Navy SEAL Zach O'Connor was dumped while he was deployed on a high-risk mission, and the fallout from the breakup nearly cost him his career. Never again will Zach allow his feelings to make him lose sight of what really matters. Not even when his attraction to Piper Bertinelli makes him long for the very thing he's vowed to avoid.Violence and heartache have nearly shattered Dr. Piper Bertinelli's life, and the last thing she needs is to be attracted to a military man scheduled to deploy. Though all Zach wants is a distraction instead of a commitment, Piper is unable to resist the charismatic Naval officer. He makes her feel safe, something more seductive to her than him being a SEAL. When an overzealous policeman from Piper's past comes after her, Zach has to make a decision: walk away from the woman who's cracked the shell he built around his heart, or stick by her and possibly risk his career. And there are other hurdles to face: the family who drove Piper away, but whose secrets may hold the key to understanding why her father was killed. And someone who's a greater danger to Piper's life than an angry cop. The man responsible for it all.