we were born, gathered for what promises to be the most unusual game I've ever played. Miniten is a lot like tennis, I've been told, but on a smaller court. It's also only for naturists, also known as nudists.
"Ladies, welcome to miniten!" Marley's cheerful voice rings out as she approaches, fully clothed and holding what look like oversized oven mitts—except they're made of wood. "This is the sport of champions...Well, nude champions, at least."
I snicker, nudging Zara. "Champions of what, exactly? Best tan lines?"
Zara rolls her eyes, but I can see the smile tugging at her lips. "Speak for yourself, Mer. Some of us are working on our all-over glow."
Marley hands out the strange box-shaped contraptions—thugs, she calls them—and I slip mine over my hand, flexing my fingers experimentally as I curl them around the bar that will help me hit the tennis ball. It feels oddly empowering, like I'm about to engage in some quirky, nudist version of a gladiatorial sport.
"All right, people," Marley continues, demonstrating with her own thug. "The rules are simple. Use this to hit the tennis ball. No rackets, just good old-fashioned hand-eye coordination and a dash of naturist pride."
While Marley explains the finer points of the game, I scan the resort grounds, moving only my eyes, a part of me hoping to catch a glimpse of Ryan's muscular form somewhere in the crowd. But he's nowhere to be seen, and I push down a twinge of disappointment. Focus, Meredith . You're here to play a ridiculous game and have fun with your friends, not moon over the first attractive man you've met in years.
The match begins, and soon the air is filled with laughter, shouts of triumph, and the occasional yelp as the ball finds its mark on bare skin. I throw myself into the game with gusto, relishing the feel of the warm breeze on my body and the camaraderie of my friends. Lila and I take on Maya and Zara, whupping them handily before we invite a couple of guys to try their hands.
Hours later, pleasantly exhausted and sun-kissed, we make our way to the resort's spa. As I sink into the warm, fragrant waters of the hot tub, Zara nudges me with her elbow. There's a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"So, Mer, I noticed you checking out the scenery earlier. Looking for something in particular? Or someone in particular?"
I feel a blush creep up my cheeks, grateful it can be blamed on the heat of the water. "Zip it, lady, I'm trying to relax."
"Oh, come on," Lila chimes in. "We've all seen the way you look at Ryan. Why not invite him to join you in the pool behind your bungalow?"
I splash water in their direction, laughing despite myself. "You two are impossible. Can't a girl appreciate the view without being interrogated?"
As we dry off and dress, my friends start chattering about heading to the game room to mingle. But the thought of more socializing suddenly feels overwhelming. I guess miniten wore me out.
"You guys go ahead," I suggest, waving them off. "I think I'll head back to my bungalow and order in."
Alone in my room, I peruse the room service menu, my gaze lingering on dishes described as "sensual" and "indulgent." Without quite knowing why, I find myself ordering a spread that sounds more like foreplay than dinner. The menu is filled with mouth-watering images of delicately plated dishes, each one adorned with vibrant colors and drizzled with exotic sauces that make my stomach growl.
A gentle knock at the door signals the arrival of my decadent spread. I swing it open to find a smiling attendant wheeling in a cart laden with covered dishes. The aromas wafting from beneath the silver domes are intoxicating, a blend of exotic spices and subtle floral notes that make my mouth water. I thank the attendant, a sweet young man who grins at the size of my...tip. Once he's gone, I eagerly lift the first dome. A plate of oysters nestles in a bed of crushed ice, their shells glistening like polished onyx. Beside them, a small dish of mignonette sauce shimmers, the red wine vinegar dotted with finely minced shallots. I lift one to my lips, savoring the briny taste and slippery texture as it slides down my throat. The mignonette adds a tangy kick that makes my taste buds sing.
I move on to the next dish, a vibrant salad of mixed greens topped with juicy pomegranate seeds and crumbled goat cheese. The dressing is light and citrusy, perfectly complementing the sweet-tart burst of the pomegranate. But as I uncover the main course—a perfectly seared piece of mahi-mahi atop a bed of coconut rice—I can't help but imagine sharing this meal with someone special. Someone with sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes that seem to look right through me in the sexiest way.
