It hasn’t been easy for Joe Harris to live straight down his not-so-honorable recent, but the army made him an improved man. He’s motivated to make up for past errors, starting with arriving home to look after his ailing father.

Things ‘re going seeing that planned until his ideal friend’s small sister comes barreling into his lifestyle. Funny, quick talking, smart, gorgeous, she’s a temptation he tries-and fails-to withstand.

When Beth Murphy hears Joe is back in town, she ensures she’s the first on his welcoming committee. Though he attempts to pretend he’s gruff and unworthy of her, she views the person who spoils his pup, who touches her like she’s precious. Cherished. But there’s one wall she can’t break down-the truth about what’s occurring at home.

On the night the type of his father’s illness becomes painfully, publicly apparent, Joe does the right thing-push Beth as far away as is possible. But if he thought she’d go away quietly, he’s about to learn she’s manufactured from sterner stuff.