Julia Woods has worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Northern California since she graduated from college. Becoming involved with a thrill-seeker left her bruised and determined never to go through a heart-wrenching situation again. Craving a quieter life, she moved to Lanville, Texas, and accepts a housekeeping position at The Inn on Crystal Creek.
Stephen McGettis is exactly the kind of man Julia wants to avoid. Her heart--and hormones--have other ideas. Julia and Stephen begin an affair until he pulls a dangerous daredevil stunt while fighting a house fire by jumping from the ladder truck through a window.
Julia can't take his don't-worry-about-tomorrow attitude. Despite her deepening feelings, she tells Stephen she wants nothing more to do with him.
Losing Julia wakes up Stephen to how his adventurous ways could make her think he doesn't care about living. No matter how long it takes, he'll prove to Julia he's a man who is worthy of her love.