Stop it, woman. You can find another man, one who will embrace the hedonist in you.
I've just about convinced myself of that when a knock comes at the door. I ease it open, unsure of who might be visiting me now. I hadn't ordered any more food.
Standing before me, looking equally surprised, is Ryan.
His eyes widen as he notices my state of undress—as if he hasn't seen my nakedness before. "I...uh, room service?"
I blink, suddenly very aware of my bare breasts and the slickness between my thighs. "Ryan? What are you doing here?"
He clears his throat, desperately trying to maintain eye contact. "Marley needed the night off, so I'm covering some deliveries. I didn't realize...I mean, I should have checked the room number."
As he stands there, awkwardly balancing the tray of food, I can't help but notice the way his muscles flex under his shirt. A thrill runs through me, and I find myself wondering if this unexpected turn of events might lead to something more exciting than a solitary dinner.
As I smile at him, I experience a mixture of nervousness and excitement fluttering in my belly. "Well, since you're here...I may have ordered way too much food. Would you like to join me?"
Ryan hesitates, his hazel eyes darting between me and the tray. "I'm not sure if that's appropriate, Meredith. I'm technically still on duty."
"This late in the evening? Oh, come on," I tease, leaning against the doorframe. "I'll even put on a robe if it makes you more comfortable. Unless...you'd prefer I didn't?"
A hint of a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "You're making it very difficult for me to refuse."
I step back, gesturing for him to enter. "That's the idea."
While Ryan sets the tray down on the nightstand, I can feel the tension between us crackling like electricity. I hate to shatter the mood, but I have to remind him. "Don't you need to deliver that food to its rightful owner?
"Oh, yeah. Right." He blushes again and clears his throat, raising one finger. "Gimme a sec."
He races out of the room, only to return one minute and thirty-five seconds later, flushed and breathless. Yeah, I counted the seconds. Then he slams the door shut. "Delivery...done."
I move closer to him. "Thank goodness. Are we going to share all these delicious treats you brought me tonight?"
Ryan roams his gaze over me, his professional demeanor visibly slipping while his voice grows deeper and rougher. "Why don't we find out together?"
Suddenly, I can't catch my breath. Is this really happening?
He reaches for a strawberry, dipping it in chocolate sauce. Then he lifts it to my lips. "Open up."
I part my lips, letting him feed me the fruit. The chocolaty flavor hits me first, followed by the strawberry sweetness that explodes on my tongue in a rush of sensual flavors, and the juices dribble down my chin. "Your turn, honey."
With every morsel, this dance becomes more daring, more sensual, intensifying my desire more every minute. My nipples harden into tight pearls that ache for his touch. Just the scent of him, all woodsy spice and sweaty male, turns me on even more. Normally, I don't get wet without lube. But I have a feeling Ryan will do much better than that.
His drops to a husky tone that makes my knees weak. "You know, there are more interesting ways we could enjoy this meal."
"Like what?"
He picks up a small bowl of honey. "How about we get a little...messy."
I can't believe this is happening, can't believe all-business Ryan is suggesting something so deliciously naughty. But I'm not about to let this opportunity slip away. "Oh, sweetie, I thought you'd never ask."
While Ryan drizzles warm honey over my collarbone, I shiver with delight. His eyes have darkened with desire, and his expression is rife with erotic determination. He leans in, his tongue following that sweet trail, and I can't help but moan.
"God, Meredith," he growls, his breath hot against my skin.
I shiver again and moan as Ryan curls his tongue inside my navel to lap up even more of the honey. His touch is both tender and electrifying.
"Oh, Ryan." I arch into him, my fingers tangling in his hair while he nips at my neck. "I want to taste you too."
Then he pulls back, smirking in the sexiest way. "Be my guest."
He sweeps me up in his arms, carrying me into the bedroom where he deposits me on the plush mattress. The gauze curtains flutter faintly. Then he scurries away, only to drag the room service cart into the bedroom too. He strips his clothes off swiftly.
Damn, that man has an incredible body.
Emboldened by his striptease, I tell him, "Lie down, please. On your back."
He obeys immediately. Wow, no man has ever done that before—not without complaining.
