Jody Caine sought out her long-lost brother to give him a copy of their father's death certificate. She didn't do it because she wants to get involved with family, but Will Baxter, Luke Michaels and their wives won't quit pestering her to attend barbeques and birthday parties. She warns them not to get attached as she'll be moving on any time. Her past is catching up and her need to run is stronger than her need to grow roots. Especially after she meets Nolan Locke. The handsome heeler makes her doubt all her beliefs about life as a single woman. But she's not fit for the domestic life after practically raising herself and caring for an alcoholic father. Anyone expecting her to settle down is in for a big disappointment.

Nolan's rebounding from his long-time girlfriend. A fling with a woman like Jody is exactly what he needs to get back into his former playboy lifestyle, but something about her dark, wary eyes makes him want to pull her close and love her until she forgets her troubles. The more she insists they're only a temporary thing, the more he wants to win her heart--a big step for a love 'em and leave 'em cowboy. Even when Jody's shadowed past comes to light, he vows to stay by her side through her current troubles, even if it means losing her in the end anyway. One thing's for certain, he'd rather have a memory of her than regret for never having loved her at all.