When Jay Cooper hires a new manager for his karate studio, he doesn't expect her to come with a huge chip on her shoulder. He knows there's a story behind those tortured brown eyes, if only she'd let him get close enough to find out what it is.

Victoria Pierce grew up in the foster care system. The only person she can count on? Herself. No one gets too close: not friends, boyfriends, and definitely not her new boss. She shuts Jay down at every opportunity, so why does he keep coming back for more?