The dim lighting casts a soft glow on our naked bodies as I reach for the maple syrup, my hand trembling slightly with anticipation. As I drizzle the thick liquid over his skin, it pools into a sticky mess on his chest. The sight alone is almost too much to bear, and I can't help but let out a low moan of hunger. I'm struck by how beautiful he is—all lean muscle and sheer determination. I lean in, savoring the sweetness on my tongue and the salt of his skin. I love that we're tasting each other this way, taking turns, reveling in the intimacy.
Ryan follows my every move with hooded eyes, his breaths coming in short gasps as I lean forward to trail my tongue along his collarbone. The taste of syrup mixed with sweat makes my core clench with the need to take him inside me. I can feel myself getting wetter by the second, aching for him to fill me completely.
With a growl, he grabs me by the hair and tugs me closer, crushing his mouth to mine in a bruising kiss that leaves me breathless. His mouth tastes like sin itself—heady and intoxicating—and it makes me crave his cock even more. Our tongues dance while I trace lazy circles around his nipples with my fingertips, feeling them harden beneath my touch. His body responds to every caress, every languid lick of my tongue.
Ryan's breathing grows ragged while I work my way down his body. When I reach his dick, it's already hard and straining. I pause to look up at him through my lashes.
"You don't have to—" he starts, but I silence him with a wicked smile.
"Oh, I want to," I purr, before taking him into my mouth.
The sound Ryan makes—half groan, half growl—sends a thrill through me.
Slowly but surely, I make my way down his chest, leaving a trail of syrup-covered kisses in my wake. I pause at his abs, reveling in their definition and tracing every ridge with my index finger before gliding it down lower still. As I tease him mercilessly, swirling my finger around the base of his cock before finally taking him into my mouth, I experience a sense of erotic power like nothing I've felt before.
My late husband never would've let me do this to him.
Now I lose myself in the taste of Ryan, the feel of him, the sounds he's making. I can feel him throbbing against my tongue as I work him slowly at first, then faster and harder until he's panting from the need to come. His hands roam over my back and ass possessively, caressing every curve before finally settling between my thighs where I'm so wet for him that my cream drizzles down my inner thighs.
As he approaches climax, every muscle in his body freezes. He lies there immobilized by the need to let go, unable to speak or breathe. I tighten my lips around his throbbing length, flicking my tongue teasingly at the sensitive underside. His muscles tense as I apply just the right amount of pressure, my hand moving in rhythm with my mouth. The veins on his shaft pulse against my tongue and my cheeks hollow out, creating a delicious suction that pushes him over the edge.
When he comes, he explodes into my mouth, and his back arches upward. I devour every last drop of his hot release, the flavor of him as intoxicating as any drug. I swallow eagerly, savoring the taste and feel of him inside my mouth, relishing in the power I hold over him in this moment. The feeling of power that rushes through me makes me feel desired in a way I haven't experienced in years.
Ryan's body trembles with aftershocks while I slowly pull my mouth away from his dick, licking my lips and smiling up at him. The heat between them us has become a palpable energy even as we both bask in the afterglow his pleasure. Can't believe how much I loved doing that for him.
After a moment, Ryan pulls me up and onto his lap for a deep, passionate kiss. Our tongues tangle, our need for each other too ravenous to deny. Then he murmurs against my lips, "Your turn, Meredith."
I bite my lip, anticipating what he might do to me, certain it will be incredible. Ryan's hands roam my body, leaving trails of invisible fire in their wake. His lips brush against my ear as he whispers, "Lie back for me, beautiful."
That simple command does me in. I comply immediately, sinking into the plush pillows.
His gaze roams over me hungrily as he reaches for the bowl of melted chocolate. "Now, let's see how sweet you really are."
The warm, silky chocolate drips onto my skin, pooling in the hollow of my throat before trickling down between my breasts. I gasp at the sensation, arching my back as Ryan's tongue follows the decadent trail. He takes his time, savoring every inch of me as if I'm the most exquisite dessert he's ever tasted.
