steinbeck or hemingway

There is a book, a short novel, of a couple on a beach, alone, honeymooning perhaps, in which the girl sets a goal to be as dark as possible. She is topless or naked, I can't remember. I have no memory of what happens next or the theme of the book. It's the only thing that has stayed in my mind, and the feeling associated with it is one of romantic freedom. The intimacy, the simplicity, the nakedness of being kissed by the sun. In a small way, I have honored that.