Mitch Patterson is a man who views life with a unique if selfish joy. An orphan, a former marine, and CIA operative, he left the world of offices since he found them confining, humorless, and annoying. He travels the country alone satisfying his vast curiosity about the people he meets and the places he sees. He seeks peace in writing of these travels and pleasure with the women he knows. He does not consider a long-term commitment as part of his life.

Morgan Burgess, an Ivy League educated lawyer, came to Middle America eight years ago with the man she was to marry to work with the poor. Two years ago he disappeared. Displaced now in the heartland, left by a man with his own secrets, she struggles to cope with the belief that she drove him away. To heal, she first immerses herself in building a very special house and then seeks the help of therapy she never imagined she would need.

These two very different people meet and are unexpectedly attracted to each other. Surprised by the compelling feelings drawing them together, they try to understand what a future together might hold.