Crown princess of the town’s most influential family, Candace Hart has been in love with Neal Barrows half her life. Now, following a failed marriage, she’s decided to do something about her feelings. Intensely private, high school football coach Neal is determined to avoid any comparison to his mother’s less than sterling reputation. He may desire Candace, and damn her for making him want her, but believes he has nothing to offer her other than the short-term pleasure of a shared bed. When his character is called into question, Neal attempts to protect Candace from any smear of gossip by ending their affair, denying how much he wants to have her as a permanent part of his life. Will Neal find the courage to believe he’s good enough for Candace?