His hand moved to her back and he slowly unzipped her dress all the way down the length of her spine. He held her still with one hand on her waist and pressed the stethoscope against her ribcage, whispering for her to breathe, allowing his fingertips to touch her skin as he pressed his hand against her. Alicia was almost disappointed when he zipped her back up. She was shaking.

"Open your eyes," he said, "look at me."

She did. His lips were curved in a smirk, his eyes laughing.

"You did ...