Knox stood there, rooted to the spot, watching her as she untied her gown. The fabric slipped from her shoulders and drifted down her arms like a whisper, revealing the smooth, snow-white skin beneath. His throat tightened instantly. Heat shot through him like lightning.
He jerked around so fast he almost stumbled. His heartbeat accelerated wildly, thudding against his ribs as though trying to escape his chest.
Behind him, Elizabeth turned with a quiet, amused smile tugging at her lips. She caught sight of him facing the opposite direction—shoulders stiff, ears turning red—and her smile deepened. With unhurried grace she slid the rest of the gown down her body, stepping out of it completely, and then waded into the water.
The surface rippled around her as she submerged herself, the moon painting her skin sliver. She lifted a hand and gently splashed water over her arms.
"You can turn around now, Knox," she called, her voice playful and melodic.
