Sydne and Brian meet on an archaeological dig on Brian's property in the Caribbean, but a jealous woman plants false evidence to incriminate Sydne and threatens to blow their romance apart. When on vacation in the Caribbean months ago, the pretentiously-named Sydne, an attractive and sporty redhead, finds artifacts that suggest an ancient Taino settlement. As Sydne is an archaeologist at the University of Florida, this is an exciting, career-making moment for her. Within months, Sydne manages to cobble together the funding for a dig and is all set to return to the Caribbean, when she realizes that the site is located on the private property of a wealthy Miami-based businessman named Brian. Luckily, Brian gives her permission to dig, but their interview leaves Sydne with confused feelings. Brian is devastatingly handsome, masterful, tanned and intelligent, and his eyes appear to pierce through her in a way nobody else has.
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The dig begins and it is discovered that some of the settlement might be underwater, leading to oceanographers and the like joining the project. A lot of Sydne's investigating involves diving off a boat into the sunny blue waters, and Brian offers to sail them out there on his boat, making it no secret that seeing Sydne wet in a skintight diving suit is part of the appeal for him. He boldly and confidently woos her and flirts with her, distracting her from her work and weakening her resolve. They come close to consummating their attraction to each other many times as they are on the boat together a lot. But one of the other archaeologists on the project, a junior to Sydne named Eva, is green with jealousy. She attempts to sabotage Sydne by attempting to frame her as an opportunist who intends to sell the artifacts for a huge profit, which almost destroys Sydne's career.
The evidence that Eva planted - "reply" letters from auction houses and private collectors on official letterhead, falsified bank statements that make Sydne look in a desperate position - is bad. Only one person senses that the evidence is too convenient, and knows Sydne would never do any such thing - Brian. Grateful for his support, Sydne turns to him for help, and Brian does help, though he does not tell Sydne. He manages to seduce Eva - who was not only professionally jealous of Sydne but romantically envious as well - into confessing the truth while being recorded. When this is released, Eva is discredited and fired, and Sydne restored to her original position, to her joy and relief. Only then does she become aware of the role Brian played (when her university's dean tells her), and she rushes to thank him. He replies that it is only what any man would do for the woman he loves, which thrills Sydne. They kiss and promise to stay together forever, and Brian takes her to bed.
Best part of story, including ending:
I enjoyed learning about Taino culture, I had no clue about early Caribbean civilizations.
Best scene in story:
When Stephanie dives for the first time and is amazed, describing how the water world looks.
Opinion about the main character:
I liked that Sydne seemed to have a real passion for what she did.
