Chapter Seven
Meredith
Palm fronds whisper above me, thanks to a sultry breeze, as I make my way toward the open-air café. My mind has become a whirlwind of conflicting emotions lately, but I know one thing for certain. I can't wait for Ryan to slide that toy inside me. But he won't do that until tomorrow. Damn. The gentle island breeze caresses my skin, but I barely notice, too consumed by thoughts of Ryan's intense gaze, the way his strong hands felt on my body, and the frustrating coldness that followed our first sexual encounter.
But he's not playing it cool anymore. He wants to control my pleasure from afar. That's as hot as hot can get.
I pause to appreciate the breathtaking view of Heirani Motu's lush landscape. The vibrant greens of the rainforest blend seamlessly with the golden sands and crystal-clear waters, a paradise that usually soothes my soul. Today, though, it only serves as a backdrop to my internal struggle.
Maybe that's the appeal , I admit to myself, a wry smile tugging at my lips. The chase, the mystery...God, Meredith, when did you become such a cliché?
Since the day I met Ryan Kimble, that's when.
As I approach the café, my eyes are drawn to a familiar figure seated at one of the tables. Lila, my free-spirited best friend, is hunched over a sketchpad, her curly auburn hair forming a fiery halo around her face. Her hand moves across the paper with practiced grace, capturing the essence of the island's beauty. A smile tugs at my lips at the sight of her. Lila's presence is always a balm to my restless spirit, her artistic soul a perfect complement to my more practical nature. That's why Lila and I became friends. She was the first person I met at our group therapy sessions.
As if sensing my approach, she raises her head, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "Meredith! I was just thinking about you. Come, sit with me and tell me everything."
I laugh, shaking my head as I slide into the chair across from her. "Everything? That's a tall order, my friend. I'm not sure I even understand everything myself."
Lila sets her sketchpad aside, leaning forward with an eager gleam in her eye. "Oh, now you have to spill. I know that look, Mer. Something's happened, hasn't it?"
"Maybe." I bite my lip, torn between the urge to confide in one of my best friends and the desire to keep my encounter with Ryan a titillating secret. So I hedge, unable to prevent a secretive smile from tugging at my lips. "Let's just say Heirani Motu is living up to its reputation as a place of new beginnings where anything goes."
"Ooh, mysterious," Lila teases, rubbing her hands together. "Come on, give me something to work with here. I'm an artist, Mer. I need details to paint the full picture."
I lean back in my chair, letting out a deep sigh. "It's... complicated. There's this man, and the connection between us is electric. But he's like a riddle wrapped in an enigma, hot one minute and cold the next. I can't figure him out, and it's driving me crazy."
"Ah, the dance of attraction. It's like a masterpiece in progress, isn't it? Bold strokes of passion, subtle shades of intrigue...Tell me, does this mystery man make your heart race?"
I close my eyes briefly, remembering the intensity of Ryan's gaze and the way he turns me on so easily. "Does my heart race? Absolutely. Like a hummingbird on caffeine."
Lila reaches out to squeeze my hand. "Then maybe the mystery is part of the masterpiece. Embrace it, honey. Let the colors blend and see what beautiful creation emerges."
I open my eyes, meeting Lila's gaze. "When did you get so wise, oh great artist?"
She laughs, the sound as melodious as the island's songbirds. "I've always been wise, my dear. You've just been too busy chasing your own tail to notice."
As we share a moment of laughter, I feel some of the tension rush out of my body. The mystery of Ryan still lingers, but with Lila's encouragement, I find myself more excited than anxious about what lies ahead. Whatever this island has in store for me, I'm ready to embrace it with open arms.
But I still want to know more about Ryan Kimble.
I lean in closer, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Okay, so here's the thing. Last night was...incredible. Like fireworks-exploding, earth-moving incredible."
Unconsciously, I trace patterns on the table's weathered surface, mirroring the electric sensations still lingering on my skin from the other night. I can't help imagining Ryan's fingers moving over my body instead of the table, arousing me more with every leisurely swipe. I want to touch myself, under the table, and relieve this delicious ache. But instead, I clench my fingers on my thighs.
"It was that good, huh?" Lila's emerald eyes widen, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Come on, spill the beans, Mer. I demand all the juicy details. Well, maybe not all of them, but you know what I mean."
I laugh. "It involved some playfully naughty things, moonlight, and the kind of kiss that makes you forget your own name. That's all I can tell you."
"Meredith Hayes, you minx!" Lila exclaims, her sketchbook momentarily forgotten. "I knew this island would work its magic on you."
"It was magical last night and this morning." My smile falters a touch. "But he still won't tell me anything about himself."
"Have you confessed all your secrets and old wounds to him?"
I wince and scratch my cheek. "Not exactly."
"And that's Meredith for 'hell no.' Right?" Her tone remains casual, but that's just what Lila is like. Even an asteroid hurtling toward Earth couldn't faze her. "Men can be more complex than a coral reef ecosystem sometimes. Did you try talking to him about it?"
