After his best friend Rob was killed in action during their final days of service, ex-Marine Gabe Ryder knows he must fulfill his last request by helping his struggling family, particularly his sister Alicia. Gabe has a hidden past with Alicia, however--she's the woman who taught him that love might exist, but he walked away from her.

Alicia has more than enough on her plate with her brother's death, her father's injury from a tragic accident, the entire town turning against them, and a series of dangerous attacks on her business. She doesn't need the rugged loner who broke her heart. But passion flares between them, and this time, they can't ignore it. Alicia can't help wondering: did Rob really send Gabe to watch over her--or did he want her to show Gabe the way home?