To win a spot in an elite workshop for studio photographers, Leonora Westcott must put together an extensive portfolio. Her efforts--and inspiration--get a boost when Claudia Galloway, a teacher intern in town for only a few months, volunteers to model.

For Claudia, the sensual poses offer one last chance to flaunt her independence before settling into the scripted life her wealthy fiancé has planned for them in California's exclusive San Simeon community.

Leo has always seen her subjects as objects of shadow and light on the other side of her lens--until now. Every photograph of Claudia brings her feelings into sharper focus, feelings she fears Claudia will never share. As their series of sessions come to a close, Leo decides to risk her heart. But Claudia has declarations of her own.