The heat between them is instantaneous. Irresistible. But police deputy Ford McCall has a job to do. And no self-respecting lawman would let a woman, even a sexy brunette like Gemma Johnson, distract him. He knows that evil has come to rural Cold Plains. And if he doesn't want the petite newcomer to be involved, he can't take that risk. Gemma Johnson never saw it coming. She fled from an abusive marriage and thought she'd gotten away. Now her violent ex has come after her, and by Ford's side, she's stumbled into an even larger plot. Everything screams for her to turn to the rugged lawman. But desire can lead to danger, and there's only so much her vulnerable heart can take ...