Twenty years ago she had her whole life spread out before her. She was Bess Walsh, a fresh–scrubbed, middle–class student ready to conquer the design world. And she was taken. Absolutely and completely.

But not by Andy, her well–groomed, intellectual boyfriend who hinted more than once about a ring. No. During that hot summer as a waitress and living on the beach, she met Nick, a dark haired, local bad boy. He became her dirty little secret – a fervent sexual accomplice who knew how to ignite an all–consuming obsession she had no idea she carried deep within her.

Bess had always wondered what happened to Nick. And now, back at the beach house, she discovers why he never came back for her.

Suddenly Nick's name is on her lips again. His hands on her thighs. Dead, alive or something in–between, she can't stop her hunger for him. She wouldn't dare.