Detective Tom Harrington's touch is like a warm balm, soothing life's scratches from Linda Wheeler's troubled heart, but he is also the last man she should trust: a stranger, a cop, a threat to all she holds dear. INSIDE Leaving her two-timing, alcoholic husband was tough, but single parenting is harder. Still, waitress Linda Wheeler will do anything for her teenage daughter. Jessica might be rebellious, but at her core she's sweet and good, and a mother's love must remain deep and true. Even when her child makes a terrible, perilous mistake that might end her in jail-or worse. AND OUT Detective Tom Harrington has personal reasons for keeping an eye on Carl Jenkins, so he follows the recently paroled rapist to the small Michigan town of Berrien. There he finds something even more personal...and confusing. Why would a seemingly decent woman write letters, pouring her heart out to such a dangerous convict? Is she really as lonely as she is beautiful? Linda Wheeler is a mystery that demands unraveling, just as her soft lips demand kissing and her wounded heart demands soothing. Above all, he must protect her-and his own secrets.