Life has taught Madeline Sedgewick that nothing comes without a price--even desire. Widowed and deeply in debt, she's certain that whomever has bought her late husband's notes of credit will demand a steep repayment. But she never imagines that it will be Brock Taylor, basborn former stable-hand, newly wealthy entrepreneur--and the man who stole her heart, and so much more, five years ago.

Brock's memories of their parting are even more bitter than Maddie's, and his plans for their future are nothing like those he cherished during the bliss of first love. But seeing Maddie again--just as spirited, stubborn, and beautiful as ever--awakens a desire he thought long dead. Soon a dangerous wager is struck, with Brock's self-made fortune and Maddie's treasured independence at stake. A wager only one of them can win--as long as they resist the other's passionate seduction...