Determined to give her son, Jeremy, the childhood he deserves, Chloe Evans is starting fresh in the charming resort town of Jack Pine, Oregon. But protecting Jeremy becomes a dicey proposition when he seeks out the most dangerous man in town to heal his sick puppy. Chloe has been warned to stay away from Ben Longtree. But there's something about the gentle, untamed loner that intrigues her. . . . Long ago, Ben accepted his role as town outcast, living in splendid isolation with his forgetful mother, secretly employing his skills as a veterinarian to heal the wounded animals that mysteriously come to him. Now Chloe's sunny warmth and brave tenacity arouse desires he has long denied. And although Ben is notorious for his healing touch, it is Chloe's hands—and heart—that have the power to save his battered soul.