Emily Black is not looking for love, and neither is Gabriel Hunter-Law, but after a chance encounter it becomes clear nothing is as it first appears and life will never be the same again.

Emily Black put her life on hold to look after her difficult elderly mother. On the southwest coast of England, one of the highlights of Emily's week is when she goes to buy coffee, where she quietly flirts with a shamelessly sexy and attractive barista. After an unexpected encounter during a night out, Emily discovers her nameless barista is the enigmatic Gabriel Hunter-Law. Gabriel, from an infamous wealthy family, has a reputation of being a heartless playboy millionaire and notorious bachelor.

On impulse, Gabriel offers Emily a place to stay for the week to avoid her brother's imminent visit, because he would like to get to know her better. Although initially shocked by the suggestion, Emily accepts. They quickly end up in a passionate, physical relationship. As events in both their worlds collide, Emily discovers the dark secrets Gabriel hides, which ultimately may be the reason they cannot be together. Is their bond strong enough to fight for a happy ending, or will the ghosts from the past, which Gabriel obsessively tries to conceal, succeed in tearing them apart?