Desperate to keep her horse training job, Eve turns to private investigator Rick Talbot for help. But when she's thrust into danger, will their irresistible attraction be enough to save her life? Private investigator Rick Talbot avoids normal relationships, preferring to keep horrific memories at bay by hunting the most hardened of criminals. Tracking down stolen tack at a California racetrack is a mind-numbing assignment that's way beneath his pay grade. Besides, he's not burned out and he doesn't need a vacation--no matter what his employer believes. Rookie trainer Eve Lewis has enough struggles coping with her boss's antagonistic wife and a track community that resents outsiders. Theft and sabotage have made riding impossible, and so far, none of her horses have even made it to the starting gate. The last thing she needs is a badass investigator reporting on all her problems and threatening her ability to provide for her young son. But Rick is tough, savvy and drop-dead gorgeous and seems like the best man to help when the sabotage reveals more sinister intentions. In fact, as their attraction builds, she begins to believe he's the perfect man in every way. However, when hostilities turn deadly, Rick must conquer old demons or risk losing Eve forever. Emotionally wounded as he is, can he ever be anything more than a paid protector?