Auburn-haired, amber-eyed Melanie Morganfield had already lived in Asa Parker's mansion since she was a child. But with each passing day now, the kind family friend—29 years her senior—found it harder and harder to control his growing affection for the blossoming young woman. Asa was bewitched by Melanie's fresh beauty and saucy tongue and gave her everything he could give...everything but marriage. Despite Melanie's devotion to respectable Asa Parker, she couldn't explain her reaction to Stephen Hull. Each time she saw the dark and sensual young man, Melanie's senses throbbed with a longing that seared her veins. She knew she must avoid meeting Stephen Hull ever again—before she begged him to never let her go.