A year after his abusive stepfather went to prison, Jonny Foster is finally establishing the life he’s always wanted—with one exception. The growing feelings he has for Russ just won’t go away, not even when Russ makes it clear they can only be friends. After one too many rejections, Jonny decides he needs to build a life without Russ, but that’s just the beginning of his troubles. Russell Bozeman has wanted Jonny since the moment the frightened young man arrived in Cade Creek. Even knowing how badly Jonny was abused doesn’t make Russ want him any less. It just tells him that he needs to control his desires. After one night of unbridled passion, Russ is positive he’s lost Jonny forever, but an angry confession from Jonny gives him hope. Positive he can win Jonny back, Russ calls in all of Cade Creek to help him. But someone doesn’t want them to be together, and they will do anything to prevent it, even commit murder.