“ I don't think you should be doing that,” Ariel muttered, her voice barely audible.She tried to look away, to not stare, but the motion with which he pulled his shirt made it impossible. It was slow, unhurried—arms lifting, fabric peeling away effortlessly, exposing him to the sun as if it were a willing accomplice.

Sunlight spilled over his instantly, kissing bare skin already warm from the heat. Sweat glimmered faintly across his broad shoulders and chest, catching the sunlight and ...