Ghostwriter Michelle Alvere is returning from self-imposed exile to be present for the impending birth of her niece and to mend fences with her sister, but the attractive author renting Michelle's house isn't ready to vacate. Although she would prefer to have her home to herself, she agrees to let her tenant stay on so he can remain close to his dying mother.

Novelist Keith Schumaker is determined to be by his mother's side during her final days, but he is also on deadline to finish his latest book. His enigmatic landlady is a distraction, one who alternates between coming on to him and pushing him away. While away on a book tour, he discovers secrets about Michelle that even she doesn't know, secrets that could put her life in jeopardy.