I bow my head and moan pitifully. "I wanted to, but he seemed so closed off when I tried to talk about his past. It seems like he's built more than a wall around himself. He's erected an entire castle, and I'm not sure how to scale those ramparts. God, I'm sick of metaphors."
As I speak, I can't help but wonder if Ryan's behavior is a defense mechanism or if I completely misread our connection. The memory of his touch, so tender and passionate last night, seems at odds with his absolute refusal to talk about his past this morning. It's a riddle I'm determined to solve, even as part of me wonders if I'm setting myself up for heartbreak.
Lila leans toward me, her expression gentle yet with a touch of mischief. "Oh, my dear Meredith, don't you see? Life's greatest adventures often begin with a dash of mystery." She gestures expansively at the lush island around us. "This paradise isn't just about shedding clothes. It's about peeling away our inhibitions, our fears, all the things that hold us back."
I can't help but smile at her. "You always know just what to say, don't you?"
"It's a gift," she winks. "But seriously, embrace this feeling. The thrill, the uncertainty, it's all part of the journey. Your heart knows what it wants, even if your head's a bit confused right now."
Her words resonate with truth, stirring something deep inside me. I take a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of plumeria carried on the breeze. It reminds me of Ryan for some strange reason. "You're right. I can't let fear hold me back. Not here, not now. If there's one place in the world where I can be myself, completely and without shame, it's here on Heirani Motu."
"That's my girl," Lila beams. "Now, go hunt down your hot young mystery man and unravel that enigma."
I turn to leave, but Lila's voice stops me.
"Remember, confession is a two-way street, Mer. You need to share your past with Ryan too."
"Thanks, Lila. I'll do that."
But will Ryan reciprocate? I'm praying he will.
With newfound determination, I bid Lila farewell and make my way to Ryan's office. My heart races as I approach the door, and I feel a bit nauseous from sheer anxiety. So, I take a moment to calm myself with slow, deep breaths. Then I knock on the door.
"Come in," Ryan calls out.
I shut the door after me and lean back against it. "Hello there, handsome."
Ryan's hunched over his desk, surrounded by a sea of papers. His brow crinkles as he concentrates on whatever, but I notice a slight tension in his shoulders that wasn't there yesterday.
I clear my throat deliberately. "Busy day?"
His head pops up, and freezes. For a split second, I see a flash of something in those hazel eyes—desire? regret?—before his professional mask slips back into place. "Meredith. Yeah, just, uh, catching up on some work."
I step closer, my voice gentle. "Wow, that's quite the workload. Anything I can help with?"
Ryan shifts uncomfortably, his eyes darting between me and the papers. "I appreciate the offer, but I've got it under control."
I bite the inside of my lip while I search for a way to breach his defenses. "You know, all work and no play...well, it doesn't suit this place, does it?"
A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips before he catches himself. "Someone has to keep things running smoothly."
I lean against his desk, and my proximity clearly affects him. "True. But I think there might be something else on your mind. Or maybe...someone?"
"Meredith, I have a job to do."
"But you take breaks, I know that. You found me at the hidden waterfall because you wanted some relaxation." I reach out, my fingers lightly brushing his arm. "It's okay, Ryan. Whatever's going on in that head of yours, you can talk to me. Last night was...special. At least, it was for me. And I'm looking forward to the Fiji outing."
The tension in the room is palpable. While I watch Ryan wrestle with his emotions, or maybe it's his demons, I can see the internal struggle playing out on his face. His hazel eyes darken with desire, but there's a flicker of hesitation, of something deeper holding him back.
His voice has become rough and strained. "Last night was...incredible. I shouldn't want to do it again, but I've been fantasizing about fucking you all day long." He snatches up a sheet of paper, waving it around. "This is what I'm supposed to be focused on, but all I can think about is you. God, I can smell how turned on you are."
The heat in his words triggers a slickness deep inside my body that spreads into my folds. But he won't distract me that easily. "We could have some fun right here, right now—or anywhere you want to take me. But only if you share a few pieces of yourself with me first. Or would you rather I go first?"
He runs a hand through his tousled sandy hair, a gesture I'm quickly coming to recognize as a sign of his inner turmoil. But it isn't pain holding him back. It's sheer lust. When he pulls me onto his lap, straddling his thighs, I need to bite my lip to stave off the orgasm I can already feel rising within me. I've grown so slick that my cream is rubbing off on his pants. I gasp as Ryan's strong hands grip my hips, pulling me firmly against him. His dick has begun to stiffen, and I can't resist rubbing my cleft against his khakis as if I were riding his cock instead of his pants. His eyes, dark with desire, lock onto mine.
"Christ, Meredith," he growls, "I need to feel you wrapped around me, but...not here." He grasps my ass firmly with both hands, rocking my hips into him and making me gasp. "Come to Fiji with me and the tourists. Like I told you, I have...plans for you that require us both to be clothed. At least while we're in Fiji. I can hold out that long, can you?"
