Though marine hero Benjamin Graham doesn't know the first thing about ranching, his new job is the lifeline he desperately needs. Without the help of feisty cowgirl Emily Davis, though, he's lost--in more ways than one. But as their attraction turns combustible, the hardened battle vet turns away from the gorgeous college coed. She might know every inch of her family's homestead, but Graham doesn't want her to know his pain.

Even if the world is Emily's oyster, all she's ever wanted is the family ranch. And though rugged new ranch hand Graham seems like an unlikely trainee, he is taking her dreams of running the ranch more seriously than anyone else. As they grow closer during hot days--and nights--working the range, Emily starts to think that maybe the ranch is only a piece of her dream...