His mouth closes around my nipple, and he sucks gently while his fingers trace lazy circles on my inner thigh. The delicate sensation drives me crazy. I can barely catch my breath, it feels so good. I moan, tangling my fingers in his hair and tugging him closer. The contrast between the cool air and his hot mouth pushes me to arch upward into his touch. The roughness of his palms turns me on even more.
"Ryan," I gasp as he moves lower, his tongue dipping into my navel. "Please..."
"What are you begging for, Meredith? Tell me, and I'll give it to you." He smirks again. "Maybe."
I catch my bottom lip between my teeth, suddenly shy despite our intimate position. But the hunger in his gaze emboldens me. "I want your mouth on me. Everywhere."
A slow, salacious grin spreads across his face. "Your wish is my command."
Ryan spreads my thighs gently, his breath hot against my most sensitive area. I hold my breath, unable to move even one millimeter. His every move kindles a white-hot fire inside me. When his tongue finally wraps around my clit, I cry out and clench the sheets while my neck arches. Ryan groans against my flesh, the vibrations sending shockwaves of pleasure through my entire body. He licks and suckles with exquisite precision, alternating between long, languid strokes and quick flicks that have me writhing beneath him. His strong hands grip my thighs, holding them open as he devours me.
"Oh god, Ryan," I moan, grinding my mound against his face. "Don't stop, don't stop."
He redoubles his efforts, thrusting two fingers inside me as he focuses on my clit. The dual sensation is overwhelming, and I can feel myself hurtling toward the edge. He pulls my nub into his mouth, raking his tongue over it again and again. My legs thrash while the pressure builds, my hips buck, and I fist my hands in the pillow. I'm gasping for breath, crying out, desperate for a climax.
Just when I think I can't take anymore, Ryan curls his fingers, hitting that perfect spot inside me. My whole body goes rigid, and blinding waves of pleasure crash over me again and again. I cry out Ryan's name, my body arching off the bed one last time as I ride the crest of my orgasm. He doesn't let up, his tongue and fingers working in perfect harmony to prolong my ecstasy until my entire body goes limp and I'm oversensitive from everything he did to me.
When I finally come down from my high, Ryan crawls up my body, dropping soft kisses along the way. He claims my mouth in a deep, hungry kiss that leaves me deliciously languid and satiated. I can taste myself on his tongue, and that sends a fresh wave of desire rippling through me. Moonlight streams through the windows as I watch Ryan pull on his clothes without leaving the bed. His lean muscles flex in the silvery glow. My body still tingles from our earlier intimacy, but I'm not ready for this night to end.
"That was..." I fan myself with one hand, struggling to find the words to describe what we just did.
Ryan chuckles and pats my hip. "I believe the word you were looking for is 'mind-blowing.' "
"Mm, definitely. But I think I need another taste to be sure, though."
He glances at the clock on the nightstand, then slides off the bed. "Sorry, I need to go. Wouldn't appropriate for me to spend the night."
"Appropriate?" I almost screeched that word. Can anyone blame me? I've been dismissed. "You can't run out on me now."
He leans over to kiss my forehead. "Good night, Meredith."
Oh, like hell he's getting away with that. I reach out to him and whisper, "Stay. Please spend the night with me."
Ryan pauses, his hand on the doorknob. I swear I can see the conflict in his eyes, desire warring with something else—responsibility? Fear? But I can't imagine what he might be afraid of—certainly not me.
"Meredith," he whispers, his voice husky. "Please don't make this any harder than it already is. Getting fired on my first real day as general manager would...suck."
I sit up, letting the sheet fall away. "Who cares? We're at a nudist resort, for heaven's sake. Anything goes here, right?"
He wipes a hand over his mouth. "I just...I need to keep some boundaries. For now."
Despite my disappointment, I paste a tight smile on my face. "I understand."
Ryan crosses the room in two quick strides, cupping my face in his hands. His kiss is gentle, almost reverent, and makes my heart pound.
"Goodnight, Meredith," he murmurs against my lips before slipping out the door.
I flop back onto the bed with a frustrated groan and mutter to the empty room, "Damn that man and his self-control."
As I drift off to sleep, I make a silent vow. I'm going to show Ryan exactly what he's missing out on. And I have a feeling he won't be able to resist for long.