To keep himself safe, he trusted no one. Sixteen years after leaving, FBI Profiler Dylan Howard is returning to Ryker Falls to see his sick father. He doesn’t do emotion or friendship, this is about duty and nothing more. He didn’t need to connect with the two sisters who were strangers to him or catch up with his old school buddy. The only problem with that is one sexy brunette called Piper Trainer. From the start, she’s determined to make him feel, determined to make him see how empty his life is. He can feel himself changing, but then someone from his past surfaces, and suddenly those he cares for are in danger. He must keep them safe, but to do that he needs to push them away and Dylan fears he’s not strong enough to do that for a second time. Trust was the only thing that kept her safe. Piper didn’t need or want a hot, sexy man in her life, especially not when her best friend died, and she takes custody of her one-year-old daughter Grace. But Dylan Howard is like a burr under her saddle, and everywhere she turns there he is. She watches him try and remain emotionless when faced with his family and friends but the cracks are starting to appear, and the good guy surfaces. Just when she thinks that maybe there could be a chance for them, he pushes her away. Piper takes refuge in her family, but too late, she realizes that she’s given Dylan her heart. Now she must fight for her happiness with the only weapon she has: love.