He made it within two steps of her when she shifted and twisted around. At the sight of him, she let out a yelp and dropped further under the water to cover herself.

She couldn’t have heard him. Had she sensed him?

He halted. Though she was shadowed by the darkness and the river, the creamy white of her skin was as evident as the moon overhead. The smooth expanse of her neck. The delicate arch of her shoulders graced with the straps of her chemise. The slight curve of her chest that wasn’t submerged.

Her eyes were large and luminous in the paleness of her face. Her hair had fallen loose from a bun on the top of her head, and strands stuck to her cheeks and neck. A smudge of charcoal remained on her chin.

Blast it all. Her face was the prettiest he’d ever laid eyes on, especially as she peered up at him.

He gave himself a mental slap—just like he’d always done—for letting his thoughts wander to how beautiful she was. Not only did over three years of age difference stand between them, but so did Dylan. He’d promised Dylan from the start of their friendship he’d treat Ivy as a sister and nothing more.

“Jericho.” Her tone was mild but contained an edge. She wasn’t surprised to see him, had obviously recognized him at the competition.

“Buster Bliss.” He might as well let her know he’d figured out what she was up to.

She didn’t bat an eye. “What are you doing here, Jericho? You make a habit of spying on women taking their baths?”

Obviously, she remembered the night of their parting too. “Looks like I make a habit of sneaking up on foolish young girls who still need to learn important lessons about safety.”

“Young girl?” Her voice rose a notch. “I wasn’t a young girl when you left, and you can bet your last dollar I ain’t one now.”

He waved his hand at her, then at her pile of clothes. “This is childish, dangerous, and irresponsible, Ivy. Thought I warned you last time I caught you out here.”

“Childish?” She stirred in the water, lowering her feet.

She wasn’t thinking of standing in front of him in her unmentionables, was she?

Lord in heaven help him. Before she could push herself up, he jerked his gaze heavenward and spun as fast as he could, nearly tripping and falling into the cold water. “Ivy McQuaid! What in the name of heaven do you think you’re doing?”

“Reckon I oughta give you a gander at a woman, since you don’t know what one looks like.”