Rugged Boston cop Kevin Manning had promised to look out for the family of his mortally wounded partner. He didn't think that comforting his partner's grieving sister Nikki would lead to a night of blazing passion. But convinced that a brooding loner has nothing to give a fresh-faced beauty like Nikki, he leaves her to wake up alone, only to return months later to find her struggling to make ends meet--and carrying his child. Nikki couldn't forgive Kevin for abandoning her when she needed him most, or for being so desirable that her heart couldn't stop longing for him. When she accepted his offer of shelter and support, she convinced herself it was just until the baby was born and she was back on her feet. Still, something tender--and oh so tempting--in Kevin's heated gaze told her he just might need her as much as she needed him.