Since the death of her husband three years ago, young widow Sally Ryland has kept to herself and focused on her struggling business, Ryland Riding. Folks assume she's still grieving, because Sally has never shared the truth about her abusive marriage, or the trust issues that remain. But when a sexy rodeo rider from her past turns up for a visit, he's a reminder of the feisty woman she once was--and maybe still could be...

Ben Traynor was always attracted to Sally, but he didn't move fast enough. Now what Sally needs is patience and gentleness. With an injury keeping him from his next rodeo, Ben has the perfect excuse to stick around and help with her chores--and her healing. And as Sally finds the courage to face her demons and open her heart again, she'll have to decide if what she has with Ben is more than safety, gratitude, and short-term passion, but a forever love...