Coming home was supposed to be my shot at redemption. Instead, I'm finding myself chasing after an irresistible blonde whose mercurial behavior could give Jekyll and Hyde a run for their money. I've got too much on my plate to get tied up in knots over a girl who wants nothing to do with me. But Bailey Murphy may hold the key to my redemption, and I'm not giving up on either without a fight. "Irish" might play with a poker face, but I'm about to call her bluff ... and I hope like hell I've got luck on my side. Let's get one thing straight. I am not your typical girl. Sure, I've got all the parts, but I've been a stubborn, irreverent tomboy since the womb. Which makes it particularly ironic that my heart is so damn girlie. It falls in love at the drop of a hat and leaves me to deal with the aftermath. But no more! If Jake Beckett thinks spending one night together gives him some claim on me, he's got another thing coming--even if the mere thought of that night leaves me panting like a damn Labrador. I'm not about to open the door and let Jake in, but that choice may be taken from both our hands. All I ever wanted was to play ball. When an act of sheer stupidity took that dream away, I thought I'd never bounce back. But now I have the opportunity to coach an up-and-coming phenom, and I'm giving it all I've got. The fact that I've been lusting after his smoking-hot sister only sweetens the deal. Emerson may be buttoned up like a school librarian, but I play my best when I'm under pressure ... and I bring the heat. Never lose focus. Never lose control. Those are the first two rules in my carefully calculated plan for success. Finding myself thrown into the role of guardian for my little brother was not part of that plan. But I can adjust for Jay's sake; I'm not about to let one change make me lose sight of my goals. Too bad Jay's hot young baseball coach doesn't seem to give a fig about my plans. He has one of his own--and it includes me. Gavin Monroe may play like a pro, but that boy will never win this game.