His actions betray his words as his fingers dig into my flesh, holding me in place. I can feel his rod pressing against my cleft, and I roll my hips experimentally, eliciting a groan from deep in his chest.
"If you can wait, I can too." I whisper, trailing my fingers along his jawline. "We're both adults. We both want this. Whatever you've got planned, I'm game."
Ryan nostrils flare like a bull's, his grip on me tightening almost painfully. "You have no idea what you're agreeing to."
I lean in close, my lips brushing his ear as I whisper, "Then show me."
"Last chance to back out," Ryan warns.
Instead of answering, I crush my mouth to his in a searing kiss. Any remaining hesitation melts away as he responds with equal fervor, pressing me against the door. His hands roam my body, hungry for any contact, though I desperately need to feel his skin on mine. I gasp as Ryan's lips trail down my neck, his faint stubble grazing my sensitive skin. I tangle my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer. The heat between us is intoxicating, driving all thoughts from my mind except the desperate need for more.
"Ryan," I breathe, arching against him. "Please..."
He groans, pressing his forehead to mine. "Meredith, we can't. Not here."
The longing in his voice matches the ache in my core. I roll my hips against him, relishing his sharp intake of breath.
"Why not here?" I challenge, nipping at his earlobe. "No one will know."
Ryan's hands tighten on my thighs. For a moment, I think he'll give in to the passion simmering between us. Then he sets me down carefully, putting space between our bodies. "I have plans for you, and nothing will get in the way of what I want—you, at my mercy, begging me to make you come."
Holy shit, that sounds amazing. And I don't even know what his mysterious plans for me are. Don't give a damn. Ryan wants to play, and I won't do anything to shake his naughty mood.
Ryan swings the door open and lays a hand on my back to give me a gentle shove out of the room. I'm about to complain, but then he pecks a kiss on my forehead.
"See you later, Meredith," he virtually purrs while smirking. "You'll have the rest of today and all of tonight to wonder about what I'll do to you tomorrow. You will not touch yourself in any erotic way, but feel free to fantasize. Tonight, in my bedroom, I'll be stroking myself to a hard, hot climax while thinking of you."
And with that, he shuts the door.
I stand here, stunned, my body still thrumming with unfulfilled desire. The door clicks shut behind me, leaving me alone in the hallway, my mind reeling from Ryan's words and actions.
"Oh, you insufferable tease," I mutter under my breath, pressing my thighs together in a futile attempt to ease the ache between them. The memory of his touch, his scent, the heat of his body against mine—it's all seared into my senses, leaving me dizzy.
I take a shaky breath, trying to compose myself. As I knife a hand through my tousled hair, I can't help but replay Ryan's parting words in my mind. The image of him stroking himself, thinking of me, sends a fresh wave of heat coursing through my body.
"No touching, huh?" I lean against the wall, trying to steady my racing heart. Ryan's command echoes in my mind, both thrilling and frustrating me. "No touching? Easy for him to say."
I push off the wall and start walking, not entirely sure where I'm headed. My body feels like a live wire, every nerve ending hyper-aware and longing for Ryan's touch. The gentle island breeze caresses my skin, and I shiver, imagining it's his fingers trailing along my arms. As I wander the resort grounds, I find myself drawn to the beach. The sound of waves lapping at the shore calls to me, promising if not relief, at least a distraction. I kick off my sandals and let my toes sink into the warm, wet sand, relishing the sensation. The sun is beginning to dip toward the horizon. I take a deep breath, inhaling the salty air and trying to calm my racing thoughts. I find a secluded spot near some rocks and sit down, wrapping my arms around my knees. The gentle rhythm of the waves helps to soothe my frayed nerves but does little to quell the desire still simmering within me.
"Get it together, woman," I mutter to myself, resting my chin on my knees. "It's just one night. You can handle this."
But as the sky darkens and the first stars begin to twinkle overhead, I find my thoughts wandering back to Ryan. What is he doing right now? Is he still working, or is he thinking about me too? The image of him in his bedroom, stroking himself while fantasizing about me, explodes in my mind unbidden. I groan softly, burying my face in my hands.
"Oh god, this is torture," I half whine to the night air.
The breeze carries the scent of jasmine, mingling with the freshness of the ocean. I lean back on my elbows, tilting my face up to the star-studded sky. The vastness above me is a stark contrast to the intimate, heated moments I shared with Ryan. I close my eyes, letting the sound of the waves wash over me.
But instead of calming me, every rhythmic crash of water on sand seems to echo the pulsing need in my core. I can almost feel Ryan's hands on me, his lips trailing fire across my skin. My breath catches as I remember the intensity in his eyes, the raw desire barely contained beneath his professional facade. I shift restlessly on the sand.
"Damn you, Ryan. How am I supposed to make it through the night like this?"
Only then do I realize a salient fact. Ryan got me hot and bothered as a devious means of making me forget that I wanted to have a serious conversation with him.
That sneaky rascal.