Private investigator Rick Talbot shuns polite society, preferring to keep horrific memories at bay by hunting the most hardened of criminals. Tracking down stolen bridles at a California racetrack is a mind-numbing assignment that's way beneath his pay grade. Besides, he isn't burned out and he doesn't need a working vacation-no matter what his employer thinks. Rookie trainer, Eve Lewis, has enough struggles coping with her boss's antagonistic wife and a track community that resents outsiders. Theft and sabotage have made riding impossible, and so far, none of her horses have even made it to the starting gate. The last thing she needs is a badass investigator reporting on all her problems and threatening her ability to provide for her young son. But Rick is tough, smart and drop-dead gorgeous and seems like the best man to help when the sabotage reveals more sinister undertones. In fact, as their attraction builds, she begins to believe he's the perfect man in every way. However, when hostilities turn deadly, Rick must conquer old demons or risk losing Eve forever. Wounded as he is, can he ever be anything more than a paid protector?