Shelby Townsend and her orphaned five-year-old nephew have escaped to Hidden Springs, Colorado, leaving plenty of pain behind. New job, new home--a new start is just what they both need. Until a very delicious complication walks into her life, Sheriff Cullen Brannigan. Cullen assumes he will miss the hustle and bustle of his big-city life when he is forced to take a break from his job with the Denver police force. But he's surprised how much two complete strangers, who just happen to be living on his ranch, make him want to stick around. Because behind Shelby's protective shell is a tempting vulnerability that inspires a promise in him--to keep Shelby and her nephew safe at any cost.