Raphael (Angel) Coleman and Laurel Sitko were thick as thieves throughout their school years. The unlikely friendship between the rancher's son and the preacher's daughter might have gone unnoticed by most, but their shared laughter and connection were the best parts of Rafe's life growing up. Now that she's returned to Rocky, he's eager to move from friend to something far more intimate. After three years away, Laurel's ready to start over with the gorgeous cowboy who's always owned a piece of her heart. But when her college ex shows up in town, she's got a lot more to deal with than expected, including one suddenly possessive cowboy determined to protect her even as he tutors her through every sexual lesson in the book. Desire flares hotter and hotter through stolen moments and willing seduction. But when tragedy strikes, Rafe's left on shaky ground, his biggest fear now a reality that could tear them apart and rip forever from their grasp.