Abigail Dennis has spent the last five years in exotic Japan, working her way up the ranks at English World to become the head of the Nagoya schools. While the school has fallen into a financial crisis, not paying staff in a month, Abigail trusts they will pull through. That is, until golden-curled London Crane arrives from Maui, hired to teach without any warning about the economic issues. Despite their immediate attraction, their relationship is strained with London's cynicism and Abigail's corporate loyalty. Suddenly, English World's CEO is missing. Rumors fly. London is impressed with the action Abigail takes to protect her staff and students and, as the two explore temples, festivals, and each other, passion deepens to romance. But when Abigail's nationwide counterparts disappear, ten- sion mounts. London insists she go home to protect herself, and she bristles at his demands, arguing that Nihon (Japan) is her home and she's needed by her teachers and students. Will the new love Abigail and London have found survive the economic turmoil and criminal suspicions that surround them? Will Abigail survive at all?