Drew Paresky runs smack into a large cowboy at the hardware store where she's buying supplies in her desperate attempt to restore the most derelict B&B in the world. To her surprise, the cowboy, Ray Malory, apologizes to her and helps her haul the stuff home.

Drew isn't from Riverbend-at least, she's never been there, even if her grandfather owned the B&B he left her in his will. If she doesn't fix up the place and turn it around within the year, she'll lose not only the land but the money her grandfather left her.

Ray's help is a godsend, but Drew's not sure whether her growing attraction to him is wise. She'll fix up the B&B, inherit her money, and return to Chicago, where her life is. Drew can't afford to set down in roots in Riverbend, Texas, and she certainly can't afford to lose her heart. Can she?